Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
To appear in Proceedings of the Royal Society , A Robustness , Fidelity and Prediction-Looseness of Models

Assessment of the credibility of a mathematical or numerical model of a complex system must combine three components: (1) The fidelity of the model to test data, e.g. as quantified by a mean squared error. (2) The robustness, of model fidelity, to lack of understanding of the underlying processes. (3) The prediction looseness of the model. ‘Prediction looseness’ is the range of predictions of models that are equivalent in terms of fidelity. The main result of this paper asserts that fidelity, robustness, and prediction looseness are mutually antagonistic. A change in the model that enhances one of these attributes will cause deterioration of another. In particular, increasing the fidelity to test data will decrease the robustness to imperfect understanding of the process. Likewise, increasing the robustness will increase the predictive looseness. The conclusion is that focusing only on fidelity-to-data is not a sound decision-making strategy for model building and people\hemez\loose\rfl06.tex. 8.8. 2011 c ⃝Yakov Ben-Haim and Francois Hemez, 2011.
Direct contribution of nitrogen deposition to nitrous oxide emissions in a temperate beech and spruce forest – a 15 N tracer study

Abstract. The impact of atmospheric nitrogen (N) deposition on nitrous oxide (N2O) emissions in forest ecosystems is still unclear. Our study assessed the direct contribution of N deposition to N2O emissions in temperate forests exposed to chronic high N depositions using a 15N labelling technique. In a Norway spruce stand (Picea abies) and in a beech stand (Fagus sylvatica) at the Solling, Germany, we used a low concentrated 15N-labelled ammonium-nitrate solution to simulate N deposition. Nitrous oxide fluxes and 15N isotope abundances in N2O were measured using the closed chamber method combined with 15N isotope analyses. Emissions of N2O were higher in the beech stand (2.6 ± 0.6 kg N ha−1 yr−1) than in the spruce stand (0.3 ± 0.1 kg N ha−1 yr−1). We observed a direct effect of N input on 15N-N2O emissions, which lasted for less than three weeks and was mainly caused by denitrification. No further increase in 15N enrichment of N2O occurred during a one-year experiment, which was probably due to immobilisation of deposited N. The annual emission factor for N2O from deposited N was 0.1% for the spruce stand and 0.6% for the beech stand. Standard methods used in the literature applied to the same stands grossly overestimated emission factors with values of up to 25%. Only 6–13% of the total N2O emissions were derived from direct N depositions. Whether the remaining emissions resulted from accumulated anthropogenic N depositions or native soil N, could not be distinguished with the applied methods. The 15N tracer technique is a useful tool, which may improve estimates of the current contribution of N deposition to N2O emissions.
Seed Quality Assurance in Maize Breeding Programs: Tests to Explain Variations in Maize Inbreds and Populations

Maize (Zea mays L.) breeders are interested in evaluating the seed quality of their inbred lines, as seed quality has a strong relationship to field emergence. There is little information, however, on the influence of the seed quality of the inbred on field emergence of the hybrid. The objectives of this research were to (i) determine whether seed quality tests and a seed quality index of the inbred parents and F 2 seed are correlated with field emergence of F 1 hybrids, and (ii) determine how many tests are necessary to calculate this index. Standard germination (SG), saturated cold (SC), and soak (Soak) tests, and the inbred quality index (IQI) were calculated on inbred parents and their corresponding F 2 progeny, and field emergence was measured on associated F 1 hybrids produced in Clinton, IL in 2002 and 2003. The tests and index of the parental inbreds and F 2 progeny correlated poorly with early field emergence of the F 1 hybrids. All tests were required to calculate the seed quality index. By averaging several seed quality tests into a single index, the poor seed quality performance of inbreds and F 2 populations in some tests can be masked by other tests. The seed quality index might be useful when ranking inbreds based on seed quality but not as a selection tool.
How has Mobile Phone Penetration Stimulated Financial Development in Africa?

In the first macroeconomic empirical assessment of the relationship between mobile phones and finance, the author examines the correlations between mobile phone penetration and financial development using two conflicting definitions of the financial system in the financial development literature. With the traditional International Financial Statistics (IFS) (2008) definition, mobile phone penetration has a negative correlation with traditional financial intermediary dynamics of depth, activity, and size. However, when a previously missing informal-financial sector component is integrated into the definition, mobile phone penetration has a positive correlation with informal financial development. Three implications result: There is a growing role of informal finance; mobile phone penetration may not be positively assessed at a macroeconomic level by traditional financial development indicators; and it is a wake-up call for scholarly research on informal financial development indicators that will orient monetary policy.
Skill-Biased Technological Change and Endogenous Labor Supply in EU Transition Economies and the US

In this paper skill-biased technological change is linked with endogenous labor supply which allows for unemployment. This is a novel approach, as the literature on skill-biased technological change considers inelastic labor supply. Elastic labor supply allows us to explain how the observed increasing unemployment of unskilled workers is caused by skill-biased technological change. Our numerical analysis shows that if the skill-biased technological change is not followed by the growth of total factor productivity, then output, physical capital stock and consumption decline. Using empirical data on wages and education, we construct a time series for skill-biased technological change for Poland and the US. The empirical relevance of the model is tested by calibrating it to empirical data for Poland over the period 1996-2006 and US over the period 1992-2008. With only two necessary inputs, share of skilled workers in total population and the technology adopted by firms, this model allows to simulate the future behaviour of the labor market.
Heat Flow Evaluation at Eastern Llanos Sedimentary Basin , Colombia

The Eastern Llanos Basin is located in the Eastern region of Colombia. Geomorphologic boundaries are the Colombian-Venezuela border to the north, Macarena high and Vaupes Arch to the south, Guaicaramo Fault system to the west, and Guyana Shield to the east. This basin with an extension of 196.000 km is considered the most productive hydrocarbon basin in continental Colombia. From a preliminary regional map, built from bottom hole temperature (BHT) and average surface temperature data, the Eastern Llanos Basin was identified as the Colombian basin with the highest geothermal gradient magnitudes, except for the Andes (Central Cordillera) where higher anomalies are expected but where very little information is available. The Eastern Llanos basin was chosen as a priority area to improve the data density of the geothermal gradient map and to estimate the heat flow. This work presents the geothermal gradient map of this basin, estimated through the BHT of 870 wells. The results confirm the geothermal gradient trend to increase towards the east and southeast of the basin, as observed in the regional map. The range of variation goes from 8 to 59 °C/km with an average value of about 28.8 °C/km. Thermal conductivity measurements were made directly on well core samples from different geological formations, to obtain representative values. From this, effective average conductivities were estimated in the basin, between 1.12 and 1.57 W/mK, with a mean value of 1.32 W/mK. Low values are probably related to high porosities. From the geothermal gradients and the effective average conductivities, heat flow values were estimated in 84 wells by following the methodology of Carvalho & Vacquier (1977). The variation in heat flow between 20 and 81 mW/m, with a mean value of 37 mW/m, also shows a trend to increase towards the east and south of the basin. Values higher than 56 mW/m could be considered slight anomalies when compared with the average heat flow for Precambrian shields (42 mW/m; σ =10).
An acoustic study of real and imagined foreigner‐directed speech

Foreigner‐directed speech is a much cited speech style, but its acoustic properties are surprisingly under‐studied, and many existing studies evoke imagined interlocutors to elicit foreigner‐directed speech. This study provides an acoustic comparison of foreigner‐directed and native‐directed speech in real and imaginary conditions. Ten native English speakers described the path between landmarks on a map to each of two confederate listeners (one native English speaker and one native Mandarin speaker) and to two imagined listeners (one described as a native English speaker and the other as a non‐native speaker). Vowel duration, rate of speech, and vowel centralization were examined across native‐foreigner and real‐imagined conditions in 22 target words. Stressed vowels were longer and rate of speech was slower in foreigner‐directed than in native‐directed speech. Additionally, /ae/ was more peripheral in the vowel space in the foreigner‐directed condition. These effects were consistent across real and imag.
Patients After Acute Myocardial Infarction Cytochrome P 450 Gene Variants , Race , and Mortality Among Clopidogrel-Treated

Sharon Cresci, Jeremiah P. Depta, Petra A. Lenzini, Allie Y. Li, David E. Lanfear, Michael A. Patients After Acute Myocardial Infarction Cytochrome P450 Gene Variants, Race, and Mortality Among Clopidogrel-Treated Print ISSN: 1942-325X. Online ISSN: 1942-3268 Copyright © 2014 American Heart Association, Inc. All rights reserved. Dallas, TX 75231 is published by the American Heart Association, 7272 Greenville Avenue, Circulation: Cardiovascular Genetics doi: 10.1161/CIRCGENETICS.113. 000303 2014;7:277-286; originally published online April 24, 2014; Circ Cardiovasc Genet. http://circgenetics.ahajournals. org/content/7/3/277 World Wide Web at: The online version of this article, along with updated information and services, is located on the http://circgenetics.ahajournals. org/content/suppl/2014/04/24/CIRCGENETICS.113. 000303.DC1. html Data Supplement (unedited) at:
Sensory and physical properties of cakes with bovine plasma products substituted for egg

Specific objectives were to evaluate sensory and physical characteristics of high-ratio, white layer cakes with various levels of dried egg whites replaced with dried native plasma ; to assess the feasibility of using a dried, hydrolysed plasma and beef stock blend to replace whole eggs and egg white in devil's food cake ; and to conduct consumer tests with plasma and control cakes for degree of liking and for preference
Excess Dividend Smoothing

I find that dividends are a strong predictor of forced executive turnover, which suggests that managerial career concerns can be an important force behind observed dividend smoothness. I study the effect of this channel by developing a dynamic agency model in which dividends signal the firm’s persistent earnings. In equilibrium, dividends and earnings are informational substitutes. Stock prices react to both earnings announcements and dividend changes, and this price reaction has a first-order effect on executive turnover. Managers, therefore, smooth dividends relative to earnings to withhold negative news and lower their turnover risk. Empirical estimates of the model parameters imply that 38% of observed dividend smoothness is turnover-induced. Having a turnover risk leads managers to smooth dividends excessively, compared to the level that maximizes the shareholders’ wealth. This excess dividend smoothing destroys firm value by 2.84%.
NBER WORKING PAPER SERIES TOWARD AN UNDERSTANDING OF REFERENCE-DEPENDENT LABOR SUPPLY: THEORY AND EVIDENCE FROM A FIELD EXPERIMENT

Perhaps the most powerful form of framing arises through reference dependence, wherein choices are made recognizing the starting point or a goal. In labor economics, for example, a form of reference dependence, income targeting, has been argued to represent a serious challenge to traditional economic models. We design a field experiment linked tightly to three popular economic models of labor supply—two behavioral variants and one simple neoclassical model—to deepen our understanding of the positive implications of our major theories. Consistent with neoclassical theory and reference-dependent preferences with endogenous reference points, workers (vendors in open air markets) supply more hours when presented with an expected transitory increase in hourly wages. In contrast with the prediction of behavioral models, however, when vendors earn an unexpected windfall early in the day, their labor supply does not respond. A key feature of our market in terms of parsing the theories is that vendors do not post prices rather they haggle with customers. In this way, our data also speak to the possibility of reference-dependent preferences over other dimensions. Our investigation again yields results that are in line with neoclassical theory, as bargaining patterns are unaffected by the unexpected windfall. Steffen Andersen Department of Economics Copenhagen Business School Porcelænshaven 16A, 1 DK-2000 Frederiksberg Denmark sa.eco@cbs.dk Alec Brandon Department of Economics University of Chicago 5757 S. University Ave. Chicago, IL 60637 alec.brandon@gmail.com Uri Gneezy Rady School of Management University of California San Diego Otterson Hall, Room 4S136 9500 Gilman Drive #0553 La Jolla, CA 92093-0553 ugneezy@ucsd.edu John A. List Department of Economics University of Chicago 1126 East 59th Chicago, IL 60637 and NBER jlist@uchicago.edu
Electronic Word-of-Mouth

: The aim of present study is to provide an understanding on the importance of eWoM and the information adoption by online consumers via eWoM. This study signifies the importance of eWoM and its relation towards information adoption by online consumers. Information Adoption Model by Sussman and Siegal (2003) is used to develop the conceptual framework in understanding information adoption by online consumers via eWoM. Working adults with online purchase experience are selected as sample for this study. On a sample size of 50 Malaysian e-shoppers from Kuala Lumpur, an open ended questionnaire was used as a primary data collection method. The uniqueness of this paper is the emphasis on eWoM and information adoption process which is important for online consumers to progress to the next stage. Finally, this article maps out how future research can be more sensitive to how eWoM actually involved in the purchasing decision by online consumers.
Characterisation of chlorinated fatty acid metabolites in human cells after uptake of dichlorostearic acid, as determined by a halogen-specific detector (XSD)

Chlorinated fatt y acids (CIFAs) have been found to account for a considerable portion of the extractable organically bo und chlorine in aquatic animals. Methods particularly suitable for the determination of CIFAs have relatively newly been developed, which may explain why the se compounds did not come to attention as a potentially hazardous environmental pollutant until during the recent decade. The presence of CIFAs in human tissues has not yet been reported, and it is not known if human cells can incorporate and metabolise these compounds. Recently a new halogen specific detector (XSD) has been introduced. It is described to be a sensitive, selective, and robust detector in the determination of halogenated pesticides. It has been dec\ared to be more stable and easier to maintain than other halogen selective detectors. The XSD operates in an oxidative pyrolysis mode and the sample compounds are converted into their oxidation products. When halogen-containing compounds enter the hot detector, the detector current will increase. CIF As have not earlier been studied by an XSD. The aim of this work was to study i) the XSD, connected to a gas chromatograph, in the determination of CIFA methyl esters (CIFAMEs), and ii) the incorporation and metabolism of CIF As in human cell lines, as determined by XSD detection. It was shown that the XSD provides a detection limit (0.2 ng of dichlorostearic acid methyl ester) and a selectivity «response CIFAMEs)/(response unchlorinated fally acid methyl esters» » 10\ similar to that of the electrolytic conductivity detector (ELCD), commonly used in determination of CIFAMEs. Furthermore, the XSD was found to be very easy and stable to maintain in the analysis of CIFAMEs. In the determination of CIFAs obtained from human cell lines, it was established that human cells can incorporate dichlorostearic acid and degrade it to dichloropalmitic acid and dichloromyristic acid, probably through /3-oxidation. CIFAs were found both in the neutrallipid and in the phospholipid fraction of the cultured cells. Dichloromyristic acid was the shortest CIFAs detected and was found to be released to the culture medium to a higher extent than the other CIFAs. The XSD was found to be a good alternative to the ELCD in the determination of CIFAs and the XSD is suitable for use in continued studies of the turnover of CIF As in human cells.
Bovine trypanosomosis in three districts of Southwest Oromia, Ethiopia

A study was carried out from September 2007 to March 2008 to determine the prevalence of trypanosomosis and the apparent tsetse densities and other biting flies as well as to evaluate community awareness about the disease and its control method in three districts of west Shoa zone in Oromia. From a total of 1200 animals examined, (600 in the late rainy and 600 in the dry seasons) the prevalence of trypanosomosis was found to be 33.5% and 17.83% in the late rainy and dry seasons, respectively. There was a statistically significant difference in prevalence was observed (p<0.05) between the two seasons. The mean PCV values of the parasitaemic and aparasitaemic animals during the late rainy season were 20.19% and 26.75% while during the dry season 18.75% and 23.97%, respectively. A fly-survey was conducted by using 90 monoconical pyramidal traps and revealed that three tsetse species, namely G. pallidipes, G. m. submorsitans and G. f. fuscipes were found along with other biting flies (tabanids and muscids) in the study area. The apparent densities of tsetse flies were significantly different (p<0.05) during the two study. The overall apparent densities of tsetse flies were found to be 2.87 fly/trap/day (95% CI= 1.04-5.77%) and 1.26 flay/tap/day (95% CI= 1.17-2.07%) in late rainy and dry seasons, respectively. G. f. fuscipes and G. pallidipes appear to be the dominant tsetse species in the study area. The proportion of female tsetse flies caught was higher in both seasons. The apparent density of biting flies (tabanids and muscids) was significantly higher (p<0.05) in the late rainy season (1.49 fly/trap/day, 18.66 fly/trap/day) than the dry season (0.77 fly/trap/day, 15.04 fly/trap/day) respectively. Poor infrastructure, absence of trypanosomosis and vector control activities in the area have worsen the situation and hence require professional intervention.
Insecticides Used in Bulk Grains Structural Sprays

This chapter covers insecticides used as sprays in empty bins before storing new grain, as direct grain protectants in bulk-stored grains, and as surface treatments and aerosols in grain storage structures and grain products. Discussion of fumigants and fumigations, modified atmospheres, and extreme temperatures for insect management are covered in chapters 14, 15, and 16, respectively. Sampling and insect monitoring, which are essential for evaluating effectiveness of chemical treatments, are covered in chapters 18, 19 and 21.
Income Polarization and Economic Growth

This study examines empirically the impact of income polarization on economic growth in an unbalanced panel of more than 70 countries during the 1960–2005 period. We calculate various polarization indices using existing micro-level datasets, as well as datasets reconstructed from grouped data on income distribution taken from the World Income Inequality Database. The results garnered for our preferred sample of countries suggest that income polarization has a negative impact on growth in the short term, while the impact of income inequality on growth is statistically insignificant. Our results are fairly robust to various model specifications and estimation techniques.
C-terminal heparin-binding domain polypeptide derived from plasma fibronectin , rhFNHC 36 , protects endotoxemia mice by preventing inflammatory responses and increasing the activity of Th lymphocytes

Plasma fibronectin (pFN) could prevent hepatic failure, but it is difficult to obtain sufficient FN from plasma for treatment. So, the study evaluated the therapeutic effects of rhFNHC-36, a recombinant C-terminal heparin-binding domain polypeptide of fibronectin and could be easily obtained from yeast expression system, on endotoxemia mice sensitized by D-galactosamine (D-GalN). After treatment of rhFNHC-36, the 72-hour survival rates were significantly increased, less necrosis occurred in liver and spleen, and increased plasma proinflammatory MCP-1, IL-6 and TNF were attenuated in endotoxemia. In addition, the percentages of Th1 and Th17 cells were higher whereas the Th2 cells were lower. The expression of PD-1 in CD4+ T cells was decreased accompanied by increased expression of CD28. The proliferation, IFN-γ production and proportion of CD44+ CD62Lcells were restored in CD4+ splenocytes stimulated with anti-CD3/CD28 Abs, and IL-4 was inhibited. M1 markers were down-regulated and M2 markers were up-regulated in LPS-induced peritoneal macrophages treated by rhFNHC-36. These results suggested the therapeutic effects of rhFNHC-36 on endotoxemia mice were achieved by preventing inflammatory response on macrophages polarization and promoting the cellular activity of Th lymphocytes. Importantly, its functions are comparable to pFN and so rhFNHC-36 has the potential to be used clinically.
Waste composts as nitrogen fertilizers for forage leys

Two field experiments, conventional grass ley and organic grass-clover ley, were established with barley as a nurse crop in spring 2000 and given either low or high fertilization with mineral fertilizer (Mineral) or composts. The compost types were municipal biowaste (Biowaste), biowaste + sewage sludge (BioSludge) and cattle manure (Manure). Plant yields and nitrogen (N) uptakes were measured for three years and efficiency of N utilization was estimated. In single application of compost, the total N was mainly in organic form and less than 10% was in inorganic form. Along with increasing amount of inorganic N applied in compost, the yield, N uptake and N recovery increased during the application year. The highest compost N recovery in the application year was 12%, found with Biowaste. In the following years the highest N recovery was found where the lowest total N had been applied. Clover performance was improved in the organic grass-clover ley established with BioSludge fertilization, producing total ley yield comparable with Manure compost. High total N application in composts caused high N surplus and low N use efficiency over three years. Generally, moderate compost fertilization is suitable for ley crops when supplemented with mineral N fertilizer or clover N fixation.