Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Quantifying Drivers of Forecasted Returns Using Approximate Dynamic Factor Models for Mixed-Frequency Panel Data

This article considers the estimation of Approximate Dynamic Factor Models with homoscedastic, cross-sectionally correlated errors for incomplete panel data. In contrast to existing estimation approaches, the presented estimation method comprises two expectation-maximization algorithms and uses conditional factor moments in closed form. To determine the unknown factor dimension and autoregressive order, we propose a two-step information-based model selection criterion. The performance of our estimation procedure and the model selection criterion is investigated within a Monte Carlo study. Finally, we apply the Approximate Dynamic Factor Model to real-economy vintage data to support investment decisions and risk management. For this purpose, an autoregressive model with the estimated factor span of the mixed-frequency data as exogenous variables maps the behavior of weekly S&P500 log-returns. We detect the main drivers of the index development and define two dynamic trading strategies resulting from prediction intervals for the subsequent returns.
Collaborative approaches to urban governance model of historic districts: a case study of the Yu’er Hutong project in Beijing

ABSTRACT In recent years, the Chinses urban management system of historic districts has evolved into micro-scale and collaborative movements under the strong government-led actions in China. In this context, the position of experts in urban and architecture fields is emphasized as the mediator and the facilitator in collaborative processes. The leading groups address the serious problems of historic areas in Beijing such as (1) the overcrowded conditions, (2) the neglected illegal structures, (3) the fragmented property ownership, and (4) the poor infrastructures and living conditions. The purpose of this paper is to propose a model of collaborative governance in the Chinese historic districts and scrutinize the role of leadership in collaborative approaches. Based on field visits and publication reviews, this paper casts a light on how the leaders interact with the government-leaders and the residents and contrive to address the major problems of the historic site. This paper found that leaderships perform as the advisor for the decision-makers and the project manager/engineer to the residents. This trend pursues the horizontal and multidimensional mechanism to manage the historic districts. It would give an example of collaborative approaches to achieve sustainable urban revitalization in the inner-city of Beijing. Highlights It suggests a framework of collaborative governance by considering both Chinese and Western contexts. The setting regulations represent rigid government-led approaches in the framework. The leaderships and building relations explain the specific roles of experts in the framework. The leaderships act as the mediator between the governments and the residents. The performances of leadership contribute to addressing problems in the historic site.
“They’re Not Monsters!” Changing University Students’ Perceptions of Child Sex Offenders through Education and Contact

Abstract Child sexual abuse (CSA) is a global public health problem. Assessing public attitudes toward child sex offenders is important since public opinions have affected judicial decision-making regarding sex offender management policies and laws. Study objectives were to assess university students’ perceptions of offenders before and after a Sex Crimes Against Children course, and examine the potential anti-stigmatizing effect of interacting directly with people who had committed sex crimes. Compared with a previous study where only indirect contact was available, students who had direct contact with offenders reported more positive affective responses, had more positive attitudes toward sex offender treatment and rehabilitation, along with lower support for post-sentencing policies. Findings support the humanizing impact of interacting with members of the stigmatized group. Better informed public opinion is essential to support evidence-based crime prevention policies and ultimately prevent CSA.
Simultaneous optimization of coffee quality variables during storage.

Objetivou-se utilizar a metodologia de resposta simultânea aplicada a um delineamento experimental para determinar a melhor combinacao de tempo e das condicoes de armazenamento para a conservacao de graos de cafe. Frutos de Coffea arabica L. foram colhidos no estadio de maturacao cereja, processados por via umida ou por via seca e secados ate atingir 11% de teor de agua. Parte dos graos foi beneficiada e parte nao foi beneficiada antes de ser armazenada em duas condicoes de ambiente: em ar refrigerado a 10 oC e umidade relativa de 50% e em 25 oC sem controle da umidade relativa do ar. Nos periodos de 3, 6 e 12 meses, foram retiradas amostras para avaliacao da qualidade. Os dados foram submetidos a tecnica de otimizacao de resposta simultânea para cada processamento e beneficiamento separadamente, em delineamento inteiramente casualizado e esquema fatorial 2 x 3 (duas condicoes de armazenamento e tres periodos de armazenamento). Conclui-se que a utilizacao da metodologia de resposta simultânea e viavel para ser aplicada para determinacao das condicoes ideais de armazenamento em condicao refrigerada.
Burning Witches: The Moral Dilemmas of Ashaninka Leaders

This paper focuses on the moral reasoning of Ashaninka leaders about the burning of witches, a cultural practice that has received scant attention from intercultural scholars. We first contextualize burning witches as a cultural practice of the Ashaninka people. Then, based on qualitative interviews, we present the experience of six Ashaninka leaders with witchcraft and witchcraft accusations, as well as their moral reasoning about the social mechanisms that the Ashaninka people have traditionally used to control evil sorcery. The participants are three men and three women from the Ucayali and Junin regions in Peru’s Amazon basin. Finally, we discuss intercultural moral education and the need to analyze the reasons behind cultural practices in order to understand the rationality and reasonableness of others.
Complete mitochondrial genomes of three skippers in the tribe Aeromachini (Lepidoptera: Hesperiidae: Hesperiinae) and their phylogenetic implications

Abstract The mitochondrial genome is now widely used in the study of phylogenetics and molecular evolution due to its maternal inheritance, fast evolutionary rate, and highly conserved gene content. To explore the phylogenetic relationships of the tribe Aeromachini within the subfamily Hesperiinae at the mitochondrial genomic level, we sequenced and annotated the complete mitogenomes of 3 skippers: Ampittia virgata, Halpe nephele, and Onryza maga (new mitogenomes for 2 genera) with a total length of 15,333 bp, 15,291 bp, and 15,381 bp, respectively. The mitogenomes all contain 13 protein‐coding genes (PCGs), 22 transfer RNAs (tRNAs), 2 ribosomal RNAs (rRNAs), and a noncoding A + T‐rich region and are consistent with other lepidopterans in gene order and type. In addition, we reconstructed the phylogenetic trees of Hesperiinae using maximum likelihood (ML) and Bayesian inference (BI) methods based on mitogenomic data. Results show that the tribe Aeromachini in this study robustly constitute a monophyletic group in the subfamily Hesperiinae, with the relationships Coeliadinae + (Euschemoninae + (Pyrginae + ((Eudaminae + Tagiadinae) + (Heteropterinae + ((Trapezitinae + Barcinae) + Hesperiinae))))). Moreover, our study supports the view that Apostictopterus fuliginosus and Barca bicolor should be placed out of the subfamily Hesperiinae.
Multispectral indices and individual-tree level attributes explain forest productivity in a pine clonal orchard of Northern Mexico

Abstract Multispectral indices are useful to improve the knowledge of plant organic functionality. Geographically weighted regression (GWR), multispectral data from unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and individual tree attributes were used in combination to generate forest parameters in an even-aged orchard of Pinus arizonica Engelm. The NDVI index was the best indicator of vegetation vigour, correlated to diameter at breast height (DBH) and total estimated tree height (UAVe) as explanatory variables. Geospatial models explained the variance of orchard vigour (R2 = 39 for DBH and R2 = 52 for UAVe), suggesting the crucial requirement for individual or zonal management of the trees. Our results thus provide timely indicators of plant health conditions in the clonal orchard that may be useful for adaptive management strategies in the face of predicted climatic change.
Adsorption of dinitrophenol herbicides from water by montmorillonites

The adsorption of two dinitrophenol herbicides, 4,6-dinitro-o-cresol (DNOC) and 4,6-dinitro-o-sec-butyl phenol (dinoseb), by two reference smectite clays (SWy-2 and SAz-1) was evaluated using a combination of sorption isotherms, Fourier transformation infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD) and molecular dynamic simulations. Clays were subject to saturation with various cations, and charge reduction. The DNOC adsorption decreased with increasing pH indicating that DNOC was primarily adsorbed as the neutral species. The FTIR spectra of DNOC-clay films showed that DNOC molecules are oriented parallel to the clay surface. Interlayer cations have a strong effect on adsorption depending largely on their hydration energies. Weakly hydrated cations, e.g. K+ and Cs+, resulted in greater sorption compared to more strongly hydrated cations such as Na+ or Ca2+. Lower hydration favors direct interactions of exchangeable cations with -NO2 groups of DNOC and manifests optimal interlayer spacings for adsorption. In the presence of sorbed DNOC, an interlayer spacing for K-SWy-2 of between 12 and 12.5 Å was maintained regardless of the presence of water. This d-spacing allowed DNOC molecules to interact simultaneously with the opposing clay layers thus minimizing contact of DNOC with water. The charge density of clays also affected sorption by controlling the size of adsorption domains. Accordingly, DNOC adsorption by low-charge clay (K-SWy-2) was much higher than by high-charge clay (K-SAz-1) and Li-charge reduction greatly enhanced dinoseb adsorption by K-SAz-1. Steric constraints were also evident from the observation that adsorption of DNOC, which contains a methyl substituent, was much greater than dinoseb, which contains a bulkier isobutyl group. Adsorption of DNOC by K-SAz-1 was not affected in the presence of dinoseb, whereas dinoseb adsorption was greatly reduced in the presence of DNOC.
Prevalence and Demographic Differences in Work as a Calling in the United States: Results From a Nationally Representative Sample

Within the last two decades, social science research on work as a calling has rapidly grown. To date, knowledge regarding prevalence and demographic differences of calling in the United States derives from data collected mainly from regionally limited and/or occupationally homogenous samples. The present study used data from the Portraits of American Life Study, a nationally stratified panel study of religion in the United States (U.S.), to estimate calling’s prevalence in the U.S. Our findings represent the first known population estimates of seeking, perceiving, and living a calling in the U.S. Results revealed that calling is a relevant concept for many U.S. adults, with 43% endorsing “mostly true” or “totally true” to the statement “I have a calling to a particular kind of work. ” Small differences for presence of and search for a calling emerged across age groups, employment statuses, and levels of importance of God or spirituality. For living a calling, significant differences were identified only for importance of God or spirituality, contrasting with previous findings that suggested that living a calling varies as a function of income and social status. Implications for research and practice are explored.
Asparaginase activity monitoring and management of asparaginase hypersensitivity reactions in Canada

Introduction Pegaspargase can cause anti-asparaginase antibody formation, which can decrease its effectiveness without causing any clinically apparent reaction (silent inactivation). When a patient has silent inactivation, a switch to Erwinia anti-asparaginase is warranted, but there is currently a global shortage of Erwinia. The only way to identify silent inactivation is to measure an asparaginase level. However, routine asparaginase level monitoring is not currently standard of care at all Canadian centers. This study aims to identify variations in practice regarding asparaginase level monitoring and Erwinia use. Methods A 21-item survey was developed using OPINIO software and distributed to all Pediatric Hematology–Oncologists in Canada from February to October 2020. Results Respondents represented 15 hospitals across each region of Canada (response rate = 52%). Only 39.2% of respondents reported routinely measuring asparaginase levels, yet 53% of respondents have modified therapy from pegaspargase to Erwinia in up to half of their patients. The most common reason for not measuring asparaginase levels was not knowing how to use levels clinically (25.5%). There was variation in the timing of levels and their target. Conclusions We identified substantial variation in asparaginase activity monitoring practices across Canada. Therefore, future research should aim to develop a national practice guideline on asparaginase activity monitoring.
Air dehumidification with advance adsorptive materials for food drying: A critical assessment for future prospective

Abstract In food processing, drying is an important unit operation for preserving the product quality by moisture content reduction. However, some drying processes suffer from technical and economical drawbacks mainly related to low process efficiency, high energy cost, and product quality degradation. Drying food products using dehumidified air at low temperature is one of the smart options to solve the abovementioned problems. This review presents some challenges and opportunities for dehumidifying air to enhance the driving force for drying. The potential of some solid materials, namely zeolite, silica-based materials, activated carbons (ACs), and other biomass-based materials, as moisture adsorbents for air dehumidification in food drying applications is also discussed. This paper also comprehensively reviews the recent perspectives and emerging technologies in the development of efficient adsorbent materials for air dehumidification, moisture adsorption–desorption characteristics, and its potential for food drying application. Moreover, some crucial parameters for advancing the research and development of adsorptive dehumidification systems are criticized in this review paper.
Government size and citizen satisfaction in China: evidence that accommodates two contrasting views

ABSTRACT The centuries-old debate on big versus limited government continues to rage unabated worldwide. The findings of a few studies that have examined spending and employment relating to government size in China are mixed. Adopting a “subjective” perspective for evaluating the effect of government size, this paper shows that the likelihood of Chinese citizens being satisfied with three publicly provided services increases with more government expenditures but fewer government employees. Moreover, regardless of spending or employment measures, the relationship between citizen satisfaction and government size takes a quadratic form overall. Our findings accommodate both the welfare state and public choice views on the effect of government size on individual well-being.
Ionic Liquid as Electrolyte in Photogalvanic Cell for Solar Energy Conversion and Storage

1-Butyl-3-methylpyridinium bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide ([c43mpy] [NTf2]) ionic liquid was used as electrolyte in photogalvanic cell. For photo-electrochemical conversion of solar energy to electrical energy, Rose Bengal, oxalic acid and ([c43mpy] [NTf2]) was used as a novel system. The photopotential and photocurrent was 670.0 mV and 61.2 µA, respectively. The power of the cell at power point was 8.06 µW. The low values of the electrical output could be attributed to the fast mobility of the cation and aggregation motives. There are also several reasons related to the structure of the ionic liquid. The observed conversion efficiency was 0.077% and fill factor was 0.196. The storage capacity of the cell was 109.0 min. The effect of different factors affecting on electrical output of the cell was studied.
Self-alignment of a large-area dual-atom-interferometer gyroscope using parameter-decoupled phase-seeking calibrations

We report a Mach-Zehnder-type dual-atom-interferometer gyroscope with an interrogation arm of 40-cm length and the interference area up to $1.2\phantom{\rule{0.16em}{0ex}}{\mathrm{cm}}^{2}$. The precise angular alignment of the large-scale separated Raman lasers is demonstrated by seeking the phase intersection of Ramsey-$\mathrm{Bord}\stackrel{\ifmmode \acute{}\else \'{}\fi{}}{\mathrm{e}}$ interferometers after the gravity effect is compensated and by decoupling the velocity dependent cross-talk phase shifts, and applied to build the Mach-Zehnder atom interferometer. Then a compact inertial rotation sensor is realized based on dual large-area Mach-Zehnder atom interferometers by precisely aligning the large-scale separated Raman lasers, in which the coherence is well preserved and the common noise is differentially suppressed. The sensor presents a sensitivity of $1.5\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}{10}^{\ensuremath{-}7}$ $\mathrm{rad}/\mathrm{s}/{\mathrm{Hz}}^{1/2}$, and a stability of $9.5\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}{10}^{\ensuremath{-}10}\phantom{\rule{0.16em}{0ex}}\mathrm{rad}/\mathrm{s}$ at 23000 s. The absolute rotation measurement is carried out by adjusting the atomic velocity which corresponds to modulating the scale factor.
Exploring performance measurement practices in Brazilian startups

This study investigates the influence of perceived environmental uncertainty by the manager and the performance measurement through financial and non-financial indicators on startups’ performance. Our study was carried out through a survey sent to startups registered in the Brazilian Startup Association (ABStartups), and the sample used in the data analysis is composed of 103 startups. Our results indicate that financial indicators assist managers in the assessment of startups’ reality and contribute to their perceived performance. On the other hand, non-financial indicators and perceived environmental uncertainty did not have influence. Moderating effects of perceived environmental uncertainty in the relationship between performance measurement and performance were also investigated. In this case, we observed that the perceived environmental uncertainty by entrepreneurs did not influence on startups’ performance and significant use of financial indicators to improve decision making. However, the relationship between non-financial indicators and performance, moderated by environmental uncertainty, became more reliable for the decision-making process of strategies adopted by startups.
Agro-Food Residues and Bioethanol Potential: A Study for a Specific Area

Bioethanol obtained from agro-food wastes could contribute to decrease the dependency on fossil resources, reduce the impact of fossil fuels on the environment, and mitigate the food versus fuel debate. This study is aimed to investigate the availability of residual inexpensive agro-food biomasses that could feed a second-generation bioethanol plant located in a specific area of North Eastern Italy. After the identification of all crops in the area, more than 40 agro-food residues were analyzed for their availability and compositions in terms of water, polysaccharides, and sugars potentially convertible into bioethanol. 574,166 Mg of residual wet lignocellulosic biomass corresponding to 297,325 Mg of dry material were found available for bioethanol conversion. The most promising substrates were wheat straw and vine shoots. Based on the chemical composition of residues, the potential attainable ethanol was determined. Theoretical potential ethanol production was estimated at nearly 72,000 Mg per year. This quantity extensively exceeds the minimum yearly capacity of a sustainable bioethanol plant previously identified as around 50,000 Mg of ethanol. Taken together, these results demonstrate that, in the analyzed area, agro-food residues are available in an amount that could sustain bioethanol production in a specific and restricted district. Techno-economical evaluations are in progress to assess the actual feasibility of installing a second generation bioethanol production plant in the area of interest.
Non-Mutually Exclusive Trade-off and Pecking Order Theories: A Study in Indonesia

Research aim : This study aimed to strengthen empirical evidence that the trade-off (TOT) and pecking order (POT) theories in Indonesia are non-mutually exclusive. Design/methodology/approach : This study employed a sample of 636 manufacturing companies from 2014 to 2018. Research finding : The results revealed that companies in Indonesia used a Capital Structure consistent (CS) with the TOT and POT, or in other words, the TOT and POT theories are non-mutually exclusive. Theoretical contribution/originality : This study is different from previous research on data analysis strengthened by separating underleveraged and overleveraged companies. Practitioner/Policy implication : CS in Indonesia is following the TOT if it is underleveraged and according to POT if it is overleveraged. Research limitation/implication : This study has the limitation of only using a sample of manufacturing companies in Indonesia. Subsequent research can provide comprehensive results by increasing the sample of all companies excludes the financial sector.
Production of Biofuel by Hydrocracking of Cerbera Manghas Oil Using Co-Ni/HZSM-5 Catalyst : Effect of Reaction Temperature

This research aims to investigate the effect of various reaction temperatures on the hydrocracking of Cerbera manghas oil to produce biofuel as a paraffin-rich mixture of hydrocarbons with Co-Ni/HZSM-5 catalyst. Co-Ni/HZSM-5 catalyst was prepared by incipient wetness impregnation. The catalyst was characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), N 2 physisorption according to the Brunauer-Emmet-Teller (BET) method, and atomic absorption spectrometry (AAS). The hydrocracking reaction was carried out in a pressure batch reactor, reaction temperatures of 300-375 o C for 2 hours, reactor pressure of 15 bar after flowing H 2 for at least 1 hour, and a catalyst/oil ratio of 1 g/200 ml. The hydrocarbon composition was determined by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). With the Co(0.88%)-Ni(3.92%)/HZSM-5 catalyst, the highest yield for gasoil was 46.45% at temperature of 350 o C. At this reaction temperature condition, the main abundant hydrocarbon compounds in gasoil-like hydrocarbon were n-paraffin, i.e. pentadecane of 20.06 area% and heptadecane of 14.13 area%. Biofuels produced showed that abundant hydrocarbon compounds were different at different reaction temperatures. Iso-paraffin with low freezing point and good flow property were not found in gasoil-like hydrocarbon. Isomerization depends on reaction condition and type of catalyst.