Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Modelling and Simulating Retail Management Practices: A First Approach

Multi-agent systems offer a new and exciting way of understanding the world of work. We apply agent-based modeling and simulation to investigate a set of problems in a retail context. Specifically, we are working to understand the relationship between people management practices on the shop-floor and retail performance. Despite the fact we are working within a relatively novel and complex domain, it is clear that using an agent-based approach offers great potential for improving organizational capabilities in the future. Our multi-disciplinary research team has worked closely with one of the UK’s top ten retailers to collect data and build an understanding of shop-floor operations and the key actors in a department (customers, staff, and managers). Based on this case study we have built and tested our first version of a retail branch agent-based simulation model where we have focused on how we can simulate the effects of people management practices on customer satisfaction and sales. In our experiments we have looked at employee development and cashier empowerment as two examples of shop floor management practices. In this paper we describe the underlying conceptual ideas and the features of our simulation model. We present a selection of experiments we have conducted in order to validate our simulation model and to show its potential for answering “what-if” questions in a retail context. We also introduce a novel performance measure which we have created to quantify customers’ satisfaction with service, based on their individual shopping experiences.
2 Life Satisfaction in Urban China : Components and Determinants

Survey data from urban China in 2002 show levels of life satisfaction to be low, but not exceptionally so, by international comparison. Many of the determinants of life satisfaction in urban China appear comparable to those for people in other countries. These include, inter alia, unemployment, income, marriage, sex, health and age. Communist Party membership and political participation raise life satisfaction. People appear fairly satisfied with economic growth and low inflation, and this contributes to their overall life satisfaction. There is dissatisfaction over pollution, but this like job insecurity does not appear to impact on life satisfaction. JEL: I31, I38, J18, D63
The Ability of Avicennia Marina in Decreasing Salinity and COD Levels in the Bio-Desalination Process

The increasing of residents and increasingly rapid knowledge of technology, the more people demanded it to meet their needs, especially the need for clean water. The worsening quality of clean water has resulted in a reduction in the supply of clean water that was naturally available in the universe. It has been a matter of peerage technology that helps in dealing with the crisis of clean water but leaves a million problems that cause other natural damage, it was necessary to initiate clean water treatment which later would not cause losses or concentrated waste which can damage the natural environment. Bio-desalination using Avicennia marina plants was one of the alternative choices in seawater processing that does not cause concentrated waste where the salt content contained in water would be physically absorbed into plant tissue in a passive transport method. The purpose of this experiment was to determine the ability of Avicennia marina plants for decreasing salinity and COD by bio desalination processes in a reed bed system reactor with batch operation system. The desalination process using Avicennia marina plant has been proven to reduce salinity levels relatively quickly where the ability of the plant for 14 days can reduce salinity. The results showed that the reduction salinity reached 54.74 % at an initial salinity concentration of 15 ‰ by Avicennia marina, and it reached 48.98% at an initial salinity concentration of 25 ‰. The reduction of COD in desalination process using Avicennia marina were 87.55 % and 16.80 % at an initial sanility concentration of 15 ‰ and 25 ‰, respectively. In conclusion, Avicennia marina has a potential to be used in bio-desalination in a reed bed system reactor.
Mesozoic and Cenozoic Sequence Stratigraphy of European Basins: SEPM Special Publication Series No. 60

Mesozoic and Cenozoic Sequence Stratigraphy of European Basins: SEPM Special Publication Series No. 60, P.C. de Graciansky, J. Hardenbol, T. Jaquin, and P.R. Vail (Editors), 1998, SEPM (Society for Sedimentary Geology), Tulsa, 786 p. ($175 non-members, $125 members) ISBN: 1-56576-043-3. From the mid-seventies, and especially since 1987 when Haq et al. proposed a chronostratigraphic record of Mesozoic and Cenozoic sequences, the paradigm of sequence stratigraphy has evolved as a sound building block in sedimentary geology. Among soft-rock geologists, the sequence stratigraphic premise that deposition within a basin is controlled by the principal variables of subsidence or uplift of the basin floor, sediment supply and, perhaps most important, eustasy has reached much acclaim. Stratigraphers became extremely interested in well-calibrated chronostratigraphic frameworks for the stratigraphic positioning of depositional sequence boundaries, as eustasy represents a synchronous signal on a global scale and, thus, represents an ideal tool for global stratigraphic correlation. Since the work of Haq et al. (1987) was published, an increasing number of workers as well as an increase in the number and diversity of basins studied has resulted in the near doubling of sequence boundaries known from the Mesozoic and Cenozoic. Even more important, the time scales for both the Mesozoic and the Cenozoic have been improved greatly. For example, new radiometric data have led to a revision of the time scale for the Upper Cretaceous of the North American Western Interior Seaway (Obradovich, 1993) and the Global Boundary Stratotype Section and Point (GSSP) principle of the International Commission on Stratigraphy has, to date, rendered new dates for boundaries such as the Eocene/Oligocene, Oligocene/Miocene, and Pliocene/Pleistocene transitions. Recognizing the need for an upgrade of the classical Haq et al. (1987) framework, Peter Vail and Thierry Jacquin started an initiative in 1990 to construct a state-of-the-art chronostratigraphic record of depositional sequences …
Community dynamics of serpentine vegetation in relation to nutrient addition and climatic variability

To investigate the effects of nutrients and climate on community composition and structure of serpentine vegetation in Tuscany, Italy, a fertilization experiments was carried out over a period of six years. Response curves of vegetation to the addition of nitrogen, phosphorous and potassium were analyzed by a permutation-based approach. Phosphorus addition induced a significant increase in vegetation cover, and the observed changes in total plant cover persisted years after the cessation of fertilization. Plant species richness showed marked fluctuations during the experiment, but these were not related to any treatment. Although six years did not allow a robust test of the relations between climate and vegetation, some interesting observations were obtained. Total vegetation cover, a surrogate measure for community biomass, was positively related to the amount of rainfall in the whole period of the growing season, an often observed relationship in Mediterranean-type ecosystems. Species richness was positively related to the mean temperature of spring, and negatively related to mean spring temperature indicating that a warm and xeric spring season may induce local extinction of some species. Species of the community responded differently in relation to climate and phosphorus addition. Many species were positively influenced by phosphorus addition; however, in some annual species the effect disappeared with the cessation of fertilization, whereas in some perennial species it persisted in the following years.
Synthesis of satellite (MODIS), aircraft (ICARTT), and surface (IMPROVE, EPA‐AQS, AERONET) aerosol observations over eastern North America to improve MODIS aerosol retrievals and constrain surface aerosol concentrations and sources

[1] We use an ensemble of satellite (MODIS), aircraft, and ground-based aerosol observations during the ICARTT field campaign over eastern North America in summer 2004 to (1) examine the consistency between different aerosol measurements, (2) evaluate a new retrieval of aerosol optical depths (AODs) and inferred surface aerosol concentrations (PM2.5) from the MODIS satellite instrument, and (3) apply this collective information to improve our understanding of aerosol sources. The GEOS-Chem global chemical transport model (CTM) provides a transfer platform between the different data sets, allowing us to evaluate the consistency between different aerosol parameters observed at different times and locations. We use an improved MODIS AOD retrieval based on locally derived visible surface reflectances and aerosol properties calculated from GEOS-Chem. Use of GEOS-Chem aerosol optical properties in the MODIS retrieval not only results in an improved AOD product but also allows quantitative evaluation of model aerosol mass from the comparison of simulated and observed AODs. The aircraft measurements show narrower aerosol size distributions than those usually assumed in models, and this has important implications for AOD retrievals. Our MODIS AOD retrieval compares well to the ground-based AERONET data (R = 0.84, slope = 1.02), significantly improving on the MODIS c005 operational product. Inference of surface PM2.5 from our MODIS AOD retrieval shows good correlation to the EPA-AQS data (R = 0.78) but a high regression slope (slope = 1.48). The high slope is seen in all AOD-inferred PM2.5 concentrations (AERONET: slope = 2.04; MODIS c005: slope = 1.51) and could reflect a clear-sky bias in the AOD observations. The ensemble of MODIS, aircraft, and surface data are consistent in pointing to a model overestimate of sulfate in the mid-Atlantic and an underestimate of organic and dust aerosol in the southeastern United States. The sulfate overestimate could reflect an excessive contribution from aqueous-phase production in clouds, while the organic carbon underestimate could possibly be resolved by a new secondary pathway involving dicarbonyls.
Remote sensing of waterhole distribution and its impact on wildlife and livestock interactions across a gradient of land use in a Southern African savanna

RP-PCP Grant/Project CC#3,Arid and semi-arid ecosystems are water limited ecosystems. Thus, understanding the spatial and temporal dynamics in water availability is critical. In this study, we tested whether and to what extent we can use remotely sensed data to estimate the spatial and temporal distribution of surface water based on a semi arid region in the South-East Lowveld of Zimbabwe. Next, we tested the extent of interaction between wildlife and domestic herbivore at waterholes based on four years of data. Results show that remote sensing derived MNDWI can successfully (Kappa= 94%) be used to map surface water in semi arid environments. Results also showed that surface water is significantly predicted from annual rainfall (r2=0.98, p<0.01 for the wet season and for the dry season (r2 =0.96, P < 0.01). Furthermore, results show evidence of interaction between wild and domestic herbivores but mainly at waterholes located at the boundary of the protected areas and in the agricultural areas. Finally, results of this study demonstrate that animal species diversity declines significantly along a gradient from protected areas to agricultural areas. These findings could provide an important avenue for undestanding livestock and wildlife interactions in African savannas. ,The MinistA¨re FranA§ais des Affaires EtrangA¨res through the French Embassy in Zimbabwe
Joint Board-Management Meetings and Firm Performance

Abstract Are joint meetings between boards of directors and top management teams associated with better decision making or higher agency costs? We examine formally scheduled joint board-management meetings as a channel for closer interaction between boards of directors and top management teams. Using publicly disclosed data from Indonesian firms, we find that about half of our sample firms hold joint board-management meetings and more meetings are associated with higher firm performance. This suggests that the benefits from information sharing at joint meetings are greater than the agency costs. This relationship is most significant when companies hold 10-12 joint board-management meetings per year, in companies with good governance and when companies are experiencing poor performance. For policymakers and practitioners, we highlight a formal channel for closer interaction between directors and management that benefits shareholders. Abstract Are joint meetings between boards of directors and top management teams associated with better decision making or higher agency costs? We examine formally scheduled joint board-management meetings as a channel for closer interaction between boards of directors and top management teams. Using publicly disclosed data from Indonesian firms, we find that about half of our sample firms hold joint board-management meetings and more meetings are associated with higher firm performance. This suggests that the benefits from information sharing at joint meetings are greater than the agency costs. This relationship is most significant when companies hold 10-12 joint board-management meetings per year, in companies with good governance and when companies are experiencing poor performance. For policymakers and practitioners, we highlight a formal channel for closer interaction between directors and management that benefits shareholders. 4
Modelling snow ice and superimposed ice on landfast sea ice in Kongsfjorden, Svalbard

Snow ice and superimposed ice formation on landfast sea ice in a Svalbard fjord, Kongsfjorden, was investigated with a high-resolution thermodynamic snow and sea-ice model, applying meteorological weather station data as external forcing. The model shows that sea-ice formation occurs both at the ice bottom and at the snow/ice interface. Modelling results indicated that the total snow ice and superimposed ice, which formed at the snow/ice interface, was about 14 cm during the simulation period, accounting for about 15% of the total ice mass and 35% of the total ice growth. Introducing a time-dependent snow density improved the modelled results, and a time-dependent oceanic heat flux parameterization yielded reasonable ice growth at the ice bottom. Model results suggest that weather conditions, in particular air temperature and precipitation, as well as snow thermal properties and surface albedo are the most critical factors for the development of snow ice and superimposed ice in Kongsfjorden. While both warming air and higher precipitation led to increased snow ice and superimposed ice forming in Kongsfjorden in the model runs, the processes were more sensitive to precipitation than to air temperature.
Financial Spillovers to Emerging Markets During the Global Financial Crisis; Nathaniel Frank and Heiko Hesse; IMF Working Paper 09/104; May 1, 2009

This Working Paper should not be reported as representing the views of the IMF. The views expressed in this Working Paper are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent those of the IMF or IMF policy. Working Papers describe research in progress by the author(s) and are published to elicit comments and to further debate. In this paper potential financial linkages between liquidity and bank solvency measures in advanced economies and emerging market (EM) bond and stock markets are analyzed during the latest crisis. A multivariate GARCH model is estimated in order to gauge the extent of co-movements of these financial variables across markets. The findings indicate that the notion of possible de-coupling (in the financial markets) had been misplaced. While EM stock markets reached their peak in the last quarter of 2007, interlinkages between funding stress and equity markets in advanced economies and EM financial indicators were highly correlated and have seen sharp increases during specific crisis moments. JEL Classification Numbers: C32, E44, G12
Investigation of the Surface and Circulation Impacts of Cloud-Brightening Geoengineering

AbstractProjected increases in greenhouse gases have prompted serious discussion on geoengineering the climate system to counteract global climate change. Cloud albedo enhancement has been proposed as a feasible geoengineering approach, but previous research suggests undesirable consequences of globally uniform cloud brightening. The present study uses GFDL’s Climate Model version 2G (CM2G) global coupled model to simulate cloud albedo enhancement via increases in cloud condensation nuclei (CCN) to 1000 cm−3 targeted at the marine stratus deck of the Pacific Ocean, where persistent low clouds suggest a regional approach to cloud brightening. The impact of this regional geoengineering on global circulation and climate in the presence of a 1% annual increase of CO2 was investigated. Surface temperatures returned to near preindustrial levels over much of the globe with cloud modifications in place. In the first 40 years and over the 140-yr mean, significant cooling over the equatorial Pacific, continued Arct.
Improved Geospatial Forecasting of Commercial Marine Vessels

This proposal describes a project to update geographically resolved commercial marine emissions inventories and forecasts for cargo traffic in shipping lanes serving U.S. continental coastlines. Using the recently developed GIS-based methodology for estimating CMV emissions in coastal waters, a set of vessel-specific inventories will be produced that describe air emissions both spatially and temporally for a baseline year (2002) and forecast years (2010 and 2020). Activity-based emissions inventories will be provided separately for Containerships, Bulk carriers, Tankers, General cargo vessels, Roll-on/Roll-off vessels, and Refrigerated cargo ships. These ship types account for more than 90% of the current inventory of North American port arrival/departure data for ~170,000 voyages in 2002; moreover, other vessel types (passenger, miscellaneous, and fishing) are less associated with multimodal goods movement. This work will provide greater detail and improved spatial forecasts of commercial marine emissions for North American coastal waters that supports the California Air Resources Board (ARB), western regional states, federal and international efforts to quantify and evaluate potential air pollution and climate impacts from shipping.
2 Inflation targeting as a policy framework

By the end of the Great Moderation, over two dozen central banks were formal inflation targeters, and others, such as the Federal Reserve, the European Central Bank, and the Swiss National Bank behaved essentially as inflation targeters even though they were resistant to identifying themselves as such. However, the past three years have seen central banks faced with new challenges, and these have raised questions about the future of inflation targeting as a framework for the conduct of monetary policy. I consider three suggested modifications to this policy framework: incorporating additional goals among a central bank’s objectives; raising the average target for inflation; and switching to price level targeting.
What Can Second Language Learners Learn from Each Other? Only Their Researcher Knows for Sure

This study investigated whether second language (L2) learners' interaction with other learners is as effective as interaction with native speakers (NSs) in addressing three theoretical needs: (1) L2 input modified toward comprehensibility; (2) feedback focused on form; and (3) modification of output. The interactions of five dyads of English L2 learners were compared with those of five dyads of learners and English NSs on two communication tasiks. Results revealed similarities in the types of modified output and feedback the learners were offered from other learners and NSs in their respective dyads, and in both the type and nmount of output modification they produced. Differences were found in the amount of modified input the learners were provided, with less provided by other learners than by NSs. This suggests that while interaction between L2 learners can address some input, output, and feedback needs, it dces not provide as much as interaction with NSs. Contains 63 referencLs. (MSE) *********************************************************************** Reproductions supplied by EDRS are the best that can be made A from the original document. ***********************************************************************
Triassic and Jurassic transtension along part of the Sorgenfrei-Tornquist Zone in the Danish Kattegat

In the Kattegat area, Denmark, the Sorgenfrei‐Tornquist Zone, an old crustal weakness zone, was repeatedly reactivated during Triassic, Jurassic and Early Cretaceous times with dextral transtensional movements along the major boundary faults. These tectonic events were minor compared to the tectonic events of the Late Carboniferous ‐ Early Permian and the Late Cretaceous ‐ Early Tertiary, although a dynamic structural and stratigraphic analysis indicates that the Sorgenfrei‐Tornquist Zone was active compared to the surrounding areas. At the end of the Palaeozoic, the area was a peneplain. Regional Triassic subsidence caused onlap towards the north-east, where the youngest Triassic sediments overlie Precambrian crystalline basement. During the Early Triassic, several of the major Early Permian faults were reactivated, probably with dextral strike-slip along the Borglum Fault. Jurassic ‐ Early Cretaceous subsidence was restricted primarily to the area between the two main faults in the Sorgenfrei‐Tornquist Zone, the Grena‐Helsingborg Fault and the Borglum Fault. This restriction of basin development indicates a change in the regional stress field at the Triassic‐Jurassic transition. Middle Jurassic and Late Jurassic ‐ Early Cretaceous subsidence followed the Early Jurassic pattern with local subsidence in the Sorgenfrei‐Tornquist Zone, but now even more restricted to within the zone. The subsidence showed a decrease in the Middle Jurassic, and increased again during Late Jurassic ‐ Early Cretaceous times. Small faults were generated internally in the Sorgenfrei‐Tornquist Zone during the Mesozoic with a pattern that indicates a broad transfer of strike-slip/oblique-slip motion from the Grena‐Helsingborg Fault to the Borglum Fault.
The 2010 Qinghai, China, Earthquake: A Moderate Earthquake with Supershear Rupture

Abstract From analyses using near‐field and teleseismic data, we estimate the rupture speed of the 2010 Qinghai, China, earthquake ( M w 6.9). Comparisons of model calculations of the initiations to the observed near‐field seismogram at station YUS indicate a fast supershear rupture propagation of about 5.0 km/s. From the teleseismic analyses using an envelope deconvolution method with an empirical Green’s function event, two high‐frequency pulses are identified at 6.5 km and 41.8 km southeast of the epicenter, indicating two subevents. The location and timing of the high‐frequency events also show a supershear rupture velocity of 4.7 to 5.8 km/s. The supershear speed of the rupture likely contributed to the severe damage caused in the forward direction of the rupture toward the town of Yushu.