Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
What Drives REIT Prices? The Time-Varying Informational Content of Dividend Yields

This study investigates the informational content in the dividend yields of equity real estate investment trusts (REITs). The study finds that during the vintage REIT era, 1980-1992, expected aggregate REIT dividend growth is forecastable from aggregate REIT dividend yields at both short and long horizons. This empirical predictive relation is negative, which is consistent with the usual prediction of the dividend pricing model. In contrast, over the new REIT era, 1993-2011, we observe the emergence of a positive predictive relation from dividend yields to aggregate REIT returns. Meanwhile, REIT dividend yield cedes its role in predicting aggregate REIT dividend growth.
Experimentally-Determined Models for High-Power Lithium Batteries

Lithium batteries are increasingly being considered for installation as power sources in electric and hybrid vehicles, because of their high specific energy and power. To effectively size the vehicle Rechargeable Energy Storage System, it is very important to be able to mathematically model their behaviour. Battery modelling is also very useful for on-line management of electric and hybrid vehicles. This paper presents a dynamic model of lithium batteries based on experimental tests on high power Lithium-polymer models. The results can be adapted, with suitable parameter evaluation, to other lithium batteries as well.
Policy Uncertainty and Private Investment in Developing Countries

A resurgence in private investment is a necessary ingredient of a sustainable recovery in heavily-indebted developing countries. Policy reforms in these countries involve a serious dilemma, especially when they include structural and microeconomic features. On the one hand, entrepreneurs, workers, and farmers must respond to the signals generated by the reform for the new policies to be successful. On the other hand, rational behavior by the private sector calls for withholding investment until much of the residual uncertainty regarding the eventual success of the reform is eliminated. This paper shows that even moderate amounts of policy uncertainty can act as a hefty tax on investment, and that otherwise sensible reforms may prove damaging if they induce doubts as to their permanence. A simple model is developed to link policy uncertainty to the private investment response.
Genetic and Non Genetic Sources of Variation for Linear Body Conformation Traits in Bunaji and Friesian X Bunaji cows

The effects of Age of dam at calving, Sex of calf, Breed, Sire, month of calving and season of lactation on linear body conformation traits was investigated in the dairy herd of the National Animal Production Research Institute, Shika Zaria, Nigeria. Seven linear body conformation traits of 25 Bunaji and 25 crossbred (Friesian x Bunaji) cows were measured. The measurements were taken monthly by 3 evaluators for the complete lactation length of the cows, this resulted in 1275 cumulative records, (with 750 records from Friesian x Bunaji and 525 records from Bunaji). The 7 body conformation traits (stature, chest width, wither height, heart girth, body length, body depth and rump width) were measured in centimeter using flexible tape. The results showed that all the genetic and non genetic factors considered had significant effect (P 0.05) variation amongst the evaluators in their measurements, except RW. The body size characteristics increased with age. The male bearing cows were relatively broader (CW, HG) and longer (BL) than the female bearing cows, though there was no significant difference (P>0.05) in their statures (ST) and the body depth (BD). The crossbred cows were taller (ST, HW) longer (BL), broader (CW, HG), but less deep (BD) than the pure Bunaji. The animals of season 1 were taller (ST, WH), deeper (BD) and longer (BL) than the others. However, animals of season 2 and 3 had similar body sizes (ST, CW, BD, WH, HG, BL and RW). It is therefore suggested that in selecting for body conformation these genetic and non genetic factors should be taken into consideration. Key words: Friesian x Bunaji, linear body conformation, evaluators, breed, sire
Spawning pattern of the neon flying squid Ommastrephes bartramii (Cephalopoda: Oegopsida) around the Hawaiian Islands

Summary: The neon flying squid, Ommastrephes bartramii, is an oceanic squid species that is widely distributed in the North Pacific, with the winter-spring cohort spawning around the Hawaiian Islands. Here, we investigated the spawning characteristics of O. bartramii by analyzing various reproductive parameters of individuals (622 males, 108 females) collected in this region. Female spawning status was determined from the somatic indices and histological characteristics of the ovaries. At all developmental stages, the ovaries of spawned females contained oocytes, and oviduct fullness was not correlated with body size. Thus, because the eggs mature asynchronously, with multiple filling and evacuation events, this species is considered an intermittent spawner. Mature males with developed accessory glands were also present within the distribution range of healthy spawned females, indicating that mating occurs between spawning events. Our data indicate that the first spawning event occurs at a mantle length of ~520-540 mm for Hawaiian O. bartramii. Subsequently, the squid forage and grow, and refill the oviducts, before the second spawning event occurs.
Annual Review of Ecology , Evolution , and Systematics ( Non ) Parallel Evolution

Parallel evolution across replicate populations has provided evolutionary biologists with iconic examples of adaptation. When multiple populations colonize seemingly similar habitats, they may evolve similar genes, traits, or functions. Yet, replicated evolution in nature or in the laboratory often yields inconsistent outcomes: Some replicate populations evolve along highly similar trajectories, whereas other replicate populations evolve to different extents or in distinct directions. To understand these heterogeneous outcomes, biologists are increasingly treating parallel evolution not as a binary phenomenon but rather as a quantitative continuum ranging from parallel to nonparallel. By measuring replicate populations’ positions along this (non)parallel continuum, we can test hypotheses about evolutionary and ecological factors that influence the extent of repeatable evolution. We review evidence regarding the manifestation of (non)parallel evolution in the laboratory, in natural populations, and in applied contexts such as cancer. We enumerate the many genetic, ecological, and evolutionary processes that contribute to variation in the extent of parallel evolution.
Device-Package Interaction and Gate Driver Layout Analysis in SiC MOSFET Power Modules for More Electric Aircraft Motor Drive Applications

This paper presents measurements and comparison analysis of 1200 V SiC MOSFET gate drive signals in two different integrated power solutions designed for More Electric Aircraft motor drive applications. The modules are designed to accommodate a 540 V high voltage DC bus and have a maximum output phase current of 25 A peak. Both modules comprise of typical three-phase inverter bridge configurations, with 40 mΩ MOSFETs and 20 A anti-parallel diodes. However, their gate drivers, printed circuit board layouts and substrate designs are different and the effect these elements have on the performance is presented. The results illustrate that gate resistances, package interactions and PCB layout can have a major effect on performance while variations in switching frequency, from 10 kHz to 50 kHz, and a reduction in dead-time, from 500 ns to 375 ns, have negligible impacts.
The in fl uence of in fi ll development on travel behavior

While the evidence that the built environment can influence travel behavior to date is fairly robust, the influence of specific, identifiable policy actions is limited. One policy action that can potentially change travel behavior is increasing infill development, particularly if that development is located near the center of a major metropolitan region. This study examines the influence of a large-scale, infill development, Atlantic Station, which opened in 2005 just west of Midtown Atlanta. The study uses propensity scores and differences-in-differences research designs to identify how travel patterns changed for new residents and for existing residents of the area around Atlantic Station, respectively. Atlantic Station reduced vehicle miles traveled and increased alternative mode share for its new residents, but it did not reduce the vehicle miles traveled or increase alternative mode share for the existing residents of the area around Atlantic Station. © 2018 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
Carbon dioxide balance of subarctic tundra from plot to regional scales

We report here the carbon dioxide (CO 2 ) budget of a 98.6 km 2 subarctic tundra area in northeast European Russia based on measurements at two different scales and two independent upscaling approaches. Plot-scale measurements (chambers on terrestrial surfaces, gas gradient method and bubble collectors on lakes) were carried out from July 2007 to October 2008. The landscape-scale eddy covariance (EC) measurements covered the snow-free period of 2008. The annual net ecosystem exchange (NEE) of different land cover types ranged from −251 to 84 g C m −2 . Leaf area index (LAI) was an excellent predictor of the spatial variability in gross photosynthesis (GP), NEE and ecosystem respiration (ER). The plot-scale CO 2 fluxes were first scaled up to the EC source area and then to the whole study area using two data sets: a land cover classification and a LAI map, both based on field data and a 2.4 m pixel-sized QuickBird satellite image. The good agreement of the CO 2 balances for the EC footprint based on the different measuring techniques (−105 to −81 g C m −2 vs. −79 g C m −2 ; growing season 2008) justified the integration of the plot-scale measurements over the larger area. The regional CO 2 balance based on area-integrated plot-scale measurements was −41 or −79 g C m −2 yr −1 according to the two upscaling methods, the land cover classification and the LAI map, respectively. Due to the heterogeneity of tundra, the effect of climate change on CO 2 uptake will vary strongly according to the land cover type and, moreover, likely changes in their relative coverage in the future will have great impact on the regional CO 2 balance.
'Await' in the pelagic: dynamic trade-off between reproduction and survival within a herring school splitting vertically during spawning

Spatio-temporal aspects of spawning behaviour were investigated in a single school of Norwegian spring-spawning herring Clupea harengus, and are explained by changes in the relative importance of reproduction, predation and feeding during spawning. Horizontal area, vertical exten- sion, school shape and relative density were quantified using sonar and echosounder, and related to gonad maturation stage and stomach fullness recorded from gillnet samples. The majority of the her- ring completed spawning within 3 d. During this period, the herring were feeding and predatory fish were present in the area. An extended cylindrical school shape prior to spawning indicated that indi- vidual herring within the school had different depth preferences, with ripe individuals descending towards the spawning substrate on the bottom while immature individuals preferred the pelagic environment for safety and feeding. As the majority of the fish matured, the school segregated verti- cally into a pelagic component that contracted to a tight ball and a demersal component that spread out in a flat layer on the bottom. Post-spawners seemed to return to the pelagic school. After spawn- ing, the 2 components rejoined each other and formed a loose flake (i.e. loose, uneven layer) at the surface. Schooling fish have traditionally been considered to make 1 of 3 behavioural decisions: to stay, join or leave a school. Waiting without losing contact with the rest of the school, 'await', is sug- gested as a fourth option.
The Role of Political Ideology in Mediating Judgments of Blame in Rape Victims and their Assailants: A Test of the Just World, Personal Responsibility, and Legitimization Hypotheses

Previous research often has shown that conservative ideology is positively correlated with the extent to which people blame victims of rape. However, much of this work has been descriptive, with little attention directed toward the development of theoretical models addressing why conservatism might play an important role in this area. Three hypotheses were tested. The just world hypothesis suggests that people blame others to preserve one’s view that people get what they deserve and deserve what they get. The personal responsibility hypothesis suggests that conservatism is associated with a tendency to hold people personally responsible for their own actions. The legitimization hypothesis stipulates that conservative perceivers are motivated to maintain traditional power differences between dominant and nondominant groups. Two studies showed much more support for the legitimization hypothesis compared to the other hypotheses. The implications of the present results for previous investigations of victim blaming are discussed.
Animal welfare in Ethiopia: handling of cattle during transport and operations at Kera Abattoir, Addis Abeba

The main objective of this study was to evaluate animal welfare situation in Ethiopia during slaughter and to investigate chain activities between animal markets and Kera abattoir in Addis Abeba. In total, 442 animals were observed within 52 groups of cattle; both ox and calves with different breeds. The study was divided into four different sets of data collection; behavioural observations, recording of slaughter process, observation during transport and interview. During the behavioural observations, an ethogram was used with 46 behaviours observed, categorised into 5 different groups. The data was calculated using Excel and SAS. The results indicated that a significant correlation (p-value<5%) between abusive handling “beating of body” (frequency 46%) and aggressive animal behaviour “aggressiveness” (frequency 23%). In the supply chain, distance between Kera abattoir and the eight, most common markets, varied from 600 km. To improve animal welfare and hence, Ethiopia’s agricultural sector, further studies must be made, with more detailed measurements such as heart rate, glycogen and pH-value.
Airborne Disease Transmission via Bioaerosols: Formation Mechanisms and the Influence of Viscoelasticity

Airborne disease transmission is a prominent problem facing an increasingly mobilized world. It involves small droplets (bioaerosols) containing pathogens which form in the lungs and are expelled to the environment, where they may persist in the air until inhaled by others. Conceptually, there are two basic approaches to preventing transmission: protect the potential target, or eliminate the source. To this end, the effectiveness of modifying mucus viscoelasticity, through cation exposure, to prevent pathogen transport via bioaerosols was investigated. In vitro models were developed to explore the proposed mechanisms for droplet formation: shear-induced surface-wave instabilities in the airway lining fluid (ALF) of the upper airways; and film formation during the re-opening of collapsed bronchioles in the lower airways. Droplet formation during tidal breathing was shown to be an inhalation process for both upper and lower airway models, and the bifurcation angle of the first bronchi was relevant to the upper airway model. A simulated cough system was also developed and produced the largest number of droplets. COPD sputum viscoelasticity was characterized and its response to cation presence measured: low concentrations of calcium resulted in increased complex modulus and decreased loss tangent (indicating increased fluid stiffness resulting from higher elasticity). Higher
Combining Stocks and Flows of Knowledge: The Effects of Intra-Functional and Cross-Functional Complementarity

While previous research has mostly focused on either knowledge stocks or knowledge flows, our study is among the first to integrate these perspectives in order to shed light on the complementarity effects of different types of knowledge stocks and flows in the multinational corporation (MNC). This study investigates intra-functional as well as cross-functional complementarity effects from the perspective of the knowledge recipient and tests their impact on the benefit created for MNC units. Based on a comprehensive sample of 324 relationships between MNC units, we find that both types of complementarity create benefits for these units, but that the effects from intra-functional combinations of knowledge stocks and flows are significantly stronger than from cross-functional combinations.
A multi-layer active elastic metamaterial with tuneable and simultaneously negative mass and stiffness

All conventional acoustic/elastic media are restricted to possess positive constants for their constitutive parameters (density and modulus). Metamaterials provide an approach through which this restriction can be broken. By making these parameters negative and/or tuneable a broader range of properties becomes possible. This paper describes the first experimental implementation of an acoustic/elastic metamaterial in which the material parameters can be both simultaneously negative in a finite frequency band and the magnitude of the parameters independently tuneable on demand. The design is an active metamaterial (meta-mechanical-system) which is realized by directly applying feedback control forces to each layer within the metamaterial. The ability to tune the magnitude of the negative parameters has important implications for the use of a standard design that can be tuned to a particular application, or one which can adapt to a changing performance requirement. The implementation of the design is relatively large scale and low frequency, but the unit-cell length is significantly smaller than the wavelength in the double negative band. Importantly, assuming appropriate control hardware is available, the design can be both reduced in scaled and expanded to greater degrees of freedom.
Analysis of sparse recovery for Legendre expansions using envelope bound

We provide novel sufficient conditions for the uniform recovery of sparse Legendre expansions using ℓ1 minimization, where the sampling points are drawn according to orthogonalization (uniform) measure. So far, conditions of the form m≳Θ2s×logfactors have been relied on to determine the minimum number of samples m that guarantees successful reconstruction of s‐sparse vectors when the measurement matrix is associated to an orthonormal system. However, in case of sparse Legendre expansions, the uniform bound Θ of Legendre systems is so high that these conditions are unable to provide meaningful guarantees. In this paper, we present an analysis which employs the envelop bound of all Legendre polynomials instead, and prove a new recovery guarantee for s‐sparse Legendre expansions, m≳s2×logfactors, which is independent of Θ. Arguably, this is the first recovery condition established for orthonormal systems without assuming the uniform boundedness of the sampling matrix. The key ingredient of our analysis is an extension of chaining arguments, recently developed in Bourgain and Chkifa et al., to handle the envelope bound. Furthermore, our recovery condition is proved via restricted eigenvalue property, a less demanding replacement of restricted isometry property which is perfectly suited to the considered scenario. Along the way, we derive simple criteria to detect good sample sets. Our numerical tests show that sets of uniformly sampled points that meet these criteria will perform better recovery on average.
The Quality of Life of a Patient With Colostomy1

Results: The mean value of the overall scale was 5.4. The respondents rated the physical well-being the highest, a median of 5.9 (interquartile range 4.6 to 7.2), and social well-being the lowest, median 5.0 (interquartile range 4.1 to 6). Women gave higher marks for physical, social and spiritual wellbeing, and overall for the scale median of 5.5 (interquartile range 4.9 to 6.1), but with no significant differences compared to men. Married respondents ranked psychological, social and spiritual wellbeing higher, with a median of 5.4 (interquartile range 4.7 to 6.0), but with no significant differences compared to those who live alone. Physical, psychological and spiritual well-being is somewhat lower in patients under the age of 65, and social well-being is lower in subjects aged 66-75, the median of 4.7 (interquartile range 3.6 to 5.6). Correlation between the subscales pertaining to quality of life of the respondents with regard to their age and with regard to living alone (single, divorced or widowed) is significant in terms of the physical (Spearman coefficient of correlation  = 0.945, p < 0.001), mental (Spearman coefficient of correlation  = 0.943, p = 0.005), social (Spearman's correlation coefficient  = 0.829, p = 0.042) and spiritual well-being (Spearman coefficient of correlation  = 0.886, p = 0.019).
EXW / P 206 Confinement Measurements and MHD Simulations of Oscillating-Field Current Drive in a Reversed-Field Pinch

Oscillating-field current drive (OFCD) is a proposed method of steady-state plasma sustainment wherein poloidal and toroidal AC loop voltages are applied to inject net magnetic helicity in order to produce a DC toroidal plasma current with magnetic relaxation. OFCD is added to reversed-field pinch (RFP) plasmas sustained by standard toroidal induction in the MST device and, with the proper phase δ between the two AC voltages, can increase the plasma current by up to about 10%. The time evolution of electromagnetic and thermal equilibrium profiles and magnetic fluctuations is measured and analyzed for different OFCD phases and for OFCD off. For δ ≈ π/8, the phase of the maximum added plasma current but not the maximum helicity-injection rate, magnetic fluctuations are somewhat reduced and energy confinement based on electron measurements is slightly improved compared to that in the standard RFP. By contrast, for δ = π/2, which is the phase of the maximum helicityinjection rate, the helicity-decay rate is also observed to be maximum and the added plasma current is smaller, as magnetic fluctuation activity is increased and confinement is degraded. These experiments have been numerically modeled with nonlinear, 3D, resistive MHD, and the calculated dependence of the added current on the OFCD phase agrees with experiment.
Characteristics of sloth bear attacks and human casualties in North Bilaspur Forest Division, Chhattisgarh, India

Abstract Sloth bears (Melursus ursinus) are endemic to the Indian subcontinent and frequently come into conflict with humans. In the North Bilaspur Forest Division, a total of 137 attacks (resulting in 11 deaths) occurred between April 1998 and December 2000. Most (54%) incidents took place during the monsoon season. Attacks occurred (45%) early in the morning (0400–0800 hrs) more frequently than at other times; human activities at the time of attack were most frequently defecation (27%); locations of attacks were in kitchen gardens, crop fields, and in adjoining forests. A single bear was involved in a majority (56%) of incidents, but groups of 2 (20%) and 3 (21%) bears were also involved. Attacks were predominantly by a single bear (93%) and rarely by 2 (4%) or 3 bears. In most cases, the attacking bear ran away (55%) or was chased by other people (39%) or livestock. Most victims suffered multiple injuries (52%); single injuries on legs (25%), hand (12%), and head (8%) regions were also recorded.