Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The Effect of Mood on Wishful Thinking and NFL Outcome Predictions

People make judgments and decisions on an everyday basis. From picking an NCAA Tournament bracket to judging the likelihood of rain, people often have a preference for one outcome over another. Wishful thinking is the idea that people’s desires exhibit a causal influence on their expectations—specifically, a desire for an outcome increases people’s optimism about that outcome. Past research has found wishful thinking (or “the desirability bias”) in a variety of contexts, including sports and political decisions. Separate research has shown that differing mood states can affect interpretation of information, judgments, and decisions. Because people rarely make decisions when in a neutral mood, our study investigated the influence of mood on wishful thinking. We hypothesized that putting participants into a happy mood would increase the amount of wishful thinking they exhibited relative to putting participants into a sad mood. To test this, we manipulated participants’ moods by having them watch either a happy or a sad video clip. Afterwards, they made predictions for each of the 16 games played in the first week of the 2014-15 NFL season. Overall, we found that people exhibited wishful thinking in that they were far more likely to predict their favorite team winning as compared to the other teams. However, mood did not appear to affect people’s predictions. In other words, both happy and sad participants exhibited similar levels of wishful thinking.
Assessment of airborne scanning laser altimetry (lidar) in a deltaic wetland environment

The objective of the study was to evaluate the airborne scanning light detection and ranging (lidar) technology for hydrological applications in wetlands, deltas, or other similar areas. A comparison of lidar data with in situ survey data revealed a negative elevation bias of 0.21 m, which was corrected by block adjustment. The evaluation demonstrated that the lidar pulses had difficulties penetrating thick willow cover and dense thatch layers beneath the grasses and sedges (graminoids). After block adjustment, the lidar data achieved a root mean squared error (RMSE) of 0.15 and 0.26 m in graminoid and willow vegetation, respectively. The bare ground points produced an RMSE of 0.07 m. To be useful in hydrologic modelling, elevation data need to be interpolated into an even grid, or a digital elevation model (DEM). Four interpolation algorithms were evaluated for accuracy. The input elevations were best honoured when interpolated into a 0.25 m grid using a kriging algorithm and, thereafter, averaged to a 4 m resolution DEM. The RMSE of the DEM was 0.22 m. Despite some problems in dense vegetation, the lidar DEM provided useful topographic detail in a resolution and accuracy that is acceptable for many hydrologic purposes.
Global Positioning System detection and energy estimation of the ionospheric wave caused by the 13 July 2003 explosion of the Soufrière Hills Volcano, Montserrat

[1] Volcanic explosions or shallow earthquakes are known to trigger acoustic and gravity waves that propagate in the atmosphere at infrasonic speeds. At ionospheric heights, coupling between neutral particles and free electrons induces variations of electron density detectable with dual-frequency Global Positioning System (GPS) measurements. Using GPS data collected in the Caribbean, we identified an ionospheric perturbation after a major volcanic explosion at the Soufriere Hills Volcano (Montserrat, Lesser Antilles) on 13 July 2003. Spectral analysis reveals peaks centered at 1 and 4 mHz, similar to those in previous observations and consistent with theory, suggesting both gravity and acoustic wave components. We retrieve a horizontal velocity of ∼624 m/s for the acoustic component, which implies upward propagation at ∼33°, consistent with ray-tracing results. We model the acoustic wave using an N-wave pressure source at ground level combined with ray tracing to propagate the neutral pressure wave; this accounts for the dispersive characteristics of the atmosphere while conserving total acoustic energy. Plasma velocity is derived from neutral velocity using a finite difference solution of the magnetohydrodynamic momentum equation. The continuity equation for charge densities is used to compute corresponding electron density variations, which are then numerically integrated along satellite-to-receiver line of sights, simultaneously accounting for the satellite displacements. We minimize the misfit between observed and model waveforms to estimate a total acoustic energy release of 1.53 x 10 10 J for the primary explosion event at Soufriere Hills Volcano associated with the peak dome collapse. This method can be applied to any explosion of sufficient magnitude, provided GPS data are available at near to medium range from the source.
Measuring the sources of cyclical fluctuations in the G7 economies

We analyze herein the importance of four types of shocks in contributing to the business cycles of the G7 economies. After disentangling the common permanent and transitory shocks in the G7 outputs, we identify the domestic and foreign components of such shocks for each country. This provides us with quite a flexible palette for understanding the degree of openness of the G7 countries, useful information for the analysis of the strengths and weaknesses of each national economy. Our empirical analysis reveals that the cycles of most of the G7 outputs are dominated by their domestic components and that the foreign components are almost entirely due to permanent shocks.
Mathematics students’ aspirations for higher education: class, ethnicity, gender and interpretative repertoire styles

This paper reports how students talk about their aspirations in regard to higher education (HE) and their mathematics, what ‘repertoires’ they use to mediate this discourse, and how students’ predominant ‘repertoire style’ relates to their cultural background. Our analyses draw on an interview sample (n=40) of students selected because they are ‘on the cusp’ of participation or non‐participation in mathematically demanding programmes in further and higher education. The interviews explored the students’ aspirations for their future in general and HE in particular, influences on these choices, and the place of mathematics in these. Thematic analysis revealed four interpretative repertoires commonly in use, which we call ‘becoming successful’, ‘personal satisfaction’, ‘vocational’, and ‘idealist’ repertoires. Most of the sample was found to use a single, predominant repertoire, which we call their repertoire ‘style’: what is more, this style is found to be strongly related to background factors independently obtained. The implications for policy and practice are discussed.
Electrocatalytic oxidation of glucose on the modified carbon paste electrode with sodalite nanozeolite for fuel cell

In this study, a sodalite nanozeolite was synthesized and characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electronic microscopy (SEM). Following the morphology evolution of the sodalite nanozeolite in the SEM images illustrates the formation of the spherical particle with a size between 60 and 80 nm. Then, carbon paste electrode (CPE) was modified by sodalite nanozeolite and Ni2+ ions. The electrocatalytic performance of the fabricated electrode (Ni-SOD/CPE) towards glucose oxidation were evaluated by cyclic voltammetry and Chronoamperometry and it was used as anode for the electrocatalytic oxidation of glucose in 0.1 M of NaOH solution. Also, the electron transfer coefficient, the diffusion coefficient and the mean value of catalytic rate constant for glucose and redox sites of electrode were found to be 0.86, 3.13×10−5 cm2 s−1 and 5.34×106 cm3 mol−1 s−1, respectively. Good catalytic activity, high sensitivity, good choice and the stability and easy preparation enables the modified electrodes for the glucose electrooxidation. The obtained data confirmed that sodalite nanozeolite at the surface of CPE improves the catalytic efficiency of the dispersed nickel ions toward glucose oxidation. The Alkaline direct glucose fuel cells operated at ambient temperature with Ni-SOD/CPE anode created maximum power density of 4.1 mW cm-2 and cathode feed 4 mL min-1 of 0.1 M glucose and oxygen at 1 bar.
Cooperation, competition and the longevity of stakes in joint ventures: A value creation approach

This research used a transaction value perspective (Zajac and Olsen, 1993; Madhok and Tallman, 1998) to examine the impact of competitive and cooperative forces on joint venture (JV) duration. We argue that some factors increasing the management cost of the JV may also increase its value potential. Such factors include whether the partners are direct competitors, and whether their nationality is the same. Findings from a survey study provided support for all of our hypotheses
Financial Liberalization and Economic Growth – The Nigerian Experience

The financial liberalization literature assumed that the removal of government control and restrictions on the workings of the financial market would stimulate higher savings as interest rate would be more market driven. The higher savings would enhance greater investment in the classical Keynesian fashion of savings being equal to investment. The increase in investment would lead to economic development and growth all other things being equal. Therefore, according to the main tenets of the financial liberalization literature, we should expect to see higher saving rates (as well as higher levels of investment and economic growth) following financial liberalization. Is this the case in Nigeria? To establish this, the study employs an empirical examination using the Johansen Co-integration test and the Error Correction Mechanism (ECM). Annual time series data were obtained from the Central Bank of Nigeria Statistical Bulletin for the period 1987 to 2012 on the variables used for the study. The results obtained from the econometric modeling shows the existence of a long-run equilibrium relationship among the variables and co-integration equation at 5% significance level. The Error Correction Mechanism shows a very high coefficient of multiple determinations in both the Over-parameterized and the Parsimonious Models. However, the descriptive statistics shows that financial liberalization has impacted minimally on economic growth in Nigeria for the period under review. The particular sequencing of the liberalization process and the hostile macroeconomic environment in Nigeria over the years has combined to minimize the expected benefits of financial liberalization. The authors recommend that government should promote monetary stability, ensure sound macroeconomic environment and provide critical infrastructures to enable the economy grow in a sustainable manner. Keywords : Financial Liberalization, Investment, Economic Development, Economic Growth
Chemoprevention of Carcinogenesis by Organoselenium Compounds

The modifying effects of novel synthesized oragnoseleniums on carcinogenesis have been examined in several organs. p-Methoxybenzeneselenol (MBS), benzylselenocyanate (BSC) and 1, 4-phenylenebis(methylene)-selenocyanate (p-XSC) have been synthesized, respectively. MBS reduced benzo[a]pyrene (B[a]P)-induced forestomach tumors in female CD-1 mice and azoxymethane (AOM)-induced colon, liver and kidney neoplasms in female F344 rats. BSC has been effective on AOM-induced colon neoplasms and liver preneoplastic lesions in male F344 rats, and dimethylbenz[a]anthracene (DMBA)-induced mammary tumors in female SD rats. p-XSC reduced AOM induced colon neoplasms, 4-(methlynitrosamino)-1-(3-pyridyl)-1-butanone (NNK)-induced lung neoplasms in female A/J mice, DMBA induced mammary neoplasms in female SD rats, and 4-nitroquinoline oxide(4-NQO)-induced tongue carcinogenesis in male F344 rats. BSC increased selenium-dependent glutathione peroxidase in the kidney, colon and small intestine. An increase in total liver cytochrome P-450 was also found in BSC-treated rats. Following AOM treatment, signyficantly less O6-methylguanine and 7-methylguanine was present in the colon DNA from rats consuming the BSC diet than in the rats fed control diets. Those results indicate that dietary BSC induces the enzymes to hydroxylate or oxidate the carcinogens and decrease DNA alkylation. p-XSC inhibited NNK-induced oxidative damage in the lung of A/J mice or F344 rats, DMBA-DNA adducts in rat mammary tissue, and induced apoptosis. These mechanisms may account for their chemopreventive activities.
Epidemiology and control of PRRSV infection in the breeding herd

Since its appearance, Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome (PRRS) has devastated the worldwide swine industry with tremendous economic losses. The high heterogeneity among PRRSV isolates is likely to be the main obstacle to effective control of PRRSV infection using current commercial vaccines, since the immunity induced by one strain may be only partial against a different strain, even within the same genotype. The purposes of my research were to better understand the epidemiology and the diffusion of PRRSV infection in two positive breeding herds and to evaluate the effectiveness and the critical points of the gilts acclimatization programmes, using adequate diagnostic tools and phylogenetic analysis of PRRSV isolates. I also took part in the development of a quantitative real time polymerase chain reaction for PRRSV diagnosis in serum and tissues and evaluated the effectiveness of vaccination against Porcine Circovirus type-2 (PCV2) in a farm coinfected with both PRRSV and PCV2.
Strictness of Leniency Programs and Cartels of Asymmetric Firms

This paper studies the effects of leniency programs on the behavior of firms participating in illegal cartel agreements.The main contribution of the paper is that we consider asymmetric firms.In general, firms differ in size and operate in several different markets.In our model, they form a cartel in one market only.This asymmetry results in additional costs in case of disclosure of the cartel, which are caused by an asymmetric reduction of the sales in other markets due to a negative reputation effect.This modeling framework can also be applied to the case of international cartels, where firms are subject to different punishment procedures according to the laws of their countries, or in situations where following an application for leniency firms are subject to costs other than the fine itself and where these costs depend on individual characteristics of the firm.Moreover, following the rules of existing Leniency Programs, we analyze the effects of the strictness of the Leniency Programs, which reflects the likelihood of getting complete exemption from the fine even in case many firms self-report simultaneously.Our main results are that, first, leniency programs work better for small (less diversified) companies, in the sense that a lower rate of law enforcement is needed in order to induce self-reporting by less diversified firms.At the same time, big (more diversified) firms are less likely to start a cartel in the first place given the possibility of self-reporting in the future.Second, the more cartelized the economy, the less strict the rules of leniency programs should be.
A Century of Vertical Fiscal Imbalance in Australian Federalism

Abstract After a century of Australian fiscal federalism, while the problems posed by horizontal fiscal imbalance have largely been resolved, the thorny issue of vertical fiscal imbalance remains. After reviewing the evolution of economic doctrine on fiscal federalism, this paper examines the historical evolution of vertical fiscal imbalance in the light of the views expressed by Australian economists over the past century. It is argued that the perceptions of Australian economists largely reflect wider currents in mainstream economics, with an early ‘pragmatic’ view, an orthodoxy based around the dominant economic theory of fiscal federalism and a ‘dissenting’ school associated with Groenewegen.
Phenotypic analysis of milk coagulation properties and mineral content of Pinzgauer cattle breed

Abstract. This study aimed to characterize milk coagulation properties (rennet coagulation time, curd-firming time and curd firmness 30 min after rennet addition to milk) and major mineral contents (Ca, Mg, P, K and Na) in Pinzgauer dual-purpose cattle breed. The edited dataset consisted of 7763 milk observations from 851 cows reared in 60 herds in the Alpine area of Bolzano province (Italy). Data were analysed through a linear mixed model which included stage of lactation, parity and their interaction as fixed effects, and cow and herd test date as random effects. Rennet coagulation time, curd-firming time and curd firmness 30 min after rennet addition to milk averaged 22.66 min, 5.53 min and 16.79 mm, respectively. The most abundant minerals were P (1495 mg kg−1) and Ca (1344 mg kg−1), and the least abundant Mg (141 mg kg−1). Compared to their older contemporaries, early-lactating younger animals yielded milk that was more favourable for cheese production (i.e. with shorter coagulation time and stronger curd firmness). Mineral contents were lower in milk of primiparous than multiparous cows, except for Na. Moreover, Ca, Mg, P and Na contents decreased from parturition to peak of lactation and increased thereafter, except for K, which exhibited an opposite trend. Our results showed that Pinzgauer breed produced milk with better coagulation properties and mineral content, from a technological point of view, in first than later parities and in early than late lactation. The characterization of milk coagulation properties and mineral content in autochthonous breeds is important to increase their value and marketability of their products.
Robustness Metrics: Consolidating the multiple approaches to quantify Robustness

The robustness of a design has a major influence on how much the product’s performance will vary and is of great concern to design, quality and production engineers. While variability is always central to the definition of robustness, the concept does contain ambiguity and although subtle, this ambiguity can have significant influence on the strategies used to combat variability, the way it is quantified and ultimately, the quality of the final design. In this contribution the literature for robustness metrics was systematically reviewed. From the 108 relevant publications found, 38 metrics were determined to be conceptually different from one another. The metrics were classified by their meaning and interpretation based on the types of information necessary to calculate the metrics. Four different classes were identified: 1) Sensitivity robustness metrics; 2) Size of feasible design space robustness metrics; 3) Functional expectancy and dispersion robustness metrics; and 4) Probability of compliance robustness metrics. The goal was to give a comprehensive overview of robustness metrics and guidance to scholars and practitioners to understand the different types of robustness metrics and to remove the ambiguities of the term robustness. By applying an exemplar metric from each class to a case study, the differences between the classes were further highlighted. These classes form the basis for the definition of four specific sub-definitions of robustness, namely the ‘robust concept’, ‘robust design’, ‘robust function’ and ‘robust product’.
Optimal Simple Monetary and Fiscal Rules under Limited Asset Market Participation

The combination of limited asset market participation and consumption habits generates indeterminacy for empirically plausible calibrations of a business cycle model characterized by price and nominal wage rigidities. Equilibrium determinacy is restored by demand management policies based on simple fiscal rules. In this regard, fiscal control of nominal income growth is particularly effective. In addition the complementarity between the Taylor rule and the fiscal feedback on nominal income growth produces relatively large welfare gains, limiting both aggregate and intragroup volatilities.
Equivalence Scales and Subjective Data in Switzerland

The estimation of equivalence scales is an important aspect of any poverty or inequality analysis. Most of the research and policy recommendations rely on so called expert scales. Some of them are used in many countries, like the OECD scale. In Switzerland, recommendations of the CSIAS, the main body in charge of social norms, are followed by academics as well as practitioners. Yet, the use of such equivalence scales should be validated by statistical results on the cost of children. To the author knowledge, all avalaible studies on equivalence scales in Switzerland are based on demand behavior, a method with its own merits and shortcomings. We claim that subjective estimators may overcome the difficulties implied by traditional estimation of equivalence scales. Our results seem to indicate that the expert scales are too steep. However, our results are driven by the choice of the research instrument.
Goals need implementation intentions: The model of action phases tested in the applied setting of continuing education

In the present study, the model of action phases (Heckhausen & Gollwitzer, 1987) was applied to the area of continuing education. A subsample of 136 East German participants in the larger study "Active Actions in a Radical Change Situation" rated the expected value of further education, indicated whether they had taken a decision to continue their education (goal intention) and whether they were planning goal-directed actions (implementation intention). Two years later, it was ascertained whether participants had initiated vocational retraining. Findings support the core assumptions of the model. Postdecisional participants endorsed the positive aspects of further education more strongly (implemental mindset) than predecisional participants, who looked at its pros and cons impartially (deliberative mindset). Second, participants were more successful in initiating vocational retraining when they had a goal intention that was additionally furnished with an implementation intention. Findings are discussed with respect to theoretical and practical implications of the distinction between goal setting and goal implementation.
Invariant measures for a stochastic Fokker-Planck equation

We study a kinetic Vlasov/Fokker-Planck equation perturbed by a stochastic forcing term. When the noise intensity is not too large, we solve the corresponding Cauchy problem in a space of functions ensuring good localization in the velocity variable. Then we show under similar conditions that the generated dynamics, with prescribed total mass, admits a unique invariant measure which is exponentially mixing. The proof relies on hypocoercive estimates and hypoelliptic regularity. At last we provide an explicit example showing that our analytic framework does require some smallness condition on the noise intensity.
Different ways of synergistic effects of human resource management (HRM) practices on organizational performance: A method of 2+2 =5

Synergy is a main characteristic of human resource management (HRM) system. It highlights the hidden characteristics of HRM system. This research paper has empirically tested that internally consistent and complementary HR practices/components in the HR system are more able to predict and enhance the organizational performance than the sum of individual practice. The data was collected from the sample of 109 firm respondents of service industry through convenience sampling technique. The major finding of this research highlighted that configurational approach to synergy or the HRM system as a whole has an ability to enhance the organizational performance more than by the sum of individual HRM practices of HRM system. Hence, confirming that the whole is greater than the sum of individual parts. Key words: Human resource management practices, synergy, and organizational performance.