Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Does Confidence Enhance Performance? Causal Evidence from Professional Biathlon

We analyze the e ect of self-confidence on performance using data from top-level professional biathlon competitions. Biathlon combines two independent tasks: cross-country skiing and rifle shooting. We exploit this dual nature of the sport by using weather conditions affecting performance on the skiing track as exogenous variation in confidence on the shooting range. Using round-level data on 254 competitions between 2009 and 2013, we show that the less confident athletes are, the worse their performance is on the shooting range. In particular, we estimate an increase of 0.525 standard deviations in missed shots for every standard deviation increase in our inverse self-confidence measure. E ects for women are estimated to be generally smaller in magnitude and less robust.
Gravitational self-force and the effective-one-body formalism between the innermost stable circular orbit and the light ring

We compute the conservative piece of the gravitational self-force (GSF) acting on a particle of mass m1 as it moves along an (unstable) circular geodesic orbit between the innermost stable orbit and the light ring of a Schwarzschild black hole of mass m2? m1. More precisely, we construct the function huuR,L(x)? h? R,Lu? u? (related to Detweiler’s gauge-invariant “redshift” variable), where h? R,L(? m1) is the regularized metric perturbation in the Lorenz gauge, u? is the four-velocity of m1 in the background Schwarzschild metric of m2, and x? [Gc-3(m1+m2)? ]2/3 is an invariant coordinate constructed from the orbital frequency ? In particular, we explore the behavior of huuR,L just outside the “light ring” at x=1/3 (i.e., r=3Gm2/c2), where the circular orbit becomes null. Using the recently discovered link between huuR,L and the piece a(u), linear in the symmetric mass ratio ? m1m2/(m1+m2)2, of the main radial potential A(u,? )=1-2u+? a(u)+O(? 2) of the effective-one-body (EOB) formalism, we compute from our GSF data the EOB function a(u) over the entire domain 0<u<1/3 (thereby extending previous results limited to u? 1/5). We find that a(u) diverges like a(u)? 0.25(1-3u)-1/2 at the light-ring limit, u? (1/3)-, explain the physical origin of this divergent behavior, and discuss its consequences for the EOB formalism. We construct accurate global analytic fits for a(u), valid on the entire domain 0<u<1/3 (and possibly beyond), and give accurate numerical estimates of the values of a(u) and its first three derivatives at the innermost stable circular orbit u=1/6, as well as the associated O(? ) shift in the frequency of that orbit. In previous work we used GSF data on slightly eccentric orbits to compute a certain linear combination of a(u) and its first two derivatives, involving also the O(? ) piece of a second EOB radial potential D? (u)=1+? d? (u)+O(? 2). Combining these results with our present global analytic representation of a(u), we numerically compute d? (u) on the interval 0<u? 1/6
An attempt to optimize human resources allocation based on spatial diversity of the first wave of COVID–19 in Poland

Aim. Our task was to examine the relationship between the SARS–CoV–2 arrival and the number of confi rmed COVID–19 cases in the fi rst wave (period from March 4 to May 22, 2020 (unoffi cial data)), and socio–economic variables at the powiat (county) level.Methods. We were using simple statistical techniques such as data visualisation, correlation analysis, spatial clustering and multiple linear regression.Results. We showed that immigration and the logarithm of general mobility was the best predictor of SARS–CoV–2 arrival times, while emigration, industrialisation and air quality explain most of the size of the epidemic in poviats. On the other hand, infection dynamics is driven to a lesser extent by previously postulated variables such as population size and density, income or the size of the elderly population.Conclusions. Our analyses could support Polish authorities in preparation for the second wave of infections and optimal management of resources as we have provided a proposition of optimal distribution of human resources between poviats. Although this isa retrospective analysis of the initial phase of the epidemic, similar patterns could repeat in case of new variants of SARS–CoV–2 or new respiratory disease for immunologically naive populations.
Remarks on the Pucci conjecture

The Pucci conjecture concerns a sharp form of a maximum principle for linear second order uniformly elliptic partial differential equations in terms of an integral norm of the inhomogeneous term and an ellipticity constant. In this note we consider refinements of its solution in the cases of integral exponents by Kuo and Trudinger and two dimensions by Astala, Iwaniec and Martin.
Imposed Water Deficit after Anthesis for the Improvement of Macronutrients, Quality, Phytochemicals, and Antioxidants in Rice Grain

The control of protein and amylose content is the principal challenge in rice nutrient and quality improvement. In this study, water deficits in 2- and 3-day intervals were imposed on two Japonica cultivars K1 and K3, and an Indica K4 subtype after anthesis to harvest. It was observed that although rice yield was affected, the protein content was increased 6.53–6.63% to 9.93–10.16%. The amylose quantity was reduced significantly from 22.00–22.43% to 16.33–17.56%, while fatty acids in rice grain were not influenced. Total anthocyanins were greatly promoted by 53.1% as compared to the non-treated trials. The antioxidant capacity in rice grain increased up to 59.1% in 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging and 41.6% in reducing power assays. Findings of this research revealed that the 3-day interval of water deficit imposition was the most effective to improve rice macronutrients and quality, as well as beneficial phytochemicals and antioxidants in rice grain. The water control after anthesis to harvest in rice cultivation is beneficial and economical for farmers to improve rice nutrients and quality, thus contributes to the sustainable rice production in many developing countries.
Improvement of stored Brazil nuts ( Bertholletia excelsa H . B . K . ) quality by ozone gas

This study reports an investigation on in-shell Brazil nuts (Bertholletia excelsa H.B.K.) quality improvement by ozone gas treatment (at different concentrations and time of exposure) during 6 month storage. Nuts were treated with O3 gas at 10, 14, 31.5 mg.l -1 (Group I, II and III, respectively) keeping one as Control (no O3 treated: Group C) and stored in silos for 180 days. Samples were collected each 30 days of storage and submitted to 18 trained panelists for nuts sensory evaluation and also analyzed for their lipid stability and moisture content. The nuts (O3 treated) sensory parameters evaluated received from the panelists, high scores: either for flavor (odour/taste), texture and slicing firmness, which indicated maintenance of nuts quality after gas treatment despite of the storage period (up to 180 days) studied. In addition, the nuts length of exposure time to the gas reduced their mc (-1.4/-1.7/2.9%) for the 3 treated Groups, leading to cruncher nuts (an important sensorial quality attribute for the consumers acceptance and for nut safety by reducing one of the factors for fungi proliferation). Therefore, apart from safety (regarding fungi and aflatoxin degradation), O3 treatments, under the storage conditions applied, were able to improve Brazil nuts quality, not interfering to their lipid content stability. The fatty acid oxidation indicator, malonaldialdehyde acid, was detected in low amounts throughout the 180 days period, which were not high enough to be detected by the panelists' sensory evaluation indicating the low effect of O3 treatment on nuts lipids under the experimental conditions.
Developments in reproductive biology and medicine Understanding follicle growth in vivo

Ovarian reserve is determined by the number of primordial follicles in the ovary. Quiescent primordial follicles are activated for growth and pass through stages of development before they reach the antral stage. Then a cohort of antral follicles is recruited for further growth, dominance and ovulation under the cyclic stimulation of gonadotrophins. What triggers the initiation of growth in primordial follicles has remained a mystery for decades. However, recent studies on mutant mouse models have shown that primordial follicles are maintained in a dormant state by the actions of various inhibitory molecules to preserve the follicle pool, such as the transcription factor Foxo3a, PTEN (phosphotase and tensin homolog deleted on chromosome 10) and Tsc-1 (tumour suppressor tuberous schlerosis complex). Mice with deletions of these oocyte-specific genes exhibit premature activation of dormant primordial follicles, and all primordial follicles become depleted in early adulthood, causing premature ovarian failure. Other oocyte and somatic cell-derived growth factors are also involved in the early, gonadotrophin-independent phase of follicle growth via autocrine and paracrine interactions. Interestingly, some of these factors also play critical roles at later stages of follicle growth, such as the process of selecting the dominant follicle, by modifying the response of the follicles to gonadotrophins and inhibiting premature luteinization. Therefore, a thorough understanding of the molecular aspects of folliculogenesis is of paramount importance in the context of translational medicine and future clinical applications in human reproduction.
Dissolution of Scrap in Hot Metal under Linz–Donawitz (LD) Steelmaking Conditions

One of the main charging materials of the Linz–Donawitz oxygen steelmaking process (LD) is scrap. Scrap acts as a coolant for the exothermic reactions inside the LD vessel and as an iron source in addition to hot metal. The optimization of the LD process is focused, amongst other factors, on thermodynamic and kinetic modelling. The results of simulations have to be validated in close to reality laboratory-scale experiments. A study was made on the dissolution behavior of common steel scrap in carbon-saturated hot metal which is charged into LD converters. In order to examine the effect of several parameters on diffusive scrap melting, the difference between stagnant and dynamic dissolution as well as the influence of the hot metal temperature were investigated. Using a literature-based equation the mass transfer coefficient of carbon between the solid scrap and the liquid hot metal was evaluated. The ranges of values of the ablation rate and the mass transfer coefficient for the appropriate systems are pointed out, resulting in a significant dependence of the investigated parameters.
Race-Matching in Psychotherapy : Findings , Inconsistencies , and Future Directions

Race-matching has been proposed as a viable approach for increasing mental health treatment utilization and enhancing treatment outcomes among ethnic minorities. However, consistent empirical support for race-matching has been lacking since the initial investigations in the 1960s. The variability in findings may result, in part, from methodological inconsistencies across race-matching studies. The purpose of this literature review was to examine the methodology and inconsistent findings among race/ethnicity-matching articles published between 1990 and 2009. It was determined that race-matching findings differed according to the outcome of interest and analytic strategies. Based on the findings and gaps in the literature, recommendations were provided in an effort to facilitate scientific progress and improve treatment outcomes for ethnic minorities.
Mixing Methods Evaluation of a Styrene-Acrylic Based Liquid Polymer for Sand and Clay Stabilization

In recent years, alternative soil stabilizers to supplement to cementitious soil stabilizers have been attempted for some applications and provided promising results. This study focuses on the application of a low viscosity liquid polymer for shallow soil improvement. The mixing method of soil specimens treated with the liquid polymer soil stabilizer, which belongs to Styrene Acrylic family, was studied through an experimental testing program. The tested soils included poorly graded sand and sulfate-rich clay. The water, liquid polymer and dry soil were mixed with different sequence to assess the effect on strength. The specimens were cured in controlled environment for up to 35 days before tested. It was found that the curing of the polymer stabilizer in sand and clay were time consuming and took to a month to reach their full strength. The mixing method did not show tangible difference for stabilized sandy specimens and demonstrated significant effect on stabilized clay specimen. Specifically, as to clay, when water was added after the dried soil and polymer were thoroughly, no improvement was observed.
Trends in Self-reported Forgone Medical Care Among Medicare Beneficiaries During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Key Points Question How did forgone medical care among Medicare beneficiaries change during the COVID-19 pandemic? Findings In this cross-sectional survey study of 23 058 Medicare beneficiaries using 3 waves of data collection during the COVID-19 pandemic (Summer 2020, Fall 2020, and Winter 2021), patient-reported forgone medical care decreased over time, but the largest decrease was observed in Summer 2020. Most of the forgone medical care was associated with physician-driven factors, and forgone medical care was more common among those who reported mental health problems. Meaning The study results suggest that Medicare beneficiaries experienced limited care access during the initial stage of the COVID-19 pandemic but have improved care access over time.
Labor Supply and Weight

We use panel data from the National Longitudinal Survey of Youth to investigate on-the-job exercise and weight. For male workers, job-related exercise has causal effects on weight, but for female workers, the effects seem primarily selective. A man who spends 18 years in the most physical fitness-demanding occupation is about 25 pounds (14 percent) lighter than his peer in the least demanding occupation. These effects are strongest for the heaviest quartile of men. Conversely, a male worker spending 18 years in the most strength-demanding occupation is about 28 pounds (15 percent) heavier than his counterpart in the least demanding job.
Why Do University Students Prefer YouTube to Learn and Study?

YouTube has over 2 billion users who watch YouTube videos regularly. It is one of the social media platforms that increase its popularity in the last years with its use in educational purposes in various grade levels. The purpose of this study is to investigate the factors that make university students use YouTube for learning and studying. Firstly, it looks into the reasons that make university students prefer YouTube for learning and studying. Secondly, it examines the factors that university students consider during content selection on YouTube. The qualitative research design methodology is used in the design of the study. Data is collected through the interviews that held on face to face. The study emerged that the reasons that motive university students to use YouTube in the learning process are individual learning needs, manageability, limitations of face to face education, and availability of conditions. Besides, the study showed that university students also consider some criteria while selecting content on YouTube. They mostly consider the appropriateness of content to their interest, popularity, thumbnail image, and reliability of sources. The results of the study can be helpful for content developers to understand the needs of university students in digital platforms. Furthermore, the results can give feedback to instructors on universities to understand the gaps in face-to-face education. Besides, the results also help to understand the mindset of university students during content selection in social media.
The Contingent Effects of Intrateam Abusive Behavior on Team Thriving and New Venture Performance

This study sheds light on the dark side of entrepreneurship by examining how and under what conditions abusive behavior within new venture teams (NVTs) relates to new venture performance. Using a national (USA) random sample of NVTs, we find that the relationship of intrateam abusive behavior (i.e., degree to which NVT members exhibit “hostile” verbal behaviors toward each other) with new venture performance (i.e., sales and employment growth) is mediated by NVT thriving (i.e., level of vitality and learning exhibited within the NVT). Results further demonstrate that perceived competitive intensity of the industry moderates this relationship, with the indirect effect of intrateam abusive behavior on new venture performance (via thriving) being significantly less negative at high, than at low, levels of competitive intensity. We therefore conclude that perceived competitive threats to the survival of startups act to mitigate the otherwise deleterious effects of abusive behavior occurring within NVTs. These results broaden existing knowledge regarding the dark side of entrepreneurship by expanding the conversation on this topic to include the NVT and providing evidence for why some NVTs, but not others, are able to sustain the growth of their firms despite the occurrence of abusive behavior between their members.
Partnership Versus Public Ownership of Accounting Firms: Exploring Relative Performance, Performance Measurement and Measurement Issues

Despite theoretical arguments that partnerships are the most efficient ownership form for professional service firms (PSFs), PSFs are increasingly moving to other ownership structures, such as publicly listed companies (PLCs). Research on the comparative performance of PSF, PLCs and partnerships is sparse with conflicting results suggesting that some segments of PSFs are moving to a less efficient form. This study explores the performance of two Australian accounting PLCs compared to a sample of similar sized mid tier accounting firms. The accounting PLCs achieved substantially higher revenue growth rates but lower productivity than the partnership sample. Measurement issues were identified in the use of closing resource numbers and different treatment of reporting merger and acquisition revenues which may partially explain the underperformance of publicly owned PSFs in prior studies. The need for research at a more detailed level exploring the market and service focus, organisational structures, resources utilised and resource costs across different PSF ownership forms is suggested.
Nephroprotective Effect of Functional Beverage of Dolichous Biflorus Seeds on Ethylene Glycol Induced Urolithiasis: A Mechanistic Approach

Calcium oxalate is the most common type of urolithiasis and is suggested due to membrane oxalate transporters dysfunction. This study has used Dolichos biflorus seeds as a functional beverage to explore its bioactive substances’ role on membrane transporters for managing urolithiasis. Urolithiasis model of ethylene glycol induced calcium oxalate crystals in albino Wistar rats was used in this study. Treatment of functional beverage of Dolichos biflorus seeds restored normal blood and urinary oxalate and citrate level and showed anti-urolithiasis activity. Probenecid, a membrane organic anion transporter (Slc26) inhibitor, treatment has abolished anti-urolithiasis activity of functional beverage and suggested Dolichos biflorus produce effect through the restoration of membrane oxalate transporters activity. An oxalate-less diet did not significantly reduce urinary, and plasma oxalate in probenecid treated animals and suggested that dietary oxalate is not primarily involved in calcium oxalate urolithiasis and conditions like hyperoxalemia and hyperoxaluria. Therefore, our findings suggested that endogenous oxalate in conjunction with idiopathic or chronic reduced activity or defective Slc26 transporters due to aging results in calcium oxalate kidney stones. The functional beverage of Dolichos biflorus seeds exhibited anti-urolithiasis activity through improving the activity of Slc26 transporters.
Tied Aid, Trade-Facilitating Aid or Trade-Diverting Aid?

Donor aid is often regarded as being informally tied (aid increases donorrecipient exports) and this effect is, in general, interpreted as being harmful to aid recipients. However, in this paper, using a gravity model, we show that aid is also positively associated with recipient-donor exports. That is, aid increases bilateral trade ows in both directions. Our interpretation is that an intensi ed aid relation reduces the e ective cost of geographic distance. We find a particularly strong relation between aid in the form of technical assistance and exports in both directions. When we disaggregate aid to specifically study the effects from trade-related assistance (Aid for Trade) the effect is small and fully accounted for by aid to investments in trade-related infrastructure. Our sample includes all 184 countries for which data is available during the period 1990 to 2005.
What, How and Why? A Multi-Dimensional Case Analysis of the Challenges Facing Native and Non- Native EFL Teachers.

On a multifaceted basis, this paper explores the challenges experienced by native and non-native English language teachers (NESTs and NNESTs) in a tertiary-level EFL setting in Turkey. Adopting a qualitative case study design, the data were gathered from five NESTs through interviews and from five NNESTs through hand-written accounts based on the template for challenges in ELT (TCELT), and analysed through deductive thematic analysis. The findings showed that the NESTs and NNESTs perceive similar as well as different challenges in the language preparatory program where they are co-teaching. Student-related and institutional parameters accounted for the NNESTs‘ problems, whereas on the part of the NESTs, teacher-related and cross-cultural factors accompanied these parameters. The findings were furthered by the teachers‘ elaborations on the causes and pedagogical consequences of the challenges, and their strategies for coping with them. In light of the teachers‘ accounts, the paper concludes by offering several suggestions for the 142 | PASAA Vol. 54 July December 2017 elimination of the perceived challenges in an attempt to improve the effectiveness of the program.
Gis And Remote Sensing: A Review Of Applications To The Study Of The Covid-19 Pandemic

The spread of the 2019 novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) has engulfed the world with a rapid, unexpected, and far-reaching global crisis. In the study of COVID-19, Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and Remote Sensing (RS) have played an important role in many aspects, especially in the fight against COVID-19. This review summarises 102 scientific papers on applications of GIS and RS on studies of the COVID-19 pandemic. In this study, two themes of GIS and RS-related applications are grouped into the six categories of studies of the COVID-19 including spatio-temporal changes, WebGISbased mapping, the correlation between the COVID-19 and natural, socio-economic factors, and the environmental impacts. The findings of this study provide insight into how to apply new techniques (GIS and RS) to better understand, better manage the evolution of the COVID-19 pandemic and effectively assess its impacts.