Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Correction to “Summer melt rates on Penny Ice Cap, Baffin Island: Past and recent trends, and implications for regional climate”

[1] At latitude 67 N, Penny Ice Cap on Baffin Island is the southernmost large ice cap in the Canadian Arctic, yet its past and recent evolution is poorly documented. Here we present a synthesis of climatological observations, mass balance measurements and proxy climate data from cores drilled on the ice cap over the past six decades (1953 to 2011). We find that starting in the 1980s, Penny Ice Cap entered a phase of enhanced melt rates related to rising summer and winter air temperatures across the eastern Arctic. Presently, 70 to 100% (volume) of the annual accumulation at the ice cap summit is in the form of refrozen meltwater. Recent surface melt rates are found to be comparable to those last experienced more than 3000 years ago. Enhanced surface melt, water percolation and refreezing have led to a downward transfer of latent heat that raised the subsurface firn temperature by 10 C (at 10 m depth) since the mid-1990s. This process may accelerate further mass loss of the ice cap by pre-conditioning the firn for the ensuing melt season. Recent warming in the Baffin region has been larger in winter but more regular in summer, and observations on Penny Ice Cap suggest that it was relatively uniform over the 2000-m altitude range of the ice cap. Our findings are consistent with trends in glacier mass loss in the Canadian High Arctic and regional sea-ice cover reduction, reinforcing the view that the Arctic appears to be reverting back to a thermal state not seen in millennia.
The Effects of Exporting on Labour Productivity: Evidence from German Firms

We revisit the "self-selection vs. learning-by-exporting (LBE)" debate with new evidence on a large panel of German firms of all economic sectors up to the 3-digit NACE level, between 1993-2014, and shed new light on the channels that foster export-induced productivity gains. In line with previous results, we find substantial pre-export differences in productivity between future exporters and domestic firms. Nevertheless, these pre-export differences remain constant over time and we find strong evidence against a conscious self-selection effect, in which firms would actively engage in increasing their productivity in temporal proximity to starting to export. In contrast, we find strong support for the learning-by-exporting hypothesis in both the manufacturing and the services sector. However, the learning effect is not progressive and more short-lived in the latter than in the former. We explain the different sectoral performances with significant differences in access to foreign markets, which is substantially lower and more concentrated within few firms in services. Furthermore, we show that across sectors, the size of the LBE effect depends on the level of within-sector competition. In line with basic microeconomic theory, productivity gains are higher for entrants into exporting, which operate in relatively uncompetitive domestic sectors, pointing to an important competitiveness channel for productivity gains. Our results suggest that the services sector offers the largest scope for productivity gains through trade policies aiming at facilitating market access.
Identification of Colletotrichum species causing anthracnose on Tahiti lime, tree tomato and mango

In Colombia, citrus, tree tomato and mango crops are likely to suffer considerable losses from anthracnose caused by several Colletotrichum species, which were identified by the present study on infected organs of the three fruit crops, sampled in different regions of the country. Identification was based on their morphological and molecular characteristics, as well as on fungicide (benomyl and copper hydroxide) sensitivity and pathogenicity tests. The latter assessed infectivity on both the original hosting crop and the other two crops (crossed infection), by putting the fungi in contact with organs taken from the three fruit crops. Molecular identification of the Colletotrichum species was carried out through amplification of rDNA ITS regions by means of C. gloeosporioides (CgInt) and C. acutatum (CaInt2) specific primer PCR combining the use of ITS4 universal primer. The results indicate that C. acutatum is the infectious agent in Tahiti lime and tree tomato, and so is C. gloeosporioides in mango. Although C. acutatum is the infectious agent in two diferent fruit species, the strains proved to be specific of their original hosts.
Impact of climate change on tree-ring growth of Scots pine, common beech and pedunculate oak in northeastern Germany

Abstract: Tree growth depends, among other factors, largely on the prevailing climatic conditions. Therefore, changes to tree growth patterns are to be expected under climate change. Here, we analyze the tree-ring growth response of three major European tree species to projected future climate across a climatic (mostly precipitation) gradient in northeastern Germany. We used monthly data for temperature, precipitation, and the standardized precipitation evapotranspiration index (SPEI) over multiple time scales (1, 3, 6, 12, and 24 months) to construct models of tree-ring growth for Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) at three pure stands, and for common beech (Fagus sylvatica L.) and pedunculate oak (Quercus robur L.) at three mature mixed stands. The regression models were derived using a two-step approach based on partial least squares regression (PLSR) to extract potentially well explaining variables followed by ordinary least squares regression (OLSR) to consolidate the models to the least number of variables while retaining high explanatory power. The stability of the models was tested through a comprehensive calibration-verification scheme. All models were successfully verified with R²s ranging from 0.21 for the western pine stand to 0.62 for the beech stand in the east. For growth prediction, climate data forecasted until 2100 by the regional climate model WETTREG2010 based on the A1B Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) emission scenario was used. For beech and oak, growth rates will likely decrease until the end of the 21st century. For pine, modeled growth trends vary and range from a slight growth increase to a weak decrease in growth rates. The climatic gradient across the study area will possibly affect the future growth of oak with larger growth reductions towards the drier east. For beech, site-specific adaptations seem to override the influence of the climatic gradient. We conclude that Scots pine has great potential to remain resilient to projected climate change without any greater impairment, whereas common beech and pedunculate oak will likely face lesser growth under the expected warmer and dryer climate conditions. The results call for an adaptation of forest management to mitigate the negative effects of climate change for beech and oak.
On a Generalization of Artin's Conjecture

A primitive root mod p is a generator of (Z/pZ)∗. Gauss was the first to introduce the idea of a primitive root in his Disquisitiones Arithmeticae. They were first used to answer questions about the decimal expansion of fractions 1/p, and have fascinated mathematicians ever since. In 1927, Artin conjectured that every non-square integer a different from 1 or −1 is a primitive root for infinitely many primes p. He also provided a heuristic argument for the conjectured density of such primes [1]. Computations performed by Lehmer showed that this density was incorrect for some values of a, so that a correction factor was required. In 1967, Hooley assumed the generalised Riemann hypothesis (see below) and was able to prove Artin’s conjecture with a modified density. Many other important results surrounding Artin’s conjecture have been proven (see [6], for example). The unconditional conjecture remains open as of 2006.
Diversification and democracy

Does diversification of an economy improve the chances of democracy? In theory, diversification may reduce elite cohesion and improve citizens’ outside options, making democracy more likely. This paper estimates the effect of export diversification on democracy, using data from 143 countries. We use variability within countries in fertile soil as an instrument for diversification, controlling for country size. To address the possibility that current fertile soil variability may have been influenced by historical country characteristics that could also have affected democracy today, we control for historical changes in land cover. We identify a statistically significant, positive effect of diversification on democracy.
Integrated, Automated and Robotic Process for Building Upgrading with Prefabricated Modules

Adding manually thermal insulation onto an existing building is an inefficient and labor-intensive process. To avoid such manned labor on site, recent approaches have been developed for installing prefabricated modules onto existing buildings ́ envelopes. However, the monitoring and the analysis of these approaches expose that these procedures are still time-consuming and inaccurate. In mass manufacturing industries, robots facilitate time reduction while ensuring accuracy. Nevertheless, the main challenge for adopting robotized manufacturing and installation processes in building renovation relies on the constant customization of the prefabricated modules, both off-site in the factory and on-site in construction. In pursuance of improving such situation, the authors conceived a novel process that automates the customization, the manufacturing and the installation processes of the modules. The solution integrates and links systems such as accurate coordinate acquisition, parametric design, digital manufacturing of elements and robotic assembly and installation of the modules. The main body of this paper describes the structure of this novel conceptual process. This process has been initially proofed, addressing mainly the feasibility and the correct sequence of each of the steps. The results show that this novel process, after further development, can be a solution for gaining efficiency on the building renovation processes.
What’s trust got to do with it? : non-payment of service charges in local authorities in South Africa / Odd-Helge Fjeldstad

This paper argues that non-payment is related to inability to pay, a culture of entitlement, and whether citizens perceive the local government to act in their interest. Examines the factors determining compliance behaviour with respect to service charges in local authorities in South Africa. Provides a brief description of the extent and characteristics of non-payment and within municipalities.
The Associations of Selected Lifestyle Patterns and Lung Cancer Risk: An Evidence-based Update

Diagnosis of lung cancer (LC) has been fraught with difficulty and by the time of definitive diagnosis, most patients are in later stages of the disease. Epidemiological studies have demonstrated that lifestyle behaviors play an etiological role in LC risk; however data in the literature on this topic often appears inconclusive or require further study. Understanding of the mechanisms operating between lifestyle patterns and their impact on LC is important for the disease’s prevention and treatment. The purpose of this study was to review the current evidence on the role of diet, body mass index (BMI), physical activity, smoking, alcohol consumption, and sex hormone use in LC development based on meta-analyses, systematic reviews and previously published epidemiologic studies. Regarded as the foremost cause of LC, evidence from studies have indicated that tobacco smoking causes LC. Additionally, exposure to outdoor air pollution and/or occupational-related exposures increase LC risk. Further, frequent consumption of red meat, processed meat increases adenocarcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma. Inverse associations between the disease risk and BMI ≥25 kg/m2, higher level of physical activity, and fruit and vegetable consumption with a high frequency were reported. Future studies are warranted to validate the association between histologic subtypes of LC and lifestyle patterns.
Effects of Management Practices and Land Use on Biological and Enzymatic Attributes of an Agricultural Area

A series of anthropogenic approaches, including burning practices and soil disturbances as soil cover removal, plowing and harrowing were experimentally undertaken to mimic land conversion for agricultural production in northern Amazonia. These manipulations led to changes in soil biological and biochemical properties. To reduce knowledge gaps concerning land conversion in the Amazon, the study objective was to evaluate the influence of land use and management practices on the biological attributes and enzymatic activity of the soil in Tepequem, a settlement in north of the Amazon, Brazil. Tepequem was chosen for being highly representative in terms of land use and management patterns in the region. Microbial biomass carbon (MBC), soil basal respiration (SBR), metabolic quotient (qCO 2 ) and enzymatic activity were analyzed. Land use changes resulted in alterations to soil quality. The spontaneous plants found on degraded pasture ensured system diversification, protection and organic contribution, facilitating resumption of ecological balancing of the soil. Good soil quality in managed pasture was attributed to the maintenance of soil cover, provided by grasses, and the absence of soil rotation. Burning, soil disturbances and lack of cover negatively influenced the biological and enzymatic activity in sites that were preparation, deforested and burnt. Chemical attributes are significant factors influencing soil quality and health at subsistance plantation. MBC, qMIC and qCO 2 , acid phosphatase, Beta-glucosidase and urease were the most sensitive parameters of differentiation of sites in preparation from those of native vegetation and pastures.
The value of military intelligence

This study evaluates the role of military intelligence in an arms race between two countries. The intelligence apparatus of each country evaluates the rival’s capabilities and intentions, and enhances its military capability by increasing the effectiveness of its own weapon systems and reducing the effectiveness of the rival’s weapon systems. Intelligence superiority also yields an advantage in deterrence and preemption. This study shows the following. (a) Investment in intelligence is much less beneficial for small government budgets, low intelligence efficiency, and a low degree of conservatism on the part of the policy-maker. (b) The expenditure on intelligence increases when intelligence efficiency is low and rising, and decreases when intelligence efficiency is high and rising. (c) Being very conservative may be costly to the country. (d) High-quality human capital substantially improves the country’s security and welfare, particularly when the rivals are engaged in a knowledge race in addition to the usual arms race. An application of the model to the Israeli–Syrian arms race demonstrates its validity and usefulness.
Identities as Lenses: How Organizational Identity Affects Audiences' Evaluation of Organizational Performance

This study calls into question the completeness of the argument that economic actors who fail to conform to certain identity-based logics—such as the categorical structure of markets—garner less attention and perform poorly, beginning with the observation that some nonconforming actors seem to elicit considerable attention and thrive. By reconceptualizing organizational identity as not just a signal of organizational legitimacy but also a lens used by evaluating audiences to make sense of emerging information, I explore the micro, decision-making foundations on which both conformist and nonconformist organizations may come to be favored. Analyzing the association between organizational conformity and return on investment and capital flows in the global hedge fund industry, 1994-2008, I find that investors allocate capital more readily to nonconforming hedge funds following periods of short-term positive performance. Contrary to prediction, nonconforming funds are also less severely penalized for recent poor performance. Both “amplification” and “buffering” effects persist for funds with nonconformist identities despite steady-state normative pressure toward conformity. I explore the asymmetry of this outcome, and what it means for theories related to organizational identity and legitimacy, in the discussion section.
Tripled Coincidence and Common Fixed Point Results for Two Pairs of Hybrid Mappings

The tripled fixed point is a generalization of the well-known concept of “coupled fixed point. ” In this paper, tripled coincidence and common fixed point results for two hybrid pairs consisting of multivalued and single valued mappings on a metric space are proved. We give examples to illustrate our results. In the process, several comparable coincidence and fixed point results in the existing literature are improved, unified, and generalized.
The prevalence of low back pain among High School children in Nyamasheke district/ Rwanda

Background: Low back pain among high school children is perceived to be uncommon in the clinic setting. However, previous studies have suggested that it may be an important and increasing problem to be managed in this age group. Objective: The overall aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of low back pain among high school children in Nyamasheke district in Rwanda. Study Design: A cross–sectional descriptive survey was completed by a convenient sample of high school children. Results: The mean age of the study sample was 17 years, and 48.2% were females compared to 51.8% of males. The response rate was 96.2%. The low back pain prevalence was found to be 66.1%. The mean age of the first occurrence of low back pain was 14.5(SD = 2.28). One year prevalence was found to be 25.4% whereas the one month prevalence was 13.7%. Males were the most to report low back pain comparatively to females with 53.1% and 43.9% respectively. High school children from the rural region were the most to report low back pain in comparison to those from urban region with 61.5% against 38.5% respectively. Conclusion: The findings of this study are important for clinicians, researchers and policy makers. This information could be used by these health-care professionals to develop appropriate prevention and rehabilitation strategies for this specific group of patients.
Business students at university : are they trained to cheat? / Faizah Mohd Khalid and Siti Jeslyn Hasan

Over decades, we have been bombarded with an increased of corporate scandals involving allegations of unethical behaviours mostly against accounting fraud. The debacles left us to ponder whether the education system implemented at university levels and education modules have taught students to be corrupted rather than acted responsibly and ethically. This study centres on business students at one of the private higher learning institutions in Malaysia. Surprisingly, the finding indicates that majority of students has cheated throughout their period of study. The research discovers that students’ cheating behaviour is influenced by their beliefs; on what constitutes cheating and the perception that cheating has become a common behaviour among other students. In addition, gender, academic performance (i.e. grade point average) and area of specialization have also significantly influenced on academic dishonesty. The results of the study illustrate that strict monitoring and fear of being prosecuted may reduce the tendency of cheating. Seeing that this situation has reached at an alarming stage, thus, the study has recommended some guidelines to the universities for its implementation. It is believed that by enhancing academic code of conducts, incorporating ethics components in subjects taught and establishing ethical community-building among students are advantageous to inculcate a sense of responsibility towards ethical behaviour and organise rigorous campaigns to promote integrity as way of life.
The role of board of commissioners and transparency in improving bank operational efficiency and profitability

Good corporate governance is a critical aspect in banking industries because the larg- est part of the source of funds is from public. Two of the important aspects of good corporate governance are the role of the board of commissioners and transparency. This study aimed to assess the effect of the implementation of good governance, which is proxied by the role of the board of commissioners and transparency of financial and non-financial condition, toward the operational efficiency and profitability of the na- tional commercial banks in Indonesia. This study uses data of thirty six banks for five years, from 2008 to 2012. Random effect panel data technique is used to analyze the data since this technique can increase the power of statistical analysis. The results shows that in terms of efficiency only board that functions well capable of improving the operational efficiency of the banks. As for profitability, both good board of commis- sioners and public transparency are capable of increasing the bank operational profit- ability in Indonesia.
Slow vapor‐phase desorption of toluene from several ion‐exchanged montmorillonites

Abstract The sorption and desorption of volatile compounds from soils and clays exhibit a wide range of kinetics. While much of the sorptive interaction is very rapid, a certain fraction of volatile compounds that enter soil and clays are only slowly desorbed. It is generally believed that the formation of this recalcitrant or slowly desorbing fraction of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in soils is due to the diffusion of compounds to poorly accessible sorption sites. However, the exact nature of these sites is in doubt. In montmorillonite, there are two likely possibilities for formation of the recalcitrant fraction: sites between the clay lamella and sites within clay particle aggregates. Because montmorillonite may be an important fraction of many soils, we have explored the formation of slowly desorbing toluene on a montmorillonite clay that was ion exchanged with five different ions (K+, Na+, Ca2+, Mg2+, and Fe3+) to form mineralogically similar clays with varying interlamellar spacing. The recalci.
Effect of Acoustic Environment on the Sensitivity of Speech Transmission Index to Source Directivity

Abstract Source directivity has the potential to affect speech transmission index (STI) measurements. When the source is a model of a human talker, there is a question of how accurate that model needs to be. However, in many acoustic environments source directivity has little effect on STI because other factors dominate. One instance is soundfields in which the direct sound is dominant (e.g., in the quiet outdoors, in the nearfield, or in an anechoic room): directivity will have no effect on STI so long as the direct sound is strong enough. Another instance is soundfields in which the reverberant soundfield is dominant (e.g., in the far field in a room with moderate or more reverberation). This paper examines theoretical situations where source directivity has a substantial influence on STI because of the balance between direct (or early) and reverberant soundfields, as well as the role that background noise can have in increasing the importance of source directivity.