Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The Returns to Entrepreneurship: Evidence from Matched Person-Firm Data

Empirical studies show low pecuniary returns of switching from wage employment to entrepreneurship. We reconsider the pecuniary gains of this switching by employing a two-stage procedure, where the randomness in the timing of inheritance transfers is used as an exclusion restriction to identify causal effects. The model is estimated on data covering the whole Norwegian population of individuals matched to the entire population of firms established in the period 2002-2011. The results indicate that the average returns to entrepreneurship are significantly negative for individuals entering entrepreneurship through self employment and modest, but significantly positive, for incorporated startups.
Analysis of User Eye Movements during Viewing of Search Engine Results Pages in Web Information Seeking Tasks

*1 物質・材料研究機構科学情報室 National Institute for Materials Science E-mail: TAKAKU.Masao@nims.go. jp 2 国立教育政策研究所教育研究情報センター National Institute for Educational Policy Research E-mail: yuka@nier.go. jp 3 東京電機大学情報環境学部情報環境学科 Tokyo Denki University E-mail: terai@sie.dendai. ac.jp 4 愛知教育大学教育学部 Aichi University of Education E-mail: hsaito@auecc.aichi-edu.ac.jp 5 放送大学 ICT活用・遠隔教育センター The Open University of Japan E-mail: miwamaki@code.u-air.ac.jp 6 国立情報学研究所情報社会相関研究系 /総合研究大学院大学 National Institute of Informatics / Graduate University for Advanced Studies E-mail: kando@nii.ac.jp
Darwish, Ahmed and Williams, Barry and Holliday, Derrick (2014) A single-stage three-phase DC/AC inverter based on Cuk converter for PV

This paper presents a new three-phase dc-ac inverter based on the basic Cuk converter. The main feature of the proposed topology is the fact that the energy storage elements as inductors and capacitors values can be reduced in order to improve the reliability, reduce the size, and the total cost. Moreover, the bucking-boosting inherent nature of the Cuk converter, depending on the time-varying duty ratios, provides more flexibility for stand-alone and grid connected applications when the required output AC voltage is lower or greater than the DC side voltage. This property is not found in the conventional current source inverter (CSI) when the DC input current is always greater than the ac output one or in the conventional voltage source inverter (VSI) as the output ac voltage is always lower than the dc input one. Averaged large and small signal models are used to study the Cuk nonlinear operation. Basic structure, control design, and MATLAB/SIMULINK results are presented in this paper. The new three-phase DC-AC inverter is very convenient for PV applications where continuous average input currents are required for appropriate Maximum power Point Tracking (MPPT) operations.
Woody Species Diversity, Management and Contribution of Local Community in Protected Forest of Kuneba District, Afar Region Ethiopia

Traditional forest management practices as adapted by local community are considered as ancient form of forest management systems and utilization in Ethiopia. The community protected forest as located in Kuneba wereda, Afar regional state (Ethiopia) is one of such forest where local community plays a vital role in its conservation and management. The present study was carried out to study the woody species diversity, the structural parameters (density, frequency, important value index and basal area) of woody species and contribution of local community to manage community protected forests at the study area. Both primary and secondary data were collected from the study area through household, key informants and woreda offices, respectively Field survey was also conducted to identify the present status of the forest. The data on structure, composition and woody species diversity in the study area were collected from 40 plots, which shown a total of 29 woody species in the study area. The composition, Shannon and Simpson diversity indices and evenness were also determined. Acacia tortilis (Eibito) was found as dominant woody species in the forest. It was learnt that the local communities manage the forest tree species in traditional ways for the benefits they derive from the forest. The continuous management practices in the forest and its consequences brought about the suppression of tree regeneration, reducing tree density eventually leading to the disappearance of some valuable forest species. Therefore, there is an urgent need to adapt conservation strategies in the forest of the Kuneba woreda area to save it from further deterioration, Moreover, it should be a priority issue for all concerned authorities to intervene immediately in the problem.
EDUCATION AND PEACEBUILDING IN AFRICA : A CRITICAL ANALYSIS ON POST CONFLICT NIGER DELTA , NIGERIA

The purpose of this paper is to examine the peacebuilding initiatives in Africa with particular emphasis on the Amnesty program in Niger Delta, Nigeria and to find out whether it has achieved its goal of restoring peace and stability in the region. The introduction of the Amnesty program in 2009 resulted in suspending the violence but has so far not resolved the region’s problems. Thus, a resurgence of violence may occur in the region except the undesirable socio-economic situations that fuelled militancy in the first place are addressed. This paper examines the Amnesty program, using content analysis of relevant secondary data that highlights the experiences and perceptions of the ex-militants who participated in studies of Tobor (2014) and Odubo (2014). Findings from both studies demonstrated that the Amnesty program is a good step towards peace building in the region. However, a holistic approach to development of the region must be taken to compliment the progress made so far. The significance of the study is that the results may help African nations particularly the Nigerian government enhance its youth education and training programs. Recommendations include consultations with key stakeholders and inclusion of all youths in the educational and vocational training programs that will cater to essential needs of the majority of the inhabitants of the Niger Delta region. The social significance of these recommendations may help prevent a return to militancy and violence and thus promote greater social, economic, and political stability in the region.
Quality of Life at Levels of Physical Activity of Volunteers from the University Community

The objective of this research was to assess the quality of life of volunteers from the University of Sao Paulo at different levels of physical activity. To evaluate the quality of life perception, the WHOQOL-bref. Nutritional status was evaluated through the body mass index (BMI). The level of physical activity was measured using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) (short version typical week). All these instruments were utilized to compose a computerized system of data collection. Among the findings it is highlighted that most of the 1,966 participants are single (65.9%), undergraduate students (52.6%) originated from the Campus of Sao Paulo city (50.9%), 32.3% are overweight and 65.5% meet the recommendation for regular physical activity. It was observed that the most active individuals exhibit higher scores in all areas of life quality which justifies actions to increase physical activity on the academic community.
A Two-Decade Anthropogenic and Biogenic Isoprene Emissions Study in a London Urban Background and a London Urban Traffic Site

A relationship between isoprene and 1,3-butadiene mixing ratios was established to separate the anthropogenic and biogenic fractions of the measured isoprene in London air in both urban background (Eltham) and urban traffic (Marylebone Road) areas over two decades (1997–2017). The average daytime biogenic isoprene mixing ratios over this period reached 0.09 ± 0.04 ppb (Marylebone Road) and 0.11 ± 0.06 ppb (Eltham) between the period of 6:00 to 20:00 local standard time, contributing 40 and 75% of the total daytime isoprene mixing ratios. The average summertime biogenic isoprene mixing ratios for 1997–2017 are found to be 0.13 ± 0.02 and 0.15 ± 0.04 ppb which contribute 50 and 90% of the total summertime isoprene mixing ratios for Marylebone Road and Eltham, respectively. Significant anthropogenic isoprene mixing ratios are found during night-time (0.11 ± 0.04 ppb) and winter months (0.14 ± 0.01 ppb) at Marylebone Road. During high-temperature and high-pollution events (high ozone) there is a suggestion that ozone itself may be directly responsible for some of the isoprene emission. By observing the positive correlation between biogenic isoprene levels with temperature, photosynthetically active radiation and ozone mixing ratios during heatwave periods, the Cobb-Douglas production function was used to obtain a better understanding of the abiotic factors that stimulate isoprene emission from plants. Other reasons for a correlation between ozone and isoprene are discussed. The long-term effects of urban stressors on vegetation were also observed, with biogenic isoprene mixing ratios on Marylebone Road dropping over a 20-year period regardless of the sustained biomass levels.
Vacuum ultraviolet 5 d 14 f 9-4 f 10 emission of Ho 3 þ ions in alkaline-earth fl uorides

Time-resolved emission and excitation spectra as well as emission decay kinetics of CaF2, SrF2, BaF2 doped with HoF3 were investigated. Intensive emission bands near 168 nm, having long decay time, are caused by the spin-forbidden transitions from the 5d14f9 high-spin states to the ground I8 states of Ho3þ ions. Weak spin allowed 5d14f9(low-spin)-4f10 emission band at 158 nm was observed only in CaF2eHo crystals. Spin allowed and spin-forbidden excitation bands were observed near 166 and 155 nm, respectively, in all studied crystals. Fast component of spin-forbidden emissions due to multiphonon relaxation to low-lying 4f10 Ho3þ level also was observed for all crystals. 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
A single-point mutation in FGFR2 affects cell cycle and Tgfß signalling in osteoblasts

A single-point mutation in FGFR2 affects cell cycle and Tgfß signalling in osteoblasts Abstract Fgf and Tgfß are key regulators of bone development. It is not known, however, whether there is a relationship between defective Fgf signalling, resulting in a premature cranial suture fusion, and Tgfß signalling. We used mouse calvaria osteoblasts carrying a mutation (hFGFR2-C278F) associated with Crouzon and Pfeiffer syndromes to investigate effects of this mutation on cell growth and possible mechanisms underlying it. Mutated osteoblasts displayed reduced S-phase, increased apoptosis and increased differentiation. As Tgfß signalling appeared to be required in an autocrine/paracrine manner for osteoblast proliferation, we tested the hypothesis that reduced growth might be due, at least in part, to an altered balance between FGF and Tgfß signalling. Tgfß expression was indeed decreased in mutated osteoblasts, as compared to osteoblasts carrying the wild type hFGFR2. Treatment with Tgfß, however, neither increased proliferation in mutated osteoblasts, unlike in controls, nor rescued proliferation in control osteoblasts treated with an Erk1/2 inhibitor. Significantly, Erk2, that is important for proliferation, was reduced relatively to Erk1 in mutated cells. Altogether this study suggests that the hFGFR2-C278F mutation affects the osteoblast ability to respond to Tgfß stimulation via the Erk pathway and that the overall effect of the mutation is a loss of function. mutation osteoblastic
Cattle distribution, habitats, and diets in the Sierra Nevada of California.

Cattle have been used to control shrubs following timber harvesting in the Sierra Nevada of California, although their effectiveness varies between sites. Although cattle home ranges, habitat use, and diets are known for many forested ecosystems, the coniferous forests of the Sierra Nevada are different because shrubs are the most common understory species, with fewer herbaceous species than elsewhere in the western United States. As a first step in evaluating factors that influence cattle distribution and their potential effectiveness in controlling competing vegetation in the Sierra Nevada, we used radio-telemetry collars on cows to determine their home ranges and habitat use patterns. Mean home range size was 162.80 ha in 1986 and 278.83 ha in 1987. When choosing home ranges, cattle showed the greatest affinity for riparian habitat, followed by clearcuts, second-growth forest, and burned areas. Distances from streams to cattle locations were significantly (p<0.01) less (mean 59.3 m in 1986, and (mean = 60.1 m in 1987) than were distances from streams to random points (mean= 130.4 m). Based on microhistological analysis of fecal fragments, cattle diets included seeded grasses and shrubs mostly from upland sites, but fortes primarily from riparian sites. We suggest the need for water and the relative lack of herbaceous forage in the understory of mixed-conifer forests in the Sierra Nevada resulted in the strong, summer-long preference for riparian habitats. The effectiveness of grazing in controlling competing vegetation following timber harvest may be related to the proximity of the clearcuts to riparian habitats but this specific hypothesis remains to be tested.
Organizational citizenship behavior and firm success : an empirical research of hotel businesses in Thailand

Organizational citizenship behavior (OCB) has been viewed as one of the key components that influence Firm success. Drawing on the social exchange theory, the objectives of the study are to investigate the relationships among OCB and its antecedents, consequents, and firm success and to explore the moderating effects of learning culture and mediating effects of organizational image. The results were derived from a survey of 1195 hotel businesses in Thailand which provided interesting points of OCB and which was associated with firm success through organizational image as a mediator. The hypothesized relationships among variables are examined by using ordinary least square (OLS) regression analysis. Results suggest that some dimensions of OCB are a positive influence on consequents of OCB. In addition, transformational leadership and competitive capability have a positive influence on OCB. Learning culture is a moderator of the relationships among transformational leadership and competitive capability and some dimensions of OCB. Moreover, theoretical and managerial contributions, conclusion, and suggestions for future research are also discussed.
Rapid divergence in a recently isolated population of threespine stickleback (Gasterosteus aculeatus L.)

In 1987, a fjord in the Snaefellsnes peninsula, north-west Iceland, was dammed and a freshwater lagoon formed. There is a large population of threespine stickleback in this lagoon. We compared morphological features of stickleback in the lagoon population to those of their marine ancestor, and morphological polymorphism within the lagoon in relation to mud and lava substrates. The freshwater stickleback have shorter spines and fewer armour plates than marine stickleback. There is also some morphological divergence between stickleback from the two substrates within the lagoon. Our results suggest that the threespine stickleback may adapt to a novel environment more rapidly than would be predicted from conventional models of biological differentiation.
Electromyographic Analysis of Shoulder Girdle Muscles in Volleyball Throw: A Reliability Study

Abstract Study aim: The aim of this study was to investigate the reliability of the electromyographic activity of selected shoulder girdle muscles during the overhead volleyball throw. Material and methods: The test-retest reliability of EMG activity of selected shoulder muscles during an overhead volleyball throw was investigated in 15 non-symptomatic university-level female volleyball players for within-day sessions (with a one-hour interval) and between-day sessions (with a one-week interval). Time broadness (a measure of coordination) and root mean square of electromyography signals were obtained. Results: A high within-day (0.85-0.99) and moderate to high between-day (0.68-0.93) intraclass correlation coefficient for normalized RMS activity and a high within-day and between-day intraclass correlation coefficient (0.94 and 0.80; respectively) for time broadness were observed. Absolute agreement of measurements had small values (0.15-1.96). Trends toward higher intraclass correlation coefficient values and lower standard error of measurements, minimum detectable change, mean differences and limits of agreements values were observed for within-day reliability in all test results compared with between-day reliability. Conclusions: The results suggest that the activity of shoulder muscles can be reliably assessed during the overhead volleyball throw with the described procedure both in the amplitude domain (normalized average root mean square) and the time domain (time broadness of the activities).
Twenty years after reunification: comparing young consumer decision-making processes for electronic products in the former East and West Germany

This article measures and compares influences on purchasing decisions for electronic products among consumers from the former East and West German states. The study is framed using Cohort Theory. To investigate whether changes in the economic system influences consumer behavior, two consumer groups are included: Germans in the former East Germany and former West Germany. The study found that the former West Germans are more likely to be influenced by the opinions of others than East Germans. Brand loyalty is influential for both of the two German groups. In addition, the two German groups had more similar attitudes toward advertising compared to their parents' cohort groups of 20 years ago. The study also found that Inglehart's Cohort Theory applies to the case of German reunification.
Laboratory testing of low temperature asphalt concrete produced in foamed bitumen technology with fiber reinforcement

Manuscript submitted 2017-07-18, revised 2017-11-09, initially accepted for publication 2017-11-15, published in December 2017. Abstract. The paper presents the design process and test results of warm mix asphalt concrete produced with modified foamed bitumen and recycled synthetic fiber reinforcement. Recycling and low-temperature asphalt production techniques are now seen as the possibilities to increase the sustainability and energy effectiveness of road construction. Although low processing temperatures permit increased use of reclaimed and recycled materials in new asphalt mixes, they sometimes result in impaired service performance. The aim of this article was to present a possibility of producing a better performing asphalt concrete (in comparison to a control hot-mix) at lower temperatures. For this purpose two road paving bitumens modified with a surface active agent and a Fischer-Tropsch wax thoroughly tested for their basic, rheological characteristics and foaming performance. Selected binders were used for producing two control mixes (hot-mix and foamed warm mix with 35/50 bitumen) as well as the experimental mix with the modified 50/70 bitumen and an addition of synthetic fiber material from recycling of automotive tires. Basic properties of the mixes were tested (air void content, moisture susceptibility with one freeze-thaw cycle, wheel tracking) along with stiffness moduli and fatigue resistance. It was concluded that the control foamed warm-mix performed significantly worse than the hot-mix, while the experimental warm-mix with modified bitumen and fiber additive exhibited increased performance and resistance to fatigue and moisture.
Harmonic oscillator position eigenstates via application of an operator on the vacuum

Harmonic oscillator squeezed states are states of minimum uncertainty, but unlike coherent states, in which the uncertainty in position and momentum are equal, squeezed states have the uncertainty reduced, either in position or in momentum, while still minimizing the uncertainty principle. It seems that this property of squeezed states would allow to obtain the position eigenstates as a limiting case, by doing null the uncertainty in position and infinite in momentum. However, there are two equivalent ways to define squeezed states, that lead to different expressions for the limiting states. In this work, we analyze both definitions and show the advantages and disadvantages of using them in order to find position eigenstates. With this in mind, but leaving aside the definitions of squeezed states, we find an operator that applied to the vacuum gives position eigenstates. We also analyze some properties of the squeezed states, based on the new expressions obtained for the eigenstates of the position
Game Theoretic Analysis of the Space Debris Dilemma Final Report

In this study we analyse active space debris removal efforts from a strategic, game-theoretical perspective. Space debris are non-manoeuvrable, human-made objects orbiting the Earth. They pose a threat to operational spacecraft, especially in low-Earth orbit. As a consequence, active debris removal missions have been considered and investigated by different actors (space agencies, private stakeholders, etc.) as part of a strategy to alleviate the problem, thus protecting valuable assets present in strategic orbital environments. An active debris removal mission is a costly endeavour that has a positive effect (or risk reduction) for all satellites in the same orbital band. This leads to a dilemma: each actor has an incentive to delay its actions and wait for others to respond. Specifically, each actor is faced with the choice between acting now or postponing to take action, i.e., either take an individually costly action of debris removal, which has a positive impact on all players; or wait until others jump in and do the ‘dirty’ work, as this will be at their own benefit and reduce their own costs. The risk of the latter action is that, if everyone waits the joint outcome will be catastrophic leading to what in game theory is referred to as the ‘tragedy of the commons’. Such a scenario is unlikely if we look at the current debris population and the threat it poses, but it may become increasingly realistic as the debris population grows further and as more and more private stakeholders enter the business of exploiting the Earth orbital environment. We introduce and thoroughly analyse this dilemma using empirical game theory in a two and three player settings and in terms of strategic properties and equilibria of the game, and show how the cost/benefit ratio of debris removal strongly affects the game dynamics. Our results are based on simulations of the long term evolution of the debris population accounting for new launches, new collision events, orbital decay and possible player actions such as debris removal.
SAM: a comprehensive application for Spatial Analysis in Macroecology

SAM (Spatial Analysis in Macroecology) is a freeware application that offers a comprehensive array of spatial statistical methods, focused primarily on surface pattern spatial analysis. SAM is a compact, but powerful stand-alone software, with a user-friendly, menu-driven graphical interface. The methods available in SAM are the most commonly used in macroecology and geographical ecology, and range from simple tools for exploratory graphical analysis (e.g. mapping and graphing) and descriptive statistics of spatial patterns (e.g. autocorrelation metrics), to advanced spatial regression models (e.g. autoregression and eigenvector filtering). Download of the software, along with the user manual, can be downloaded online at the SAM website: (permanent URL at ).