Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Regional flood estimation for ungauged basins in Sarawak, Malaysia

Abstract Design flood estimation is an important task that is required in the planning and design of many civil engineering projects. In this study, the flood records of more than 23 gauged river basins in Sarawak, Malaysia, are examined using an index-flood estimation procedure based on L-moments. Two homogeneous regions were identified and the Generalized Extreme Value and the Generalized Logistic distributions are found to describe the distribution of extreme flood events appropriately within the respective regions. A regional growth curve is subsequently developed for each of the regions. These curves can be used for the estimation of design floods in ungauged basins in Sarawak within the limitations identified for the method. The results presented herein are useful for practicing engineers in Sarawak while the general methodology may be used in any other regions, provided flood records are available.
Children's emotions and coping with interpersonal stress as correlates of social competence

Abstract Identifying correlates of children's emotional reactions and coping can provide information about developmental processes and identify useful strategies for improving children's adaptation to stress. We investigated associations of social competence with children's responses to standardised, controllable interpersonal stressors. The stressors included bullying, arguing with a parent, and not being picked for a team sport. We expected greater competence to be associated with certain coping responses, and expected that coping would be better explained by also considering emotional reactions. Children (N = 230, Grades 3 to 7) reacted to three videotaped stressors, and children and parents completed questionnaires. Children rated as more competent used active and challenge coping strategies, such as problem solving and support seeking, more than other children, and they also responded with more sadness. Children's competence was associated with fear, but only in bivariate correlations, and was not associated with angry responses. In a structural equation model, emotions were associated with more coping responses, and the emotional reaction of sadness accounted for the link between children's social competence and adaptive (i.e., challenge) coping. Findings suggest that competent children use more adaptive coping, and this is accounted for by their greater feelings of sadness when dealing with controllable interpersonal stressors.
Relationships between isolating land use and amphibian populations in sub-boreal peatlands of the Midwestern United States

Relationships between isolating land use and amphibian populations in sub-boreal peatlands of the Midwestern United States Jeana Albers Master of Science in Biology Minnesota State University, Mankato Mankato, Minnesota, 2014 Successful conservation efforts of amphibians depend on the knowledge of habitat preferences because the biggest threat to amphibian populations is considered to be habitat loss. Sub-boreal peatlands in the Midwest may be a refuge for amphibian populations, but little is known about the flora and fauna of these peatlands. My study examined amphibian species richness and species diversity in 17 sub-boreal peatlands in Minnesota and Wisconsin in 2011 and 2012. I assessed the relationship between land use of lands adjacent to peatlands and use of those peatlands by amphibian populations at three spatial scales by examining landscapes surrounding peatlands in circles with radii of 500, 1000, and 2500 m. I tested for linear relationships of both species richness and species diversity with habitat variables including peatland area, aqueous pH, geographic isolation, canopy cover, and the proportions of forest and isolating land use (agricultural and urban) in the three radii. I hypothesized that high levels of isolating land use isolate peatlands via habitat loss and degradation of surrounding land. I predicted that species richness and diversity would be low in peatlands that experienced high levels of agricultural and urban land use because they were more isolated. I found no support for my prediction for the correlation of isolating land use with lower amphibian diversity and richness, but isolation was an important indicator of species richness, with more isolated peatlands having fewer species present. Canopy cover was also an important predictor of species richness at all three spatial scales in 2012, with greater canopy cover correlating with lower species richness. Other studies corroborate my findings in regard to isolation and canopy cover having negative effects on amphibian populations, and because of this and my findings, I suggest that conservation efforts for amphibians in sub-boreal peatlands be focused on maintaining connectivity between peatlands, and prioritize those that have little canopy cover to be refuges for remaining populations.
Contact structures with singularities

We study singular contact structures, which are tangent to a given smooth hypersurface Z and satisfy certain transversality conditions. These singular contact structures are determined by the kernel of non-smooth differential forms, called bm-contact forms having an associated critical hypersurface Z. We provide several constructions, prove local normal forms and study the induced structure on the critical hypersurface. In the last section of this paper we tackle the problem of existence of bm-contact structures on a given manifold. We prove that convex hypersurfaces can be realized as critical set of b2k-contact structures. In particular, in the 3-dimensional case, this construction yields the existence of a generic set of surfaces Z such that the pair (M;Z) is a b2k-contact manifold and Z is its critical hypersurface
Digital Watermarking and Self-Authentication Using Chirp Coding

This paper discusses a new approach to ‘watermarking’ digital signals using linear frequency modulated or ‘chirp’ coding. The principles underlying this approach are based on the use of a matched filter to provide a reconstruction of a chirped code that is uniquely robust, i.e. in the case of very low signal-to-noise ratios. Chirp coding for authenticating data is generic in the sense that it can be used for a range of data types and applications (the authentication of speech and audio signals, for example). The theoretical and computational aspects of the matched filter and the properties of a chirp are revisited to provide the essential background to the method. Signal code generating schemes are then addressed and details of the coding and decoding techniques considered.
New standards for reducing gravity data: The North American gravity database

The North American gravity database as well as data- bases from Canada, Mexico, and the United States are being revised to improve their coverage, versatility, and accuracy. An important part of this effort is revising pro- cedures for calculating gravity anomalies, taking into ac- count our enhanced computational power, improved ter- rain databases and datums, and increased interest in more accurately defining long-wavelength anomaly components. Users of the databases may note minor differences be- tween previous and revised database values as a result of these procedures. Generally, the differences do not impact the interpretation of local anomalies but do improve re- gional anomaly studies. The most striking revision is the use of the internationally accepted terrestrial ellipsoid for the height datum of gravity stations rather than the conven- tionally used geoid or sea level. Principal facts of gravity observations and anomalies based on both revised and pre- vious procedures together with germane metadata will be available on an interactive Web-based data system as well as from national agencies and data centers. The use of the revised procedures is encouraged for gravity data reduc- tion because of the widespread use of the global position- ing system in gravity fieldwork and the need for increased accuracy and precision of anomalies and consistency with North American and national databases. Anomalies based on the revised standards should be preceded by the adjec- tive "ellipsoidal" to differentiate anomalies calculated us- ing heights with respect to the ellipsoid from those based on conventional elevations referenced to the geoid.
Level of serum lactate dehydrogenase in oral submucous fibrosis

Background: Oral cancer is one of the most common form of malignancies in India. In many cases it develops at the site of premalignant lesion. Of all oral premalignant conditions, oral submucous fibrosis (OSMF) is of greater concern because of its disabling nature and relative greater chances of malignant transformation. Transformation of normal tissue to premalignant lesion and further to oral cancer results in alteration in glycolytic pathway and hence the lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) levels. The aim of this study was to estimate the LDH levels in serum of subjects with OSMF and to compare them with healthy controls and to correlate the relationship between pathogenesis of OSMF and the LDH enzyme. Methods: It is a case control study. The study included 40 diagnosed cases of OSMF and 40 matched healthy controls. Venous blood of 3 ml was collected in both cases and controls. Serum was separated by centrifugation and LDH was estimated by using standard kits. Statistical analysis was done using student ‘t’ test. Pearson's correlation was performed to establish the relationship between study variables. Results: It was observed that serum LDH levels were significantly increased in cases of OSMF as compared to controls (p <0.005). Conclusions: Serum LDH was significantly increased in OSMF and can be used as a valuable biochemical marker in prognosis of OSMF.
Testing the moral algebra of two Kohlbergian informers

This paper seeks to unify two major theories of moral judgment: Kohlbergs stage theory and Andersons moral information integration theory. Subjects were told about thoughts of actors in Kohlberg's classic altruistic Heinz dilemma and in a new egoistical dilemma. These actors's thoughts represented Kohlberg's stages I (Personal Risk) and IV (Societal Risk) and had three levels, High, Medium, and Low. They were presented singly and in a 3 x 3 integration design. Subjects judged how many months of prison the actor deserved. The data supported the averaging model of moral integration theory, whereas Kohlberg's theory has no way to handle the integration problem. Following this, subjects ranked statements related to Kohlberg's first four stages in a procedure similar to that of Rest (1975). Higher score went with larger effect of Societal Risk as predicted by Kohlberg's theory. But contrary to Kohlberg's theory, no age trends were found. Also strongly contrary to Kohlberg's theory, effects of Personal Risk (Stage I) and Societal Risk (Stage IV) correlated positively.
Do Children Act As Old Age Security In Rural India? Evidence From An Analysis Of Elderly Living Arrangements

In the absence of any extra familial welfare system, most elderly persons in India tend to coreside with children. Little is however known about their living conditions. The present paper attempts to bridge this gap of the literature and examines the living arrangements of elderly men and women in rural India with a view to derive implications of old age security. An analysis of the recent National Sample Survey data suggests that elderly men and women with children tend to enjoy on average higher consumption expenditure per adult equivalent if they coreside with children. There is also evidence that the ownership of property and financial assets among the elderly and presence of economically active educated sons enhance the likelihood of co- residence. However the likelihood of coresidence is lower among widowed/separated women and also those with physical disability, immobility or long-term illness. These results tend to highlight the limits of children as old age security, especially for the disadvantaged elderly who do not have wealth, health or both.
Real and Financial Sector Studies in Central and Eastern Europe: A Review

This survey focuses broadly on real and financial sector studies in former transition economies of Central and Eastern Europe. The survey shows that in the real sector there has been considerable trade and global integration in the post-transition period. Moreover, there is no uniform evidence regarding convergence or divergence from the surveyed empirical studies regarding business cycles in Central and Eastern Europe. Financial sector studies show that foreign bank ownership is associated with higher banking efficiency than in the case of domestic bank ownership and significant return and volatility transmission also from core European financial markets. However, the recent global financial crisis significantly affected these patterns. Finally, central bank communication seems to have significant wealth effects in financial markets and tends to reduce financial market uncertainty.
Compositions Optimization of Antang Corundum for Developing Advanced Ceramic

The research aims to study and optimize the formulation of materials required for advanced ceramic production using response surface methodology (RSM). In this research effort, the five (5) process independent variables studied with their corresponding levels are: Antang corundum powder, A (92.2 – 100 %W); polyvinyl alcohol, B (0 – 5 %W); CaO, C (0 – 2.3 %W); MgO, D (0 – 0.5 %W); and the sintering temperature, E (1200 – 1500 °C). The mechanical property responses determined were density, ρ , compressive strength, C/S, flexural strength, F/S ; which are key characteristics of ceramics for armour applications. The optimized density, compressive strength and flexural strength of the sintered Antang corundum are 3.45 g/cm 3 g, 1982 MPa and 295 MPa respectively; while the respective RSM prediction values are 3.45 g/cm 3 g, 1982 MPa and 295 MPa. On comparing the determined optimum mechanical responses of the sintered Antang ceramic with the maximum RSM prediction values, there is high level of assurance in using RSM for the formulation process in ceramic armour development.
Consistent biases in Antarctic sea ice concentration simulated by climate models

Abstract. The simulation of Antarctic sea ice in global climate models often does not agree with observations. In this study, we examine the compactness of sea ice, as well as the regional distribution of sea ice concentration, in climate models from the latest Coupled Model Intercomparison Project (CMIP5) and in satellite observations. We find substantial differences in concentration values between different sets of satellite observations, particularly at high concentrations, requiring careful treatment when comparing to models. As a fraction of total sea ice extent, models simulate too much loose, low-concentration sea ice cover throughout the year, and too little compact, high-concentration cover in the summer. In spite of the differences in physics between models, these tendencies are broadly consistent across the population of 40 CMIP5 simulations, a result not previously highlighted. Separating models with and without an explicit lateral melt term, we find that inclusion of lateral melt may account for overestimation of low-concentration cover. Targeted model experiments with a coupled ocean–sea ice model show that choice of constant floe diameter in the lateral melt scheme can also impact representation of loose ice. This suggests that current sea ice thermodynamics contribute to the inadequate simulation of the low-concentration regime in many models.
The Impact of Basel III on European Bank Lending

In reaction to the recent financial crisis, the Basel Committee on Banking Supervision (BCBS) developed the Basel III regulatory framework. The aim of the new regulatory frameworks is to raise the quality and quantity of banks’ regulatory capital base and to improve the risk coverage of the banking sector. The actual value of the Basel III regulations however are an item of discussion. Multiple studies argue that the costs of implementing stricter capital requirements may be significantly higher than the potential gains. In particular, it is expected that an increase in bank capital requirements will have a severe impact on the height of loan rates and the volume of bank lending. The aim of this paper is to determine the impact of the Basel III regulations on banks’ choice of optimal lending rates and associated loan levels. In order to do so, this paper creates a link between the structural model of the capital channel of monetary policy created by Chami and Cosimano (2001) and the stricter capital requirements set under the Basel III regulatory framework.
Determining the Nexus between Debt and Human Capital by Employing GMM Estimation

This study tries to explore relation between debt financing and human capital while including several determinants of debt. Data of 150 non-financial firms, which are listed on Karachi Stock Exchange, have been employed in this study for the period of ten years, i.e. 2003 to 2012. This study is among the rare studies in developing economies which attempts to investigate the determinants of debt financing by including human capital and employing dynamic panel data estimation into it. Overall results of total debt show that there is significant negative relationship between size, tangibility, profitability and uniqueness. However, more importantly, human capital also remained negatively significant with overall debt financing.
Cognitive Defusion Versus Thought Distraction in the Mitigation of Learned Helplessness

Recent research suggests that attempting to avoid unwanted psychological events is maladaptive. Contrastingly, cognitive defusion, which is an acceptance-based method for managing unwanted thoughts, may provide a plausible alternative. The current study was designed to compare defusion and experiential avoidance as strategies for coping with unwanted thoughts during a learned helplessness preparation. Before entering the learned helplessness preparation, participants were provided with 1 of 3 instructions: defusion, experiential avoidance (via a thought distraction instruction), or control (i.e., no instruction). Directly after the learned helplessness preparation, participants were instructed to attempt a pen-and-paper maze task, where their completion time was recorded. Results indicated that participants who received the defusion instruction produced maze times that were significantly shorter than the thought distraction and control groups. Results are discussed in terms of the efficacy of defusion instructions in the management of unwanted thoughts and the maladaptive nature of engaging in experiential avoidance.
Climate changes and technological advances: impacts on sugarcane productivity in tropical southern Brazil

The climatic projections for this century indicate the possibility of severe consequences for human beings, especially for agriculture where adverse effects to productivity of crops and to agribusiness as a whole may occur. An agrometeorological model was used to estimate sugarcane yield in tropical southern Brazil, based on future A1B climatic scenarios presented in the fourth Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change report, in 2007. Sugarcane yield was evaluated for 2020, 2050, and 2080 considering the possible impacts caused by changes in temperature, precipitation, sunshine hours and CO2 concentration in the atmosphere, as well as technological advances. Increasingly higher temperatures will cause an increase of the potential productivity (PP), since this variable positively affects the efficiency of the photosynthetic processes of C4 plants. Changes in solar radiation and rainfall, however, will have less impact. PP will increase by 15% in relation to the present condition in 2020, by 33% in 2050 and by 47% in 2080. Regarding the actual productivities (AP), the increase observed in PP will compensate for the negative effect of the projected increase in water deficit. AP will increase by 12% in relation to the present condition in 2020, by 32% in 2050 and by 47% in 2080. The increase in sugarcane productivity resulting from the projected scenarios will have important impacts on the sugarcane sector.
Is Bigger Necessarily Better in Community Banking?

SIPERSEDED BY WP 18-11 We investigate the relative performance of publicly traded community banks (those with assets less than $10 billion) versus larger banks (those with assets between $10 billion and $50 billion). A body of research has shown that community banks have potential advantages in relationship lending compared with large banks, although newer research suggests that these advantages may be shrinking. In addition, the burdens placed on community banks by the regulatory reforms mandated by the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act and the need to increase investment in technology, both of which have fixed-cost components, may have disproportionately raised community banksâ€™ costs. We find that, on average, large banks financially outperform community banks as a group and are more efficient at credit-risk assessment and monitoring. But within the community bank segment, larger community banks outperform smaller community banks. Our findings, taken as a whole, suggest that there are incentives for small banks to grow larger to exploit scale economies and to achieve other scale-related benefits in terms of credit-risk monitoring. In addition, we find that small business lending is an important factor in the better performance of large community banks compared with small community banks. Thus, concern that small business lending would be adversely affected if small community banks find it beneficial to increase their scale is not supported by our results.
Undergraduate Studies in Physical Education in Students' Opinion

Undergraduate Studies in Physical Education in Students' Opinion Introduction. The aim of this study was to assess the effects of the undergraduate studies in physical education at the Academy of Physical Education and Sport (APE&S) in Gdańsk and Faculty of Physical Education and Sport (FPE&S) in Biała Podlaska of the Warsaw University of Physical Education (UPE). Material and methods. The study included a total of 247 last semester students of full-time education course. The paper uses a method of diagnostic survey with auditorium questionnaire technique. Referring to the provisions of the Bologna Declaration on the implementation of two-degree studies and based on students' opinions, research was conducted in form of comparative studies. Evaluation included circumstances of the choice of study, conditions of study, expectations of respondents to the education and degree of their implementation. Results. Subjects taking physical education studies are mainly motivated by interests. They hoped to gain knowledge and skills for further education and professional competence. They highly appreciated the degree of fulfilment of expectations in this regard. Conclusions. There was a large convergence of views presented by students of both universities on the education process and its outcomes.