Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Working Paper 88 / 09 CONVERGENCE OF EMU EQUITY PORTFOLIOS

This paper demonstrates that, after integration, equity portfolios of countries that joined the European Monetary Union have converged at faster rate than those of NON EMU countries. This outcome can be interpreted as a combination of the convergence of ination rates and the convergence of investment barriers. On the one hand, the common monetary policy might have driven a stronger comovement in ination rates, leading to increasingly similar hedging strategies among member countries. On the other hand, exposure to the common currency might have homogenized bilateral investment barriers, thus inducing increasingly similar portfolio allocations among member countries. We nd that the comovement of ination rates has not signi cantly increased after EMU inception, pointing toward an exclusive role for convergence in investment barriers. JEL classi cation : F21, F30, F36, G11, G15 Keywords : nancial integration; EMU; ination hedging; investment barriers I am grateful to participants in the 2nd FIW Research Conference (Vienna), XVI Spring Meeting of Young Economists (Istanbul) and the CEUS Workshop 2009 (Vallendar) for useful comments and suggestions. The usual disclaimer applies. yUniversity of Torino, Corso Unione Sovietica 218/bis 10134 Torino. Center for Research on Pensions and Welfare Policies (CeRP ) and Collegio Carlo Alberto (CCA), Via Real Collegio 30, 10024 Moncalieri (Torino), Italy. e-mail address : giofre@cerp.unito. it. Telephone : +390116705052.
Reverse migration of seismicity on thrusts and normal faults

In this work, the control exerted by the stress axes orientation on the evolution of seismic sequences developing in compressive and extensional regimes is analysed. According to the Anderson fault theory, the vertical stress is the minimum principal stress in compressional tectonic regimes, whereas it is the maximum principal stress in extensional regimes. Using Mohr diagrams and discussing the present knowledge about the distribution of vertical and horizontal stress with depth we show that, in absence of localised fluid overpressure, such changes imply that thrust and normal faults become more unstable at shallower and greater depths, respectively. These opposite mechanical behaviours predict, in a rather isotropic body, easier rupture at shallower level in compressional regimes later propagating downward. On the contrary, a first deep rupture propagating upward is expected in extensional regimes. This is consistent with observations from major earthquakes from different areas in the world. We show that the exceptions to downward migration along thrusts occur along steeply inclined faults and probably imply localised supra-hydrostatic fluid pressures. Moreover, we show that the inversion of the meaning of the lithostatic load has consequences also for the role of topography. High topography, increasing the vertical load, should inhibit earthquake development in compressional environments and should favour it in extensional settings. Although several factors, such as geodynamic processes, local tectonic features and rock rheology, are likely to control earthquake locations, stress distribution and tectonic regime, these model predictions are consistent with seismicity distribution in Italy, central Andes and Himalaya. In these areas, large to medium compressional earthquakes occur at the low elevation borders of compressional mountain belts, whereas large extensional earthquakes occur in correspondence to maximum elevations. D 2004 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
The C 677 T methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase gene mutation does not influence cardiovascular risk in the dialysis population : results of a multicentre prospective study

Background. Although the methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) C677T gene polymorphism has been identified as an independent cardiovascular risk factor (CRF) in the general population and among uraemic subjects, the validity of this association remains controversial. Methods. To verify this hypothesis, we enrolled all subjects on maintenance dialysis treatment from a specific Italian district. We also enrolled, from the same area, 1307 subject to serve as controls. Genomic DNA was obtained and MTHFR C677T gene polymorphisms were determined. After a baseline evaluation, patients were followed-up for 37±13 months, and all cardiovascular events and causes of mortality were recorded. Results. A total of 461 patients (417 on haemodialysis and 44 on peritoneal dialysis) were investigated, and these included patients with and without cardiovascular diseases at baseline. At enrolment, mean age was 58.8±15.6 years and dialytic age was 82±69 months. Genotype frequencies were not different between controls and uraemics. During the follow-up, the mean mortality rate was 8.81%/year, with cardiovascular events as the most frequent cause of death (n1⁄4 68, 56.6%). There was no relationship between the MTHFR genotype and cardiovascular morbidity, overall mortality or cardiovascular mortality. Conclusions. In end-stage renal disease, MTHFR C677T polymorphisms were not associated with cardiovascular disease or mortality.
evolution of clonal suicide : population dynamics and the Streptococcus pneumoniae Oscillations in continuous culture populations of Supplementary data

Supplementary data ml http://rspb.royalsocietypublishing. org/content/suppl/2009/02/20/276.1659. 999.DC1. ht "Data Supplement" References http://rspb.royalsocietypublishing. org/content/276/1659/999.full. html#ref-list-1 This article cites 39 articles, 16 of which can be accessed free This article is free to access Subject collections (1578 articles) evolution  (1326 articles) ecology  Articles on similar topics can be found in the following collections
GROWTH OF Mimosa caesalpiniifolia Benth . , UNDER SHADE IN THE NORTHEAST SEMI-ARID REGION OF BRAZIL 1

Seedling production for reforestation aims to achieve the best plant growth in a minimal amount of time, to provide good survival and growth levels after transplantation. During cultivation, it is necessary to know the shading levels that lead to the best growth. The objective of this study was to assess the growth of young Mimosa caesalpiniifolia Benth. plants provided with various amounts of shade in the northeast semi-arid region of Brazil. Four types of shade cloth were tested (0, 30, 50 and 70%). Shoot length, stem diameter, stem dry matter, leaf dry matter, total dry matter and leaf area were assessed. Leaf area ratio, specific leaf area, absolute growth rate, relative growth rate and net assimilation rate were also calculated. The different shading levels affected M. caesalpinifolia growth, with the best growth indicators observed in plants grown under 50% shade, with increases in plant height, leaf area and total dry matter observed compared to the full sun condition.
Remediation effects on N 170 and P 300 in children with developmental dyslexia

This study aimed at investigating the ERP correlates (N170 and P300 components) of a multimodal training program focused in dyslexia. ERPs were obtained from 32 electrodes in 24 French children with developmental dyslexia (mean age 10 years 7 months) during a visual lexical decision task. All the children received two intensive two-month evidence-based training programs: one based on phonemic awareness and the other on visual and orthographic processing in a cross-over design. Ten control children matched on chronological age were also tested. We showed dissociation between N170, P300 and behavioral improvement. In the dyslexic group, P300 amplitude decreased for non-words and words as the latter yielded performance improvement. In the control group, the same effect was observed for pseudo-words. At the same time, the opposite pattern occurred for the N170 latency, which was shortened for pseudo-words and pseudo-homophones in the dyslexic group and for words in the typically achieving children. We argue that training might modulate cortical activity in dyslexic children in a visual word recognition task. Considering the well-known implication of P300 in attentional processes, our results reflect the strong link between reading skill improvement after remediation and visual attentional process maturation.
1 Bargaining Agenda , Timing , and Entry

In a unionised Cournot duopoly, the present paper extensively re-examines the subject of the bargaining scope between firms and unions. It investigates the endogenous equilibrium agenda (Right-to-Manage vs Efficient Bargaining) that can arise under three timing specification of the bargaining game both for a given duopoly and monopoly with threat of entry. A novel result is that, in sequential negotiations, Efficient Bargaining emerges in equilibrium for a range of the unions’ power larger than in simultaneous negotiations. Moreover, given the potential market deterrence effect of the Efficient Bargaining, the conventional wisdom that this agenda is socially “efficient” can be reversed.
Students ’ transition from school to university : Possibilities for a pre-university intervention

A successful transition from school to university is crucial to academic success – especially in the first academic year. Various studies have, however, shown that students are increasingly underprepared for higher education studies. Not only is the schooluniversity gap increased by the school system that produces inadequately prepared learners for higher education, but universities are also ill-equipped to accommodate these learners – particularly learners from disadvantaged backgrounds. In this article it is argued that universities have a responsibility to facilitate the school-university transition and should actively get involved in schools at an early stage. The research reported in this article aimed at developing a framework for a holistic and integrated pre-university intervention. In this sense it is foreseen that universities might play an increasingly important role at school level to prepare prospective students more effectively for university studies and thus facilitate a smoother transition from school to university. BACKGROUND AND CONTEXTUALISATION The South African school system is producing students who do not easily succeed in higher education. A Department of Education study on graduation rates at South African higher education institutions indicated that only 30 per cent of first-time entering students had graduated after five years of study. By the end of 2004 (five
DETECTABLE TAMPERING OF JPEG ANTI-FORENSICS Gamal Fahmy Electrical Engineering

Many forensic techniques recently tried to detect the tampering and manipulation of JPEG compressed images that became a critical problem in image authentication and origin tracking. Some techniques indicated that a knowledgeable attacker can make it very hard to trace the image origin, while others indicated that portions of the compressed image that has been compressed at different quality factor quantization matrices are distinguishable if they are recompressed at a higher quality factor quantization matrix (with less quantization steps). In this paper, we pursue the idea of recompressing forensically suspect-able images with different compression parameters. We use different quantization matrix sizes that would indicate a DCT projection at different frequencies (horizontally, vertically, and diagonally), and would make it easier to track any tampering or hacking footprints. We show that a JPEG compressed image can make these footprints distinguishable if recompressed with a smaller size quantization matrix. Illustrative examples are presented.
The Performance of Satellite-Based Actual Evapotranspiration Products and the Assessment of Irrigation Efficiency in Egypt

Monitoring of crop water consumption, also known as actual evapotranspiration (ETa), is crucial for the prudent use of limited freshwater resources. Remote-sensing-based algorithms have become a popular approach for providing spatio-temporal information on ETa. Satellite-based ETa products are widely available. However, identifying an adequate product remains a challenge due to validation data scarcity. This study developed an assessment process to identify superior ETa products in agricultural areas in Egypt. The land cover product (MCD12Q1) from Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) was evaluated and used to detect agricultural areas. The performances of three ETa products, namely: Earth Engine Evapotranspiration Flux (EEFlux), USGS-FEWS NET SSEBop ETa monthly product, and MODIS ETa monthly product (MOD16A2), were evaluated. The ETa values of these products were compared to previous ETa observations and evaluated using the integrated Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (iNDVI) on a seasonal and annual basis. Finally, the irrigation efficiency throughout Egypt was calculated based on the annual Relative Water Supply (RWS) index. Results reveal that the SSEBop monthly product has the best performance in Egypt, followed by the MOD16A2. The EEFlux overestimated ETa values by 36%. RWS had a range of 0.96–1.47, indicating high irrigation efficiency. The findings reported herein can assist in improving irrigation water management in Egypt and the Nile Basin.
Horticultural therapy methods : making connections in health care, human service, and community programs

* About the Editors * Contributors * Foreword (Paula Diane Relf) * Preface * Acknowledgments * Chapter 1. The Framework (Rebecca L. Haller) * Introduction * Shaping a Profession * Horticultural Therapy Defined * Program Settings, Types, and Goals * Understanding the People Served * Horticulture As a Therapeutic Modality * Summary * Chapter 2. Goals and Treatment Planning: The Process (Rebecca L. Haller) * Introduction * Treatment Teams * The Process of Treatment Planning * Summary * Chapter 3. Activity Planning: Developing Horticultural Therapy Sessions (Pamela A. Catlin) * Introduction * Horticulture As a Vehicle to Meet Wide-Ranging Goals * Activity or Task Selection to Meet Treatment Objectives * Additional Considerations for Activity Planning * Planning for Seasonality and Efficient Use of Horticultural Resources * Sources for Session Ideas * Summary * Chapter 4. Working with Program Participants: Techniques for Therapists, Trainers, and Program Facilitators (Karen L. Kennedy and Rebecca L. Haller) * Introduction * Facilitation and Group Leadership * The Therapeutic Use of Self * Motivation and Behavior-Management Techniques * Training * Adaptation and Modification * Summary * Chapter 5. Documentation: The Professional Process of Recording Outcomes (Sarah Sieradzki) * Introduction * Purpose and Importance of Documentation * General Guidelines for Horticultural Therapy Documentation * Individualized Documentation * Group Documentation * Summary * Appendix A: Goals, Activities, and Measurements * Appendix B: Activity Planning * Appendix C: Documentation * Appendix D: Using Horticultural Therapy for Mental Health * Appendix E: Example of an Individual Program Plan * Index * Reference Notes Included
Saving Behaviour in India Understanding the Di ff erences Across Castes

The past three decades in India have witnessed a sharp reduction in the historically large gaps in the education levels, occupation choices and wages of the backward castes called scheduled castes and tribes (SC/STs) relative to the rest of the population (non-SC/STs). We examine how these changes have impacted the saving behavior of the two groups. We find that while the saving rates of SC/STs exceeded that of non-SC/STs in 1983, this excess saving of SC/STs declined during 1983-2010 period. A decomposition of consumption into durables and non-durables reveals that this trend also extends to durable goods consumption of the two groups. We find that a decline in wage uncertainty facing SC/STs may have contributed to the saving convergence between them and non-SC/STs. JEL Classification: J6, R2
A STUDY ON ESL AND EFL STUDENTS ’ LANGUAGE ANXIETY IN A NATIVE SPEAKING ENVIRONMENT

Anxiety has become a major determinant in deciding the success of the second/foreign language learners learning English in the native speaking environment. Second/Foreign language anxiety can be conceptualized as a unique type of anxiety related to distinct complex of self-perceptions, beliefs, feelings and behaviour related to the language learning process. Students’ level of self-efficacy tends to affect the self-perceive communicative ability whereby they will doubt their successful performance. Language anxiety literature has established on the idea that anxiety may have a detrimental effect on the learners’ competency and usage of the target language. This study aimed to investigate two hypotheses namely; (i) high level of anxiety lead to a low competency of language usage among the learners; and (ii) high level of anxiety among the learners will impede with their communication skill with others. A questionnaire adapted and altered from Horwitz, Horwitz and Cope’s Foreign Language Classroom Anxiety Scale (FLCAS) was used and administered to 54 Bond University English Language Institute (BUELI) students currently undertaking English courses at the institute located in Gold Coast, Australia. Result from this study indicated that high level of anxiety does impede the competency of language usage among the learners and their communication skills. Nevertheless, low self-confidence seems to be an important component in relation to anxiety. Possible implications of the study on anxiety are indicated.
Suprathermal electron fluxes on the nightside of Mars : ASPERA-3 observations

Recently aurora-type UV emissions were discovered on the nightside of Mars [Bertaux, J.-L. , Leblanc, F. , Witasse, O. , et al., 2005. Discovery of an aurora on Mars. Nature 439, doi:10.1038/nature03603]. It was suggested that these emissions are produced by suprathermal electrons with energies of tens of eV, rather than by the electrons with spectra peaked above 100 eV [Leblanc, F. , Witasse, O. , Winningham J., et al., 2006. Origin of the martian aurora observed by spectroscopy for investigation of characteristics of the atmosphere of Mars (SPICAM) onboard Mars Express. J. Geophys. Res. 111, A09313, doi:10.1029/2006JA011763]. In this paper we present observations of fluxes of suprathermal electrons (Ee 30–100 eV) on the Martian nightside by the ASPERA-3 experiment onboard the Mars Express spacecraft. Narrow spikes of suprathermal electrons are often observed in energy-time spectrograms of electron fluxes at altitudes between 250 and 600 km. These spikes are spatially organized and form narrow strips in regions with strong upward or downward crustal magnetic field. The values of electron fluxes in such events generally could explain the observed auroral UV emissions although a question of their origin (transport from the dayside or local precipitation) remains open. r 2007 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
Multi-Scale Temporal Characteristics of the Dryness/Wetness over Northern China During the Last Century

A dry—wet index,including the impact of both surface air temperature and precipitation on the potential evapo ration,is established by using monthly mean temperature and monthly precipitation data from Climate Re— search Unit(CRU). The CRU air temperature and precipitation data in China are compared with the observations from China 1 60 stations,and the gridded data agree wel the observations in genera1.Based on the index,the dry— ness/wetness trends over northern China during the 1ast century at different time scales(1901—1998,1951—2002, 1981—2002,and 1991—2002)are detected and analyzed systematically,and the warming impact on the surface dryness/wetness state is studied.The characteristics of the dryness/wetness trends in four periods in northern China are presented . 收稿 日期 2004—04—22,2005—03—23收修定稿 资助项目 中国科学院知识创新工程重要方向项 目KZCX3一SW-229和国家 自然科学基金资助项 目40375028 作者简介 马柱国,男,1963年出生,研究员,中国科学院大气物理研究所东亚区域气候一环境重点实验室,主要从事气候变化研究。 E-mail:mazg@ltea.ac. cn 维普资讯 http://www.cqvip. com
Genomic prediction including SNP-specific variance predictors 1

Genomic prediction including SNP-specific variance predictors 1 Elena Flavia Mouresan*,1, Maria Selle†, Lars Rönnegård*,‡ 2 3 *Department of Animal Breeding and Genetics, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, 4 Sweden, 75007, 5 †Department of Mathematical Sciences, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, 6 Norway, 7491, 7 ‡School of Technology and Business Studies, Dalarna University, Sweden, 79188 8 G3: Genes|Genomes|Genetics Early Online, published on August 29, 2019 as doi:10.1534/g3.119. 400381
A Robust Framework for Acoustic Scene Classification

Acoustic scene classification (ASC) using front-end timefrequency features and back-end neural network classifiers has demonstrated good performance in recent years. However a profusion of systems has arisen to suit different tasks and datasets, utilising different feature and classifier types. This paper aims at a robust framework that can explore and utilise a range of different time-frequency features and neural networks, either singly or merged, to achieve good classification performance. In particular, we exploit three different types of frontend time-frequency feature; log energy Mel filter, Gammatone filter and constant Q transform. At the back-end we evaluate effective a two-stage model that exploits a Convolutional Neural Network for pre-trained feature extraction, followed by Deep Neural Network classifiers as a post-trained feature adaptation model and classifier. We also explore the use of a data augmentation technique for these features that effectively generates a variety of intermediate data, reinforcing model learning abilities, particularly for marginal cases. We assess performance on the DCASE2016 dataset, demonstrating good classification accuracies exceeding 90%, significantly outperforming the DCASE2016 baseline and highly competitive compared to state-of-the-art systems.
Monetary Policy Transmission Mechanism of Pakistan: Evidence from Bank Lending and Asset Price Channels

The lending and asset price transmission channels remain largely unexplored since financial reforms and pursuance of market-based monetary policy instruments. This paper examines the monetary policy transmission mechanisms of Pakistan with a special focus on bank lending and asset price channels. Monthly data over the period 2000M7-2016M12 is being used for the short run analysis. The empirical investigation is based on SVAR framework. The results show that the monetary aggregates targeting agenda is still operative in effecting the output and general price level. Bank lending have a non-trivial part through the investment channel and share prices through wealth effect on price level and output, while the conventional interest rate channel seemed to be ineffective in the transmission mechanism process in Pakistan. The findings of generalized impulse response functions are backed by the generalized error forecast variance decomposition analysis. In addition to domestic variables, external shocks appear to have a strong influence on inflation and output in Pakistan.