Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Spatial Panel Models of Crop Yield Response to Weather: Econometric Specification Strategies and Prediction Performance

Abstract This study scrutinizes spatial econometric models and specifications of crop yield response functions to provide a robust evaluation of empirical alternatives available to researchers. We specify 14 competing panel regression models of crop yield response to weather and site characteristics. Using county corn yields in the US, this study implements in-sample, out-of-sample, and bootstrapped out-of-sample prediction performance comparisons. Descriptive propositions and empirical results demonstrate the importance of spatial correlation and empirically support the fixed effects model with spatially dependent error structures. This study also emphasizes the importance of extensive model specification testing and evaluation of selection criteria for prediction.
Board Gender Diversity and Firm Risk

In this chapter, we address the following question: Does board gender diversity affect global risk? Drawing on agency theory, upper echelon theory, and human capital theory, we hypothesize that gender diversity on the board of directors will decrease the volatility of firm risk. Applying fixed effect estimation on a panel data of listed French companies (SBF120) for the years 2011–2018, the results show a negative link between the percentage of female directors on the board and the standard deviation of monthly stock return as firm risk proxy suggesting that the inclusion of more women on corporate boards could improve financial stability. Our findings contribute to the literature by providing empirical evidence from France occupying the first place at the European level with the most female presence on the boards of directors.1
Vocal markers of autism: assessing the generalizability of machine learning models

Machine learning (ML) approaches show increasing promise in their ability to identify vocal markers of autism. Nonetheless, it is unclear to what extent such markers generalize to new speech samples collected e.g., using a different speech task or in a different language. In this paper, we systematically assess the generalizability of ML findings across a variety of contexts. We train promising published ML models of vocal markers of autism on novel cross-linguistic datasets following a rigorous pipeline to minimize overfitting, including cross-validated training and ensemble models. We test the generalizability of the models by testing them on i) different participants from the same study, performing the same task; ii) the same participants, performing a different (but similar) task; iii) a different study with participants speaking a different language, performing the same type of task. While model performance is similar to previously published findings when trained and tested on data from the same study (out-of-sample performance), there is considerable variance between studies. Crucially, the models do not generalize well to different, though similar, tasks and not at all to new languages. The ML pipeline is openly shared. Generalizability of ML models of vocal markers of autism is an issue. We outline three recommendations for strategies researchers could take to be more explicit about generalizability and improve it in future studies. LAY SUMMARY Machine learning approaches promise to be able to identify autism from voice only. These models underestimate how diverse the contexts in which we speak are, how diverse the languages used are and how diverse autistic voices are. Machine learning approaches need to be more careful in defining their limits and generalizability.
GaInP/AlGaAs/GaInP double heterojunction bipolar transistors with zero conduction band spike at the collector

Al/sub 0.11/Ga/sub 0.89/As was used in the base, next to the GaInP collector of a DHBT, to eliminate the conduction band spike. The DHBT's demonstrated high breakdown voltages, BV/sub CEO/ and BV/sub CBO/ of 44.5 V and 54.5 V (gain/spl ap/20), respectively, for a 1-/spl mu/m-thick collector doped to 2/spl times/10/sup 16/ cm/sup -3/ with no voltage dependence of the current gain. Magneto-transport measurements were made on the AlGaAs bases and indicated limitations on the maximum practical base doping due to the inferior minority electron mobility and lifetime when compared with equivalently doped GaAs. Grading in the base from Al/sub 0.11/Ga/sub 0.89/As at the collector to Al/sub 0.21/Ga/sub 0.79/As at the emitter introduced a quasielectric field in the base, reduced the base transit time by a factor of /spl sim/2.5, and improved the gain over ungraded devices with the same average Al concentration.
Wanting More, Seeing Less: Hunger Reduces Calorie Evaluations

Calorie estimates play an important role in the regulation of food consumption. Lower calorie estimates contribute to increased consumption, and consequently increase the risk of obesity. The current work presents a novel contribution demonstrating the biasing effect of hunger on calorie evaluations. Study 1 (N = 70) was a field study, where participants visiting a cafeteria estimated calories in four baked goods, with measures taken of their hunger level and their having had lunch. Study 2 was a lab study, where half of the participants (N = 65) fasted for five hours prior to the study, and then estimated calories in three baked goods. Study 1 found lower calorie estimations by hungry participants (M = 255.52, SD = 112.55) relative to lower hunger participants (M = 311.94, SD = 135.85): F(1, 67) = 6.07, p = 0.02. In study 2, the average estimated calories was lower for fasting participants (M = 253.11, SD = 126.13) than for non-fasting participants (M = 301.75, SD = 145.26). The studies demonstrate that motivations generated by physical state (hunger) alter calorie evaluations. This finding is surprising given that motivation generally leads to estimating more of a desired quantity. The study also presents a novel domain of biases in calorie estimation. This reduction in calorie estimates due to hunger may occur if calories are assessed relative to needs, or serve to allow people to justify increased food consumption. Accounting for such biases, particularly in cases of low nutrition literacy, is important in order to reduce the overeating that may be generated by calorie estimation biases.
Effects of Tire Cavity Resonance on Vehicle Road Noise

Abstract One of the major factors in road‐induced noise in a vehicle is the vibration characteristics of its tires. The effects of tire cavity resonance are clarified in this paper by a mathematical approach to the excitation and by road tests. Peaks of road noise due to cavity resonance in automobile tires exist at frequencies between 230 and 300 Hz. The major peak is at the first mode of cavity resonance in the circumferential direction and is not affected by the cross‐sectional shape of the tire. The noise is affected by only the first mode of cavity resonance. Therefore, by using countermeasures to this resonance, the road noise can be reduced.
COVID-19 perceptions, subjective norms, and perceived benefits to attitude and behavior of continuous using of medical mask

The purpose of this study was to examine and explain the effect of COVID-19 Perception, subjective norms, and Perceived Benefits on attitudes and Behavior continuous use of medical mask. The population of this study is people in Indonesia who have used medical masks for at least a year. The size of the sample used is 146 people with purposive sampling method. The analytical technique used is Path Analysis using SEM-PLS. The results showed that the COVID-19 perception, subjective norm, and perceived benefits had a positive and significant effect on attitudes and behavior in using medical masks continuously, and attitudes about using medical masks also had a positive and significant effect on the intention to continue using them continuously. Therefore, it is important for regional leaders to continue to disseminate and educate about the importance of continuous use of medical masks in order to prevent the spread of disease due to COVID-19 and maintain public health by providing information about COVID-19 disease and the benefits of using this medical mask.
Public Transport Travel-Time Variability Definitions and Monitoring

Public transport travel-time variability (PTTV) is essential for understanding the deteriorations in the reliability of travel time, optimizing transit schedules, and route choices. This paper establishes the key definitions of PTTV which firstly include all buses, and secondly include only a single service from a bus route. The paper then analyzes the day-to-day distribution of public transport travel time by using transit signal priority data. A comprehensive approach, using both parametric bootstrapping Kolmogorov-Smirnov test and Bayesian information criterion technique is developed, recommends lognormal distribution as the best descriptor of bus travel time on urban corridors. The probability density function of lognormal distribution is finally used for calculating probability indicators of PTTV. The findings of this study are useful for both traffic managers and statisticians for planning and analyzing the transit systems.
Synergistic effects in MOS capacitors with an Au/HfO2–SiO2/Si structure irradiated with neutron and gamma ray

The properties of oxide trapped charges and interface state density in the metal oxide semiconductor (MOS) capacitors with an Au/HfO2–SiO2/Si structure were investigated under irradiation of 14 MeV neutron and 60Co gamma-ray. In the mixed neutron and gamma irradiation environment, the formation of the oxide trapped charges in the HfO2–SiO2 layer is determined by the total deposited ionization energy, i.e. the sum of ionization energy deposition of the neutrons and the accompanying gamma rays, while the influence of the displacement damage caused by 14 MeV neutrons can be ignored. The interface state density depends not only on the ionizing energy loss (IEL) but also the non-IEL (NIEL), and NIEL plays a major role below the critical neutron fluence of 4.5 × 1012 n cm−2. The synergistic effect of the interface state is observed increases with energy deposition in the oxide at lower fluences, while decreasing above the critical fluence. These results confirm the existence of the synergistic effect of neutron and gamma irradiation in damaging HfO2 MOS devices.
Can a cervical muscle inhibition technique reduce chronic low back pain?

Introduction: Chronic low back pain is the pain in the lumbo-sacral area with a duration of more than 3 months. The aim of the study was to find out the efficacy of sub-occipital muscle inhibition technique along with interferential therapy and exercises on pain and other functional parameters in chronic low back pain patients. Material and methods: 45 patients with a mean age of 38.53 ± 9.36 years who had chronic low back pain were randomly assigned to 3 groups (n = 15 in each group). Group-A received sub-occipital muscle inhibition technique, interferential therapy and exercise training, Group-B received interferential therapy and exercise training and Group-C received exercise training only for 3 days/week for 4 weeks. The outcome measures used were Numerical Pain Rating Scale, Modified-Modified Schober’s Test, Oswestry Disability Index and SF-36 questionnaire. Patients were assessed at baseline, after 2 weeks and 4 weeks. Results: There was significant within-group-effects (p = 0.001) for NPRS, lumbar flexion, functional disability (ODI) and quality of life (SF-36) in all the three groups, but not Lumbar extension. There was significant between-group-effect in lumbar flexion, lumbar extension and functional disability (p < 0.05). Conclusions: The sub-occipital muscle inhibition technique along with interferential therapy and spinal exercises have better clinical effects than interferential therapy and exercises alone in chronic low back pain patients.
On the effects of hot carriers on the RF characteristics of Si/SiGe heterojunction bipolar transistors

This work for the first time experimentally investigates the hot carrier effects on the RF characteristics (up to 30 GHz) of Si/SiGe heterojunction bipolar transistors (HBT's). Reverse base-emitter voltage stresses were applied at room temperature on BiCMOS compatible, sub-micron transistors. The main observed degradation is a decrease of S/sub 21/. It was found that this degradation is minimized (maximized) when biasing at constant collector (base) current. These results may be valuable indications also for degradations induced by ionizing radiations.
Attractive Playgrounds: Some Factors Affecting User Interest and Visiting Patterns

Abstract Public playgrounds are often criticised for not corresponding to children's needs for outdoor play areas. However, some playgrounds appear more visited and interesting to users than others. This study reviewed the literature on playground qualities and then explored some well-functioning practical examples in order to identify factors affecting playground attractiveness. Interviews and questionnaire surveys with users and observations of playgrounds in two towns in southern Sweden revealed that playground interest can be created by the presence of particular pieces of play equipment, but that the frequency of visits depends on more than equipment; on the context, placement and place-specific qualities.
Faktor-faktor Penyebab Terjadinya Tindakan Vandalisme di Kantor Arsip Perpustakaan dan Dokumentasi Kota Padang

This paper focuses on the factors that cause the occurrence of acts of vandalism at the office of Archives, Library and Documentation Padang. This study aims to reveal: (1) the factors that cause the occurrence of acts of vandalism at the office of Archives, Library and Documentation Padang, (2) the steps that must be done to tackle vandalism librarian to the collection in the Archives, Library and Documentation Padang. Data were collected through observation and interviews with librarians at the Office of Archives, Library and Documentation Padang. analyzing data descriptively. By analyzing the data, it was concluded the following. First, the factors that cause the occurrence of acts of vandalism due to the factor of user and factors of librarians. Factors include lack of awareness of user in using library collections, disappointment user to services librarians, collection of interest and age user mostly teenage boys who are the cause of vandalism in the Archives, Library and Documentation in the city of Padang. While factors include the lack of supervision of the librarian librarians to user and library collections, less specifically rule libraries, librarians are less professional and lack the security of the library. Second, ways of coping with the increasing acts of vandalism that electronic security systems such as the installation of matric sensors, alarm sensors, and CCTV. The socialization user awareness to keep the collection as user education, talk shows, workshops, seminars and training. Keywords: vandalism; library user; librarian
Work zones versus nonwork zones: Risk factors leading to rear-end and sideswipe collisions

ABSTRACT Tens of thousands of vehicular collisions occur annually in work zones with nearly double the fatality risk as compared to all collisions (work zone and nonwork zone). Due to this increase in risk, this study's objective is to investigate the possible causes of work zone collisions. After reviewing previous studies, the authors examined behavioral, environmental, and roadway geometric factors to understand their influence on fatal collision type for work zones and nonwork zones. Data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Fatality Analysis Reporting System database was used for years 2010 to 2012. To analyze the data, negative binomial regression and multinomial logit models were utilized. A binary probit model directly compares work zone and nonwork zone data. Results demonstrate that rear-end and sideswipe collisions are more likely to cause fatalities in work zones compared to nonwork zones. Clear conditions, daylight, and straight roads increase the likelihood of these two collision types when compared to other types such as single-vehicle collisions. These findings suggest that Intelligent Transportation Systems countermeasures (speed harmonization, vehicle-to-vehicle communications) should be investigated to encourage safer car-following and lane-changing behaviors rather than to mitigate work zone–related infrastructure challenges.
Reinforcement of Environmental DNA Based Methods (Sensu Stricto) in Biodiversity Monitoring and Conservation: A Review

Simple Summary Worldwide biodiversity loss points to a necessity of upgrading to a fast and effective monitoring method that can provide quick conservation action. Newly developed environmental DNA (eDNA) based method found to be more cost-effective, non-invasive, quick, and accurate than traditional monitoring (spot identification, camera trapping). Although the eDNA based methods are proliferating rapidly, as a newly developed branch, it needs more standardization and practitioner adaptation. The present study aims to evaluate the eDNA based methods, and their potential achievements in biodiversity monitoring, and conservation for quick practitioners’ adaption. The investigation shows that the eDNA technique is applicable largely in (i) early detection of invasive species, (ii) species detection for conservation, (iii) community-level biodiversity monitoring, (iv) ecosystem health monitoring, (v) study on trophic interactions, etc. Thus, the eDNA technique shows a great promise with its high accuracy and authenticity, and will be applicable alone or alongside other methods in the near future. Abstract Recently developed non-invasive environmental DNA-based (eDNA) techniques have enlightened modern conservation biology, propelling the monitoring/management of natural populations to a more effective and efficient approach, compared to traditional surveys. However, due to rapid-expansion of eDNA, confusion in terminology and collection/analytical pipelines can potentially jeopardize research progression, methodological standardization, and practitioner adoption in several ways. Present investigation reflects the developmental progress of eDNA (sensu stricto) including highlighting the successful case studies in conservation management. The eDNA technique is successfully relevant in several areas of conservation research (invasive/conserve species detection) with a high accuracy and authentication, which gradually upgrading modern conservation approaches. The eDNA technique related bioinformatics (e.g., taxon-specific-primers MiFish, MiBird, etc.), sample-dependent methodology, and advancement of sequencing technology (e.g., oxford-nanopore-sequencing) are helping in research progress. The investigation shows that the eDNA technique is applicable largely in (i) early detection of invasive species, (ii) species detection for conservation, (iii) community level biodiversity monitoring, (iv) ecosystem health monitoring, (v) study on trophic interactions, etc. Thus, the eDNA technique with a high accuracy and authentication can be applicable alone or coupled with traditional surveys in conservation biology. However, a comprehensive eDNA-based monitoring program (ecosystem modeling and function) is essential on a global scale for future management decisions.
Model-based Damage Detection through Physics Guided Learning

Data-driven learning approaches have gained a lot of interest in evaluating and validating complex dynamic systems. One of the main challenges for developing a reliable learning model is the lack of training data covering a large range of various operational conditions. Extensive training data can be generated using a physics-based simulation model. On the other hand, the learning algorithm should be still tested with experimental data obtained from the actual system. Modeling errors may lead to a statistical divergence between the simulation training data and the experimental testing data, causing poor performance, especially for domain-agnostic black-box learning methods. To close the gap between the simulation and experimental domains, this paper proposes a physics-guided learning approach that combines the power of the neural network with domain-specific physics knowledge. Specifically, the proposed architecture integrates physical parameters extracted from the physics-based simulation model into the intermediate layers of the neural network to constrain the learning process. To demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed approach, the architecture is adopted to a damage classification problem for a three-story structure. Our results show that the accuracy for localizing the damage correctly based on experimental data improves significantly over black-box models, especially under large modeling errors. In this paper, we also use the physics-based intermediate layers to analyze the interpretability of the classification results.
Variables Associated With Response to Therapy in Patients With Interstitial Pneumonia With Autoimmune Features

Background/Objective We have limited knowledge regarding characteristics of patients with interstitial pneumonia with autoimmune features (IPAF) that are associated with response to immunosuppression. In this study, we used published IPAF criteria to characterize features associated with response to treatment. Methods We conducted a single-center medical records review study of 63 IPAF patients to evaluate for serological, clinical, and morphological characteristics that are associated with response to immunosuppression. Response was defined as % relative functional vital capacity decline of less than 10% and absence of death or lung transplant within the first year of continuous immunosuppressive therapy. Nonparametric measures of association and multivariate logistic regression were used to evaluate the relationship between baseline characteristics and immunosuppressive response. Results There was a trend of greater progression among men, ever smokers, those negative for antisynthetase antibodies, and those with usual interstitial pneumonia radiographic pattern, but no statistically significant relationship was found between baseline serological, clinical, or morphological features and response to immunosuppression. Patients on combination therapy with mycophenolate mofetil and prednisone had less disease progression (p = 0.018) than those on regimens that did not include both of these medications. Conclusions In our cohort, baseline clinical assessment did not identify which patients with IPAF will respond to immunosuppressive therapy. Combination therapy with mycophenolate mofetil and prednisone was associated with lack of disease progression in our IPAF patients, including in IPAF–usual interstitial pneumonia. Further studies are needed to evaluate which IPAF patients would benefit from immunosuppressive therapy, antifibrotic therapy, or a combination of both.
The Effect of Innovation and Participation as Workplace Values on Job Satisfaction and the Mediating Effect of Psychological Ownership

Job satisfaction is an important construct in the organizational behavior domain because it affects several organizational variables, such as performance, organizational citizenship behavior, and organizational commitment. This study investigates the effect of innovation and participation as workplace values on job satisfaction and the mediating role of psychological ownership. Participants (N = 316) were adults working at different hotels in Antalya, Turkey. The results show innovation and participation as workplace values manifest their effects on job satisfaction through psychological ownership. Moreover, psychological ownership, along with participation, is one of the best estimators of job satisfaction, while participation is the best estimator of psychological ownership among studied variables.