Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Seasonal Marketing and Timing New Product Introductions

Virtually every product is seasonal; seasonality often dictates business strategy. In this article, the authors (1) show how to add known seasonal patterns to any dynamic model parsimoniously and without changing the fundamental model assumptions, (2) illustrate how their method provides strategic implications for timing new product introductions, and (3) provide an empirical application. The authors transform time so that, during high seasons, time is moving faster than normal time. Traditional methods only adjust sales, independent of the underlying sales model. The authors’ method also changes the product's growth along its life cycle and suggests that timing introduction decisions are dependent on the shape of the product's life cycle. The authors’ empirical work compares their theoretical results with empirical observations. With data for all major films released between July 1993 and 1995 (673 films), the authors estimate the seasonal pattern for the motion picture industry and compare their theory with studio behavior.
Detection of CH+ emission from the disc around HD 100546

Despite its importance in the thermal balance of the gas and in the determination of primeval planetary atmospheres, the chemistry in protoplanetary discs remains poorly constrained with only a handful of detected species. We observed the emission from the disc around the Herbig Be star HD 100546 with the PACS instrument in the spectroscopic mode on board the Herschel Space Telescope as part of the GaS in Protoplanetary Systems (GASPS) programme and used archival data from the DIGIT programme to search for the rotational emission of CH + . We detected in both datasets an emission line centred at 72. 16µm that most likely corresponds to the J=5-4 rotational emission of CH + . The J=3-2 and 6-5 transitions are also detected albeit with lower c onfidence. Other CH + rotational lines in the PACS observations are blended with water lines. A rotational diagram analysis shows that the CH + gas is warm at 323 +2320 −151 K with a mass of∼3× 10 −14 -5× 10 −12 M ⊙. We modelled the CH + chemistry with the chemo-physical code ProDiMo using a disc density structure and grain parameters that match continuum observations and near- and mid-infrared interferometric data. The model suggests that CH + is most abundant at the location of the disc rim at 10-13 AU from the star where the gas is warm, which is consistent with previous observations of hot CO gas emission.
Pulsed and Tissue Doppler Echocardiographic Changes in Patients with Thalassemia Major

Background Doppler echocardiographic studies of left ventricle (LV) systolic and diastolic function in patients with β-Thalassemia Major (β-TM) had shown different patterns of systolic and diastolic dysfunction. Aim This cross-sectional study was designed to study the LV systolic and diastolic function in patients with β-TM using Pulsed Doppler (PD) and Tissue Doppler (TD) echocardiography. Methods All patients were evaluated clinically and by echocardiography, The study included patients with β-TM (n = 38, age 15.7 ± 8.9 years) compared with an age-matched control group (n = 38, age 15.9 ± 8.9 years). The pulse Doppler indices were normalized for age and heart rate. Results Compared with control patients, M-Mode showed that patients with β-TM have thicker LV septal wall index (0.659 ± 0.23 vs. 0.446 ± 0.219 cm, P ≤ 0.001), posterior wall index (0.659 ± 0.235 vs. 0.437 ± 0.214 cm, P ≤ 0.01), and larger LVEDD index is (3.99 ± 0.48 vs. 2.170 ± 0.57 mm. P = 0.035). Pulsed Doppler showed high LV trans-mitral E wave velocity (70.818 ± 10.139 vs. 57.532 ± 10.139, p = 0.027) and E/A ratio (1.54 vs. 1.23, P ≤ 0.01). The duration of Deceleration time (DT) and isovolumic relaxation time (IVRT) were significantly shorter in patients with β-TM (150.234 ± 20.0.23 vs. 167.123 ± 19.143 msec, P ≤ 0.01) and (60.647 ± 6.77 vs. 75.474 ± 5.83 msec, P ≤ 0.001), respectively. The ratio of transmitral E wave velocity to the tissue Doppler E wave at the basal septal mitral annulus E/Em– was significantly higher in β-TM group (14.024 ± 2.29 vs. 12.132 ± 1.82, P ≤ 0.01). The Tissue Doppler systolic velocity (Sm) and the early diastolic velocity (Em) were significantly lower in β-TM group compared to control (4.31 ± 1.2 cm/s vs. 6.95 ± 2.1, P ≤ 0.01 and 4.31 ± 2.7 cm/s vs. 5.82 ± 2.5, P ≤ 0.01) respectively. The tricuspid valve velocity was significantly higher than controls (2.993 ± 0.569 vs. 1.93 ± 0.471 m/sec, respectively, P ≤ 0.01). However, the LVEF% and fractional shortening were normal with no significant difference in both groups. Conclusion In this study, patients with β-thalassemia major compared with controls, have significantly thicker LV wall, and larger LV cavity and LV diastolic filling indices suggestive of restrictive pattern with a higher tricuspid valve velocity. These data showed that left ventricle diastolic indices are compromised initially in patients with β-thalassemia major.
Parental Income , College Enrollment , and College Completion *

An extensive literature examines the impact of parental resources on their children’s human capital development during early childhood. Few studies examine such investments when children are in college. Yet, parental transfers are the most significant source of financial support for children during college. This study examines the effect of parental income on college matriculation and college completion. I provide novel evidence that, despite little effect on college enrollment rates, transitory parental income when a child is between the ages of 16 and 18 has a substantial impact on college completion rates. To rationalize this pattern, I develop and estimate a model of sequential parental investments in their children’s college education. The model incorporates parents’ uncertainty over (1) their own future income and (2) the likelihood their child will complete college. Parents facing uncertainty may choose to enroll their child in college, but do not necessarily fund their children’s college through degree completion. Parents may also send their children to higher-quality schools that charge higher tuition, but have lower dropout rates. The estimated model reveals that higher-income parents facing uncertainty are more likely to help finance college attendance and to send their children to colleges with higher completion rates, which helps to explain why higher income affects completion but not enrollment. Moreover, using the estimated model, I show that counterfactual policies that reduce uncertainty can increase college completion rates.
Correcting Micronutrient Deficiency Using Metal Hyperaccumulators: Alyssum Biomass as a Natural Product for Nickel Deficiency Correction

The existence of nickel (Ni) deficiency in certain horticultural crops merits development of fertilizer products suitable for specific niche uses and for correcting or preventing deficiency problems before marketability and yields are affected. The efficacy of satisfying plant nutritional needs for Ni using biomass of Ni hyperaccumulator species was assessed. Aqueous extraction of Alyssum murale (Waldst. & Kit.) biomass yielded a Ni-enriched extract that, upon spray application, corrects and prevents Ni deficiency in pecan Carya illinoinensis (Wangenh.) K. Koch. The Ni-Alyssum biomass extract was as effective at correcting or preventing Ni deficiency as was a commercial Ni-sulfate salt. Foliar treatment of pecan with either source at greater than or equal to 10 mg.L(-1) Ni, regardless of source, prevented deficiency symptoms whereas treatment at less than 10 mg.L(-1) Ni was only partially effective. Autumn application of Ni to foliage at 100 mg.L(-1) Ni during leaf senescence resulted in enough remobilized Ni to prevent expression of morphologically based Ni deficiency symptoms the following spring. The study demonstrates that micronutrient deficiencies are potentially correctable using extracts of metal-accumulating plants.
Comparison of the properties of two fossil groups of galaxies with the normal group NGC 6034 based on multiband imaging and optical spectroscopy

Context. Fossil groups are dominated by a bright galaxy, and their luminosity functions show an absence within half the virial radius of galaxies brighter than the central galaxy magnitude +2. They are nevertheless massive with an extended X-ray halo. The formation and evolution of these structures is still widely debated. Aims. To better understand the origin of these structures, it is crucial to study their faint galaxy population, as well as their large-scale environment, to determine in particular whether they are isolated or not. Methods. We collected multiband imaging and spectroscopy for two fossil groups (RX J1119.7+2126 and 1RXS J235814.4+150524) and one normal group (associated with NGC 6034). We computed photometric redshifts in the central zones of each group, combining previous data with the SDSS five-band data. For each group we investigated the red sequence (RS) of the color-magnitude relation and computed the luminosity functions, stellar population ages and distributions of the group members. Spectroscopy allowed us to investigate the large-scale surroundings of these groups and the substructure levels in 1RXS J235814.4+150524 and NGC 6034. Results. The large-scale environment of 1RXS J235814.4+150524 is poor, though its galaxy density map shows a clear signature of the surrounding cosmic web. RX J1119.7+2126 appears to be very isolated, while the cosmic environment of NGC 6034 is very rich. At the group scale, 1RXS J235814.4+150524 shows no substructure. Galaxies with recent stellar populations seem preferentially located in the group outskirts. A red sequence is discernable for all three groups in a color-magnitude diagram. The luminosity functions based on photometric redshift selection and on statistical background subtraction have comparable shapes, and agree with the few points obtained from spectroscopic redshifts. These luminosity functions show the expected dip between first and second brightest galaxies for the fossil groups only. Their shape is also regular and relatively flat at faint magnitudes down to the completeness level for RX J1119.7+2126 and NGC 6034, while there is a clear lack of faint galaxies for 1RXS J235814.4+150524. The faint parts of the luminosity functions appear dominantly populated by late-type galaxies. Conclusions. RX J1119.7+2126 is definitely classified as a fossil group; 1RXS J235814.4+150524 also has properties very close to those of a fossil group, while we confirm that NGC 6034 is a normal group.
Non‐thermal plasma observations using EISCAT: Aspect angle dependence

Recent observations with the EISCAT incoherent scatter radar have shown large rises in dayside, auroral plasma velocities (>2 km s/sup -1/) over a wide range of latitudes and lasting about an hour. These are larger than the neutral thermal speed, and allow, for the first time, observations of a non-thermal plasma over a range of observing angles, revealing a clear angular dependence. The observed ion temperature anisotropy, deduced by assuming a Maxwellian line-of-sight ion velocity distribution, is at least 1.75, which exceeds the theoretical value for a bi-Maxwellian based on a realistic ion-neutral collision model. The apsect angle dependence of the signal spectra also indicates non-Maxwellian plasma. copyright American Geophysical Union 1987
Tournament Mechanism in Wine-Grape Contracts: Evidence from a French Wine Cooperative*

Abstract This article analyzes the contractual relationship between a wine cooperative (winery) and its member (growers). This relationship is plagued by moral hazard and adverse selection problems in grape quality. Indeed, growers can be opportunistic since the cooperative is unable to observe: (1) their effort level due to imperfect monitoring technology; and (2) their productive abilities (types) due to adverse selection. Because the growers' vineyard practices and efforts are one of the main determinants of grape quality, the cooperative implements an incentive compensation system to induce growers to make the maximum effort toward the achievement of quality. This compensation scheme is similar to that in tournaments (Green and Stokey, 1983; Knoeber, 1989; Lazear and Rosen, 1981; Prendergast, 1999). In our case, the cooperative promotes competition between growers by offering a promotion to a higher-quality contract, while, at the same time, organizing the contest by creating homogeneous groups of growers using a menu of contracts and monitoring through regular visits to the vineyard. Using a database of 1,219 contracts, we test the effect of: (1) the cooperative's tournament compensation scheme; (2) the menu of contracts and monitoring mechanism. The results of our econometric estimations provide some confirmation of both effects. (JEL classifications: L14, D82, Q13)
Broiler production under varying population densities: a field study

The influence of two different stocking densities (approximately 25 and 30 kg live weight per square meter floor area) on production performance, health and housing environment was studied on 9 Swedish broiler farms during the summer and winter season, 1992/93. Bird performance data were collected by the famers and by the processing plants. Data on environmental and bird conditions were collected when the birds were 3 weeks of age and the day before slaughter, always by the same person (the National Standards Officer) together with a veterinary officer employed by the local processing plant. With a few exccptions there were significant differences hetween the summer and winter season and between farms considering all studied variables. There were also several significant seasonxfarm interaction effects. Stocking density significantly influenced growth rate, and birds in low density groups were, on average, 27 g (1.8%) heavier than in high density groups. Close to slaughter there were relatively large local variations in individual houses considering the concentrations of air humidity, ammonia and carbon dioxide, especially during the winter season. The maximum ammonia concentrations noticed the day before slaughter were, on average, 16 ppm during the summer and 25 ppm during the winter. Increasing stocking density increased air humidity and decreased litter dry matter content. Lesion scoring of intestinal walls and litter examination indicated low infection presure of coccidiosis. It is proposed that maximum permitted stocking densities in broiler houses should be related to the quality ofthe management of individual farms. As a consequence of these results the maximum stocking density permittcd for broilers in Sweden has been increased since 1994 from 25 to 33 kg live weight per m 2 floor area for farmers fulfilling certain levels of management.
Spin-resolved spectroscopy of the intermediate polar DQ Her

We present high-speed spectroscopic observations of the intermediate polar (IP) DQ Herculis. Doppler tomography of two He I lines reveals a spiral density structure in the accretion disc around the white dwarf (WD) primary. The spirals look very similar to the spirals seen in dwarf novae during outburst. DQ Her is the first well-established IP in which spirals are seen, which are in addition likely persistent because of the system's high mass transfer rate. Spiral structures give an alternative explanation for sidebands of the WD spin frequency that are found in IP light curves. The Doppler tomogram of He II lambda 4686 indicates that a large part of the emission is not disc-like. Spin trails of spectra reveal a pulsation in the He II lambda 4686 emission that is believed to result from reprocessing of X-rays from the WD's magnetic poles in the accretion flow close to the WD. We confirm the previous finding that the pulsation is only visible in the redshifted part of the line when the beam points to the back side of the disc. The absence of reprocessed light from the front side of the disc can be explained by obscuration by the front rim of the disc, but the absence of extra emission from the blueshifted back side of the disc is puzzling. Reprocessing in accretion curtains can be an answer to the problem and can also explain the highly non-Keplerian velocity components that are found in the He II lambda 4686 line. Our spin trails can form a strong test for future accretion curtain models, with the possibility of distinguishing between a spin period of 71 or 142 s. Spin trails of data taken at selected orbital phases show little evidence for a significant contribution of the bright spot to the pulsations and allow us to exclude a recent suggestion that 71 s is the beat period and 70.8 s the spin period.
Constraint violation in free evolution schemes: Comparing the BSSNOK formulation with a conformal decomposition of the Z4 formulation

We compare numerical evolutions performed with the BSSNOK formulation and a conformal decomposition of a Z4-like formulation of general relativity. The important difference between the two formulations is that the Z4 formulation has a propagating Hamiltonian constraint, whereas BSSNOK has a zero-speed characteristic variable in the constraint subsystem. In spherical symmetry we evolve both puncture and neutron star initial data. We demonstrate that the propagating nature of the Z4 constraints leads to results that compare favorably with BSSNOK evolutions, especially when matter is present in the spacetime. From the point of view of implementation the new system is a simple modification of BSSNOK.
Adapting the “Staged Model for Software Evolution” to FLOSS

Research into traditional software evolution has been tackled from two broad perspectives: that focused on the how, which looks at the processes, methods and techniques to implement and evolve software; and that focused on the what/why perspective, aiming at achieving an understanding of the drivers and general characteristics of the software evolution phenomenon. The two perspectives are related in various ways: the study of the what/why is for instance essential to achieve an appropriate management of software engineering activities, and to guide innovation in processes, methods and tools, that is, the how. The output of the what/why studies is exemplified by empirical hypotheses, such as the staged model of software evolution,. This paper focuses on the commonalities and differences between the evolution and patterns in the lifecycles of traditional commercial systems and free/libre/open source software (FLOSS) systems. The existing staged model for software evolution is therefore revised for its applicability on FLOSS systems.
Biological Characteristics and Effects of Two Strains of Arthrobotrys oligospora from Senegal on Meloidogyne Species Parasitizing Tomato Plants

Two strains (ORS 18692 S7 and ORS 18692 S5) of the nematophagous fungus Arthrobotrys oligospora have been isolated for the first time in Senegal. In vitro, both strains trapped 98% of groups of 7-day-old Meloidogyne mayaguensis juveniles within 48 h. Their optimal growth occurred at 25-30 C and at a pH of 5.6, but salinity inhibited their development. In order to test the fungi on M. mayaguensis in pots and in mixed populations of Meloidogyne spp. on tomato in the field, the fungus was incorporated into compost blocks before sowing and subsequent transplanting. In pot experiments during the cool season (28 C), both strains reduced nematode populations and stimulated seedling growth. In field trials during the hot season (35 C), both strains were efficient in reducing Meloidogyne populations. The feasibility of combining the use of compost blocks with the introduction of A. oligospora is discussed. Pour la premie re fois, deux souches du champignon ne matophage Arthrobotrys oligospora (souches ORS 18692 S5.
Overwintering of Calanus finmarchicus and Calanus helgolandicus

Overwintering of Calanus finmarchicus and C. helgolandicus was studied in the field and in laboratory experiments in a shallow (120 m) Swedish fjord and in a deep (650 m) Norwegian fjord. In the Norwegian fjord 2 populations were found in late summer and autumn: in the surface layer the copepods were smaller and more active with high respiratory and digestive enzyme activities. The deep population, consisting of Copepodid stage V (CV) and a few females, was torpid, had large oil sacs and empty guts. Their respiratory and digestive enzyme activities were very low. In the Swedish fjord CV in deep layers weighed much less than those in the Norwegian fjord. Weight-specific respiration was intermediate between deep and surface population in the Norwegian fjord. It is concluded that overwintering copepodids do not feed. Metabolic rates allowed successful overwintering only in the Norwegian fjord. Experiments performed on several occasions during overwintering witnessed - in contrast to the situation in field populations - increased rates of respiration and moulting. Mortality during moulting and time span between capture and onset of moulting decreased during autumn and winter. These observations suggest internal development during overwintering.
No . 062 / 11 A Simple Panel-CADF Test for Unit Roots Mauro Costantini

In this paper we propose a simple extension to the panel case of the covariateaugmented Dickey Fuller (CADF) test for unit roots developed in Hansen (1995). The extension we propose is based on a p values combination approach that takes into account cross-section dependence. We show that the test is easy to compute, has good size properties and gives power gains with respect to other popular panel approaches. A procedure to compute the asymptotic p values of Hansen’s CADF test is also a side-contribution of the paper. We also complement Hansen (1995) and Caporale and Pittis (1999) with some new theoretical results. Two empirical applications are carried out for illustration purposes on international data to test the PPP hypothesis and the presence of a unit root in international industrial production indices. JEL classification: C22, C23, F31
Serum Zinc, Copper and Albumin in Paired Mothers and Their Term Newborn in a Tertiary Hospital in Nigeria

Objective: This study assessed the serum zinc, copper and albumin levels in paired mother and newborns in the immediate neonatal period to establish the relationship between the pair, and the influence of maternal micronutrient status on that of the newborn if any. Methods: The sociodemographic characteristics of the mothers were obtained using a structured questioner after informed consent was obtained from the parents of the baby. At delivery, paired mother and newborns had their serum zinc, copper and albumin assayed, using cord blood in the newborn. Result: One hundred and thirty five mothers and their paired term newborns completed the study. The mean age of the mothers was 29.2 ± 4.6 years with 67% within the age bracket 20 to 30 years. Seventy three percent of the mothers attained tertiary education and 22% had secondary education. The mean serum zinc was significantly higher in the newborn (3.67 ± 1.49 μmol/L) than in the mothers (2.20 ± 1.01 μmol/L), p = 0.0001, with a feto-maternal ratio of 1.6 to 1. Copper was significantly higher in the mothers (4.27 ± 1.77 μmol/L), than in the newborns (2.84 ± 0.92 μmol/L) (p = 0.001), with a maternal-fetal ratio of 1.5 to 1. Mean serum albumin was significantly lower in the newborns than in the mothers (p > 0.011). Conclusion: This study established that term newborns have higher serum zinc, a lower serum copper and albumin levels than their maternal levels. The distribution of these trace elements is probably protective in the newborns against infection.