Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Equatorward dispersion of a high-latitude volcanic plume and its relation to the Asian summer monsoon: a case study of the Sarychev eruption in 2009

Abstract. Tropical volcanic eruptions have been widely studied for their significant contribution to stratospheric aerosol loading and global climate impacts, but the impact of high-latitude volcanic eruptions on the stratospheric aerosol layer is not clear and the pathway of transporting aerosol from high latitudes to the tropical stratosphere is not well understood. In this work, we focus on the high-latitude volcano Sarychev (48.1° N, 153.2° E), which erupted in June 2009, and the influence of the Asian summer monsoon (ASM) on the equatorward dispersion of the volcanic plume. First, the sulfur dioxide (SO2) emission time series and plume height of the Sarychev eruption are estimated with SO2 observations of the Atmospheric Infrared Sounder (AIRS) and a backward trajectory approach using the Lagrangian particle dispersion model Massive–Parallel Trajectory Calculations (MPTRAC). Then, the transport and dispersion of the plume are simulated using the derived SO2 emission time series. The transport simulations are compared with SO2 observations from AIRS and validated with aerosol observations from the Michelson Interferometer for Passive Atmospheric Sounding (MIPAS). The MPTRAC simulations show that about 4 % of the sulfur emissions were transported to the tropical stratosphere within 50 days after the beginning of the eruption, and the plume dispersed towards the tropical tropopause layer (TTL) through isentropic transport above the subtropical jet. The MPTRAC simulations and MIPAS aerosol data both show that between the potential temperature levels of 360 and 400 K, the equatorward transport was primarily driven by anticyclonic Rossby wave breaking enhanced by the ASM in boreal summer. The volcanic plume was entrained along the anticyclone flows and reached the TTL as it was transported southwestwards into the deep tropics downstream of the anticyclone. Further, the ASM anticyclone influenced the pathway of aerosols by isolating an aerosol hole inside of the ASM, which was surrounded by aerosol-rich air outside. This transport barrier was best indicated using the potential vorticity gradient approach. Long-term MIPAS aerosol detections show that after entering the TTL, aerosol from the Sarychev eruption remained in the tropical stratosphere for about 10 months and ascended slowly. The ascent speed agreed well with the ascent speed of the water vapor tape recorder. Furthermore, a hypothetical MPTRAC simulation for a wintertime eruption was carried out. It is shown that under winter atmospheric circulations, the equatorward transport of the plume would be suppressed by the strong subtropical jet and weak wave breaking events. In this hypothetical scenario, a high-latitude volcanic eruption would not be able to contribute to the tropical stratospheric aerosol layer.
DETERMINING FACTORS OF ENTREPRENEURIAL COMPETENCY

Entrepreneurship is one of critical importance to the modern economy. Researchers have studied entrepreneurship for decades. In recent years, significant relationship between entrepreneurial competencies and business performance has been reported in empirical studies. This study aims is to empirically test the determining factors of entrepreneurial competencies and to analysis significant relationship between entrepreneurial competencies and business performance. A survey is conducted among the SMEs owner and the manager in Malang regency region using survey instrument. Data analysis using confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) and Linier Regression. The results of this study indicate that determining factors of the entrepreneurial competencies consisting of strategic competency, conceptual competency, opportunity competency, learning competency, and personal competency, while the relationship competency is not as decisive entrepreneurial competencies. Among the five competencies required of SMEs, strategic competency and learning competency are the two most decisive competence realization of entrepreneurial competencies. The results also indicate that the entrepreneurial competency has a significant influence on business performance, it means the more powerful entrepreneurial competency will ultimately have an effect on SMEs performance.
An Investigation on Beach Profile Changes in Front of Seawalls

Although there exist advanced models which predict beach profile for natural beaches, the behavior of the beaches in front of seawalls still suffers from the lack of appropriate theoretical models and sufficient measured data. In this paper, following the results obtained from the measurements, a beach profile evolution model is developed, using the measured probability distribution of the near-bed horizontal velocities as input, to predict the shortterm bed level changes in the vicinity of a partially reflective seawall. The present model introduces a new approach in which based on integrating the probability density functions of the near-bed horizontal velocities, the sediment displacements and consequently bed level changes are calculated in front of a partially reflective structure. The results obtained from the model in comparison with the experiments are promising and encouraging for further developments of the proposed model.
The State-Enterprise Experience in the GCC: Whither Singapore Inc.?

The city-state of Singapore's roadmap for internationalization of local companies into the GCC region has, arguably, made its mark; recently crossing the milestone of 100 local companies that have, to date, found business opportunities in this foreign and exotic land. Actually taking these opportunities, however, has proven more complicated, with cultural differences and highly dynamic local business environments posing unforeseen challenges to Singapore companies – producing a test of adaptability that has returned rather mixed results. Of particular interest are government-linked companies (GLCs), among the largest and the first of Singapore's entrants into the region; perceived as more structurally rigid, and with stakeholder obligations and motivations very much beyond the profit-driven. Thus, this paper – in which we explore the experiences of GLCs in the GCC, and draw some perhaps surprising conclusions.
The Individual Level Dynamics of Bounded Partisanship 1

Over the past half century, scholars utilized a variety of theoretical and methodological approaches to study the attachment or identification voters have with political parties. However, models on partisan (in)stability ignore its bounded character. Making use of Mixed Latent Markov Models we measure change and stability of individual-level West German partisan identification captured over a 24 year period via the German Socio-Economic Panel (GSEOP). Results suggest that distinctive subpopulations exist, which follow different patterns of partisan stability. One party’s loss is not necessarily another party’s gain. 1Large parts of the paper were written when Daniel Stegmueller was ECASS visitor at the Institute for Social and Economic Research (ISER), University of Essex. We thank Allan McCutcheon, Thomas Gschwend, Andreas Murr, and the participants of the panel ‘Dynamics of attitudes and party choice’ at the General Conference of the European Consortium of Political Research (September 2009 Potsdam, Germany) for useful comments on earlier versions of the paper. 2Nuffield College, University of Oxford; anja.neundorf@nuffield.ox. ac.uk. 3University of Mannheim & University of Frankfurt; mail@daniel-stegmueller.com. 4University of Essex; tscott@essex.ac.uk.
Modelling the auxin-mediated vein formation system in plant leaves

The plant hormone auxin is involved in a wide range of develop mental phenomena in plants. It carries out many of its effects through a signalli g network involving the regulation of specific genes, including those involved in its ow n polar transport between cells. These transporters are able to be redistributed between cel l fa s, causing the asymmetric auxin transport that is a key requirement for the formati on of vein patterns in leaves. In this thesis I describe the development of a biochemical ki netics-based model of auxin signalling and transport in a single cell, which displays bi ologically plausible responses to auxin application. The single-cell model then serves as t he basis for a multicell model of auxin-mediated vein formation at a very early stage of lea formation in Arabidopsis thaliana.
MORPHOLOGICAL AND HISTOLOGICAL ANALYSIS OF THE MANDIBULAR GLAND AND SUBLINGUAL GLANDS IN PRENATAL PERIOD OF THE PIG

The research was carried out on a group of 119 foetuses aged from the 36 th to 120 th d of prenatal life. The “cross-section of population” method was used. The subjects were divided into six groups for statistical assessment. The development of the salivary glands was evaluated by using anatomo-topographical methods: skeletopy, synthopy, and holotopy. The structural characteristics of the vascularisation and innervations were examined by morphological, radiological, and histological methods. The development and morphology of the mandibular and sublingual glands was correlated with the development of the surrounding organs. The most intensive growth of salivary glands was observed in the 10 th –11 th week of prenatal life and was connected with the isometric phase. The histological structures of the glands changed according to the age of the foetus. The connective tissue of the glands diminished and the excretory parts increased during pregnancy. The position of the foetus in the uterus and its sex had no influence on morphology and the development of mandibular and sublingual salivary glands.
SERVICE MARKETING, VALUE CO-CREATION AND CUSTOMER SATISFACTION IN THE AIRSOFT INDUSTRY: CASE OF A TECHNOLOGY-BASED FIRM

The main objective of the paper is to examine whether offering a co-creation opportunity as a part of service marketing strategy influences customer value creation and satisfaction in the airsoft industry. Our study uses a case study of a technology-based firm from the airsoft industry which operates internationally. The methods employed included statistical analyses based on the data collected through a survey of the technology-based company customers (n=178). Coefficients of Spearman and Kendall were used to examine the correlations between respondents’ particulars and elements influencing customer satisfaction. The study results reveal that there are different drivers involved in the marketing strategy of value co-creation and customer satisfaction, and some of them have a stronger impact on target customers. The research contributes to the present scientific publications by adding a comprehensive analysis of users’ value co-production as part of a successful marketing strategy implementation by a technology-based firm. The study emphasizes the need for more empirically grounded support for the management of value co-creation processes incorporated in firm’s marketing strategy.
Analysis of genetic diversity and its stratification in pigeonpea germplasm using BES-derived microsatellite markers

Microsatellites have become the today’s markers of choice for molecular breeding and genome studies for their high polymorphism and transferability across related genera. The present study was conducted to analyze the genetic diversity in 58 pigeonpea accessions including 7 wild relatives using BAC (bacterial artificial chromosome)-end sequences derived simple sequence repeat markers. A total of 40 BES (BAC-end sequences)-SSR markers were characterized for diversity related parameters to identify most polymorphic markers. The cluster analysis based on Nei’s genetic distance coefficients grouped all genotypes into 3 clusters. The wild species were placed in a separate cluster, while the clustering pattern revealed no relationship between geographic origin and genetic diversity. Test for Hardy Weinberg equilibrium resulted in identification of 4 SSRs, which were not under population equilibrium and hence were not used in further diversity analyses. In order to test the degree of differentiation of the accessions from different regions of India, analysis of molecular variance (AMOVA) was conducted. The value of Fst across groups was observed to be 0.17, indicating moderately high differentiation among groups. The population diversity measures were calculated using POPGEN32 software. The results clearly indicated the presence of higher genetic diversity in peninsular and northern regions compared to in north-western and northern plains. Analysis across the four eco-geographic regions indicated presence of highest number of alleles per locus (2.550+0.904) for peninsular India (Andhra Pradesh & Maharashtra), followed by northern region (2.350+0.893). The statistics developed for the BES-SSR markers will be useful for selection of most informative marker sets for genetic diversity analysis, for tagging genes for biotic or abiotic stress resistance and mapping of important agronomical traits in pigeonpea.
An Opportunistic Array Beamforming Technique Based on Binary Multiobjective Wind Driven Optimization Method

We present a novel binary version of multiobjective wind driven optimization (WDO) for emitted beamforming of opportunistic array radar, which is assumed as a multiobjective optimization problem. Firstly, the emitted signal model and objective functions of optimization are presented. Then the algorithm proposes a new definition of the position vector of air parcel, and brings a good discretization interpretation of continuous WDO. For multiobjective optimization, the grey relational grade (GRG) is then used to measure the similarity between the best two solutions for these two objectives. The best pressure locations with the maximum GRG will be recorded as the best two candidate solutions to the problem, and a final optimization result will be selected according to the importance of the two objectives. Finally, the proposed improved WDO has been applied for the optimal design of beamforming of the opportunistic antenna array, which needs a trade-off between the 3 dB main beam width and sidelobe level. The simulation results show that the proposed method outperforms conventional particle swarm optimization (PSO) in the optimal beamforming by achieving more reduction in the sidelobe level and saving more runtime.
Bioefficacy of insecticides for management of stem borerand leaf folder on paddy in Punjab, India

The comparative efficacy of granular insecticides was evaluated on paddy at farmers’ field in the Gurdaspur district. The per cent dead hearts were significantly lower (1.33) in the plots treated with Regent and it was closely followed by Padan (1.40) and significantly better than Furadan (2.36). Similarly, the per cent white ears were significantly lower (1.62)in the plots treated with Padan and closely followed by Regent (1.64) and both were at par with each other and significantly better than the Furadan (3.02). The per cent leaf folder incidence was also significantly reduced with application of Padan and Regent as compared with Furadan and control. The insecticidal applications significantly increased the grain yield of basmati rice as compared to untreated control.
Professional Development of EFL Teachers in Colombia: Between Colonial and Local Practices

The professional development of EFL teachers represents a challenge for teachers, teacher educators and policy makers in the accomplishment of better standards in education. Literature reviews on the area reveal the need for new models of professional growth for Colombian teachers. Within the framework of “Colombia Bilingüe”, the Ministry of Education proposes a professional development model that aims to reach a signifi cant number of teachers. This paper presents a critical review of this program in the light of national and international literature on teacher education. Conclusions suggest the need for more post-method approaches, for locally produced knowledge to be recognized, and for the collaborative work of policy makers and national scholars to generate teacher development programs more adequate to our reality.
Measuring Intertemporal Substitution: The Role of Durable Goods

In estimating, the intertemporal elasticity of substitution, Hall finds that, when one takes account of time aggregation, point estimates are small and not significantly different from zero. He concludes that the clasticity is unlikely to be much above 0.1 and may well be zero. Applying improved inference methods to an economic model similar to Hall's, Hansen and Singleton show that there is considerably less precision in the estimation. We argue that the model used by these authors is misspecified because the intratemporal substitution between nondurable consumption goods and durable consumption goods is ignored. We use a two‐step procedure that combines a cointegration approach to preference parameter estimation with generalized method of moments to take these effects into account. Our estimates for the intertemporal elasticity of substitution are positive and significantly different from zero, even when time aggregation is taken into account.
Making sense of the technological onslaught : observations on the mobile telephone in the age of constant adaptation

In this chapter I will present the literature and concepts I have found useful to my research, explain their relevance to my topic(s) and how they supplement each other. As stated in the previous chapter, the purpose of my research is a) to examine to what extent we really have freedom of choice when relating to the mobile telephone, and b) outline our possibility to influence the development of mobile telephone technology through use. These questions have been approached through a set of related issues: • What are the main characteristics of mobile telephone communication and diffusion? • How are meanings associated with mobile phones? • How are norms of mobile conduct worked out? Using contemporary mobile telephone research as a starting point, I have put together a suitable melange of theories and concepts to best approach these questions, drawing on a range of disciplines including STS-theory, ethnography, sociology, cultural studies and media theory. This composition can be compared to a toolbox for fixing a car; it is not sufficient to rely on any single perspective or discipline, any more than you can repair a broken engine with wrench alone. The research question should determine the conceptual framework, not the other way around. Various concepts and definitions are not seen as “right” or “wrong”, but more or less fruitful depending on the purpose. 2 Some of which are partially method-related. For practical reasons method-related literature is dealt with in chapters 3 and 4.
Technology Shocks and Monetary Policy in an Estimated Sticky Price Model of the US Economy

In this paper, we, seek to characterize the dynamic effects of permanent technology shocks and the way in which US monetary authorities reacted to these shocks over the sample 1955(1)--2002(4). To do so, we develop an augmented sticky price-sticky wage model of the business cycle, which is estimated by minimizing the distance between theoretical, dynamic responses of key variables to a permanent technology shock and their structural VAR counterparts. In a second step, we compare these responses with the outcome of the optimal monetary policy.
An Assessment of the Level of Knowledge of HIV-Infected Patients about Highly Active Antireteroviral Therapy and Waiting Times and Their Influence on Antiretroviral Therapy Adherence at a Primary Healthcare Centre of South Africa

Objectives: The study assessed if the level of knowledge of HIV-infected about HAART and waiting-times in the PHC (primary healthcare) clinic have an influence on antiretroviral adherence. Methods: A descriptive-cross-sectional study was conducted in South Africa. Data collected uses a standardized-questionnaire and face-to-face-exit interviews. Pill-count technique was performed and a value of ≥ 95% acceptable. Data were analysed using SPSS. Univariate-factors associated with poor-adherence to knowledge about HAART and waiting times were assessed using ANOVA and p ≤ 0.05 considered statistically significant. Key findings: Of 86 enrolled, 63(73.3%) were females and 23(26.7%) males, with mean-age (± SD) of 35.6(±9.6) years and on HAART for 35.5(± 31.8) months ranging from 1-137. Of these, 27(31.40%) and 25(29.07%) were on WHO stages 2 and 3 respectively. Adherence-rates computed from 32 patients, 23(71.9%) revealed poor adherence-rates. The level of knowledge about HAART in terms of names of tablets, correct-dose, frequency, adverse-effects had no influence on ARV-adherence (p ≥ 0.05). Of 23 non-compliant, 10 (40%) gave the reason of drugs-unavailability, 7(30%) adverse-effects, 5(20%) drugs’ complexity, and 1(10%) too busy to take them. Waiting areas associated with poor ARV-adherence were reception (p = 0.028), doctors (p = 0.027), while nurse’s station (p = 0.29) and pharmacy (p = 0.43) revealed acceptable ARV-adherence.
NON-TRADITIONAL ACTIVITIES AND FUNDING STRUCTURES: AN ANALYSIS OF COMMERCIAL BANKS IN TURKEY

The purpose of this paper is to identify the effects of bank characteristics on non-traditional activities and funding structures of commercial banks. Using data from 24 commercial banks operating in Turkey over the period 2006-2014, it is found that bank characteristics have an important role in explaining non-traditional activities and funding structures. According to the findings, bank size is statistically significant in explaining each component of non-interest income. Faster growth and higher profitability are essentially associated with higher trading income. Also, foreign ownership has a significant impact on fee and commission income and trading income. Findings regarding the funding structures of commercial banks show that foreign ownership and loan loss provisions are important factors in explaining the ratio of non-deposit funding to total liabilities.
Shell repair in Anticalyptraea (Tentaculita) in the late Silurian (Pridoli) of Baltica

Shell repair is common in the late Silurian (Pridoli) encrusting tentaculitoid tubeworm Anticalyptraea calyptrata from Saaremaa, Estonia (Baltica), and is interpreted here as a result of failed predation. A. calyptrata has a shell repair frequency of 29 % (individuals with scars) with 17 specimens. There is probably an antipredatory adaptation, i.e. extremely thick vesicular walls, in the morphology of Silurian Anticalyptraea. The morphological and ecological evolution of Anticalyptraea could thus have been partially driven by predation.
Impact of Sedimentological Hierarchy on Sandstone Connectivity in Deep-Water Lobes - An Object-Based Modelling Approach

Recent progress in understanding the internal architecture of deep-water lobes has benefited from high-resolution seismic and outcrop studies which have identified a 4-fold hierarchical geometrical arrangement (beds within lobe elements, within lobes, within lobe complexes). Our aim is to understand the influence on reservoir connectivity and performance of different sedimentological characteristics at different levels within this hierarchy. For this purpose, we have developed a novel object-based modelling tool designed not only to reproduce the detailed architecture within lobe complexes, but also to investigate the sandstone bed connectivity within and between different hierarchical components. We focus on the three-dimensional connectivity of sandstone beds within an idealised lobe, and show that models with statistically identical bed-scale properties (sizes, net:gross ratios, amalgamation ratios) can have vastly different lobe-scale connectivity, dependant on the quantitative sedimentological hierarchy. Hence it is important to test connectivity within different plausible parameterisations of lobe reservoirs of interest, since definition of the hierarchy is subtle and different workers can interpret the same systems in different ways.