Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Number of Numbers: Does Quantitative Disclosure Reduce Uncertainty in Quarterly Earnings Conference Calls?

Theoretical research argues that numbers convey more precise information than words. Based on this work, we hypothesize that when managers provide disclosure with a greater proportion of quantitative information in an earnings conference call, investor uncertainty around the call will be lower and, thus, short-window returns around the call will be higher. We offer three main findings. First, we find a positive association between the extent of hard information (i.e., numerical disclosure) in earnings conference calls and short-window stock returns around the call. This result suggests that investor uncertainty is lower when managers provide greater numerical disclosure. Second, we find that this positive association is larger when firms are smaller and have larger stock volatility or analyst forecast dispersion. These results suggest that the effect of numerical disclosure in reducing investor uncertainty is greater when the firm’s information environment is otherwise more uncertain. Finally, we find that this positive association is larger when firms issue a negative earnings surprise. This result suggests that the effect of numerical disclosure in reducing investor uncertainty is greater when the uncertainty of a firm’s performance is greater. Overall, our results suggest that investors react to the extent of hard information (i.e., numerical disclosure) in earnings conference calls.
Phase unbalance on low-voltage electricity networks and its mitigation using static balancers

Existing low-voltage networks may not accommodate high penetrations of low-carbon technologies. The topic of this thesis is unbalance, which if minimised can delay or avoid the constraining of these technologies or the replacing of still-useful network assets. Most of the discussion on unbalance, as seen in the standards and the literature, centres on the effects of voltage unbalance on consumer equipment. Its effects on the network are not equally reported. This thesis recognises fundamental differences between the consumer and network perspectives. It can inform distribution network operators on the interpretation of measurements taken on low-voltage networks and guide research on unbalance due to high penetrations of low-carbon technologies. Much of the work involved simulations of LV networks. Initially, existing 3 x 3 or 5 x 5 approaches to the forward-backward sweep method were thought suitable. After a review of these approaches however, there were doubts as to how accurately they accounted for the shared neutral-earth return path on which the out-of-balance current flows. This led to the derivation of a new 5 x 5 approach using only Kirchhoff s voltage (KVL) and current laws (KCL). Its results are validated thoroughly in the thesis. In addition to satisfying KVL and KCL, they match Matlab SimPowerSystems exactly and are in close agreement with measurements taken on a very unbalanced rural feeder. This thesis also investigates the mitigation of unbalance using the static balancer. This is a transformer with a single interconnected-star winding. It was used in 1930-1950s to correct unbalance. Contributions are made for its possible re-introduction as a retrofit option. They include a model for use in the forward-backward sweep method, validated by laboratory and field measurements, and the quantification of the static balancer s strengths and weaknesses as this can help identify when it should be used.
Applying the Kaizen Method and the 5S Technique in the Activity of Post-Sale Services in the Knowledge-Based Organization

The Kaizen management originated in the best Japanese management practices and is dedicated to the improvement of productivity, efficiency, quality and, in general, of business excellence. The KAIZEN methods are internationally acknowledged as methods of continuous improvement, through small steps, of the economical results of companies. The small improvements applied to key processes will generate the major multiplication of the company's profit, while constituting a secure way to obtain the clients' loyalty/fidelity. The KAIZEN management represents a solid, strategic instrument, with a view to reach and surpass the company's objectives. The "5S" technique represents a fundamental technique which allows the enhancement of efficiency and productivity, while ensuring a pleasant organizational climate. The scientific paper presents in a concrete way a study regarding the application of these concepts in a real organization which builds its business success on the phenomenon called KNOWLEDGE.
Comparing the Tower Operations Digital Data System to Paper Flight Progress Strips in Zero-Visibility Operations

The current experiment used a high-fidelity, human-in-the-loop simulation to compare the Tower Operations Digital Data System (TODDS) to paper flight progress strips (FPSs) during zero-visibility Airport Traffic Control Tower operations. Sixteen current controllers participated in groups of two. Each group received touchscreen and TODDS training before completing eight practice and eight test scenarios. The participants worked at both the ground and local control positions under four experimental conditions. The participants used either the Integrated TODDS (electronic flight data integrated with surface surveillance, weather information, and digital-taxi communications), FPSs with Airport Surface Detection Equipment – Model X (ASDE-X), Perceptual-Spatial TODDS (electronic flight data integrated with weather information and digital-taxi communications, but no surface surveillance), or FPSs only, to control airport traffic. The participants had a Standard Terminal Automation Replacement System (STARS) display in all four conditions, but did not have an out-the-window view. Dependent measures included the number and duration of airport operations, number and duration of communications, TODDS usability, and participant opinion. The data revealed advantages for surface surveillance and TODDS. The Integrated TODDS provided additional benefits that may help reduce the risk of runway incursions, ease the flow of surface operations, and support the Staffed Virtual Tower concept.
USING INSTRUCTIONAL MODELS TO PROMOTE EFFECTIVE USE OF CURRICULUM MATERIALS AMONG PRESERVICE ELEMENTARY TEACHERS

materials uncritically and do not recognize curriculum materials analysis and modification as authentic tasks of teaching. This paper describes a design-based research project intended to help preservice teachers use instructional models to organize their use of curriculum materials in developing inquiry-application lessons. Results from Design Cycle 1 suggest that preservice teachers find instructional models helpful in guiding lesson planning, but that they often struggle to understand and integrate multiple frameworks. Furthermore, they do not often use the models to guide curriculum materials analysis. We present a new Inquiry and Application Instructional Model (I-AIM) that synthesizes features of many instructional models into a single, coherent framework and incorporates curriculum materials analysis criteria in its use. Results from Design Cycle 2 show that the I-AIM was helpful to the preservice teachers in organizing their thinking about curriculum materials and lesson planning. Furthermore, the I-AIM shows potential as a powerful scaffold for developing preservice teachers’ professional knowledge base.
Lake Level Fluctuations in the Northern Great Basin for the Last 25,000 years

During the Last Glacial Maximum (LGM; ~23,000 to 19,000 years ago or ka) and through the last deglaciation, the Great Basin physiographic region in the western United States was marked by multiple extensive lake systems, as recorded by proxy evidence and lake sediments. However, temporal constraints on the growth, desiccation, and timing of lake highstands remain poorly constrained. Studies aimed at disentangling hydroclimate dynamics have offered multiple hypotheses to explain the growth of post-LGM lakes; however, a more robust understanding is currently impeded by a general paucity of spatially and temporally robust data. In this study, we present new data constraining the timing and extent of lake highstands at three post-LGM age pluvial lakes: Lake Newark, Lake Surprise, and Lake Franklin. This data is used in concert with previously published data for these basins and others from the Northern Great Basin including Lakes Bonneville, Chewaucan, and Lahontan to compare the timings of lake growth and decay over a large spatial scale and constrain how regional hydroclimate evolved through the deglaciation.
Effects of shade on milk production in Swedish dairy cows on pasture

Heat stress negatively influences the performance of dairy cattle such as lactation and reproduction. Heat stress can cause production losses as well as welfare problems. Years of research have shown that heat stress is a huge problem for dairy cattle in both the tropics and temperate zones but no such research have so far been done in northern European countries. It seems like shade is an important tool when improving pasture conditions and therefore deserves more attention. The aim with this study was to investigate whether there is a need of providing shade for grazing dairy cows during the summer in Sweden. Two groups of lactating Swedish Red dairy cows (n=15 per group) were kept on pasture. To evaluate the effects of shade, one of the groups had access to shade (group 1) and the other had not access to shade (group 2). Metrological data such as ambient air temperature (°C),relative humidity (%) and black globe temperature (°C) were measured both on the inside and outside of the tent and temperature-humidity indexes (THI) were calculated. Other measured parameters were daily milk yield and occasional fur temperature, rectal temperature and respiration rate. During days with warm and sunny weather also milk composition were analyzed for each cow. The trial did also include behaviour studies of the cows. These data are however not analyzed in this thesis which instead focus on milk production and physiological parameters of the cows. The ambient temperature varied between 7.3°C and 33.1°C during the trial period with a daily mean temperature of 18.5°C. THI values calculated for the outside of the tent, varied from 45.5 to 79.6. Both mean and max temperature and THI was lower inside the tent compared to outside the tent. On 13 of the days associated with milk samples THI-values ≥72 were observed. Also THI-values over 78 (which are considered to cause extreme heat stress)occurred occasionally. The cows with access to shade chose to use it but the results from the trial showed no significant effects of the weather variables on the milk production. However, THI and ambient air temperature had a significant effect on respiration rate and fur temperature for the cows in both treatment groups. But temperature and THI did not affect rectal temperature and no difference in rectal temperature between the two groups of cows could be seen. In conclusion, access to shade did not affect the milk production but it seemed as the shade had a cooling effect on the cows which was demonstrated by the results of lower fur temperature and respiration rate for the cows with access to shade. Even though the study did not verify the importance of shade for grazing dairy cows from an economic perspective, the fact that the cows with access to shade also used the opportunity to be in shade, indicates that shade on pasture is important for the cow from a well-being perspective.
Lumped parameter model of the Organ of Corti

Predictions of the active mechanical response of the human cochlea have been obtained from an elemental model, using an analytic formulation of the fluid coupling and a lumped parameter representation of the organ of Corti. The lumped parameter model is derived from the organ of Corti geometry and has three degrees of freedom, corresponding to the basilar membrane (BM), the reticular lamina (RL) and the tectorial membrane (TM). The analytic model of the fluid coupling allows the far field and near field fluid components to be accounted for separately, with the active feedback force due to the outer hair cells being proportional to the relative displacement between RL and TM. Simulate results show that the present model does reproduce in a realistic way the dynamics of the active and passive basilar membrane response in both frequency and time domains.
Factors Affecting Training Effectiveness in Synchronous, Dispersed Virtual Environments

Abstract : The U.S. Navy is investigating the feasibility of incorporating distance learning technology to its technical training programs. Specifically, a distance learning model with instruction provided through 3-D virtual worlds could provide effective training at a significant cost savings as compared to traditional training models. Students learn differently in a virtual environment than they do with face-to-face instruction, however, and for the Navy to successfully incorporate training through virtual worlds, it must accommodate the learning challenges specific to the medium. For students in training, monitoring of student perceptions about the virtual environment would serve as the best available barometer of the effectiveness of the training design and could provide early warnings of students who have difficulty learning in the virtual environment. Some students may be better suited to this type of training than others, and measurable personality factors may be helpful in predicting which students would be most likely to succeed in the virtual environment.
A discrete approach to modelling helicopter blade sailing

Blade sailing is an aeroelastic phenomenon which can occur during the engage and disengage phases of shipboard operations. This phenomenon is characterized by large blade deflections which are known to occur mainly at low rotor rotational speeds in high wind and sea conditions. Proper examination of this phenomenon requires adequate modelling of many contributing factors, including system dynamics, ship motion, airwake modelling, and aerodynamics. The research encompassed in this thesis sought to achieve a greater understanding of the factors that affect the blade sailing phenomenon through numerical modelling of the system as a whole. Novel models for system dynamics and ship airwake were developed under this research programme. The dynamic model is comprised of a series of rigid segments, which allows the analyst to completely define the parameters of the system, including number of blades and blade segments. The model also allows the inclusion of coupled stiffness terms, and a method for calculating the equivalent lumped stiffnesses from continuous coupled stiffness distributions. The numerical model was shown to capture non-linear, coupled, flexible beam bending behaviour through validation against published experimental data and analytical models. The airwake model is based on experimental data, and incorporates changing mean and turbulent flow characteristics over the flight deck in space, time, and with ship deck roll angle. The experimental research showed that ship motion changes the airwake significantly. A novel approach to the modelling of spatiallyand temporally-correlated turbulence was developed, which recreates the time history of turbulent velocity fluctuations as experienced by a specific point on the rotating blade. Using these and previously developed models for ship motion and for blade aerodynamics, a comprehensive model of the system was developed and validated in combined blade sailing-like conditions through experiment. The results of the experiment support the claims that the developed numerical tools capture the important aspects of the blade sailing environment, and that the interplay between the contributors to blade sailing motion is very complex. The goals of this research, to study the contributors to the blade sailing phenomenon, and to develop validated modelling tools for this purpose, were achieved through this research. This thesis is dedicated to my sisters Emily Wall and Caitlin Wall who are two strong, intelligent, free, and wonderful women.
Monitoring change at Indigenous rock art sites in Australia

Abstract Change operates constantly on Indigenous rock art sites, caused by a range of natural and artificial agents. It is important for site managers to be aware of, understand and monitor natural processes in order to protect sites and prevent further deterioration. It is equally important to monitor changes in visitor pressure at sites, including the seasonality of visitation, visitor profiles and visitor attitudes towards sites. This paper outlines and critically reviews five main methods for monitoring change at rock art sites. Each method is illustrated using Australian examples, and the implications of these studies for site protection and management highlighted. It is argued that methods for monitoring change need to be carefully selected and applied by site managers according to the goals of management, especially given the limited availability of funds and expertise. Site histories, a critical component of site monitoring, should be adopted as standard practice for rock art management across Australia.
The Perceived Urgency of Tactile Patterns During Dismounted Soldier Movements

Abstract : This research examines the effects of stimulus intensity and inter-stimulus interval (ISI) on Soldier ratings of signal perceived urgency and Soldier detection and identification of tactile patterns while performing dismounted maneuvers. A tactile system including an adjustable belt developed by Engineering Acoustics, Inc. (EAI), provided the tactile stimuli. This adjustable belt, which consists of eight EAI C2 tactors positioned at 45 intervals, was worn around each participant s waist. Participants received tactile patterns at an intensity of either 12.0 or 23.5 dB above mean threshold with an ISI of either 0 (no interval) or 500 ms. Participants were asked to identify each tactile pattern that they received and rate how urgent they perceived the pattern to be on a scale of 1 to 10, where 1 was least urgent and 10 was most urgent. Patterns presented at the 23.5 dB intensity with no ISI were rated most urgent, but at the 12.0 dB intensity, there was no difference in ratings of perceived urgency based on ISI. Patterns presented at the stronger 23.5 dB intensity had significantly greater detection and identification rates than those presented at the 12.0 dB intensity. Findings indicate that it is possible to add urgency to tactile patterns in dismounted environments.
Software inspection : an industry best practice

Our lives and the quality of our lives are increasingly dependent on the cost, reliability, and availability of software. Improving the process of software development as therefore vitaly important to us all. Software inspection is a peer review process that will decrease costs, increase quality, and decrease software time through a detailed examination of work-in-progress with the objective of identifying defects. If you are involve in defining or improving software development processes or are managing software development projects and wish to fully understand inspection theory and practice, then this book is for you. This book explains what the software inspection process is, includes some evidence of its utility, and provides a number of key papers on inspections and other related peer review processes. It is a single reference featuring key papers on the subject, organized by general categories to make these papers easier to find.
Effects of restricted feeding schedule during development and gestation on gilt and sow performance

The overall objective of these experiments was to develop management and feeding programs to increase sow longevity and productivity by improving welfare conditions. In Exp. 1, 208 gestating sows and 288 gestating gilts were utilized to determine the effect of feeding frequency (2 vs. 6) on performance and welfare issues. Feeding frequency had no affect on growth and reproductive performance in gestating sows; however, increasing the feeding frequency did improve the welfare measurements in this trial. Gilts fed six times a day did have increase ADG during d 0 to 42; however, there was no affect on performance from d 42 to farrowing. In Exp. 2 (630 pigs in 4 studies), increasing the feeding frequency (2 vs. 6) of a restricted feeding level increased growth performance of finishing pigs. This affect is likely due to the increase of available energy above maintenance when compared with the gestating sows. In Exp. 3, different feed drops used for delivering feed were evaluated. The Accu and the Ultra feed drops were more accurate than the Econo feed drop at angles of 90, 75, and 60°. The difference in accuracy is potentially related to the way that the drops attach to the feed line. However, the amount of feed that is collected in each drop appears to increase linearly as the feeder settings are increased. Thus, regression equations for the angle of the feed drop can be developed to adjust for the variability in the amount of accumulated feed. In Exp. 4, Alimet was used to determine the TID TSAA:Lys ratio for ADG and G:F of 63 and 66% for Genetiporc and 61 and 56% for PIC pigs weighing between 10 to 20 kg. In Exp. 5, the optimal TID Lys:Calorie ratio was estimated to be 3.7 and 4.1 g Lys/Mcal ME for the Genetiporc and PIC pigs weighing between 10 to 20 kg . The ratios were than validated at two energy levels and the amount of TID Lys that was used for lean gain was similar for both genetic lines at approximately 20 g of Lys for each kg of gain. EFFECTS OF RESTRICTED FEEDING SCHEDULE DURING DEVELOPMENT AND GESTATION ON GILT AND SOW PERFORMANCE
Chemotherapy Utilization in Men with Advanced Penile Cancer

Abstract Introduction: Although studies using mixed insurance populations suggest that chemotherapy use in men with advanced penile cancer (PC) is low, it is unclear what regimens are being utilized. In this study, we use a database of insured patients to better understand specific chemotherapy utilization in men with PC. Methods: This is a retrospective cohort study of patients with stage IIIB or IV PC in the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results-Medicare database (2004–2015). Standard of care (SOC) chemotherapy was defined by the National Comprehensive Cancer Network® guidelines: 4 cycles of paclitaxel, ifosfamide and cisplatin or 5-fluorouracil with cisplatin in the neoadjuvant, adjuvant or primary setting. We calculated what proportion of patients receive SOC or any chemotherapy within 2 years of diagnosis and analyzed what factors were associated with receiving chemotherapy. Results: Our study included 147 patients—48 stage IIIB and 99 stage IV. Of these patients, 49 (33%) received chemotherapy. Less than 5% of men received SOC. About 10% received SOC chemotherapy but an insufficient number of cycles. Married men were more likely to undergo chemotherapy (OR 3.4, 95% CI 1.5–7.8). Less than 5% of the 24 Black or Hispanic patients received chemotherapy compared to 37% of white patients (p <0.001). Conclusions: Only a third of men with stage IIIB/IV PC underwent chemotherapy. Less than 5% of men received complete guideline-based regimens. Whether this is driven primarily by patient or provider factors is unknown, although social determinants of health may play a role. These data highlight the difficulty for patients with PC to get chemotherapy.