Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Statistical characteristics of AGW wave packet propagation in the lower atmosphere observed by the MU radar

Abstract. We study the horizontal structure of the atmospheric gravity waves (AGW) in the height ranges between 6 and 22 km observed using the MU radar at Shigaraki in Japan, during a 3 day period in January and a 4 day period in August 1988. The data were divided by double Fourier transformation into a data set of upward moving waves and a data set of downward moving waves for independent analysis. The phase and group velocity tracing technique was applied to measure the vertical group and phase velocity as well as the characteristic period of the gravity wave packet. Then the dispersion equation of the linear theory of AGW was solved to obtain its intrinsic wave period – horizontal wavelength and horizontal group velocity – and the vertical flux of horizontal momentum associated with each wave packet was estimated to help determine the direction of the characteristic horizontal wave vector. The results showed that the waves with periods in the range of 30 min~6 h had horizontal scales ranging from 20 km to 1500 km, vertical scales from 4 km to 15 km, and horizontal phase velocities from 15 m/s to 60 m/s. The upward moving wave packets of wave period of 2 h~6 h had horizontal group velocities mainly toward east-south-east and northeast in winter, and mainly in the section between the directions of west-north-west and north in summer.
The conservatism as a cultural value that underlies the financial reporting: Empirical evidence from listed companies in European regulated markets

This paper intends to assess the existence of confirmatory variables of conservatism based on the disclosures made in the financial report. Data were collected from the annual accounts for 2013 and 2014 disclosed by 137 listed entities (non-financial groups) in the European Union (EU) stock indexes: Portuguese Stock Index (PSI)-20, Iberian Index (IBEX)-35, Financial Times Stock Exchange (FTSE)- 100, German Stock Index (DAX)-30 e Stockholm Stock Exchange (OMX)-S30. The content analysis was used as a methodology. After applying multiple linear regression models, the findings indicate that the assessment of the conservatism based on relevance is consistent with the associations suggested in the literature. One of the main contributions of this research is the consideration of the impact of culture on financial reporting, namely through the proposal of a new proxy for the measurement of conservatism based on the financial report.
Adjustment, Motivation for Retention and Environmental Similarity toward Satisfaction among Expatriate Academics

The purposes of this paper are to access the level of motivation, adjustment and environmental similarities among expatriate academics in a Malaysian university; and to analyze the influence of demography on satisfaction among expatriate academics in a Malaysian university. Limitation of this study is just focusing on one university of Malaysia. Survey questionnaire have been used to collect the data from randomly selected expatriate academics who currently working in Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM). Only the Nationality is significant differences with satisfaction of expatriate academics in UTM. Expatriate academics are mostly motivated to remain by teaching context which has three items: rapport with departmental leadership, teaching opportunities, and nation building (ability to affect change). Fourteen items as motivation to remain which selected by 50% of the respondents are research opportunities, cost of living, reputation of the university, research funding, reputation of department, research/ lab facilities, international experience, professional development opportunities, geographic location of Malaysia, rapport with departmental leadership, teaching opportunities, nation building (ability to affect change), scholarly environment, and students. Research opportunities and cost of living identify as the most important factors of motivation. Majority of expatriate academics are able to adjust in host country. Expatriate academics are better in specific job responsibilities and supervisory responsibilities. “Everyday customs that must be followed” and “general living conditions (housing, etc.)” are similar from their home country.
A Survey of the Participation of Nurses in Continuing Professional Education in Trinidad and Tobago: A Case for Chronic Disease Self- Management Education for Patients

Aim: To assess nurses’ participation in continuing medical education (CME) in Trinidad and Tobago. Methods: 1,032 of the estimated 1,443 qualified nurses employed in the services of the Regional Health Authorities between November 2011 and April 2012 completed the self-administered research questionnaire previously pre-tested on a cohort of student nurses. The questionnaires did not contain any personal identifiers but were serially numbered to avoid receiving duplicate copies from a participant. The questionnaires were distributed to all public hospitals and health centres within the regional health authorities. The head nurse in each facility assisted in the distribution and collection of completed questionnaires from the volunteers. Results: 1,032 nurses participated in the study. About 55.4% of the nurses were ignorant of CME. Of the 44.4% that knew about CME, only 25.9% of have had the privilege of attending some CME activities (p<0.05). Again, of the 25.9% of the nurses that have attended some CME activities, most (91%) were within the country while only 5.7% CME activities were outside the Caribbean (p< 0.05). Interestingly, 86.7% of the nurses would like to participate in CME activities out of which 63.8% would like to be identified as specialist nurses if given the opportunity. Conclusions: This study has shown that while a small percentage of nurses previously participated in CME activities, a significant majority (87%) indicated interest to participate in the future and even become specialist nurses. We therefore advocate that nurses’ employment contracts should include incentives for continuing professional education to encourage future development of nursing profession.
Novel Synthesis of Nay Zeolite from Rice Husk Silica: Modification withZno and Zns for Antibacterial Application

Zeolite Y in the sodium form (NaY) was synthesized using amorphous silica ash derived from waste rice husks under hydrothermal conditions. Structural characterization of NaY before and after modification with ZnO and ZnS has been done using powder X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), N2 adsorption-desorption at -196 °C, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. The effects of the Na2O/SiO2 and Si/Al ratios, aging temperature and crystallization time on the optimized synthesis of NaY were thoroughly investigated. Thus the regulated Na+ impurity concentration in the starting hydrogel was found to act as a template-assisted synthesis of zeolite NaY by the potential incorporation of Al atoms into the zeolite framework. Results of surface analyses indicate that the interactions of ZnO and ZnS with NaY zeolite are distinguishable and thus the higher interaction is observed for the latter. While ZnII has experienced electrostatic bonding interaction with the framework oxygen atoms, creation of mesopores in NaY due to local destruction of the zeolite lattice around the growing ZnS particles was evidenced. Wonderfully, ZnS/NaY exhibited a high performance in prohibiting the growth of Escherichia coli (E. coli) and negligible from P. Aeruginosa, and these important features make it a potential candidate as an antimicrobial agent for controlling implant-related infections.
Identifying asset pricing bubbles: Testing for explosive behavior in the NASDAQ and STOXX 600 Europe Technology indices

A forward recursive estimation method is used to examine stock market data on unit root against explosive behavior as an indication of financial exuberance. Through specific dividend-stock pricing modeling, the recursive implementation of a right-tailed ADF test allows for directly testing the price index series on explosive behavior and its corresponding dividend series on non-explosive behavior. In addition, the forward recursive estimation method enables us to date stamp periodically collapsing bubbles. Empirically applied, we find the dotcom bubble of the late 90's in the EU technology index (STOXX 600 Europe Technology) which is in line with financial exuberance on the NASDAQ. Moreover, both indices demonstrate explosive behavior around the financial crisis in 2008. Lastly, it is found that the model in smaller subsamples is highly sensitive to the initial starting point. (Less)
Scaling from single-point sap velocity measurements to stand transpiration in a multispecies deciduous forest: uncertainty sources, stand structure effect, and future scenarios

A major challenge in studies estimating stand water use in mixed-species forests is how to effectively scale data from individual trees to the stand. This is the case for forest ecosystems in the northeastern USA where differences in water use among species and across different size classes have not been extensively studied, despite their relevance for a wide range of ecosystem services. Our objectives were to assess the importance of different sources of variability on transpiration upscaling and explore the potential impacts of future shifts in species composition on the forest water budget. We measured sap velocity in five tree species (Fagus grandifolia Ehrh., Acer rubrum L., Acer saccharum Marsh., Betula alleghaniensis Britton, and Betula papyrifera Marsh.) in a mature stand and a young stand in New Hampshire, USA. Our results showed that the greatest potential source of error was radial variability and that tree size was more important than species in determining sap velocity. Total sapwood area was.
Potentialities of remote teams in the innovation process in an organization through the design management

Design management and innovation give companies competitive advantages. In this scenario, the involvement of employees for generation of innovation is an important factor to be developed within the organization. Therefore, this research aims to identify the potentialities of employees from Sales and Technical Assistance areas for the innovation process. These remote teams work outside the organization in touch with the market and know the necessities of the market and consumers. This survey of the potential is motivated by the possibility of integration of employees who work in the field to participate and get involved with innovation in the organization. The research was conducted through a bibliographical research and application in a case study in a construction consumer goods company, based on design management and human centered design. The case study is divided in two steps: mapping and diagnosis, to easily collect information. As a result, in this paper, we will demonstrate the requirements and potential correlation of these teams that allow the creation of an innovation process focused on the routine and life of these employees. Keywords: design management, innovation, remote teams, employee.
Milk progesterone on day 5 following insemination in the dairy cow: associated metabolic variables and reproductive consequences

Despite the importance of progesterone on the fertility of lactating dairy cows, the factors that affect post ovulatory progesterone concentration are still unclear. Thus, the aim of the present study was to identify factors associated with the post ovulatory progesterone rise following 1 st insemination in lactating dairy cows. Data collected across a number of complimentary studies were compiled to produce a single database of 168 lactating Holstein Friesian dairy cows maintained under commercial conditions. In all animals a number of variables were measured during the insemination period and related to milk progesterone measured on day 5 following 1 st artificial insemination (AI). Overall, 44% of cows conceived to 1 st AI and while mean day 5 progesterone was not significantly higher in these cows, there was a significant quadratic relationship between milk progesterone concentration and conception rate. While a number of variables showed some association with progesterone concentration, the only variable showing a strong and repeatable relationship was plasma leptin concentration. We conclude that adequate but not excessive progesterone levels on day 5 bring about a better fertility, and plasma leptin concentration may be a much better indicator of metabolic status in lactating dairy cows. Keywords: Conception rate, dairy cow, leptin, metabolic variables, milk progesterone
The gamma-ray burst variability-peak luminosity correlation: new results

We report test results of the correlation between the time variability and the peak luminosity of gamma-ray bursts (GRBs), using a larger sample (32) of GRBs with known redshift than that available to Reichart et al., and using as a variability measure that introduced by these authors. The results are puzzling. Assuming an isotropic-equivalent peak luminosity, as had Reichart et al., a correlation is still found, but it is less relevant and inconsistent with a power law as previously reported. Assuming as the peak luminosity that corrected for GRB beaming for a subset of 16 GRBs with known beaming angle, the correlation becomes slightly less significant. Ke yw ords: methods: data analysis ‐ gamma-rays: bursts.
Effects of different fire severity levels on soil chemical and physical properties in Zagros forests of western Iran

The study focused on the effect of different intensities of fire on physical and chemical properties of soil in Zagros forests of western Iran. The dominant tree species in these forests is oak (Quercus persica). Three sites were selected; high severity burned site (HS), low severity burned site (LS) and control (not burned) site (C). Soil chemical properties such as: organic matter (OM), the total nitrogen (N), NO 3 -N, soluble potassium (K), soil phosphorus (P), pH, soil electrical conductivity (EC), cation exchangeable capacity (CEC), base cations (Ca, Mg, Na), CO 2 and soil physical properties such as saturation percentage (SP), bulk density (BD), sand, clay and silt percentages were assessed in soil samples. To determine significance of differences among the three observed sites and most effective variables in the separation of sample plots, one-way analysis of variance and principal component analysis were used, respectively. Mean pH, N, NO 3 - N, OM, SP, P, K, and CEC at HS site were lower than at the sites with other fire intensities but the EC value for HS site was higher in comparison with other sites observed. According to Duncan’s test, mean BD value for HS site was higher when compared with other sites but SP value was comparatively lowest. At LS site, mean sand content was lowest and the amount of silt was highest, in comparison with other sites. The results showed that observed fire severities had significant effects on physical and chemical properties of soil, yet fire low severity and control sites were very similar to each other in terms of investigated factors. Therefore, it can be concluded that lowseverity fire regime has no significant influence on soil properties. In a management strategy, controlled low-severity fire regime can be an alternative management tool in improving soil conditions.
Measures of International Competitiveness: A Critical

An examination of the extant literature on competitiveness reveals a wide variety ofnotions and extreme difficulties of measurement and application.Single measures of competitiveness do not capture all the elements of the concept.Useful measures have to specify the level of analysis (national, industry^ firm orproduct) and encompass competitive performance, its sustainability through thegeneration of . competitive potential and the management of the competitive process. Theinterrelationship between these three key elements are also important in a dynamiccontext.The effectiveness of management is essential to this analysis and the concept ofindustrial effectiveness at the management level enables a link to be established betweenthe concept of . competitiveness and an empirical investigation of decision making. Aframework is derived which is of general use and specific measures are proposed to fillthe ^'empty boxes'' suggested.
Possible anorectic effect of methanol extract of Benincasa hispida (Thunb). Cogn, fruit

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the anorectic effect of the methanol extract of Benincasa hispida (MEBH) in Swiss albino mice. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Fasted mice were administered with various doses of MEBH (0.2-1 g/kg, i.p.), and the food intake was measured hourly for a period of 7 h. In another experiment, the percentage of gastric emptying at 4th h was determined after the administration of MEBH (0.2-1 g/kg, i.p.) in different set of mice which had free access to preweighed food for either 1, 2 or 4 h. RESULTS: MEBH significantly reduced the cumulative food intake over a 7 h period in a dose-dependent manner. The percentage reduction of cumulative food intake at 7th h for MEBH with 0.2, 0.6 and 1 g/kg was 27%, 38% and 54% respectively. The 4 h gastric emptying was not significantly influenced by MEBH when compared to control. CONCLUSION: The present study reveals for the first time a possible anorectic activity of Benincasa hispida, most probably mediated through the CNS without affecting the gastric emptying. However, further studies are required to find its potential as an antiobesity agent.
The Effects of Passage of Time on Alumni Recall of ‘Student Experience’

‘Student experience’ has become a popular term with higher education managers but is theoretically under-developed. This paper conceptualises student experience as a construction from memory and advances previous discussion within the higher education sector by distinguishing between recalled academic and social experience. The results of a predominantly quantitative survey of 883 alumni indicated that recalled academic experience had greater effect on subsequent loyalty attitudes and behaviours than recalled social experience. Cluster analyses indicated that alumni having strong ties with their university were more likely over time to identify with the recalled academic experience of their university, while those with weak ties were more likely to identify with recalled social experiences. Implications for development of alumni associations are made based on targeting groups with different levels of ties with the university.
Comparison of Serum IL-23 and IL-17 Levels in Patients with Systemic Sclerosis and Healthy Subjects Sistemik Sklerozlu Hastalarda ve Sağlikli Bireylerde Serum IL-23 ve IL-17 Seviyelerinin Karşilaştirilmasi

Aim: Systemic Sclerosis (SSc) is a chronic autoimmune-multisystemic disease with unknown aetiology. Fibrosis, vasculopathy and immune system activation are responsible for SSc pathogenesis. Cytokines such as interleukin (IL)-17 and IL-23 may play a role in disease development, disease severity, involvement and characteristics rather than one. For this reason, we aimed to compare the serum levels of serum IL-17 and IL-23 in SSc patients and healthy controls. Material and Method: Fourty patients with SSc and fourty healthy control were included in the study. Autoantibody profiles, organ involvement of the patients were determined. Modified Rodnan skin scores (MRSS) of the patients were calculated. Serum IL-17 and IL-23 levels were measured by ELISA. Results: The patients had a mean MRSS of 13.15. Any statistically significant difference between MRSS and IL-17/IL-23 levels were not detected. (p=0.142 and p=0.668, respectively). Twenty-one (52.5%) patients had lung involvement and 16 (40%) patients had gastrointestinal involvement. Thirty-six (90%) patients were ANA positive, 21 (52.5%) patients were anti-Scl-70 positive, 6 (15%) of the patients were anti-centromere positive. The mean IL-17 levels of the patients and control group were 0.67±0.55 pg/ml and 0.52±0.10 pg/ml (Mann-Whitney U, p=0.007), respectively. The mean of IL-23 levels of healthy control group and patients were found to be 30.27±12.68 pg/ml and 29.32±10.52 pg/ml, respectively (p=0.60). There were no statistically significant relation between serum levels of IL-17/IL-23 and age, pulmonary and gastrointestinal involvement, disease severity, autoantibody profiles. The levels of IL-17 differed significantly in SSc patients and control group but not so in IL-23. Discussion: In our study we concluded that SSc is associated with IL-17, but not with IL-23. IL-17 might contribute to SSc pathogenesis, but no correlation was found between the serum levels of IL-17/IL-23 and clinical symptoms, laboratory findings or disease activity. Anti-IL-17 can be a potential therapeutic agent in SSc patients.
The globular cluster system of NGC 1399 *,**,*** V. dynamics of the cluster system out to 80 kpc

Globular clusters (GCs) are tracers of the gravitational potential of their host galaxies. Moreover, their kinematic properties may provide clues for understanding the formation of GC systems and their host galaxies. We use the largest set of GC velocities obtained so far of any elliptical galaxy to revise and extend the previous investigations (Richtler et al. 2004) of the dynamics of NGC 1399, the central dominant galaxy of the nearby Fornax cluster of galaxies. The GC velocities are used to study the kinematics, their relation with population properties, and the dark matter halo of NGC 1399. We have obtained 477 new medium-resolution spectra (of these, 292 are spectra from 265 individual GCs, 241 of which are not in the previous data set). with the VLT FORS 2 and Gemini South GMOS multi-object spectrographs. We revise velocities for the old spectra and measure velocities for the new spectra, using the same templates to obtain an homogeneously treated data set. Our entire sample now comprises velocities for almost 700 GCs with projected galactocentric radii between 6 and 100 kpc. In addition, we use velocities of GCs at larger distances published elsewhere. Combining the kinematic data with wide-field photometric Washington data, we study the kinematics of the metal-poor and metal-rich subpopulations. We discuss in detail the velocity dispersions of subsamples and perform spherical Jeans modelling. The most important results are: the red GCs resemble the stellar field population of NGC 1399 in the region of overlap. The blue GCs behave kinematically more erratic. Both subpopulations are kinematically distinct and do not show a smooth transition. It is not possible to find a common dark halo which reproduces simultaneously the properties of both red and blue GCs. Some velocities of blue GCs are only to be explained by orbits with very large apogalactic distances, thus indicating a contamination with GCs which belong to the entire Fornax cluster rather than to NGC 1399. Also, stripped GCs from nearby elliptical galaxies, particularly NGC 1404, may contaminate the blue sample. We argue in favour of a scenario in which the majority of the blue cluster population has been accreted during the assembly of the Fornax cluster. The red cluster population shares the dynamical history of the galaxy itself. Therefore we recommend to use a dark halo based on the red GCs alone. The dark halo which fits best is marginally less massive than the halo quoted previously. The comparison with X-ray analyses is satisfactory in the inner regions, but without showing evidence for a transition from a galaxy to a cluster halo, as suggested by X-ray work.