Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
AN EVALUATION OF ROBO-ADVISOR RISK ASSESSMENT QUESTIONNAIRES IN SELECTED ASIA PACIFIC ECONOMIES

This study was conducted to evaluate the risk assessment questionnaires of a sample of 30 robo-advisors from seven selected Asia Pacific economies. Using a descriptive research approach, the study initially classified the questions gathered from the robo-advisor risk assessment questionnaires into risk capacity and risk tolerance, and further divided them into 26 subcategories. Then a comparison of the number of questions in each robo-advisor’s questionnaire was followed, where the risk tolerance wa found to have a higher proportion of questions than risk capacity. Next, the comparison of the questions per subcategory for each sample economy was done and reported that questions on investment amount dominate the risk capacity category, while risk versus return preference prevails in the risk tolerance category. Lastly, an analysis of the correlation between the answer value and percentage of equity in the recommended portfolios of robo-advisors in each sample economy was performed. The findings revealed that most of the robo-advisors formulate their portfolio recommendations without utilizing all the parameters or questions in the risk assessment questionnaires. The key influences of robo-advisors’ portfolio recommendations were asset allocation choices of the investors, followed by the investors’ attitude towards risk and risk versus return preference. This paper enriches the literature on robo-advisors by evaluating the risk assessment questionnaires adopted in the Asia Pacific region. In terms of practical implications, the results highlight the deficiencies of the existing questionnaires and assert that they should be reviewed and redesigned to more accurately capture investors’ risk characteristics and reflect all information gathered in the portfolio recommendations.
Tibetan Plateau precipitation as depicted by gauge observations, reanalyses and satellite retrievals

The European Centre for Medium‐range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF) reanalysis ERA‐40, ERA‐Interim, University of Washington (UW) data, APHRODITE's Water Resources (APHRODITE), and Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission (TRMM) Multisatellite Precipitation Analysis (TMPA) precipitation estimates are compared with each other and with the corrected gauge observations over the Tibetan Plateau (TP) at both basin and plateau scales. The ERA‐40 generally can capture the broad spatial and temporal distributions in the gauge‐based precipitation estimates over the TP. However, the ERA‐40 shows little agreement with the gauge‐based precipitation in annual variations for the years before 1979. The anticipated improvements in the ERA‐Interim precipitation relative to ERA‐40 have not been realized in this study. It greatly overestimates the Corrected‐China Meteorological Administration (CMA) (by 74–290%) and other datasets, although the ERA‐Interim has a better correspondence than ERA‐40 with the Corrected‐CMA data at both annual and monthly scales among the selected basins. All the products can detect the large‐scale precipitation regime, including the monsoon‐dominated precipitation in summer and the westerly‐wind‐induced precipitation in winter. The Corrected‐CMA and APHRODITE estimates generally show decreasing trends in summer and increasing trends in spring and winter precipitation during 1961–2007 at both basin and plateau scales. However, the Corrected‐CMA shows larger values in trends and more cases with significance than the APHRODITE, suggesting the effects of the undercatch corrections on the precipitation trends. The use of precipitation derived from current reanalysis projects is less preferable for hydrology analysis than the TP observational data at basin scales. However, using gauge‐based precipitation datasets as hydrologic model forcings should be careful in the river basins where gauge station network is spare, such as in the Yarlung zangbo river basin. Satellite products still hold a great potential for providing high‐resolution precipitation information in remote regions such as the western TP, although more evaluations are needed on the feasibility of satellite precipitation products on the TP where the topography is complex and rainfall rate is highly variable.
Accelerated loading dynamic response of full-scale asphalt concrete pavement

The dynamic response of pavement structure under moving vehicle loads was measured by using the accelerated loading test facility of full-scale asphalt concrete pavement.The dynamic strain at the bottom of surface layer for the pavement and the vertical compressive stress at the top of subgrade were taken as analysis objects,and the influences of axle load,speed and tire pressure on the dynamic response were studied.The regression models among dynamic response,axle load and speed were established respectively.Four kinds of pavement structures were tested in different axle loads,speeds and tire pressures.Analysis result shows that under moving vehicle loads,the strain response at the bottom of surface layer is in the alternative condition of tensile strain and compressive strain.Under intermediate test temperature,the strain response at the bottom of surface layer increases linearly with the increase of axle load,the vertical compressive stress at the top of subgrade shows uniaxial stressed state,and it increases with the increase of axle load.Speed affects the strain response at the bottom of surface layer significantly,but it has little influence on the vertical compressive stress,and affects the stress pulse duration only,and the stress pulse duration and strain response at the bottom of surface layer reduce with the increase of speed.The destroy degree of pavement is more serious in low speed and heavy load,but tire pressure has little influences on the strain at the bottom of surface layer and the vertical compressive stress at the top of subgrade.5 tabs,13 figs,14 refs.
Borderline personality features predict empathy for animals but not for children

Although empathy is not a defining feature of borderline personality disorder, there is a growing body of work suggesting deficits in some components of empathy toward humans. There is no research investigating the link between borderline personality features (BPF) and empathy toward animals, which may be less threatening to individuals that struggle in interpersonal relationships and fear rejection. We examined BPF and self-reported distress and viewing times of photographs depicting dogs and children in twelve adverse circumstances in a college student sample (N = 464) with trait empathy as a mediator in Study 1. BPF predicted distress to dog but not child photos. There were significant indirect effects of BPF on distress to dog and child photos through personal distress. In Study 2 (N = 524), we further examined the processes underlying these associations by modelling a serial mediation of BPF with distress to dog and child photos through anxious and avoidant attachment to trait empathy toward animals and humans. We replicated the finding that BPF predicted distress to dog but not child photos. BPF predicted both anxious and avoidant attachment styles, which negatively predicted empathy for humans and animals. Empathy for humans mediated the associations with distress for child photos whereas empathy for animals mediated the associations with distress for dog photos. Further research is needed to determine the causal pathways between BPF, attachment, and empathy to animals and humans.
Clinical practice competence and associated factors among undergraduate midwifery and nursing sciences students at Bahir Dar city, Northwest Ethiopia

Background: Competence describes actions that will be demonstrated or observed and assessed while competency refers to the skill itself. Following appropriate theoretical and practical training, clinical experience is required to achieve the highest level of clinical competence. It is estimated that many women and newborns die each year due to a lack of qualified health professional around the world. As a result, the purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence and factors influencing clinical competency in the study area. Methods: An Institutional-based cross-sectional study was conducted from 12 August to 12 September 2022, among 403 undergraduate health sciences students of Bahir Dar University. Participants were approached through simple random sampling technique. Data were collected using a pre-tested structured questionnaire through a face-to-face interview, and entered into Epidata version 3.1 and analyzed using SPSS version 22. The prevalence was reported using proportion with 95% CI and summary measures. Predictors were assessed using a multivariable logistic regression analysis model and reported using an adjusted odds ratio (AOR) with 95% CI. Statistical significance was declared at P value less than 0.05. Results: Overall, the prevalence of clinical practice competency was 36.5% [95% CI; 33.5, 39.1]. Students who were provided a logbook (AOR=5.40, 95% CI 2.91, 10.02), adequate clinical cases in the clinical practice placement (AOR=2.72, 95% CI 1.60, 4.60), preceptor show different procedures (AOR=2.50, 95% CI 1.33, 4.71), student’s confidence during conducting procedure (AOR=4.16, 95% CI 1.67, 10.35) and the suitability of the way of teaching to the learning styles of students during skills demonstration (AOR=2.10, 95% CI 1.00, 4.40) were factors statistically associated with clinical practice competence. Conclusions: According to this study, more than three out of every five participants were found to be clinically incompetent. Providing logbooks, adequate clinical cases, preceptors showing different procedures, students’ confidence, and suitability of the way of teaching to the learning styles of students were significantly associated with clinical practice competence. Implementing logbooks, selecting clinical sites, enhancing the confidence of students, preferred teaching/learning styles, and clinical preceptor support were important to improve the clinical competence of students.
Estimation of the Expected Number of Casualties Caused by Strong Earthquakes

The human losses after strong earthquakes that occurred in the world during the twentieth century have been analyzed, and a quantitative model for a preliminary assessment of casualties is proposed. It consists of a correlation between the number of casualties and the earthquake magnitude as a function of population density. We tackle the distribution of the total number of casualties within areas of different macroseismic intensity. Prognostic estimations of the expected number of killed or injured people caused by a supposed strong earthquake in Andalucia (Spain), using the model based on worldwide data, are suggested. Prognostic estimations based on specific data about the Kanto–Tokai (Japan) region are likewise given and compared with the number of casualties due to the 1995 Kobe (Japan) earthquake. In relation to the expected number of victims in areas affected by strong seismic impacts, we compute the casualty rate as the number of people killed divided into the inhabitants of a region and show its variation for different population density groups in the case of two extreme earthquake magnitudes.
Impact of Two Lavender Extracts on Silver Nanoparticle Synthesis, and the Study of Nanoparticles’ Antibiofilm Properties and Their Ability to Transfer them into a Nontoxic Polymer

In this work, we aimed to analyze the impact of extracts prepared from dried Lavandula angustifolia (lavender) flowers and leaves on the synthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) (wherein the shape and size of AgNPs and the efficiency of the process were analyzed) and to prove the possibility of transferring the AgNPs’ properties into a polymer matrix. An ex situ method was used to incorporate AgNPs and prepare polymer matrix composite (PVP-AgNPs) films (via casting) and fibers (via electrospinning). We used UV-vis absorption spectrophotometry, Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM), and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) to analyze and characterize the AgNPs and prepared composites. The results of FTIR analysis confirmed the presence of phytochemicals that can reduce silver ions from Ag+ to Ag0 in both extracts. The presence of spherical nanoparticles was confirmed via TEM regardless of the type of extract used. However, leaf extract caused the formation of AgNPs with a narrower size interval (an average size of 20 nm), and with higher efficiency, compared to the nanoparticles prepared using the flower extract. The nanoparticles prepared using the leaf extract were then incorporated into the polymer matrix, and thin polymer composite films and fibers were successfully prepared. The anti-biofilm activity of AgNPs colloids and prepared polymer nanocomposites against green algae Chlorella kessleri was studied. The anti-biofilm properties of the AgNPs were proved, along with the efficient transfer of their toxic properties into nontoxic polymer.
Influence of Elevation and Anthropogenic Disturbance on Woody Species Composition, Diversity, and Stand Structure in Harego Mountain Forest, Northeastern Ethiopia

Environmental variables like elevation affect species composition, diversity, distribution, density, and horizontal and upward growth. Ecologists are constantly working to better understand how species diversity varies along elevational gradients, particularly in mountainous ecosystems. Therefore, the purpose of this research was to examine the species’ horizontal and vertical structural diversity along the Harego Mountain Forest’s elevational gradient. The area was categorized into lower, middle, and upper elevations. A total of 67 (20 m × 20 m) plots were created along gradients of elevation 2,079–2,516 meters above sea level (m a.s.l.). Information for floristic composition, diversity, stand structure, and environmental variables were measured and recorded for each plot over the three elevational gradients. Data on anthropogenic disturbances were visually evaluated for every plot in every gradient of elevation. For the diversity analysis, Hill’s diversity statistics were employed. To find significant variations between the three elevational gradients in terms of Hill’s diversity number, stand structure, and environmental variables, the one-way analysis of variance with SPSS version 26 at the 0.05 level of significance was carried out. The finding revealed that 50 woody plants that belonged to 35 families and 44 genera in the 67 sample plots with an elevation of 2,079 to 2,516 were identified. Shrubs were dominant in each elevational gradient. Species richness, abundance, and Hill’s diversity number were all significantly ( p < 0.05 ) greater in the upper elevational gradient of the forest. On the other hand, all stand structures were significantly ( p < 0.05 ) higher in the middle elevational gradient. The effect of anthropogenic disturbances and environmental variables were clearly observed in the lower and upper elevational gradients than in the middle elevation. As a result, there were fewer seedlings, saplings, trees, and shrubs in the gradients of lower and higher elevations. For the conservation of the forest, it is crucial to pay special attention to biotic elements at lower elevations and abiotic factors at higher elevations. Accordingly, involving the local community in forest management, reducing anthropogenic pressure in and around the Harego Mountain Forest through tree planting in farmlands and woodlots and implementing physical soil and water conservation structures are recommended.
Ceragenins exhibit bactericidal properties that are independent of the ionic strength in the environment mimicking cystic fibrosis sputum

The purpose of the work was to investigate the impact of sodium chloride (NaCl) on the antimicrobial efficacy of ceragenins (CSAs) and antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) against bacterial and fungal pathogens associated with cystic fibrosis (CF) lung infections. CF-associated bacterial (Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Ochrobactrum spp., and Staphylococcus aureus), and fungal pathogens (Candida albicans, and Candida tropicalis) were used as target organisms for ceragenins (CSA-13 and CSA-131) and AMPs (LL-37 and omiganan). Susceptibility to the tested compounds was assessed using minimal inhibitory concentrations (MICs) and bactericidal concentrations (MBCs), as well as by colony counting assays in CF sputum samples supplemented with various concentrations of NaCl. Our results demonstrated that ceragenins exhibit potent antimicrobial activity in CF sputum regardless of the NaCl concentration when compared to LL-37 and omiganan. Given the broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity of ceragenins in the microenvironments mimicking the airways of CF patients, ceragenins might be promising agents in managing CF disease.
Decay of unique global solution for 3D tropical climate model with partial dissipation

In this article, we studied the asymptotic behavior of weak solutions to the three-dimensional tropical climate model with one single diffusion $ \mu\Lambda ^{2\alpha}u $. We established that when $ u_{0}\in L^{1}(\mathbb{R}^{3})\cap L^{2}(\mathbb{R}^{3}) $, $ (w_0, \theta_0)\in (L^{2}(\mathbb{R}^{3}))^2 $ and $ w\in L^\infty(0, \infty; W^{1-\alpha, \infty}(\mathbb{R}^3)) $ with $ \alpha\in(0, 1] $, the energy $ \Vert u(t)\Vert_{L^2(\mathbb{R}^3)} $ vanishes and $ \Vert w(t)\Vert_{L^2(\mathbb{R}^3)}+\Vert \theta(t)\Vert_{L^2(\mathbb{R}^3)} $ converges to a constant as time tends to infinity.
Delamerian Glenelg tectonic zone, western Victoria: Geology and metamorphism of stratiform rocks

The Cambro‐Ordovician Glenelg tectonic zone of western Victoria is a distinctive metamorphic‐igneous segment of the Delamerian Orogenic Belt comprising two northwest‐striking regional metamorphic segments of andalusite‐sillimanite type prograding towards an axial granitic batholith. The second of five deformations (D2) was most significant, producing isoclinal folds, transposition and a pervasive regional foliation (S2). Southwest of the central batholith, biotite to migmatite zones contain mainly quartzo‐feldspathic rock (turbiditic metagreywacke, quartzo‐feldspathic schist and migmatite), plus less common metaquartzite and calc‐silicate rocks and minor metapelite. Metagabbro, metadolerite and amphibolite typically have the chemistry of mid‐ocean ridge basalts. Serpentinite pods and sheets were tectonically introduced to low‐grade areas. Northeast of the central batholith, quartzo‐feldspathic rock occupies the sillimanite and migmatite zones exclusively, with a regional concentration of pegmatites adjacent to the zone boundary. Gross interleaving of quartzo‐feldspathic schist, migmatite, pegmatite and muscovite‐bearing granitic rock is characteristic. Peak metamorphic conditions of 550 MPa at 640°C leading to migmatite formation were established by D2 time and accompanied by tonalite‐granodiorite and pegmatite emplacement. Subsequently, the thermal high contracted to the northeast culminating in the more extensive syn‐, post‐D4 to pre‐D5 granitic magmatism.
Improving hydrometeorologic numerical weather prediction forecast value via bias correction and ensemble analysis

This dissertation describes research designed to enhance hydrometeorological forecasts. The objective of the research is to deliver an optimal methodology to produce reliable, skillful and economically valuable probabilistic temperature and precipitation forecasts. Weather plays a dominant role for energy companies relying on forecasts of watershed precipitation and temperature to drive reservoir models, and forecasts of temperatures to meet energy demand requirements. Extraordinary precipitation events and temperature extremes involve consequential waterand power-management decisions. This research compared weighted-average, recursive, and model output statistics biascorrection methods and determined optimal window-length to calibrate temperature and precipitation forecasts. The research evaluated seven different methods for daily maximum and minimum temperature forecasts, and three different methods for daily quantitative precipitation forecasts, within a region of complex terrain in southwestern British Columbia, Canada. This research then examined ensemble prediction system design by assessing a threemodel suite of multi-resolution limited area mesoscale models. The research employed two different economic models to investigate the ensemble design that produced the highestquality, most valuable forecasts. The best post-processing methods for temperature forecasts included moving-weighted average methods and a Kalman filter method. The optimal window-length proved to be 14 days. The best post-processing methods for achieving mass balance in quantitative precipitation forecasts were a moving-average method and the best easy systematic estimator method. The optimal window-length for moving-average quantitative precipitation forecasts was 40 days. The best ensemble configuration incorporated all resolution members from all three models. A cost/loss model adapted specifically for the hydro-electric energy sector indicated that operators managing rainfall-dominated, high-head reservoirs should lower their reservoir with relatively low probabilities of forecast precipitation. A reservoir-operation model based on decision theory and variable energy pricing showed that applying an ensemble-average or
ANALYSIS OF THE QUALITY OF CORPORATE GOVERNANCE. CASE FOR ROMANIAN COMPANIES

Corporate governance, as an important element from the economic environment is a topic of great interest. During the time, researchers tried to find the most efficient corporate governance characteristics, which have a direct impact over the company’s well-being. Thus, the present study contains a sample of 66 companies, for the period 2016-2021 listed on the BSE (Bucharest Stock Exchange). For the first step, the corporate governance score was computed, by ranking the responses with 1 if they comply or 0 if they do not follow the best practices of corporate governance, so it can be seen the evolution of the quality of reporting. Then, the evolution of the corporate governance score was analyses trough dividing the results into quartiles. Going further, to conduct the research, from the” Comply-Explain” statement five elements which underlines the qualitative reporting were selected: EQUIL (Equilibrium of board members), INDEP (Independence of board members), NOM (Selection of the board members), REM (Remuneration policy) and AUDIT (Audit committee). To consolidate our study, we have also analysed the presence of females in boards and the ownership structure, by sector of activity. In the literature, several elements were the key points, which indicated whether a business adopt the best practices of corporate governance, or not. Considering the literature, the above-mentioned elements were selected and analysed. In the case of Romania, particularly taking the corporate governance score it could be seen that there is a positive evolution for the period 2016-2021. In case of the extracted elements which are part of the corporate governance reporting, it can be seen, that they vary from a year to another, but generally presenting a positive trend. This is an encouraging aspect, meaning that businesses start to acknowledge the fact that applying the corporate governance best practices, will assure the long-term benefits for the companies.