Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Macroeconomic Scenarios for the Euro-Mediterranean Area: Quantification Based on the GEM-E3 Model

This study quantifies four alternative macroeconomic scenarios for the southern and eastern Mediterranean countries (SEMCs), with the use of GEM-E3, a general equilibrium model. The four scenarios are: i) the continuation of current policies, ii) southern Mediterranean–EU cooperation, iii) a global opening of the southern Mediterranean countries and cooperation with the rest of the Middle East and other developing countries like China, and iv) a deterioration in the regional political climate and a failure of cooperation. Explicit assumptions on trade integration, infrastructure upgrade, population growth and governance developments are adopted in each scenario. The simulation results indicate that an infrastructure upgrade and governance improvements in the context of SEMC–EU cooperation could benefit most of the countries under consideration. The analysis remains important in light of ongoing regional developments and the need to design the best policies to pursue in the aftermath of the Arab spring.
Inflation-Hedging Portfolios: Economic Regimes Matter

The exceptional rise in government deficits following the subprime crisis, the recent commodity price spikes, and the increase in inflation volatility have revived the debate on medium- to long-term resurgence of inflation. Using a vector-autoregressive model, Brière and Signori investigate the relationships between asset returns and inflation and the optimal strategic asset allocation for investors seeking to hedge inflation risk in two types of macroeconomic regimes. In a volatile macroeconomic environment marked by countercyclical supply shocks, the asset classes of cash, inflationlinked bonds, and precious metals play an essential role. In a more stable environment, such as what has been called the “Great Moderation,” characterized by procyclical demand shocks, the asset classes of cash and nominal bonds play the most significant role, followed by precious metals, real estate, and equities. An ambitious investor in terms of required real returns should have a larger weighting in equities, real estate, and precious metals.
Immobile Element Fingerprinting of Ophiolites

Much of our understanding of ocean ridges has come from the collection and analysis of glasses recovered from ridge axes. However, applying the resulting methodologies to ophiolite complexes is not straightforward because ophiolites typically experience intense alteration during their passage from ridge to subduction zone to mountain belt. Instead, immobile element proxies for fractionation indices, alkalinity, mantle temperature, mantle flow and subduction addition may be used to classify ophiolite lavas and fingerprint the precise setting of the ridge at which an ophiolite formed. The results can help us recognise and interpret past spreading centres and so make plate tectonic reconstructions.
Exploring the viability of tie strength and tags in access controls for photo sharing

Social Network Sites (SNSs) such as Facebook and Google+ allow users to store and share large collections of photos. SNSs offer access controls that protect those photos from unwanted audiences. However, due to the lack of usability of these access controls, people struggle to configure them. First, we collected sharing policies for photos in a study with 34 Facebook users. Then, we define three metrics that enable researchers to evaluate the ease of use and complexity of access controls for photo sharing, and, employing the data collected in the study, we evaluate 15 access controls, each one with a different combination of attributes. The results obtained show that an access control that takes into account groups, tags, and the tie strength of relationships can be managed more easily than current approaches, reducing the burden of configuring the privacy settings for photos on SNSs.
Impacts of poor food availability on positive density dependence in a highly colonial seabird

For species with positive density dependence, costs and benefits of increasing density may depend on environmental conditions, but this has seldom been tested. By examining a colonial seabird (common guillemot) over a period of unprecedented poor food availability, we test two contrasting hypotheses suggesting that birds breeding at high density have: (i) greater leeway to increase foraging effort owing to more effective defence of unattended chicks against predators; and (ii) less leeway, owing to more attacks on unattended chicks by neighbouring adults. Supporting hypothesis 1, birds at high density increased provisioning rates and hence survival of chicks by foraging simultaneously with their partners, whereas at low density, unattended chicks were liable to be killed by predatory gulls and, unexpectedly, razorbills. Simultaneously, supporting hypothesis 2, heightened aggression towards unattended chicks at high density frequently resulted in infanticide, undermining benefits from collective defence against predators. Consequently, over 25 years, the magnitude of positive density dependence was independent of mean breeding success. These data indicate previously unsuspected trade-offs between costs and benefits of increasing density under changing environments. Previous generalizations about the importance of high density for reproductive success have so far remained robust, but such trade-offs could have unpredictable consequences for future population dynamics.
PENGARUH INVESTMENT OPPORTUNITY SET DAN FREE CASH FLOW PADA KEBIJAKAN DIVIDEN DAN NILAI PERUSAHAAN

This research is conducted to find out the effect of investment opportunity set and free cash flow on dividendpolicy and its impact on firm value of manufacturing companies registered in Indonesia Stock Exchangeduring the period of 2011-2013. The sample of this study is 25 manufacturing companies and it was selectedby using purposive sampling method. Data is collected through the non participant observation. Path analysiswhich is an extension of the multiple linear regression technique is used to analyze data.Based on the analysis, it was found that: 1) Investment opportunity set has a positive effect on dividendpolicy, refuse the negative hypothesis; 2) Free cash flow has a positive effect on dividend policy; 3) Investmentopportunity set has a positive effect on firm value; 4) Free cash flow has a positive effect on firm value; 5)Dividend policy has a positive effect on firm value; 6) Investment opportunity set has effect on firm valuethrough dividend policy; and 7) Free cash flow has no effect on firm value through dividend policy.
Réponses du palmier à huile aux fumures azotées et phosphorées à Sumatra

Depuis plusieurs annees, le reseau experimental installe sur les plantations SOCFINDO du nord de Sumatra avait permis la mise en evidence d'une deficience en azote sur les sols d'origines volcanique ou sedimentaire, tres frequemment accompagnee d'un niveau insuffisant de nutrition en phosphore. Des la fin des annees 1970, les niveaux critiques des teneurs foliaires en N avaient pu etre definis, en meme temps qu'il etait demontre que pour l'element P la notion de niveau critique devait etre remplacee par celle d'equilibre optimal N/P, valable a l'epoque pour des arbres âges de 15 ans. Dix ans plus tard, l'exploitation des resultats de huit experiences du reseau SOCFINDO a permis d'etudier les evolutions en fonction de l'âge des arbres du niveau critique de N et de l'equation d'equilibre N/P. Ces resultats ont evidemment des applications pratiques importantes dans la gestion rationnelle et econome des fumures azotee et phosphoree tout au long de la vie des palmeraies. Par ailleurs, l'equilibre N/P defini a Sumatra n'a, pour l'instant, pas encore pu etre infirme dans aucune autre region du monde
Special issue: locating gentrification in the Global East

This special issue, a collection of papers presented and debated at an Urban Studies Foundationfunded workshop on Global Gentrification in London in 2012, attempts to problematise contemporary understandings of gentrification, which is all too often confined to the experiences of the so-called Global North, and sometimes too narrowly understood as classic gentrification. Instead of simply confirming the rise of gentrification in places outside of the usual suspects of North America and Western Europe, a more open-minded approach is advocated so as not to overgeneralise distinctive urban processes under the label of gentrification, thus understanding gentrification as constitutive of diverse urban processes at work. This requires a careful attention to the complexity of property rights and tenure relations, and calls for a dialogue between gentrification and non-gentrification researchers to understand how gentrification communicates with other theories to capture the full dynamics of urban transformation. Papers in this special issue have made great strides towards these goals, namely theorising, distorting, mutating and bringing into question the concept of gentrification itself, as seen from the perspective of the Global East, a label that we have deliberately given in order to problematise the existing common practices of grouping all regions other than Western European and North American ones into the Global South. Keywords Asia, gentrification, Global East, urbanisation, urbanism
RELATION OF MATURITY TO CERTAIN CHEMICAL AND PHYSICAL CHARACTERS IN FLORIDA AVOCADOS

The Florida avocado industry is interested in finding more accurate measures of avocado maturity. The objective of the present investigation was to obtain data on physical and chemical characters of Florida avocados which might indicate their maturity. Special consideration was given to the beginning picking dates and the minimum fruit weights specified in the Florida avocado marketing agreement. This work was a continuation of avocado maturity studies reported by Harding (4) and Soule and Harding (9).
Detrusor overactivity in diabetic and non-diabetic patients: is there a difference?

PURPOSE To compare urodynamic characteristics in patients with idiopathic detrusor overactivity (IDO) with those of an age matched cohort with diabetes mellitus (DM) and detrusor overactivity (DO). Secondly, to determine whether urodynamic features could help distinguish these two groups of patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS Urodynamic data was collected on 58 female patients; 29 with IDO and 29 with DM and detrusor overactivity. Eight urodynamic parameters were selected for analysis: amplitude of the first overactive contraction (AOFC), the volume at the first contraction, cystometric capacity, maximal detrusor pressure, maximal flow rate, voiding pressure at maximal flow, voided volume and postvoid residual (PVR) urine volume. Finally, sensitivity analysis for distinguishing urodynamic parameters between studied groups was performed. RESULTS AOFC, volume at AOFC and maximal detrusor pressure were statistically greater in diabetic patients, compared with the non-diabetic group of women (16.00 cm H2O versus 9.00 cm H2O, 309.00 mL versus 167.00 mL and 76.48 cm H2O versus 55.41 cm H2O respectively). A specificity of 72.41% and positive predictive value of 71.43% were achieved for AOFC with cutoff value of 12 cm H2O. These parameters were further improved with cutoff value of 258 mL for volume at AOFC and were 75.86% and 73.08% respectively. CONCLUSIONS Certain urodynamic parameters in diabetic female patients with DO are shown to be significantly different than those in women with IDO. Further prospective study should provide additional information about the pathogenesis and progression of DO in diabetic patients as well as the validity of diabetic screening in patients with IDO.
Frequency of Minor Skin and Soft Tissue Complications in Facial and Periorbital Area after Septorhinoplasty

Introduction: High prevalence of rhinoplasty in the community and lack of structured studies about its minor skin and soft tissue complications, point out the necessity of performing precise and comprehensive studies. The aim of this study was to determine the frequency of minor cutaneous and soft tissue complications of rhinoplasty. Materials and Methods: 110 patients (30 Male and 80 Female, Mean age: 26.3± 6.8) participated in this study. Before surgery all of them were checked for having each of intended complications, and 1 and 3 months after the surgery, they underwent serial visits for monitoring skin & soft tissue complications. The software used for data analysis was SPSS ver.16. Results: Acne exacerbation was seen in 27% of cases in first post-surgical visit. Nasal tip paresthesia was the most frequent complication in both postsurgical visits (49.6% in first and 36.3% in second visit), followed by eyebrow loss (31.8%), complaint of increased yawning (31.8%), periorbital hyperpigmentation (21.8%) in first visit, and, hyperpigmentation (19.1%), complaint of increased yawning (10%) and surgical site scar (7.2%) in second visit respectively. The frequency of complications was highest in younger than 25 year old age group. Conclusion: Having knowledge about these complications helps us to know which of them needs prompt medical intervention and which of them will resolve with time and just needs giving reassurance to the patient.
The Meridional Mode in an Idealized Aquaplanet Model: Dependence on the Mean State

AbstractThe meridional mode provides a source of predictability for the tropical climate variability and change on seasonal and longer time scales by transporting extratropical climate signals into the tropics. Previous research shows that the tropical imprint of the meridional mode is constrained by the interhemispheric asymmetry of the tropical mean climate state. In this study the constraint of the zonal asymmetry is investigated in an AGCM thermodynamically coupled with an aquaplanet slab ocean model. The strategy is to modify the zonal asymmetry of the mean climate state and examine the response of the meridional mode. Presented here are two simulations of different zonal asymmetries in the mean state. In the zonally symmetric case, the meridional mode operates throughout the subtropics but only becomes evident after removing a dominant global-scale eastward-propagating mode. In the zonally asymmetric case, the meridional mode operates only in regions where trade winds converge onto the equator and h.
Scientific and Political Integrity in Environmental Policy

Many environmental policy decisions have vital scientific dimensions; they cannot effectively achieve societal goals unless the best available scientific information is accurately gathered and appropriately taken into account. In recent years growing numbers of critics have complained about the misuse or non-use of scientific information in environmental regulation and natural resource management. In this article, through close examination of several recent controversies, I show that shortcomings in the effective use of science can usefully be separated into two categories: problems of scientific integrity and problems of political integrity. Scientific integrity requires that data be gathered, interpreted, and expressed in ways that accord with the relevant norms of scientific practice, the most important of which for this purpose are objectivity and skepticism. Political integrity requires that decisions about what action to take in light of the available scientific information be consistent with relevant legal mandates, and that judgments about where the boundaries of those mandates fall and what action to take within those boundaries be revealed. Scientific and political integrity are linked in three important respects: both require the recognition and observance of role boundaries and limitations; both impose limitations on the role of personal biases and desires; and shortfalls or even perceived shortfalls in one can increase pressures to ignore the other. They are distinct, however, in the identities of the actors responsible for them, and in the nature of the measures that might be taken to ensure them. Political integrity can be addressed through increased oversight of the executive branch, including a variety of measures designed to enhance the role of career employees relative to political appointees in regulatory decisionmaking. Scientific integrity is more difficult to address through regulatory measures. It is best encouraged through increasing awareness of the boundaries of scientific and political judgments and reducing incentives for those acting in the professional role of scientists to overstep those boundaries.
Geology and in situ stress of the MH-2 borehole, Idaho, USA: Insights into western Snake River Plain structure from geothermal exploration drilling

Project HOTSPOT, the Snake River Scientific Drilling Project (International Continental Scientific Drilling Program), tested for deep geothermal resources and examined the petrology of volcanic rocks with three drillholes in the central and western Snake River Plain (western USA). The MH-2 drillhole targeted fractured crystalline and hydrothermally altered basalt in the area of the Mountain Home Air Force Base (Idaho) to a total depth of 1821 m. At 1745 m depth the drillhole encountered flowing artesian hydrothermal fluids of at least 150 °C. We integrate geological analyses of core, image log, and borehole geophysical data, and in situ stress analyses to describe the structural environment that produces permeability for artesian flow. The rocks in the lower 540 m of the drillhole consist of basalt flows as much as 30 m thick, altered basalt, and thin sedimentary horizons. The mechanical stratigraphy is defined by nine mechanical horizons that are in three ranges of rock strength on the basis of experimentally determined strength data, core logging, and geophysical log signatures. Hydrothermal alteration products and mineralization in the core are associated with three highly faulted sections; the lowermost section is associated with the zone of flowing thermal water. Shear slip indicators on faults observed in core indicate slip ranging from pure strike slip to normal failure mechanisms in the stronger horizons. The borehole breakouts indicate that the maximum horizontal stress, SH, is oriented 047° ± 7°, and drilling-induced tensile fractures indicate that SH is oriented at 67° ± 21°. The in situ stress orientations exhibit little variation over the depth of the measured interval, but the SH magnitude varies with depth, and is best explained by an oblique normal fault stress regime. The geomechanical model indicates that if pore pressures at depth are elevated above the normal hydrostatic gradient, as observed here, the system has the potential to deform by mixed normal and strike-slip failure. Our observations and interpretations suggest that the MH-2 borehole was drilled into oblique normal faults that intersect a buried 300°-trending fault block masked by the basaltic volcanic complex. These data indicate that the transition from the central to western Snake River Plain is characterized by complex structures developed in response to a transitional stress state related to Snake River Plain and western Basin and Range stress regimes. The western Basin and Range stress and tectonic regime may extend from northern Nevada into western Idaho and may enhance the potential for geothermal resources by creating interconnected fracture and fault-related permeability at depth.
Resolving both entrainment-mixing and number of activated CCN in deep convective clouds

Abstract. The number concentration of activated CCN ( N a ) is the most fundamental microphysical property of a convective cloud. It determines the rate of droplet growth with cloud depth and conversion into precipitation-sized particles and affects the radiative properties of the clouds. However, measuring N a is not always possible, even in the cores of the convective clouds, because entrainment of sub-saturated ambient air deeper into the cloud lowers the concentrations by dilution and may cause partial or total droplet evaporation, depending on whether the mixing is homogeneous or extreme inhomogeneous, respectively. Here we describe a methodology to derive N a based on the rate of cloud droplet effective radius ( R e ) growth with cloud depth and with respect to the cloud mixing with the entrained ambient air. We use the slope of the tight linear relationship between the adiabatic liquid water mixing ratio and R e 3 (or R v 3 ) to derive an upper limit for N a assuming extreme inhomogeneous mixing. Then we tune N a down to find the theoretical relative humidity that the entrained ambient air would have for each horizontal cloud penetration, in case of homogeneous mixing. This allows us to evaluate both the entrainment and mixing process in the vertical dimension in addition to getting a better estimation for N a . We found that the derived N a from the entire profile data is highly correlated with the independent CCN measurements from below cloud base. Moreover, it was found that mixing of sub-saturated ambient air into the cloud at scales of ~100 m and above is inclined towards the extreme inhomogeneous limit, i.e. that the time scale of droplet evaporation is significantly smaller than that for turbulent mixing. This means that ambient air that entrains the cloud is pre-moistened by total evaporation of cloud droplets before it mixes deeper into the clouds where it can hardly change the droplet size distribution, hence R e remains close to its adiabatic value at any given cloud depth. However, the tendency towards the extreme inhomogeneous mixing appeared to slightly decrease with altitude, possibly due to enhanced turbulence and larger cloud drops aloft. Quantifying these effects, based on more examples from other projects and high resolution cloud models is essential for improving our understanding of the interactions between the cloud and its environment. These interactions may play an important role in cloud dynamics and microphysics, by affecting cloud depth and droplet size spectra, for example, and may therefore influence the cloud precipitation formation processes.
Simulation of Nitrogen Deposition in the North China Plain Printer-friendly Version Interactive Discussion Simulation of Nitrogen Deposition in the North China Plain by the Frame Model Bgd Simulation of Nitrogen Deposition in the North China Plain Printer-friendly Version Interactive Discussion

Biogeosciences Discussions This discussion paper is/has been under review for the journal Biogeosciences (BG). Please refer to the corresponding final paper in BG if available. Abstract Simulation of atmospheric nitrogen (N) deposition in the North China Plain (NCP) at high resolution, 5 × 5 km 2 , was conducted for the first time by the Fine Resolution Atmospheric Multi-pollutant Exchange (FRAME) model. The total N deposition budget was 1481 Gg in this region, with 77 % from reduced N and 23 % from oxidized N, and the 5 annual deposition rate (47 kg ha −1) was much higher than previously reported values for other parts of the world such as the UK (13 kg ha −1), Poland (7.3 kg ha −1) and EU27 (8.6 kg ha −1). The exported N budget (1981 Gg) was much higher than the imported N budget (584 Gg), suggesting that the NCP is an important net emission source of N pollutants. Seven provinces in the region contributed N deposition budgets that were 10 proportional to their area ratios. The calculated spatial distributions of N deposition displayed high rates of reduced N deposition in the south and of oxidized N deposition in the eastern part. The N deposition exceeded an upper limit of 30 kg N ha −1 for natural ecosystems over more than 90 % of the region, resulting in terrestrial ecosystem deterioration, impaired air quality and coastal eutrophication not only in the NCP itself 15 but also in surrounding areas including the Bohai Sea and the Yellow Sea.