Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
News Sentiment as an Explanation for Changes in the VIX Futures Basis

Chicago Board Options Exchange Volatility Index (VIX) futures have become an increasingly important hedging instrument and aid to portfolio diversification. The authors study changes in the futures basis, which can be interpreted as changes in expectations of future VIX (“fear”) levels. The authors find that higher levels of VIX are associated with a narrowing of the futures basis, suggesting that investors view fear as temporary, and a flatter forward curve. News sentiment offers one plausible explanation for changes in the basis. A wider (narrower) basis accompanies the more positive (negative) news associated with a falling (rising) VIX index. The identified relationships are most pronounced for extreme changes in the VIX futures basis and appear to be concentrated in recession. TOPICS: Options, futures and forward contracts Key Findings • Increases in VIX cause the VIX futures basis to narrow and the forward curve to flatten. • Negative news sentiment is one source of heightened VIX and associated forward curve flattening. • The impact of news sentiment is greatest during recession and for the most extreme changes in the VIX futures basis.
Recent Monetary Policy and the Credit Card-Augmented Divisia Monetary Aggregates

Abstract The main objective of this paper is to examine the information content of the credit card-augmented Divisia monetary aggregates and credit card-augmented Divisia inside monetary aggregates, recently produced by the Center for Financial Stability. We compare the inference ability of the credit card-augmented Divisia monetary aggregates and credit card-augmented Divisia inside monetary aggregates to the conventional Divisia monetary aggregates, at all levels of monetary aggregation. Using cyclical correlations analysis and Granger causality tests, we find that both the conventional Divisia monetary aggregates and the credit card-augmented Divisia monetary aggregates are informative in predicting output. Moreover, during, and in the aftermath of the 2007–2009 financial crisis, the credit card-augmented Divisia measures of money are more informative when predicting real economic activity than the conventional Divisia monetary aggregates. We also find that broad Divisia monetary aggregates provide better measures of the flow of monetary services generated in the economy.
Jump for joy: happiness as the route to increased living standards of entrepreneurs in Zambia

ABSTRACT Little is known of the effect of entrepreneurs’ happiness on living standards in the world’s developing countries. This study explores (1) the causal relationship of entrepreneurs’ happiness and living standards; and (2) examines the interaction effects of socio-demographics (i.e. gender, age and education) and happiness on living standards in a developing context: Zambia. Following a qualitative pre-study with local experts, we develop a quantitative survey study including a unique sample of 170 entrepreneurs in Zambia. The analyses show that the entrepreneurs are relatively happy and an increasing level of happiness is related to an increasing standard of living. Moreover, the entrepreneurs’ happiness moderated by age (i.e. being older and happy) and education (i.e. being better-educated and happy) is a strong positive determinant of their living standard. The entrepreneurs’ awareness of the factors conducive to being happy, as well as the practitioners focussing on the social conditions of happiness, is instrumental.
Spatiotemporal Pattern of Wind Erosion on Unprotected Topsoil Replacement Sites in Mainland China

Topsoil is required to be stripped and reused to maintain land productivity in mining and construction activities. However, as a great threat to unprotected soil, wind erosion on topsoil replacement sites has not received enough research attention, which hinders the efficient implementation of wind erosion control measures in the right time and place on a national scale. This study aims to evaluate wind erosion on unprotected topsoil replacement sites (WEUTRS) in mainland China, examining its spatiotemporal pattern and demonstrating its significance for the relevant research and industry. The WEUTRS was calculated by the Revised Wind Erosion Equation with meteorological data (1988–2017) and raster data of soil properties. The results showed a strong spatiotemporal heterogeneity of WEUTRS. The highest (>300 kg m−2) and the lowest (<0.5 kg m−2) WEUTRS appeared in Northwest and Central Southern China, respectively. The most drastic temporal change through the year was in Northwest China (as high as 335.4 kg m−2 on the example site), followed by Qinghai–Tibet Plateau and Shandong Province. By contrast, almost no temporal changes happened in Central Southern China. The ratio of monthly WEUTRS to respread the topsoil mass (Rw) in Northwest China and Mongolia Plateau reached 10% or more in specific months, and less than 0.1% in most of Southern China. The WEUTRS quantification could be applied to the wind erosion control on topsoil replacement sites on both a national scale and a regional scale. The spatiotemporal pattern of WEUTRS may be a scientific basis for a nationwide or regionwide differentiated policy on the wind erosion control on topsoil replacement sites for policy makers, as well as the reference to the proper working schedule and the control measures for local mining and construction projects for management authorities and practitioners.
Yield components and forage quality of common vetch during pod filling

Common vetch (Vicia sativa L.) is a high-quality alternative forage legume in rainfed areas of the Mediterranean basin. Determining harvest strategies to maximize yield of available nutrients must include an assessment of morphological development, forage and grain yields, and changes in forage quality during seed filling. Field studies were conducted near Madrid, Spain, during the 1991-1992 and 1992-1993 growing seasons on a Typic Xerofluvent Entisol soil. Common vetch was sown in November and harvested in May and June of the following year. Maturity stages during pod filling were defined by progressively higher seed dry matter (DM) concentration (full bloom and 250-300, 450-550, and >800 g kg -1 seed DM). Total herbage, seed, and crude protein yields were compared. Measurements of plant partitioning, acid-detergent fiber, and acid-detergent lignin were carried out by harvesting individual plants at seven maturity stages, similarly defined, during pod filling (200-250, 250-300, 350-450, 450-550, 600-700, 700-800, and >800 g kg -1 seed DM). Before 450-550 g k -1 seed DM, forage, seed, and crude protein yields increased with advancing maturity. As maturity advanced beyond 450-550 g kg -1 seed DM, negative crop growth rates were found in the two growing seasons. Plant partitioning showed that the seed fraction in the harvested biomass varied from 74 g kg -1 DM at 200-250 g kg -1 seed DM to 491 g kg -1 DM at 450-550 g kg -1 seed DM. Little change was observed in plant parts or seed weight beyond 450-550 g kg -1 seed DM. This last stage of maturity is recommended for maximizing nutrient yield for common vetch hay production.
The autecology and production dynamics of eelgrass (Zostera marina L.) in Netarts Bay, Oregon

Changes in biomass, growth form and shoot net primary production in an eelgrass, Zostera marina L. , bed were monitored along transects at three tidal heights in Netarts Bay, Oregon, from May 1979 through June 1981. During the growing season, April through October, the mean plastochrone interval was 16.5 d along the low intertidal transect and 11.6 d along the high intertidal transect. The mean export interval was 13.3 d along the low intertidal transect and 11.6 d along the high intertidal transect. The life span of a leaf averaged 48 d along the low intertidal transect and 36 d along the high intertidal transect. Shoot density was positively correlated with mean leaf area index (LAI) until the LAI reached 3.8 to 5.5, above which LAI was negatively correlated with density. The maximum Zostera biomass ranged from 143 (high intertidal transect) to 463 (low intertidal transect) g dry wt m−2. Maximum values of shoot net production ranged from 4.7 (high intertidal transect) to 13.6 (low intertidal transect) g dry wt m−2d−1. Zostera shoot net production was related to light and to the physical damage to the shoots associated with a rapid accumulation of Enteromorpha biomass in the bay. In addition, patterns of biomass accumulation were related to the duration of water coverage, as determined by both tidal height and local impoundments of water. At all transects, biomass sloughed was equal to at least 50% of the shoot net primary production in that area during that time period; sloughed leaves accounted for 25 to 97% of these losses. An estimate of the total annual net primary production of aboveground Zostera in the bed was 17,500 kg, dry wt (SE=3,080 kg dry wt), which was equivalent to a mean annual rate of 383 g C m−2 (SE=67 g C m−2)
Standard methods for research on Apis mellifera gut symbionts

Summary Gut microbes can play an important role in digestion, disease resistance, and the general health of animals, but little is known about the biology of gut symbionts in Apis mellifera. As part of the BEEBOOK series describing honey bee research methods, we provide standard protocols for studying gut symbionts. We describe non-culture-based approaches based on Next Generation Sequencing (NGS), methodology that has greatly improved our ability to identify the microbial communities associated with honey bees. We also describe Fluorescent In Situ Hybridization (FISH) microscopy, which allows a visual examination of the microenvironments where particular microbes occur. Culturing methods are also described, as they allow the researcher to isolate particular bacteria of interest for further study or gene identification, and enable the assignment of particular functions to particular gut community members. We hope these methods will help others advance the state of knowledge regarding bee gut symbionts and the role they play in honey bee health.
Effect of Varying the Concentration of Dietary Astaxanthin on Rainbow Trout, Oncorhynchus mykissMuscle Pigmentation

Abstract The effect of daily distribution of various dietary astaxanthin concentrations (0, 10, 15, 25, and 30 mg astaxanthin/kg diet) on rainbow trout muscle pigmentation was studied during 9 weeks. Four combined daily distribution treatments (morning/evening) of dietary astaxanthin (25/25, 25/10, 15/15, and 30/0) were tested on triplicate groups of 80 immature rainbow trout (body weight±SD, 199.6±3.7 g). Trout muscle pigmentation was evaluated on the basis of muscle astaxanthin retention and muscle color. Fish muscle astaxanthin increased with increasing dietary carotenoid concentration. There was no significant (P > 0.05) difference for muscle astaxanthin retention coefficients and muscle color parameters of fish receiving treatments 25/25 and 25/ 10 while there was a significant (P < 0.05) difference for muscle astaxanthin retention coefficients and muscle color parameters of fish receiving treatments 25/25 and 15/15 or 30/0. Astaxanthin retention coefficients were higher for lower dietary doses (15/15 or 30/0) while muscle color parameters were lower for fish receiving treatments 15/15 or 30/0. These results suggest that the level of dietary astaxanthin currently used for trout pigmentation (25/25) may be reduced by 30% by varying its daily distribution in feeds (25/10).
Further evidence of spawning of bluefin tuna (Thunnus thynnus L., 1758) and the tuna species (Auxis rochei Ris., 1810, Euthynnus alletteratus Raf., 1810) in the eastern Mediterranean Sea: preliminary results of TUNALEV larval survey in 2004

Summary A tuna larval survey (TUNALEV) in the Northern Levantine Basin (Cilician Basin) was conducted onboard a trawler from 5 to 18 June 2004. To determine the spatial distribution and abundance of tuna larvae, Bongo 60 and Bongo 90 nets were used. Ichtyoplankton samples from 104 stations were taken. In total, 121 bluefin tuna (Thunnus thynnus), 94 bullet tuna (Auxis rochei) and 22 Atlantic black skipjack (Euthynnus alletteratus) larvae were collected. In comparison with the other tuna larvae, the concentration of bluefin tuna larvae was highest in the Bay of Mersin. The collected larvae in this area were composed mainly of 5–9 mm size specimens.
THE EFFECT OF SEXUAL DIMORPHISM ON GROWTH OF THE BLACK SEA TURBOT, Psetta maxima

Sexual dimorphism in growth of the Black Sea turbot (n=119), Psetta maxima, was studied in a long-lasting (12 months) growth experiment at ambient temperature. The influence of onset of puberty and subsequent maturation on growth was evaluated. There were no initial size differences, but the final weight of females was larger than that of males (P 0.05). Significant growth differences between sexes were detected at the age of 30 months post hatch (P 0.05). Maturing females had the highest growth rate and reached the largest size (1454.0 ±369.99 g in 0 months), whereas male body weights leveled off around 1187.6±248.87 g. This growth advantage substantiates the need to develop techniqus for the production of all-female juveniles in the hatchery.
Drivers and consequences of word of mouth communication from the senders’ and receivers’ perspectives: the evidence from the Croatian adult population

Abstract This article addresses the issue of predicting and stimulating consumers’ word of mouth communication (WOM). It contributes to the WOM literature by examining and comparing the magnitude of effects of a set of antecedents and consequences of WOM information spread and WOM information seek in one model. The data collected from consumer survey in Croatia were analysed using structural equation modelling (SEM). The results reveal that consumer innovativeness, followed by price sensitivity and attitudes towards advertising are the most important drivers of both WOM variables, whereas the effects are stronger for WOM information seek than WOM information spread. The results also indicate that WOM information seek has a four times stronger effect on buying intention than WOM information spread, which can be utilised by retailers. Accordingly, retailers should focus on WOM information seek and try to stimulate it by introducing new products in the first place, but also with frequent sales, and appealing advertising messages.
Hematological and Immunological parameters in apparently healthy people in Ethiopia: Systematic review and meta-analysis

Background: Hematological and immunological parameters are fundamental components of person’s health assessment. Quantitative determination of normal reference range of hematological and immunological parameters of apparently health people used to assist diagnosis of various diseases. The reference values currently used in Asia and Africa have been obtained from researches on populations in developed countries and may not be applicable in most local settings. The local reference values for immunohematological parameters are essential components of evidence based medicine. Objectives: The aim of the present study was to review exiting literatures and establishing normal reference range of hematological and immunological parameters in Ethiopia. Result: Meta-analysis by random effect model showed that the estimated pooled mean and 95% CI of red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets in males was 5.29 x 1012/l (95% CI; 5.15-5.44 x 1012/l) respectively while the mean and 95% CI of red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets in females was 4.77 x 1012/l (95% CI; 4.61-4.94 x 1012/l) respectively. Conclusion: the estimated pooled mean and 95% CI of hematological and immunological parameters showed some degree of difference with reference range adopted from developed country. *Correspondence to: Ephrem Awulachew, Dilla University, College of Health Science and Medicine, Department of Medical Laboratory Science, Ethiopia, Tel: +25149181161; E-mail: efriye@gmail.com
Risk-taking attitudes and behaviors in the Norwegian population: the influence of personality and background factors

Abstract The article presents the results of an investigation where the main purpose was to see how willingness to take risks is distributed in the general adult population relative to socio-demographic background and personality. A representative sample (n = 1000) of the population 15 years and older was interviewed about socio-demographic background, personality type (Big Five, EPQ, Sensation Seeking) and willingness to take risks. We used a new scale containing eight dimensions, covering social, intellectual, achievement, political, economic, physical, ethical and existential types of risk. The results showed that people in general were risk averse in relation to physical, ethical, economic and existential risks but had a balanced bell-shaped distribution of scores on the other risk dimensions. There was a moderate to low positive correlation between all eight risk-taking dimensions except achievement risk versus ethical risk. Males were more willing to take risks than females on six of eight dimensions. Younger were more willing than older to take risks on all eight risk dimensions. Higher educational level influenced risk-taking positively in more than half of the dimensions, not only one’s own educational level but also father’s and even more mother’s educational level. There was a positive correlation with household income on three dimensions. All sensation seeking subscales and total sensation seeking correlated positively with all risk-taking dimensions. There were positive correlations with most risk-taking scales on EPQ’s Extraversion and Psychoticism and Big Five’s Extraversion, Stableness and Openness. Agreeableness and Conscientiousness had negative correlation with several risk-taking dimensions. A logistic regression model, identifying the 25 percent highest scorers on total risk-taking, found that being male and scoring high on sensation seeking were the most important predictors. Furthermore, high scores on the Big Five sub-scales Extraversion and Openness, as well as the Eysenck EPQ sub-scales Extraversion and Psychoticism predicted high willingness to take risks.
Traveling Responsibly to Ecofriendly Destinations: An Individual-Level Cross-Cultural Comparison between the United Kingdom and China

Background: Cross-cultural comparisons have remained an unexplored area in responsible tourism, and therefore, the current study aims to develop a conceptual framework and test it across cultures. The purpose of the present study was to formulate and cross-culturally confirm a research model in the context of responsible tourism. Methods: Schwartz’s personal values and theory of planned behavior are integrated into a theoretical framework in examining tourists’ revisiting intentions to ecofriendly destinations. Data were collected from experienced tourists of the United Kingdom and China and a comparison was made. Results: The findings indicate that our research model holds true for both groups; however, we observed some noteworthy differences between the two groups of samples. The findings offer suggestions to responsible tourism practitioners considering cross-cultural differences while developing tourism strategies. Conclusion: This study has some important implications for tourism marketers. Given our results, marketers should add cultural features into their marketing campaigns and devise strategies that can target a cross-cultural audience. We acknowledge research limitations and suggest future research directions to responsible tourism scholars.
Less Is More: Lower Sowing Rate of Irrigated Tef (Eragrostis tef) Alters Plant Morphology and Reduces Lodging

Tef (Eragrostis tef (Zucc.) Trotter) is a panicle-bearing cereal crop plant, originating from and grown mainly in Ethiopia. Tef yields highly nutritious gluten-free grain as well as high-quality forage, therefore, interest is rising regarding tef cultivation for grain and forage outside Ethiopia. Lodging is a major factor limiting tef quality and yield, with losses estimated at 30%–35% and presumably higher under mechanical harvest. Studies in other cereal crops suggested that lowering plant density would lead to sturdier plants less prone to lodging. In this work, we reported on the effects of sowing rate on lodging, lodging-related traits, and productivity of tef under irrigated conditions. Four tef genotypes were grown under irrigation across two years at three sowing rates: low (3 kg/ha), medium (6 kg/ha), and high (common, 9 kg/ha). Grain yield and biomass did not differ significantly among sowing rates. The visually assessed lodging index (LI) increased as the season progressed, with the lowest values recorded under low sowing density. A significant difference in LI values among the tested genotypes suggested potential for crop improvement. Aerial RGB images of the field taken by an unmanned aerial vehicle twice during the second season produced a high-resolution crop surface model, which was used to assess lodging. Aerial-based LI values were significantly correlated with the ground-based ones and exhibited better capacity to identify minor differences in lodging. Among the morphological traits assessed, crown diameter, crown root number, and crown root diameter were significantly affected by sowing rate and genotype and were correlated with LI values. In summary, this study demonstrated for the first time the feasibility of tef production under irrigated Mediterranean conditions and the potential of a reduced sowing rate as a remedy for lodging.
Elasticity of Market Demand between Modes of Transport in Vietnam by Price and Income

This study aims to determine the demand elasticity of passenger and freight transport market between different modes of transport in Vietnam by income, by price and by the price of substitute mode of transport (cross price). Upon consideration of the theoretical basis and inheriting the results of previous studies, this study applies a non-linear model to estimate the elasticity coefficients of demand. The analysis of the data for a 16-year period from 2001 to 2016 in Vietnam shows that as a general rule, the average per capita income is a factor that positively influences the transport market demand of different modes of transport. Freight rates, as a general rule, have an opposite effect on passenger transportation by waterway, freight transportation by road, by waterway and by air. Demand is greatly affected by the cross price in the freight transportation by air. The outcome of the research serves as a basis to propose business implications for executive management to make appropriate policies for each mode of transport and to create harmonization of all modes of transport.