Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Superconductivity in correlated BEDT-TTF molecular conductors: Critical temperatures and gap symmetries

Starting from an ab initio-derived two-site dimer Hubbard Hamiltonian on a triangular lattice, we calculate the superconducting gap functions and critical temperatures for representative $\ensuremath{\kappa}\ensuremath{-}{(\mathrm{BEDT}\ensuremath{-}\mathrm{TTF})}_{2}\mathrm{X}$ superconductors by solving the linearized Eliashberg equation using the two-particle self-consistent approach (TPSC) extended to multisite problems. Such an extension allows for the inclusion of molecule degrees of freedom in the description of these systems. We present both benchmarking results for the half-filled dimer model as well as detailed investigations for the 3/4-filled molecule model. Remarkably, we find in the latter model that the phase boundary between the two most competing gap symmetries discussed in the context of these materials---${d}_{xy}$ and the recently proposed eight-node $s+{d}_{{x}^{2}\ensuremath{-}{y}^{2}}$ gap symmetry---is located within the regime of realistic model parameters and is especially sensitive to the degree of in-plane anisotropy in the materials as well as to the value of the on-site Hubbard repulsion. We show that these results provide a more complete and accurate description of the superconducting properties of $\ensuremath{\kappa}\ensuremath{-}{(\mathrm{BEDT}\ensuremath{-}\mathrm{TTF})}_{2}\mathrm{X}$ than previous random phase approximation (RPA) calculations and, in particular, we discuss predicted critical temperatures in comparison to experiments. Finally, our findings suggest that it may be even easier to experimentally switch between the two pairing symmetries as previously anticipated by invoking pressure, chemical doping, or disorder effects.
Variation of bioactive compounds content in fermented cabbage: influence of fermentation temperature

The aim of this study was to analyze the effect of different fermentation temperature on bioactive compounds content of cabbage heads (Brassica oleracea var. capitata). Fermentation process was carried out at the temperature intervals 16-18 °C, 18-20 °C and 20-22 °C for 40 days. Dry weight, soluble dry weight, pH value, water activity, salt and sugar concentration, total acidity, penetration force, total color change, total phenolic compounds and organic acidswere investigated as the most important quality parameters. The highest content of total phenol compounds, as well as the highest contents of oxalic and acetic acidswas obtained in cabbage and brine sample fermented at 16-18 °C. The highest content of lactic acid in the cabbage sample fermented at 20-22 °C was obtained. In the case of brine samples, the highest contents of oxalic and lactic acids in samples fermented at 16-18 °C were observed, while the highest content of acetic acid in the sample fermented at 20-22 °C was obtained. Formic acid in cabbage and brine samples only in samples fermented at 20-22 °C was detected.
Soil Quality Assessment Strategies for Evaluating Soil Degradation in Northern Ethiopia

Soil quality (SQ) degradation continues to challenge sustainable development throughout the world. One reason is that degradation indicators such as soil quality index (SQI) are neither well documented nor used to evaluate current land use and soil management systems (LUSMS). The objective was to assess and identify an effective SQ indicator dataset from among 25 soil measurements, appropriate scoring functions for each indicator and an efficient SQ indexing method to evaluate soil degradation across the LUSMS in the Mai-Negus catchment of northern Ethiopia. Eight LUSMS selected for soil sampling and analysis included (i) natural forest (LS1), (ii) plantation of protected area, (iii) grazed land, (iv) teff (Eragrostis tef)-faba bean (Vicia faba) rotation, (v) teff-wheat (Triticum vulgare)/barley (Hordeum vulgare) rotation, (vi) teff monocropping, (vii) maize (Zea mays) monocropping, and (viii) uncultivated marginal land (LS8). Four principal components explained almost 88% of the variability among the LUSMS. LS1 had the highest mean SQI (0.931) using the scoring functions and principal component analysis (PCA) dataset selection, while the lowest SQI (0.458) was measured for LS8. Mean SQI values for LS1 and LS8 using expert opinion dataset selection method were 0.874 and 0.406, respectively. Finally, a sensitivity analysis (S) used to compare PCA and expert opinion dataset selection procedures for various scoring functions ranged from 1.70 for unscreened-SQI to 2.63 for PCA-SQI. Therefore, this study concludes that a PCA-based SQI would be the best way to distinguish among LUSMS since it appears more sensitive to disturbances and management practices and could thus help prevent further SQ degradation.
Implications of CoGeNT and DAMA for Light WIMP Dark Matter

In this paper, we study the recent excess of low energy events observed by the CoGeNT Collaboration, and discuss the possibility that these events originate from the elastic scattering of a light (m{sub DM{approx}}5-10 GeV) weakly interacting massive particle (WIMP). We find that such a dark matter candidate may also be capable of generating the annual modulation reported by DAMA, without conflicting with the null results from other experiments, such as XENON10. The regions implied by CoGeNT and DAMA are also near those required to produce the two observed CDMS events. A dark matter interpretation of the CoGeNT and DAMA observations favors a region of parameter space that is especially attractive within the context of asymmetric dark matter models. In such models, the cosmological dark matter density arises from the baryon asymmetry of the Universe, naturally leading to the expectation that m{sub DM{approx}}1-10 GeV. We also discuss neutralino dark matter from extended supersymmetric frameworks, such as the next-to-minimal supersymmetric standard model. Lastly, we explore the implications of such a dark matter candidate for indirect searches, and find very encouraging prospects for experiments attempting to detect neutrino or gamma ray annihilation products.
Turkish EFL Pre-Service Teachers' Pronunciation Problems.

This classroom research deals with pronunciation problems that Turkish EFL teacher candidates would encounter. The participants were 22 EFL pre-service teachers with B2 level of proficiency in English. The presentations which were carried out by these participants were analyzed both by the participants themselves and the researcher. The results revealed a dominant mispronunciation of the sound schwa /ə/ along with other sounds such as theta /θ/, engma /ŋ/ and /ae/. The absence of the corresponding sounds of /θ/ and /ae/ in Turkish could be deemed the reason for such pronunciation problems, but the case is not that straightforward for schwa /ə/ as in Turkish vowel inventory there seems to be a similar /ɯ/ sound. This situation brought about the question whether there could be different phonemic dynamics for the sounds schwa /ə/ in English and /ɯ/ in Turkish. Key words: Pronunciation problems, theta, schwa, engma, EFL pre-service teachers.
Notes on the Population Ecology of Cicadas (Homoptera: Cicadidae) in the Cuesta Angel Forest Ravine of Northeastern Costa Rica

Several previous field studies of cicadas (Homoptera: Cicadidae) in Costa Rica have revealed that different sympatric genera and species often exhibit allochronic (seasonal) annual adult emergence patterns and habitat associations (Young 1972; 1974; 1975a; 1976; 1980a,b,c; 1981a,b,c). Most of these studies concerned cicadas associated with lowland tropical forest and the Central Valley regions of Costa Rica, although one study in particular (Young 1975) examined some aspects of the population ecology of cicadas in a mountain forest. Because different species, and sometimes genera, of cicadas are found in different climatic and geographical regions of Costa Rica (Young 1976), it is necessary to examine the population ecology of these insects in as many of these ecological zones as possible. This paper summarizes an ecological survey of the cicadas thriving in the steep and very rugged forest ravine known as "Cuesta Angel" in the Central Cordillera of northeastern Costa Rica. The information reported here complements the studies of cicadas in other ecological zones of Costa Rica, although by no means does as extensively owing to the difficulties working on the very steep slopes of the ravine. It is shown tentatively that (a) the cicada fauna of this region includes at least two species not discussed or found in the other regions studied, (b) the resident species exhibit different annual emergence patterns, and (c) nymphal skins of several species are distributed at very low densities and in association with various genera and species of leguminous canopysize trees in the ravine habitat.
Factors influencing user acceptance of public sector big open data

Abstract In recent years Government departments and public/private organisations are becoming increasingly transparent with their data to establish the whole new paradigm of big open data. Increasing research interest arises from the claimed usability of big open data in improving public sector reforms, facilitating innovation, improving supplier and distribution networks and creating resilient supply chains that help improve the efficiency of public services. Despite the advantages of big open data for supply chain and operations management, there is severe shortage of empirical analyses in this field, especially with regard to its acceptance. To address this gap, in this paper we use an extended technology acceptance model to empirically examine the factors affecting users’ behavioural intentions towards public sector big open data. We outline the importance of our model for operations and supply chain managers, the limitations of the study, and future research directions.
Testing I(1) against I(d) alternatives with Wald Tests in the presence of deterministic components

This paper analyses how to test I(1) against I(d); d < 1; in the presence of deterministic components in the DGP, by extending a Wald-type test, i.e., the (E¢ cient) Fractional Dickey-Fuller (EFDF) test, to this case. Tests of these hypotheses are important in many economic applications where it is crucial to distinguish between permanent and transitory shocks because I(d) processes with d < 1 are mean-reverting. On top of it, the inclusion of deterministic components becomes a necessary addition in order to analyze most macroeconomic variables. We show how simple is the implementation of the EFDF in these situations and argue that, in general, has better properties than LM tests. Finally, an empirical application is provided where the EFDF approach allowing Corresponding E-mail:jesus.gonzalo@uc3m.es. We are grateful to Claudio Michelacci and Bart Verspagen for making the data available to us, and to Javier Hidalgo, Javier Hualde, Francesc Marmol, Peter Robinson, Carlos Velasco and participants in seminars at CREST (Paris), Ente Luigi Einaudi (Rome), ECARES (Brussels), and World Congress of the Econometric Society (2005) for useful comments on preliminary drafts of this paper. Financial support from the Spanish Ministry of Education through grants SEC2003-04429 and SEC2003-04476 and also from the Barcelona Economics Program of CREA is acknoledged. The usual disclaimer applies.
Child Labour: Insights from an Agricultural Household Model

This manuscript investigates the extent to which children contribute to the household’s agricultural activities. The conclusion that children play an important role in the farming activities of Ugandan agricultural households is supported by two key findings: (i) Child labour accounts for approimately 9% of the household’s annual agricultural earnings; and (ii) on the bases that most child labour is performed on the family farm and smoothly functioning labour markets are rare, land ownership increases the household’s demand for child labour in agricultural activities.
Analysis of Quality Control in the Informal Seed Sector: Case of Smallholder Bean Farmers in Bondo Sub-County, Kenya

Common bean is the most widely grown and consumed grain legume in Kenya. However, its contribution to nutrition and income has not been fully felt by smallholder farmers in western Kenya due to low yields. Good quality seed, if used with complementary practices can increase bean productivity. This study was conducted in Bondo sub-County to determine the methods used by farmers in seed quality control; factors affecting the choice preferences for informal bean seed sources; and the structure and contribution of social networks in seed quality control. Primary data were collected from 100 respondents through scheduled interviews using structured questionnaires. Excel, SPSS, STATA and UCINET computer packages were used to run data. A multinomial logit model was used to analyse the effects of socio-economic characteristics on the choice of seed sources. Descriptive statistics were used to illustrate the seed quality control methods. The nature of social networks was determined using measures of centrality and brokerage positions and visualized through network graphs. The results showed that farmers use pre-planting, post-planting, harvest and post harvest methods in controlling seed quality; and are influenced by socio-economic characteristics while choosing seed sources in the informal sector. It was determined that social networks exist, and farmers rely mainly on fellow farmers to access bean seed. Therefore, the study suggests policy interventions to design integrated bean seed system with aspects of formal and informal sector to enhance supply of quality seed to smallholder farmers. Preference for certain bean varieties should be used for strategic varietal development. Finally, youth groups should be used as springboards for seed related interventions. Keywords: Common bean, seed, quality control, smallholder farmers, social networks, western Kenya
Effectiveness of business strategies in Brazilian textile industry

This research analyses how the interaction between strategy capabilities, strategy types, strategy formulation quality and implementation capability affect organizational performance in Brazilian textiles companies. This article proposes and tests a conceptual framework, using a structural equation modeling of a set of 211 valid questionnaires on Brazilian textiles firms. The results support links between focus strategy and marketing capabilities, and between cost leadership strategy and management capabilities. However, the relationship between technologic capabilities and differentiation strategy was not statistically significant. The existence of an inter-relationship between generic strategies of focus, cost leadership and differentiation indicates the use of combined strategies. Concerning the firms' financial performance, the results show that management capability and market performance have a statistically significant relationship with financial performance.
Agritourism: A Possible Alternative to Zimbabwe’s Tourism Product?

This study sought to establish whether agritourism can be an alternative to Zimbabwe’s tourism product or not. Of essence were the potential and possible challenges to be faced in developing the concept. An exploratory research design was adopted since agritourism is a relatively new concept in Zimbabwe. Data were collected through a detailed interviewer-administered questionnaire. Farmers and farm managers were the target respondents. In addition, a thirty-minute interview was conducted with an executive at the Zimbabwe Tourism Authority’s (ZTA) Department of Market Research and New Product Development. Observations were also made in order to fortify the data collected through questionnaires. The results show that agritourism can be a viable option since some resources already exist in a number of farms. Challenges were noted and these need to be acted upon by the relevant authorities, that is, the Ministry of Tourism and Hospitality Industry and the ZTA.
Remittances and the Prevalence of Working Poor

This paper focuses on the relationships between remittances and the share of individuals working for less than 2$ US per day. It is based on an original panel dataset containing information related to remittances in about 80 developing countries and to the number of workers being paid less than 2 dollars per day as well. Even after factoring in the endogeneity of remittance inflows the results suggest that remittances lead to a decrease in the prevalence of working poor in receiving economies. This effect is stronger in a contex of high macroeconomic volatility but is mitigated by the unpredictability of remittances : remittances are more effective to decreasing the share of working poor when they are easily predictable. Moreover, domestic finance and remittances appear as substitutes : remittances are less efficient in reducing the prevalence of working poor whenever finance is available.
The Co-Movement and Causality between the U.S. Real Estate and Stock Markets in the Time and Frequency Domains

This study applies wavelet analysis to examine the relationship between the U.S. real estate and stock markets over the period 1890-2012. Wavelet analysis allows the simultaneous examination of co-movement and causality between the two markets in both the time and frequency domains. Our findings provide robust evidence that co-movement and causality vary across frequencies and evolve with time. Examining market co-movement in the time domain, the two markets exhibit positive co-movement over recent past decades, exception for 1998-2002 when a high negative co-movement emerged. In the frequency domain, the two markets correlate with each other mainly at low frequencies (longer term), except in the second half of the 1900s as well as in 1998-2002, when the two markets correlate at high frequencies (shorter term). In addition, we find that the causal effects between the markets in the frequency domain occur generally at low frequencies (longer term). In the time-domain, the time-varying nature of long-run causalities implies structural changes in the two markets. These findings provide a more complete picture of the relationship between the U.S. real estate and stock markets over time and frequency, offering important implications for policymakers and practitioners.
Attentional biases in spider fear: hypervigilance and disengagement difficulty

The aim of this study was to examine attentional biases of hypervigilance and disengagement difficulty in spider fear. Twenty-eight females between the ages of 18-36 years were grouped into high (n=14) and low (n=14) fear groups and completed a modified spatial cueing task comprising photographic cues of spiders (feared stimulus), beetles (neutral stimulus) and butterflies (positive valence stimulus). Cues were either valid (appeared on the same side as the target), or invalid (appearing on the opposite side). It was hypothesised that high fear participants would show faster reaction time and greater P1 amplitude following valid spider cues as an indicator of hypervigilance, and slower reaction times following invalid spider cues indexing disengagement difficulty. Instead, high fear participants showed greater reaction time to all targets, with this increase greater following spider cues. These findings were interpreted as interference following feared stimuli. P1 amplitude was higher overall in the high fear group, but both groups showed greater amplitude following spider cues relative to beetle and butterfly cues. Enhanced P1 amplitude in the high fear group was interpreted as increased attentional processing following feared images. This research provides preliminary support for Attentional Control Theory (ACT; Eyesenck et al., 2007) and suggests emphasis on attentional mechanisms in the treatment of spider fear.
MULTIPLE DIRECTORSHIPS AND CORPORATE REPUTATION

The previous literature suggests that firms may use the characteristics of the board members as a signal for building their own image. The objective of this paper is to analyze whether the number of appointments of directors influences corporate reputation. For that, we focus on a sample of US firms listed on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) for the period 2007-2010 and we examine a total of 30,813 directors. Our results indicate that there is a curvilinear relationship between the number of directorships of board members and corporate reputation. These findings shed some light on the value of boards of directors and also have implications for companies in the selection of board members.
Clinical Presentation and Outcome of Acute Coronary Syndrome in a Tertiary Hospital in Jeddah, KSA@@@الحضور الإكلينيكي و الناتج في قصور الشرايين التاجية الحاد في مستشفى متخصص في جدة , المملكة العربية السعودية

The aim is to study the pattern and outcome of acute coronary syndrome of patients admitted from the emergency room to medical wards of King Abdulaziz University Hospital in Jeddah. By evaluating charts of those cases admitted from January 2005-December 2006, detailed data, clinical diagnosis and outcome were recorded. 279 cases were studied. 53% had unstable angina; 38% had non ST elevation myocardial infarction and 9% had ST elevation myocardial infarction; 62% were males. The number of males exceeded the number of females for the age group 35 to 70 years; in contrast, females constituted 73% of cases for the age group from 70 years and above (p=0.0001). 77% of ST elevation myocardial infarction cases were younger than 60 years (p=0.016) and 75% of those cases were males (p=0.001). 15% of patients with ST elevation myocardial infarction died; 3% with non ST elevation myocardial infarction died but non with unstable angina (p=0.0001). 20% had angiography, 6.5% had percutaneous transluminal coronary angiography, and 6% had coronary artery bypass grafting. More than 79% were males. The results of this study suggest that acute coronary syndrome cases should be admitted to the coronary care unit due to high mortality rate and interventional procedures should be accessible as needed.
A descriptive analysis of the impact of avian influenza outbreaks on the livelihoods of poultry farmers in Nigeria

Few studies have investigated the livelihood impacts of avian influenza in Nigeria at a farm level. Most of these have emphasised on the estimation of direct cost of production losses with less attention on the indirect effects relating to farm coping strategies. Using a descriptive analysis, we improved on these studies with an attempt to understand the livelihood impacts of avian influenza through a sustainable livelihood framework and farmers’ coping behaviours. The livelihood impact of avian influenza varies across regions and poultry production sectors. Results of the farm survey suggest that the severity of impact on farm income is higher among the smallholders especially in the north-east geopolitical zone. The majority of the farms surveyed lost more than 50% of their monthly poultry income at the onset of the avian influenza crisis. Most severely affected group are the smallholders, particularly in sector 4 where about 21% lost between 80 to 100% of their annual poultry income. The disease outbreak also led to a significant reduction in poultry employment across the country but this is already picking up with a lower recovery rate being observed among the smallholders in sector 4 (56%) as compared to the commercial sector 2 (103%). We found that at the onset of the crisis, poultry farmers adopted a mix of responses involving asset divestment and even temporary closure but the proportion of farmers needing to adopt each coping strategy decreased with time. The findings obtained in this study are expected to inform the design and implementation of targeted avian influenza impact reduction policies in Nigeria. Key words: Avian influenza, asset, livelihoods, poultry income, employment and coping strategies.