Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Dynamic Spillovers in the United States: Stock Market, Housing, Uncertainty and the Macroeconomy

In this study, we examine dynamic spillovers among the housing market, stock market, and economic policy uncertainty (EPU) in the United States in a unified empirical framework. Applying the Diebold and Yilmaz (2012) methodology on monthly data over the period 1987M1–2014M11, our findings reveal the following features. First, the transmission of various types of shocks contributes significantly to economic fluctuations in the United States. Second, spillovers show large variations over time. Third, in the wake of the global financial crisis, spillovers have been exceptionally high in historical perspective. In particular, we find large spillovers from EPU, as well as stock market and housing returns to other variables, in particular inflation, industrial production and the federal funds rate. These results illustrate the contagion from the housing and financial crisis to the real economy and the strong policy reaction to stabilize the economy.
INFORMATION SEEKING BEHAVIOUR OF CASSAVA FARMERS IN UPATA CLAN, EKPEYE COMMUNITY OF RIVERS STATE, NIGERIA

This study dealt on fresh cassava farmers in Ekpeye land of Rivers State, Nigeria. This study adopted a survey research design which cluster sampling technique was used to select 984 respondents on random basis from four clusters. Structured questionnaire was design for the collection of data. Three categories of farmers were identified in the study. They are peasants, commercial and cooperative farmers. The peasant farmers are mainly old and retiring group with little needs and information. The commercial farmers are individual prospective farmers. The cooperative farmers are those who agreed to contribute their efforts, money and resources for a common goal and objective. They are anxious to getting information about how, what and where to go for more knowledge and assistance. It was also observed that the farmers desiring information from colleagues, extension workers, agricultural institutions, news media and banks in order to sustain, organize and expand their efforts in profit making. It is the position of this study that if cassava farmers are given more information, they will surely do better. In this case, they should be given more education as this would benefit them.
THE IMPACT OF CUSTOMER RELATIONSHIP MANAGEMENT CAPABILITIES ON ORGANIZATIONAL PERFORMANCE; MODERATING ROLE OF COMPETITION INTENSITY

Today, organizational success and performance depends on identifying, attracting, acquiring and maintaining customers in the highly intensive competition environment. The current research identify the problem of enhance the organizational performance through customer relationship management capabilities (Customer interaction management Capability and Customer relationship upgrading Capability) in the presence of competition. Population of this research was telecom sector in Pakistan. Expected sample size was 300 employees from telecom organizations. They was be administered through adopt questionnaire including Customer relationship management capability (Customer Interaction management capability and customer relationship upgrading capability), organizational performance and competition intensity. Multiple logistic regression analysis tests was used for further analysis. The current study was enable companies to make a long term and strong relationship with their customers. This research would enable organizations to understand and use their capabilities better than was possible before.
Using Adjoint-Based Forecast Sensitivity Method to Evaluate TAMDAR Data Impacts on Regional Forecasts

This study evaluates the impact of Tropospheric Airborne Meteorological Data Reporting (TAMDAR) observations on regional 24-hour forecast error reduction over the Continental United States (CONUS) domain using adjoint-based forecast sensitivity to observation (FSO) method as the diagnostic tool. The relative impact of TAMDAR observations on reducing the forecast error was assessed by conducting the WRFDA FSO experiments for two two-week-long periods, one in January and one in June 2010. These experiments assimilated operational TAMDAR data and other conventional observations, as well as GPS refractivity (GPSREF). FSO results show that rawinsonde soundings (SOUND) and TAMDAR exhibit the largest observation impact on 24 h WRF forecast, followed by GeoAMV, aviation routine weather reports (METAR), GPSREF, and synoptic observations (SYNOP). At 0000 and 1200 UTC, TAMDAR has an equivalent impact to SOUND in reducing the 24-hour forecast error. However, at 1800 UTC, TAMDAR has a distinct advantage over SOUND, which has the sparse observation report at these times. In addition, TAMDAR humidity observations at lower levels of the atmosphere (700 and 850 hPa) have a significant impact on 24 h forecast error reductions. TAMDAR and SOUND observations present a qualitatively similar observation impact between FSO and Observation System Experiments (OSEs).
The most northerly record of feral Pacific oyster Crassostrea gigas (Thunberg, 1793) in the British Isles.

The Pacific oyster Crassostrea gigas (Thunberg, 1793) is an invasive non-native species to Europe, introduced as an aquaculture alternative in 1890. In recent years, C. gigas have expanded their range past 60oN on the east side of the North Sea along the Norwegian coast, consistent with range-expansion predictions. However, the northwest North Sea around the Scottish coast has not shown an equivalent expansion. Here we report collection of two C. gigas specimens north of 60oN in Shetland, corresponding to an increase in the species northwest range of 471 km. These finds have implications for local shellfish aquaculture industries and in the conservation of priority marine habitats that are located in the near vicinity. The findings suggest that the species can spawn and survive at much lower temperatures than those used in current models.
Theoretical Analysis of Stiffness Constant and Effective Mass for a Round-Folded Beam in MEMS Accelerometer

In this paper, the governing equations of stiffness constant and effective mass for a round folded suspension beam in Micro-Electro Mechanical System (MEMS) accelerometer are derived and solved. The stiffness constant is determined by the strain energy and Castigliano’s displacement theorem, whereas the effective mass is determined by the Rayleigh principle. The stiffness constant and the effective mass are solved separately by components and then combined by using the superposition method. The results obtained by the derived equations agree well when compared with the finite element results for several thickness values. The governing equations derived in this paper can be used to predict the natural frequencies and sensitivity of the MEMS-accelerometer.
Training conditional and cumulative risk judgements : The role of frequencies, problem-structure and einstellung

Two experiments implement and evaluate a training scheme for learning to apply frequency formats to probability judgements couched in terms of percentages. Results indicate that both conditional and cumulative probability judgements can be improved in this manner, however the scheme is insufficient to promote any deeper understanding of the problem structure. In both experiments, training on one problem type only (either conditional or cumulative risk judgements) resulted in an inappropriate transfer of a learned method at test. The obstacles facing a frequency-based training programme for teaching appropriate use of probability data are discussed. Copyright (c) 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Assessment of Infiltration Using a Mini Rainfall Simulator in the River Njoro Watershed

Hydrological changes in many watersheds worldwide have been attributed to land use change. In the River Njoro watershed, vast forested land has been replaced by other land uses including agriculture and grazing. This has led to decrease in infiltration in many parts of the watershed. The study was aimed at establishing the effects of land use change on infiltration in the watershed. The study was done on runoff plots, which was used to assess infiltration in the watershed. There was a randomized block design with five land use treatments and three replicates (sites) per treatment. The site plots were mapped using Global Positioning System (GPS) and plotted in a Geographical Information System (GIS) environment. A rainfall simulator having dimensions of 0.4m by 0.25m was used to simulate rainfall on plot size of 0.1 m 2 . In every site rainfall was applied at an average rate of 10mm/h on three plots using a rainfall simulator. Infiltration, the difference between applied rainfall and runoff, generated from three sites in each land use was measured. The soil properties including bulk density, texture, organic matter content and pH were measured in every site. The highest infiltration was on indigenous forest and decreased in the order of plantation forest, deforested area, agricultural land and grazing land. The mean infiltration rates for each land use were 43.5, 37, 26.2, 25.4 and 20.2 mm/hr. Statistical analysis (P< 0.05) showed that there were significant differences in infiltration between forested areas and all other land use areas. The land under forested cover registered high infiltration whereas areas of the watershed characterized by intensive interference of land cover and soil surface conditions experienced low infiltration. It is evident from the results that afforestation needs to be encouraged in the watershed.
Screening antimycobacterial activity of Baccharis dracunculifolia, Centella asiatica, Lantana camara and Pterodon emarginatus

The permanent investigation of new antimycobacterial drugs is necessary for the eradication programs of tuberculosis and other mycobacterium-related diseases. The aim of the present study is to search for new sources of antimycobacterial drugs using plant materials. In this study, 11 plant materials (extracts, essential oils and some fractions) obtained from 4 species of medicinal plants traditionally used as general therapeutics for different illnesses and specifically as treatment of tuberculosis, were evaluated using the microplate resazurin assay against 2 species of the Mycobacterium tuberculosis Complex and 3 nontuberculous mycobacteria. The results showed the hexane extract and the essential oil from fruits of Pterodonemarginatus (Vogel) as potential sources of antimycobacterial drugs against 4 species of tested mycobacteria. The hexane fraction of methanol extract from leaves of Centella asiatica also presented significant mycobacterial growth inhibition, but against M. chelonae only. In conclusion, it was possible to contribute to the antimycobacterial investigations by presenting three new samples of plants with significant antimicrobial activity against four Mycobacteriumspp and suggest future studies about the antimycobacterial properties of fruits from P. emarginatus.
Obesity in Thai Adolescents: Lifestyles, Health Attitudes and Psychosocial Concerns

Objective: To determine the dietary pattern, lifestyle factors, and psychosocial concerns in Thai obese adolescents. Methods: Students’ school health records under the Siriraj School Health Network was reviewed during the academic year of 2005. Those with body mass indices (BMI) ≥25 kg/m2 were asked to complete a self-administered questionnaire divided into three parts; 1) health attitudes and psychosocial concerns; 2) dieting lifestyle; 3) physical activity lifestyle. Results: The prevalence of overweight and obesity among 718 from 5,071 students from Siriraj School Health Network was different between genders (7.7% and 2.5% in male vs. 2.9% and 1% in female). Of those, 403 voluntarily answered the self-administered questionnaires. The majority of students (87.9%) were not satisfied with their actual weight, and tried to lose weight (94.2%). Concerning their lifestyles, 79.4% and 49.6% had taken high calorie food mostly fast food and dined buffet-style at least once a week respectively, while half disliked fruits and vegetables, and 15.4% skipped breakfast. Also, the majority of students exercised less than the standard recommendation of at least three days a week, with more than two thirds, excusing not having enough time to practice while 48% spending at least three hours a day watching television and playing computer. Importantly, more than half of them had weight- related psychosocial problems presenting as poor self image, low self esteem and self confidence. Conclusion: Unhealthy lifestyles, poor health attitudes and negative psychosocial concerns were reported among Thai obese adolescents. Strategies for successful obesity prevention are discussed in this article.
On the measurement bias of low-l solar p-mode excitation parameters: The impact of a ground-based window function

We present a study of the impact of a ground-based, multi-station window function on estimates of the power and damping of low-� solar p modes extracted from fits to resonant structure in the frequency domain. The window functions come from six-site observations made by the Birmingham Solar-Oscillations Network (BiSON) over the 10-yr period beginning 1991 January. Two strategies were adopted. In the first, we used an 800-d time series of continuous observations made by the GOLF instrument on board the ESA/NASA SOHO satellite. These data were modulated by a variety of BiSON window functions, with fractional duty cycles ranging from ∼0. 4t o∼0.8, and the resulting series analyzed. In the second we generated artificial 10-yr time series and studied the effect on these of the complete BiSON window.
Detection of CI line emission from the detached CO shell of the AGB star R Sculptoris

Stars on the asymptotic giant branch (AGB) lose substantial amounts of matter, to the extent that they are important for the chemical evolution of, and dust production in, the universe. The mass loss is believed to increase gradually with age on the AGB, but it may also occur in the form of bursts, possibly related to the thermal pulsing phenomenon. Detached, geometrically thin, CO shells around carbon stars are good signposts of brief and intense mass ejection. We aim to put further constraints on the physical properties of detached CO shells around AGB stars. The photodissociation of CO and other carbon-bearing species in the shells leads to the possibility of detecting lines from neutral carbon. We have therefore searched for the CI($^3P_1-\,^3P_0$) line at 492 GHz towards two carbon stars, S Sct and R Scl, with detached CO shells of different ages, about 8000 and 2300 years, respectively. The CI($^3P_1-\,^3P_0$) line was detected towards R Scl. The line intensity is dominated by emission from the detached shell. The detection is at a level consistent with the neutral carbon coming from the full photodissociation of all species except CO, and with only limited photoionisation of carbon. The best fit to the observed $^{12}$CO and $^{13}$CO line intensities, assuming a homogeneous shell, is obtained for a shell mass of about 0.002 $M_\odot$, a temperature of about 100 K, and a CO abundance with respect to H$_2$ of 10$^{-3}$. The estimated CI/CO abundance ratio is about 0.3 for the best-fit model. However, a number of arguments point in the direction of a clumpy medium, and a viable interpretation of the data within such a context is provided.
Asymmetry of At-Rest Human Frontal Lobe Activity is Related to Perseveration

by Isaac R. Flint Electroencephalographic (EEG) data from 21 undergraduate students were obtained and analyzed to assess the relationship between at-rest measures of differential EEG activity in the frontal lobes (frontal EEG asymmetry) and scores related to perseveration. At-rest EEG activity was recorded from six frontal EEG sites using the international 10-20 electrode placement system. Differences between left and right frontal lobe EEG activity were compared to participants' perseverative errors, non-perseverative errors, and correct responses on a computerized version of the Wisconsin Card Sorting Test, the Berg’s Card Sorting Test 64. Increased left frontal lobe activity was related to more non-perseverative errors, and increased right frontal lobe activity was related to less perseverative errors and more correct responses. These results indicate the importance of right frontal lobe activity in inhibiting incorrect responses when avoiding perseverative behavior. ASYMMETRY OF AT-REST HUMAN FRONTAL LOBE ACTIVITY IS RELATED TO PERSEVERATION by Isaac R. Flint presented in partial fulfillment A Thesis of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science in the Department of Psychological Science University of Central Missouri
Perception of Social and Environmental Problems by English and Mexican School Children

Identifying children’s concerns about the world and the environmental situation can help orientate educational efforts in order to reinforce positive behaviours towards the environment. I describe Mexican and English school children’s (aged 7 to 9) perceptions of the world and environmental problems. I explore the extent to which culture and school ethos with regards to the environment are influential factors in children’s views of global and environmental problems. A close-ended questionnaire was given to children from eight schools with different ethos. Results reveal that, both English and Mexican children perceived war, pollution, and hunger as the three most important problems in the world. The school ethos was a determining factor that influenced children in their perception of social and environmental problems.
δ-SUNSPOT FORMATION IN SIMULATION OF ACTIVE-REGION-SCALE FLUX EMERGENCE

δ-sunspots, with highly complex magnetic structures, are very productive in energetic eruptive events, such as X-class flares and homologous eruptions. We here study the formation of such complex magnetic structures by numerical simulations of magnetic flux emergence from the convection zone into the corona in an active-region-scale domain. In our simulation, two pairs of bipolar sunspots form on the surface, originating from two buoyant segments of a single subsurface twisted flux rope, following the approach of Toriumi et al. Expansion and rotation of the emerging fields in the two bipoles drive the two opposite polarities into each other with apparent rotating motion, producing a compact δ-sunspot with a sharp polarity inversion line. The formation of the δ-sunspot in such a realistic-scale domain produces emerging patterns similar to those formed in observations, e.g., the inverted polarity against Hale's law, the curvilinear motion of the spot, and strong transverse field with highly sheared magnetic and velocity fields at the polarity inversion line (PIL). Strong current builds up at the PIL, giving rise to reconnection, which produces a complex coronal magnetic connectivity with non-potential fields in the δ-spot overlaid by more relaxed fields connecting the two polarities at the two ends.
Interdependence and Preference for Group Work: Main and Congruence Effects on the Satisfaction and Performance of Group Members

This study examined the direct and interactive relationships of interdependence (task and reward) and preference for group work on the satisfaction and performance of group members. Hypotheses were tested among a sample of task-performing group members over a four-month period (N’s = 328–432). Consistent with a “community of fate” perspective, hierarchical regressions revealed that interdependence (task and reward) and preference for group work were positively related to group-member satisfaction. Consistent with “supplies-values fit” framework, the interaction of task interdependence and preference for group work was significantly related to group-member performance. Implications for the design of group tasks, the effects of group-member preferences, and the prediction of individual satisfaction and performance in group contexts are discussed.
Extent of Technology Integration in Mathematics Teacher Education Among State Institutions in Central Luzon

This paper reports the fi ndings of a study which explored how ten state teacher education institutions inÂ Central Luzon, Philippines implemented technology integration in mathematics classes in the BachelorÂ of Secondary Education â€“ Mathematics (BSEd-Math) Curriculum for pre-service mathematics teachers. Â Descriptive survey data from teacher education supervisors, mathematics teacher educators (MTEs),Â and students were collected through questionnaires, interviews, classroom observations and relatedÂ documentary sources. The MTEs reported high levels of technological pedagogical content knowledgeÂ (TPACK) as well as common reasons for integrating technology in their BSEd-Math classes. They typicallyÂ indicated frequent use of scientifi c and graphing calculators, spreadsheets and graphics software, and theÂ Internet but seldom use of computer algebra systems in their classes. The t-test indicated contrastingÂ results for supervisorsâ€™ and studentsâ€™ perceived mean ratings for MTEsâ€™ extent of technology integration. Â Nevertheless, the corresponding ratings validated the MTEsâ€™ extent of technology integration, whichÂ correlated positively and signifi cantly with their level of technological pedagogical content knowledgeÂ (TPACK).
Growing Chlorella vulgaris in Photobioreactor by Continuous Process Using Concentrated Desalination: Effect of Dilution Rate on Biochemical Composition

Desalination wastewater, which contains large amount of salt waste, might lead to severely environmental pollution. This study evaluated the effect of dilution rate ( day−1) on microalgal biomass productivity, lipid content, and fatty acid profile under steady-state condition of Chlorella vulgaris supplemented with concentrated desalination. Continuous culture was conducted for 55 days. Results show that the biomass productivity () varied from 57 to 126 mg L−1 d−1 (dry mass) when the dilution rate ranged from 0.1 to 0.3 day−1. At lowest dilution rate ( day−1), the continuous culture regime ensured the highest values of maximum biomass concentration ( mL−1) and protein content (52%). Biomass lipid content was an increasing function of . The most abundant fatty acids were the palmitic () at day−1 and the gamma-linolenic acid () at day−1 ones. These fatty acids present 14 to 18 carbons in the carbon chain, being mainly saturated and polyunsaturated, respectively. Overall, the results show that continuous culture is a powerful tool to investigate the cell growth kinetics and physiological behaviors of the algae growing on desalination wastewater.
Segmenting consumers’ reasons for and against ethical consumption

Purpose – This paper aims to quantify the relative importance of reasons used to explain consumers’ selection and rejection of ethical products, accounting for differences in ethical orientations across consumers. Design/methodology/approach – Reviewing previous literature and drawing on in-depth interviews, a taxonomy of reasons for and against ethical purchasing is developed. An online survey incorporating best–worst scaling (BWS) determines which reasons feature more in shaping ethical consumerism. Cluster analysis and multinomial regression are used to identify and profile segments. Findings – Positively orientated consumers (42 per cent of respondents) purchase ethical products more so because of reasons relating to impact, health, personal relevance, and quality. Negatively orientated consumers (34 per cent of respondents) reject ethical alternatives based on reasons relating to indifference, expense, confusion and scepticism. A third segment is ambivalent in their behaviour and reasoning; they perc.