Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The Credit Channel of Monetary Policy Before and After the ZLB: Evidence from the US Equity Market

We evaluate the effectiveness of conventional and unconventional monetary policy measures by examining the transmission mechanism through the credit channel before and after the zero lower bound. We focus on the impact of conventional and unconventional policy shocks on the cross-section of portfolio returns sorted on a few characteristics that capture firms’ financial constraints (size, book-to-market). Our results show that the credit channel of monetary policy is even more relevant at the ZLB relative to the previous period and its effectiveness is almost entirely attributed to the high sensitivity of financially constrained firms (small and value stocks) to unconventional surprises. We find strong evidence that the reaction of portfolio returns to policy shocks is asymmetric depending on the state of the economy (recession vs. expansion), the type of policy surprises (positive vs. negative surprises), and the aggregate level of market volatility. Our findings are robust with respect to a number of model extensions and robustness checks. JEL Classification: G14, E44, E52, E58.
Influence of plant population and fertilizer levels on growth, yield and quality parameters of quality protein maize (Zea mays L.) in irrigated ecosystem

A field investigation was undertaken on “Influence of plant population and fertilizer levels on growth, yield and quality parameters of quality protein maize (Zea mays L.) in irrigated ecosystem” during the Kharif 2015 at Agriculture Research Station, Siruguppa. It is situated on the latitude of 1538’ N, longitude 7654’ E, 380 m elevation from MSL belongs to Northern Dry Zone (Zone 3) of Karnataka. The soil of the experimental site was medium deep black cotton soil with organic carbon content of 0.41 per cent, low in available N (220 kg ha), medium in available phosphorus (21 kg ha) and high in potassium (375 kg ha) content. The experiment was laid out in a split plot design with three replications. Trail consisted of sixteen treatment combinations of four plant populations viz., S1:1,11,111, S2:83,333, S3:74,074 and S4:66,666 plants ha in main plots and four fertilizer levels, F1:150:75:37.5, F2:187.5:93.75:46.88, F3:225:112.5:56.25 kg NPK ha and F4:Nutrient Expert based target yield 10 t ha (NE) in sub plots. The hybrid HQPM-1 was used in the investigation. The experimental results indicated that, among the plant populations, 1,11,111 plants ha recorded higher grain (7839 kg ha), stover yield (13114 kg ha) compared to other plant populations. But minimum total dry matter production (251.21 g plant), number of green leaves (6.35/plant) and leaf area (2452 cm) were registered with higher plant population (1,11,111 plants ha) compared to other plant populations. Higher protein content, oil per cent and starch contents were recorded with 66,666 plants ha. Among the fertilizer levels significantly higher grain yield (8023 kg ha) and stover yield (13434 kg ha) was registered with the application of 225:112.5:56.25 NPK kg ha than other fertilizer levels. Similar trend in number of leaves, leaf area, leaf area index, plant height, protein, oil and starch contents were noticed with higher fertilize level compared to other fertilizer levels.
Poultry Farming and Disease Management Practices in Small- Scale Farmers in Kisii County, Kenya

One of the most important constraints of poultry production is disease. Among the major important diseases are: viral, fungal, bacterial and parasitic infections. A cross sectional survey was carried out in small-scale poultry farmers in Kisii County, Kenya to establish the common diseases and their management practices. A structured and semi-structured questionnaire was administered to 400 households. Sampled households were obtained from a target population of 247,050 using a stratified random sampling technique. Analysis of data was performed using statistical package for social sciences (SPSS) version 16 software. Results indicated that majority of the farmers (58.8%) were male while 55% had a farm size of less than one acre. Newcastle (29.3%) was the most important poultry disease in the study area. Of the interviewed farmers, 46.6% relied on both ethno vet and conventional medicine to treat their birds. More than 65% of the farmers did not vaccinate their birds while those who vaccinated, never did it regularly.
A Test of Airborne Kinematic GPS Positioning for Aerial Photography

An airborne p otogrammetric test was conducted by the Ministere de l'Energie et des Ressources, Government of Quebec, in Nove ber 1987 to assess the accuracy of the Global Positioning System (CPS) for three-dimensional aircraft positioning. The PS positioning and aerial photography were contracted out to Nortech Surveys (Canada) Inc., Calgary, and Hauts-Mon s Inc., Quebec City. Nortech's differential kinematic positioning methodology and software were used. This multi-pu pose software, which is based on the combination of code and carrier phase measurements, is operationally flexible nd suitable for real-time applications. The test was conducted with a Piper Aztec aircraft equipped with a Zeiss ca era. Other equipment included two TI4100 receivers and Nortech-designed Computer Addressable Precision Timi Systems (CAPTS) for the precise time-tagging of the camera shutter. The distance between the aircraft and the moni or station did not exceed 20 km. The internal consistency of the CPS positions was analyzed in terms of the flight miS~losures from takeoff to landing. These misclosures were smaller than one metre in all three coordinate components. his is considered excellent in view of the satellite geometry available during the test. This was a blind test for Norte h Surveys and Hauts-Monts. The external accuracy was subsequently assessed independently by the Quebec Governm t using ground control stations [Moreau and Perron, 1988]. The results confirmed the submetre accuracy quoted a ove. The use of this CPS positioning methodology in real-time would be well suited for a variety of extensive airbo ne applications where cost effectiveness becomes an important factor.
Evaluation of ameliorative effects of omega 3 fatty acids on stress induced alteration of liver antioxidant profile in rats

The present study was carried out to evaluate the ameliorative effect of omega 3 fatty acids on physical stress in rats. Twenty-four adult male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided in to four groups of six rats in each as group I – control diet, Group II omega 3 fatty acid supplemented diet, Group III induced physical stress with control diet, Group IV induced physical stress with omega 3 fatty acid supplemented diet. Physical stress was induced by overcrowding of 6 rats per standard cage instead of 4 rats. Omega 3 fatty acids were supplemented as fish oil @ 3% in the feed. All rats were euthanized as per CPCSEA guidelines on 29 day and liver tissues were collected. The organs were snap frozen and stored at -20oC for further analysis of reduced glutathione (GSH), glutathione peroxidase (GPX), superoxide dismutase (SOD), thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) and protein carbonyls in the liver homogenate. Stress group (II) rats showed significant decrease in GSH, SOD, GPx and significant increase in TBARS and protein carbonyl levels emphasizing the fact that overcrowding in Group II rats induced considerable physical stress that resulted in oxidative damage via ROS production. Group IV rats showed significant improvement in GSH, SOD and significant decrease in TBARS, protein carbonyls levels whereas GPx was not altered significantly. The results of the present study elucidate the physical stress induced ROS production and compromised antioxidant defense in rat liver and ameliorative effect of omega 3 fatty acids present in fish oil on reversing the oxidative stress through alteration in the level of SOD but not GPx.
Does Online Rating Matter in China ? An Empirical Test Based on Data from 177 Chinese Movies

Whether public commentary has significant influence on box-office, and how the influence takes place, are long argued propositions. This paper utilizes data of 177 Chinese movies to investigate the relationship between online rating and box-office of movies.It shows that paid posters influence the rating of movies. Including control variables such as director, movie stars, scheduling, online rating and rating numbers in the model, the study shows that popularity is a more significant variable than ratings, and one of the three largest Chinese movie websites has more reliable ratings than the other two competitors. The results show that online rating has a significantly positive effect on the box-office of movies by fully considering the heterogeneity of movies.
Effects of sublethal dosage of imidacloprid,abamectin and beta-cypermethrin on the development and reproduction of green of the morph of pea aphid(Acyrthosiphon pisum)

To understand the effects of sublethal dosage of imidacloprid,abamectin and beta-cypermethrin on the experimental population parameter of green morph of pea aphid[Acyrthosiphon pisum(Hemiptera:aphidiae)],and to investigate the relationship between the development,reproduction of A.pisum and sublethal dosage,which can provide a theoretical basis for comprehensive control of A.pisum. Sublethal dosage of imidacloprid,abamectin and beta-cypermethrin on A.pisum were examined by leaf with insect dipping method and disc leaf dipped method respectively under constant temperature(22-24)℃,relative humidity(70%-80%)and a 16∶8(L∶D)hours photoperiod.The results showed that mean longevity and fecundity of the adults treated by two concentrations(LC20and LC10)of three kinds of insecticides were significantly lower than those of the control(P0.05). Both the mean longevity and the fecundity of the adults treated by abamectin(LC20)and beta-cypermethrin(LC20)reached its minimum,which were 3.34 days and 14.30 heads,respectively.However,no significant regulations were found on the durations of different developmental stages of F1 generation nymphs except that the third instar had no significant differences(P0.05),while the adult stage,mean longevity,survival rate,mean fecundity,net reproductive rate(R0)and mean generation time(T)of F1 generation treated by concentrations(LC10)were larger than concentrations(LC20)of three kinds of insecticides.Especially,the adult stage,mean fecundity of adults,net reproductive rate(R0)and mean generation time(T)of F1 generation treated by abamectin(LC10)reached its manimum value,which were 9.76,77.76,65.32,12.41 respectively,were larger than those of the control.All these results showed that both of the mean longevity and fecundity of adults were decreased,while most life table parameters of F1 generation improved with decrease of sublethal dosage after the adults were treated by different sublethal dosages of imidacloprid,abamectin and beta-cypermethrin.
LAMINAR FORCED CONVECTIVE HEAT TRANSFER IN A TWO-DIMENSIONAL 90° BIFURCATION

Laminar forced convective heat transfer in a two-dimensional 90° bifurcation is studied numerically. The governing elliptic equations are solved by a finite-difference numerical scheme utilizing primitive dependent variables. A wide range of Reynolds numbers and dividing flow rates is studied with air at constant properties as the working fluid, which is heated by the constant-temperature walls of the bifurcation. The locations of the separation and reattachment points corresponding to the two recirculatian zones that form in the bifurcation are quantified as a function of the Reynolds number and dividing flow rate. For a given dividing flaw rate, the sizes of the two recirculation zones increase as the inlet Reynolds number is increased. On the other hand, for a given Reynolds number, the sizes of the two recirculation zones increase as the dividing flow rate increases, but they reach maxima after which a higher dividing flow rate results in smaller recirculation zones. The variation of the local Nusselt.
Evaluation of hepatitis B markers and reactivation of hepatitis B infection in non-hodgkin lymphoma patients treated with rituximab: a single-Center study

Purpose: To assess the frequency of hepatitis B infection reactivation and to evaluate the alterations in hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection markers in non- Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) patients treated with rituximab-based chemotherapy (R-CT). Methods: Retrospective analysis was performed using data derived from the medical records of 180 NHL patients (89 women, 91 men) who received RCT in the hematology department of a tertiary care. The baseline descriptives, clinical data, and laboratory data, including NHL subtypes, chemotherapy cycles and regimens, HBV infection markers, HBV reactivation indicators, antiviral prophylaxis, and prognostic outcomes were noted. Results: The average age was of 180 61.19 ±14.02 (range: 21-94) and the most common diagnoses were diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (n=108, 60%),marginal zone lymphoma (n=25, 13.9%), chronic lymphocytic lymphoma (n=18, 10%), lymphoplasmocytic lymphoma (n=4, 2.2%), and mantle cell lymphoma (n=4, 2.2%), respectively. Positivity rates for HBsAg, anti-HBs, and anti-HBc IgG were 8 (4.4%), 59 (32.8%), and 53 (29.4%), respectively. Isolated positivity for HBc IgG was detected in 14 (7.8%) patients. Antiviral prophylaxis was administered in 30 cases (16.7%) and entecavir (n=21), lamivudin (n=8) and tenofovir (n=1) were given. In case of viral reactivation (n=4, 2.2%), entecavir treatment was successful and no mortality associated with fulminant hepatitis or hepatic failure were reported. Conclusion: We conclude that NHL patients receiving R-CT must be closely monitored for reactivation of HBV infection. Antiviral prophylaxis must be initiated without delay in selected cases and careful follow-up of these patients is crucial to minimize morbidity and mortality.
COVID-19 Mortality and Contemporaneous Air Pollution

We examine the relationship between contemporaneous fine particulate matter exposure and COVID-19 morbidity and mortality using an instrumental variable approach based on wind direction. Harnessing daily changes in county-level wind direction, we show that arguably exogenous fluctuations in local air quality impact the rate of confirmed cases and deaths from COVID-19. In our preferred high dimensional fixed effects specification with state-level policy and social distancing controls, we find that a one Î¼g/m3 increase in PM 2.5 increases the number of confirmed cases by roughly 2% from the mean case rate in a county. These effects tend to increase in magnitude over longer time horizons, being twice as large over a 3-day period. Meanwhile, a one Î¼g/m3 increase in PM 2.5 increases the same-day death rate by 3% from the mean. Our estimates are robust to a host of sensitivity tests. These results suggest that air pollution plays an important role in mediating the severity of respiratory syndromes such as COVID-19, for which progressive respiratory failure is the primary cause of death, and that policy levers to improve air quality may lead to improvements in COVID-19 outcomes.
Factors that affect detection of threats from food competitors within a group

Early detection is crucial to avoid threats from predators and competitors. Factors that affect threat detection have rarely been investigated in the context of food competition. I examined the ability to detect threats of displacement from feeding areas by competitors in flocks of staging Semipalmated Sandpipers (Calidris pusilla (L., 1766)). I predicted that targeted birds would be more likely to detect competitors attacking from the side or from the front rather than from behind because a blind area behind the head interferes with detection. Preening or sleeping birds in feeding areas might be less likely to detect attacks if such activities interfere with vigilance. If targeted birds maintain vigilance against attackers, attacks launched from farther away should be detected more frequently since more time is available for detection. As predicted, attacks were detected less often when launched from behind and more often when launched from farther away. The longest attacks were detected less often perha.
Aspects of the ecology of the Grey Falcon Falco hypoleucos in the South Australian arid zone

The scarce, little-known Grey Falcon Falco hypoleucos, of the remote Australian arid zone, is offi cially listed as rare in South Australia (see Sutton 2011 for a review). Its breeding range has contracted inland since the 1950s, and it is suspected to have been adversely affected by human impacts in the arid and semi-arid zones (e.g. Olsen and Olsen 1986; Marchant and Higgins 1993; Garnett and Crowley 2000). The little previous research in South Australia has concerned amateur observational/ photographic studies of the behaviour and diet of nesting pairs on the Strzelecki Creek/Cooper Basin in the north-east (Cupper and Cupper 1980, 1981; Hollands 1984).
Some remarks on the Rayleigh process

The transition p.d. f. for a one-dimensional Rayleigh process in the presence of an absorption condition or a zero-flux condition in the origin is obtained in closed form. The first-passage-time problem through an arbitrary constant boundary is then considered and the moment-generating function is determined. In some particular cases the first-passage-time p.d. f. is explicitly derived. Use of some of these results is finally made to obtain the transition p.d. f. of the affine drift-linear infinitesimal-variance diffusion process when the origin is an entrance or a regular boundary in the presence of a reflection condition.
Regional supply and demand for chicken meat in Mexico, 1996-2016

Multiple variables can affect meat product supply and demand. An analysis was done of the magnitude of the effect of the main economic and technological variables that influence supply and demand of chicken meat in eight regions in Mexico during the period 1996 to 2016. A multiple linear regression econometric model was formulated for each region, including the main economic and technological variables determining supply and demand. In most of the regions, chicken meat supply reacted directly and elastically to changes in technology (average = 1.7395), directly and inelastically to the price of chicken meat (average = 0.9912), and inversely and inelastically to the prices of pork (average = -0.3686) and feed (-0.1423). In all regions demand behaved elastically in relation to population size (average = 2.0853), and inelastically in relation to the current price of chicken meat (average = -0.1698), per capita income (average = 0.2560) and the current price of beef (average = 0.0272). Population growth had the greatest effect on chicken meat consumption Rev Mex Cienc Pecu 2019;10(4):917-932 918 in all the regions. All the tested models had overall significance, although not all the predictive variables had a significant effect.
An Investigation into the New Product Process: Steps, Deficiencies, and Impact

In a comprehensive study of 252 new product histories at 123 firms, Robert Cooper and Elko Kleinschmidt looked critically at the new products management process. Each company was shown a set of 13 activities which formed a general “skeleton” of a new product process. This article examines how this structure was modified by the companies and how well various stages of the process were reportedly executed. The results show a variety of practices among the surveyed companies. While the presence of activities cannot guarantee successful new products, certain activities were singled out as particularly weak. Firms should consider placing more emphasis on market studies, initial screening activities, and preliminary market assessment. The article provides a thoughtful assessment of the level of implementation of current practices in new products management.
Effect of salt stress on morphological characters of mango rootstocks

A pot culture experiment was conducted during 2015 – 2016 at College Orchard, Horticultural College and Research Institute, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore for the identification of salttolerant rootstocks in mango. The experiment was laid out under Factorial Completely Randomized Design (FCRD) with two replications. The rootstocks involved in the study are Alphonso, Banganapalli, Sendhuram, Neelum and Bangalora. Three levels of salt concentration 25 mM NaCl, 50 mM NaCl and 75 mM NaCl along with one control were applied. The above-mentioned salinity levels were imposed by application of the salt water to the respective plots (seedlings grown in polybags) upto 90 days at an interval of 2 -3 days depending upon moisture availability. The results indicated that in general, with increasing salt levels, all the morphological parameters like plant height, stem girth, number of leaves, leaf area and specific leaf weight were proportionately reduced in all the rootstocks studied. However, among the rootstocks, the Alphonso rootstocks expressed a mild decrease in the above-said parameters with increasing salt levels. On the other side, Bangalora rootstocks seemed to be very sensitive to salinity which has registered greater reduction in the growth parameters. Regarding ‘salinity damage score’ the maximum value was recorded by Bangalora (5.00) whereas, the minimum value was recorded by Alphonso (2.70) followed by Neelum (2.99) at 75 mM NaCl concentrations.
A Dynamical Study of Merger Remnants

The velocity dispersion of objects from the Arp and the Arp-Madore atlases that have characteristics of recently merged galaxies is measured. These data are used to test the hypothesis that the remnants become normal elliptical galaxies after the fireworks of recent star formation subside. Accurate velocity dispersions of objects dominated by Balmer lines in the blue were measured using the uncontaminated Ca triplet feature in the extreme red (8400-8700 A). No deviation from the velocity dispersion expected for elliptical galaxies of comparable luminosity, is found, e.g., these systems follow the usual L-sigma relation with no zero-point shift. For a few galaxies without Balmer contamination, stellar rotation velocities are determined. One slow, one moderate, and one fast rotator are found. 54 references.
Determinants of Portfolio Performance

In order to delineate investment responsibility and measure performance contribution, pension plan sponsors and investment managers need a clear and relevant method of attributing returns to those activities that compose the investment management process—investment policy, market timing, and security selection. The authors provide a simple framework based on a passive, benchmark portfolio representing the plan's long-term asset classes, weighted by their long-term allocations. Returns on this "investment policy" portfolio are compared with the actual returns resulting from the combination of investment policy plus market timing (over- or underweighting within an asset class). Data from 91 large U.S. pension plans over the 1974-83 period indicate that investment policy dominates investment strategy (market timing and security selection), explaining on average 95.6 percent of the variation in total plan return. The actual mean average total return on the portfolio over the period was 9.01 percent, versus 10.