Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Do the Means and the Source Matter ? A Study on the Actual Usage of Digitally Disseminated Coupons

How to effectively distribute coupons digitally to consumers who may exercise them remains an enduring, yet important, issue to address. In this study, we seek to answer two questions. First, would the dissemination of product discount coupons through mobile technology, such as the mobile phone network via the short-message-service (SMS), yield different effects on consumers, compared to a more traditional communication technology such as e-mail? Second, does the source, that is, the merchant or referral from peers, matter to a consumer? We build on the theoretical lens of cognitive effort (technology) and social capital (source) to theorize and empirically validate the conjectures through a real-world field experiment spanning four weeks. In terms of technology, the results indicate no significant difference in terms of the usage rate of coupons between the two technological means through which the coupons were disseminated. However, in terms of the source, we observed a higher propensity of using coupons received from a peer as compared to coupons received from a merchant. Furthermore, the forwarding rate of the discount coupons was significantly higher via e-mail as compared to SMS. Implications for research and practice are discussed.
Performance of a high resolution global model over southern South America

This paper evaluates a present climate simulation over southern South America performed with the Meteorological Research Institute/Japanese Meteorological Agency (MRI/JMA) high resolution global model. Main patterns of low and upper‐level atmospheric circulation were analysed in a 25‐year simulation as well as climate means, interannual variability, trends and bias of temperature and precipitation. The model is able to reproduce the main atmospheric circulation patterns and mean surface variables, although some deficiencies were found such as an overestimation of temperature over central Argentina in most of seasons, an overestimation of austral winter precipitation over northeastern and central Argentina, an underestimation of precipitation in all the seasons over southeast of Brazil, an underestimation of the amplitude of the annual cycle temperature in some regions and an overestimation of the amplitude of the annual cycle of precipitation over mountainous areas. Model interannual variability was also assessed. In general, temperature variability is overestimated, whereas precipitation is underestimated. The spatial structure of the year‐to‐year variability of precipitation is correctly simulated by the model, although some patterns were misplaced. Most of regions present a cold seasonal bias reaching values of − 2 °C in some regions. It was found that precipitation biases are between 3 and − 1 mm day−1. In some regions and seasons observed and simulated temperature trends coincide, as in austral summer or spring, where the model and the observations show positive trends in most of regions. However, there is no agreement between observed and simulated precipitation trends in almost all the regions and seasons. Copyright © 2012 Royal Meteorological Society
Thermalization in Quantum Information Geometry

In this work we approach Thermalization of discrete quantum systems from a geometrical vantage point. The aim is statistical results showing most Hamiltonians thermalize their subsystems. Fidelity, a concept in quantum information theory, relates distinguishability by measurements between states. We have numerically generated Hamiltonians according to the Haar measure and evolved the pure full system unitarily. We averaged the fidelity of subsystems between initial times and later times, finding them typically distinguishable. Conversely, the fidelity between two later times is seen to approach one for almost all systems. The inability to distinguish later times points to a steady state: the maximally mixed state. Moving on, we used Weingarten functions to integrate subsystem density matrices during evolution, over all possible Hamiltonian eigenvectors in the unitary group. This resulted in the mean subsystem density matrix, in which the initial conditions are seen to compete with the maximally mixed state over time. We observe a transition from a ’known’ to ’unknown’ phase after a time inversely proportional to the standard deviation in energies. However, the initial information is never completely lost. Also, polynomial functions of density matrices at any time can be integrated: we considered the variance over the unitary group and purity. In all cases, the subsystem mixing was seen to increase with bath size. Finally, we considered transformation properties of the Quantum Geometric Tensor under abelian and non-abelian gauge symmetries. The Bures metric, a natural generalization of the QGT, was found not to be gauge invariant in a degenerate spectrum.
On the Effectiveness of Sterilized Foreign Exchange Intervention

This paper addresses the question of whether sterilized central bank intervention systematically affects exchange rates. Furthermore, the paper analyzes whether a central bank can conduct its intervention operations in a specific manner, in order to increase the likelihood of achieving its objectives. The first question is addressed by applying the event study methodology of the finance literature to daily data on Bundesbank and Fed post-Plaza intervention. Using the non-parametric sign test and the matched sample test, evidence of effectiveness in terms of a systematic association between exchange rate levels and intervention is found. The second question is addressed by estimating binary choice models of the conditional probabilities of observing a successful intervention operation over observations when at least one of the two central banks were intervening. The results suggest that central banks can in fact improve the likelihood of success primarily through co-ordination and, also, if intervention occurs infrequently. JEL Classification: F31, F33, F42, G15
Seasonality in the ∆33S measured in urban aerosols highlights an additional oxidation pathway for atmospheric SO2

Sulfates present in urban aerosols collected worldwide usually exhibit significant non-zero 133S signatures (from −0.6 ‰ to 0.5 ‰) whose origin still remains unclear. To better address this issue, we recorded the seasonal variations of the multiple sulfur isotope compositions of PM10 aerosols collected over the year 2013 at five stations within the Montreal Island (Canada), each characterized by distinct types and levels of pollution. The δ34S-values (n= 155) vary from 2.0 ‰ to 11.3 ‰ (±0.2 ‰, 2σ ), the 133S-values from −0.080 ‰ to 0.341 ‰ (±0.01 ‰, 2σ ) and the 136S-values from −1.082 ‰ to 1.751 ‰ (±0.2 ‰, 2σ ). Our study evidences a seasonality for both the δ34S and 133S, which can be observed either when considering all monitoring stations or, to a lesser degree, when considering them individually. Among them, the monitoring station located at the most western end of the island, upstream of local emissions, yields the lowest mean δ34S coupled to the highest mean 133S-values. The 133S-values are higher during both summer and winter, and are < 0.1 ‰ during both spring and autumn. As these higher 133S-values are measured in “upstream” aerosols, we conclude that the mechanism responsible for these highly positive S-MIF also occurs outside and not within the city, at odds with common assumptions. While the origin of such variability in the 133S-values of urban aerosols (i.e. −0.6 ‰ to 0.5 ‰) is still subject to debate, we suggest that oxidation by Criegee radicals and/or photooxidation of atmospheric SO2 in the presence of mineral dust may play a role in generating such large ranges of S-MIF.
Sedimentary characteristics and stability analysis of the beach in west coast of Haikou Bay

Beach is an important sedimentary morphological unit of sandy coast,and its sedimentary characteristics and stability are significant for its reasonable utilization and protection.Based on the grain-size data of beach surface sediment in the west coast of Haikou Bay,temporal and spatial distribution of beach sediment was explored;and the stability in this area was also analyzed through the comparison of beach height and underwater topography.The results show that the beach is on the slightly unstable stage of surface erosion,and that the shoal outside of the coast is on the slightly unstable stage of slope erosion.Moreover,the sedimentary dynamic mechanism and the reason of the beach erosion in the west coast of Haikou Bay were studied according to wave actions and sand sources.
Air pollution and development of asthma, allergy and infections in a birth cohort

Few studies have addressed associations between traffic-related air pollution and respiratory disease in young children. The present authors assessed the development of asthmatic/allergic symptoms and respiratory infections during the first 4 yrs of life in a birth cohort study (n = ∼4,000). Outdoor concentrations of traffic-related air pollutants (nitrogen dioxide PM2.5, particles with a 50% cut-off aerodynamic diameter of 2.5 μm and soot) were assigned to birthplace home addresses with a land-use regression model. They were linked by logistic regression to questionnaire data on doctor-diagnosed asthma, bronchitis, influenza and eczema and to self-reported wheeze, dry night-time cough, ear/nose/throat infections and skin rash. Total and specific immunoglobulin (Ig)E to common allergens were measured in a subgroup (n = 713). Adjusted odds ratios (95% confidence intervals) per interquartile pollution range were elevated for wheeze (1.2 (1.0–1.4) for soot), doctor-diagnosed asthma (1.3 (1.0–1.7)), ear/nose/throat infections (1.2 (1.0–1.3)) and flu/serious colds (1.2 (1.0–1.4)). No consistent associations were observed for other end-points. Positive associations between air pollution and specific sensitisation to common food allergens (1.6 (1.2–2.2) for soot), but not total IgE, were found in the subgroup with IgE measurements. Traffic-related pollution was associated with respiratory infections and some measures of asthma and allergy during the first 4 yrs of life.
Early Miocene flora of the Manuherikia Group, New Zealand. 6. Lauraceae

Three species of Lauraceae are described from Miocene sediments of the Manuherikia Group, Central Otago, New Zealand. One species is mummified, with anatomical detail, and is placed into the organ-genus Laurophyllum. It is regarded as the same taxon as Cryptocarya longfordiensis Holden, which is removed to Laurophyllum in the absence (for now) of a means to distinguish it from some other Lauraceae genera. The other two species are impressions only, and are regarded as Lauraceae on architectural detail.
The quest for strategic groups: overview, and suggestions for future research

This paper provides an overview of the research perspectives within the strategic groups literature. Six streams of research are discerned: the industrial organization economics perspective (henceforth the IO-view), the strategic choice perspective, the strategy types perspective, the cognitive perspective, the customer perspective, and the business definition perspective. The paper advocates for a combined use of the cognitive and the business definition perspective in order to be able to answer the question: do strategic groups really exist?
Modulation of C-Reactive Protein-Mediated Monocyte Chemoattractant Protein-1 Induction in Human Endothelial Cells by Anti-Atherosclerosis Drugs

Background—C-reactive protein (CRP) induces adhesion molecule expression by endothelial cells. However, the effects of CRP on chemokine expression by endothelial cells are not known. Methods and Results—We tested the effects of CRP on the production of the chemokines monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) and RANTES in cultured human umbilical vein endothelial cells. The secretion of chemokines was assessed by ELISA. Incubation with 100 &mgr;g/mL recombinant human CRP induced a 7-fold increase in MCP-1 but no change in RANTES secretion. We showed that the effect of CRP on MCP-1 was present even at 5 &mgr;g/mL CRP, with stepwise increases as the CRP concentration was increased to 10, 50, and 100 &mgr;g/mL. The effect of CRP on MCP-1 induction was not influenced by aspirin (at concentrations up to 1 mmol/L), but it was significantly inhibited by 5 &mgr;mol/L simvastatin. The peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-&agr; activators fenofibrate (100 &mgr;mol/L) and Wy-14649 (100 &mgr;mol/L) almost completely abolished the induction of MCP-1, but the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-&ggr; activator ciglitazone had only a moderate effect. Conclusions—These results further strengthen the role of CRP in the pathogenesis of vascular inflammation and, likely, atherosclerosis and provide a crucial insight into a novel mechanism of action of anti-atherosclerosis drugs such as simvastatin and fenofibrate.
Working Paper Series No : 2019 / 16 Cambridge Working Papers in Economics : 1970 FAST TRADING AND THE VIRTUE OF ENTROPY : EVIDENCE FROM THE FOREIGN EXCHANGE MARKET

Focusing on the foreign exchange reaction to macroeconomic announcements, we show that fast trading is positively and significantly correlated with the entropy of the distribution of quoted prices in reaction to news: a larger share of fast trading increases the degree of diversity of quotes in the order book, for given liquidity, order book depth and size of order flows. Exploiting the WM Reuters’ reform of the fixing methodology in February 2015 as a natural experiment, we provide evidence that fast trading raises entropy, rather than reacting to it. While more entropy in quoted prices means noisier information and arguably complicates price discovery from an individual trader’s perspective, we show that, in the aggregate, more entropy actually brings traded prices closer to the random walk hypothesis, and improves indicators of market efficiency and quality of trade execution. We estimate that a 10 percent increase in entropy reduces the negative impact of macro news by over 60% for effective spreads, against over 40% for realized spreads and price impacts. Our findings suggest that the main mechanism by which fast trading may have desirable effects on market performance specifically hinges on enhanced heterogeneity in trading patterns, best captured by entropy.
of Learning and Technology / La revue canadienne de l ’ apprentissage et de la technologie , V 35 ( 3 ) Fall / automne , 2009 Implementation of web-based learning in colleges of education : Barriers and enablers

This paper describes the results of a survey to determine the factors that serve as barriers or enablers to the implementation of web-based learning in colleges of education. A total of 229 faculty members responded to the survey. Of these, 104 had never taught a web-based course while 125 had taught at least one online course. Results of the survey showed that Education faculty in this sample had an overall neutral position about the readiness of colleges of education to implement web-based learning. The survey found that financial resources, infrastructure, and support were seen as barriers to implementation while organizational culture, policies, a commitment to learning, and evaluation were seen as enablers to implementation. Open-ended responses showed that there were interesting differences based on the perceived lack of time and perceived lack of social interaction between faculty who have taught online and those who have not.
Buffered Tree Population Changes in a Quaternary Refugium: Evolutionary Implications

A high-resolution pollen record from western Greece shows that the amplitude of millennial-scale oscillations in tree abundance during the last glacial period was subdued, with temperate tree populations surviving throughout the interval. This provides evidence for the existence of an area of relative ecological stability, reflecting the influence of continued moisture availability and varied topography. Long-term buffering of populations from climatic extremes, together with genetic isolation at such refugial sites, may have allowed lineage divergence to proceed through the Quaternary. Such ecologically stable areas may be critical not only for the long-term survival of species, but also for the emergence of new ones.
Spatio-temporal evolution of rural settlements in Gongyi

Gongyi is the top county of Henan Province in economic development. By using GIS technology,landscape indices and spatial statistical methods,this paper aims to analyze the evolution of the rural settlements,and their spatial distribution and rank-size distribution of landscape patterns from 1990 to 2010,and to investigate the influence of landform,location,social and economic factors on the development of rural settlements in Gongyi. The landscape indexes used in this paper consist of total area(TA),percentage of landscape(PLAD),number of patches(NP),patch density(PD),largest patch index(LPI),mean patch size(MPS),patch size standard deviation(PSSD),mean shape index(SHAPE_MN),mean fractal dimension index(FRAC_MN) and aggregation index(AI). With these indexes,this paper characterizes the scale and shape of rural settlement patches. Kernel density estimation method is used to show the density distribution of rural settlements. Then,some spatial methods,e.g. average nearest neighbor,Getis-ord General G and Getis-Ord Gi* are used to explore the distribution pattern and size distribution of rural settlements. The effect factors behind rural settlement changes are divided into three types: geomorphology factors,location factors and socio-economic factors,and then we discuss the influences on the spatial pattern evolution of rural settlements. The main findings of this study are drawn as follows. (1) The size of rural settlements in Gongyi expanded significantly and the level of intensive land use was low. (2) The shape of rural settlement patches appeared to be regular,implying that the effect of planning and management was emerging. (3) In spatial distribution,the rural settlement patches were characterized by agglomeration. There was a general negative correlation between the density distribution and the size distribution,indicating that there was a high density distribution of small rural settlements and vice versa. (4) There was little change in the entire spatial pattern of rural settlements in Gongyi during 1990-2010,but a concentration in local areas was observed. This is true not only for plain and hilly areas,but also for the regions with rapid economic development. (5) These spatial patterns were affected by physical conditions,but in a micro-level spatio-temporal context,location factors and socio-economic factors played an even bigger role. The results of this study may provide policy guidance for restructuring spatial patterns of rural settlements.
Quantitative assessment of risk to ship traffic in the fehmarnbelt fixed link project

Rambøll is on behalf of Femern A/S carrying out nav ig tional studies of the vessel traffic conditions i the Fehmarnbelt in connection with the establishment of a future Fehmarnbelt fixed link, a 19 km long brid ge or immersed tunnel connection crossing the Fehmarnbelt . The focus is on documenting safety and efficiency for the vessel traffic when a fixed link is crossing th e Fehmarnbelt. Rambøll has developed the ShipRisk s oftware package to perform the quantitative risk assessment s in the Fehmarnbelt fixed link project. Focus in t his article is on describing the background for estimating freq uencies of ship accidents in ShipRisk and describe factors influencing the accident scenarios and present the work performed for testing and verifying the model. F. Rasmussen, K. Glibbery, K. Melchild, M. Hansen, T. Jensen, T. Lehn-Schiøler, S. Randrup-Thomsen Quantitative assessment of risk to ship traffic in the fehmarnbelt fixed link project 124 and describe the work performed for testing and verifying the model. Modeling of ship accident consequences is also a part of the ShipRisk software package, but is not described further in this paper Results from the ShipRisk can be shown as frequencies of ship accidents or capitalized as ris k. An example of how results from ShipRisk can be presented is shown in Figure 1. The figure shows the risk in Fehmarnbelt for a reference scenario withou a bridge and for two bridge alternatives (A1 with three main bridge spans and A2 with two main bridge spans) with different span widths (724m or 888m) in a situation where a Vessel Traffic Service (VTS) is not monitoring the ship traffic. 0 20 40 60 80 100 120
Wavelet Analysis of Physiological Control Mechanisms during Physical Activity

In exercise physiology, a novel model based on the regulation of neural effort and fatigue has been recently proposed. This model theorizes that physical activity is controlled by a central regulator in the brain, and the human body works as a complex integral system, unlike the Cardiovascular/Anaerobic/Catastrophe model of Sir A.V. Hill of exercise physiology. In this study, physiological data were collected from club-level cyclists for different types of pacing that were self pace, even pace, and variable pace for a 20-km cycling time trial. These physiological data were analyzed to assess the underlying system control mechanisms that show how the central regulator paces the human body during exercise. Continuous Wavelet Transform (CWT) was used to analyze the non-stationary physiological signals that were heart rate (HR/bpm) and rate of volume of oxygen consumption rate (VO2/ Lmin). Normalised mean wavelet powers were used to compare the powers at different frequency bands of the continuous wavelet spectrum. These frequency bands were classified as High Frequency (HF), Low Frequency (LF) and Ultra Low Frequency (ULF) bands. There was a significant difference in the ULF band for the rate of volume of oxygen consumption (p<0.01) that decreased with increasing performance times of the cyclists for all types of pacing. As for the heart rate activities, both ULF and LF band powers were practically constant for all cyclists, and there was a significant difference in the HF band power compared to the other frequency bands. Here we show that the central system regulator paces the human body during physical activity by using specific frequency bands to control and communicate with a particular peripheral system in the aims to reach the end of that physical task without homeostasis failure.
Conservation management practices: Success story of the Hog Creek and Sturgeon River watersheds, Ontario, Canada

The soil erosion from agricultural watersheds can be reduced by implementation of conservation management practices. In this study, the effectiveness of most popular agricultural best management practices (BMPs) for reducing sediment loads within Hog Creek and Sturgeon River watersheds in Ontario was investigated using measurement of the shift in the sediment rating curves from pre-BMP (1989 to 1993) to post-BMP (2004 to 2008) implementation periods. The data from the water quality monitoring program for the Hog Creek and the Sturgeon River watersheds over this decade of extensive conservation management program implementation showed significant reductions in the sediment loads of 49% for Hog Creek and 41% for the Sturgeon River. The results showed that the most widely adopted BMPs that greatly influenced the overall removal in sediment loads were stream bank fencing, no-till farming, and vegetative buffer strips. Overall, the outcome of the study recommends these promising practices to protect and improve receiving water quality. The practical novel technique presented in this study for quantification of the overall long-term water quality benefits of conservation management practices can be an integral part of an adaptive strategy for a watershed-scale BMP implementation program.