Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The role of institutional pressures in developing countries. Implications for IFRS

As more countries consider the adoption of International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) it becomes increasingly important to understand the key factors that encourage IFRS diffusion on a global scale. The purpose of this study is to identify the relationship between institutional factors and IFRS adoption in developing countries. Drawing upon the institutional isomorphism theory and using a logit model to analyse a sample of 97 developing countries in 2013, this paper provides empirical evidence that the process of IFRS adoption is significantly influenced by mimetic pressures. These findings contradict the mainstream belief that IFRS adoption in developing countries is driven by perceived economic benefits.
Non-genetic factors influencing early growth traits in the Elsenburg Dormer sheep stud

Records of the Elsenburg stud where the Dormer sheep breed originated in 1941, were analysed from 1941 to 1990 to investigate non-genetic factors contributing to early growth traits. The fixed effects, identified as having a significant ( P < 0.01) effect on birth weight, weaning weight, average daily gain and Kleiber ratio, were year-season, age of darn, sex, birth status and level of inbreeding. Although some significant interactions were found, they were subsequently ignored owing to their very small effects. A model best describing the data, which can be used for further analyses, is constructed and discussed. It is advocated that the uniqueness of each population and situation necessitates such an analysis in each specific case. Rekords van die Elsenburgstoet waaruit die Dormerskaapras in 1941 ontstaan het, is van 1941 tot 1990 ontleed om die moontlike bydraende nie-genetiese faktore op vroee groei-eienskappe te ondersoek. Die vaste effekte wat 'n betekenisvolle ( P < 0.01) invloed op geboortegewig, speengewig, gemiddelde daaglikse toename en Kleiberverhouding het, sluit jaar-seisoen, ouderdom van ooi, geslag, geboortestaat en vlak van inteling in. Sekere betekenisvolle interaksies is verkry, maar is weens geringe effekte geignoreer. 'n Model wat die data die beste pas en vir verdere analises gebruik kan word, is saamgestel en word bespreek. Die uniekheid van elke populasie en situasie noodsaak 'n soortgelyke analise in elke spesifieke geval. Keywords : Dormer sheep, early growth traits, non-genetic factors
An Option Pricing Model That Combines Neural Network Approach and Black Scholes Formula

The Black and Scholes formula for theoretical pricing of options exhibits certain systematic biases, as observed prices in the market differs from the formula. A number of studies attempted to reduce these biases by incorporating a correction mechanism in the input data. Amongst non-parametric approaches used to improve accuracy of the model, Artificial Neural Networks are found as a promising alternative. The study made an attempt to improve accuracy of option price estimation using Artificial Neural Networks where all input parameters are adjusted by suitable multipliers. The values of these multipliers were determined using known data that minimises errors in valuation. The study was carried out using Nifty call option prices quoted on National Stock Exchange for the period 01-Jul 2008 to 30-Jun-11 covering three years.
A LONGITUDINAL INVESTIGATION OF THE EFFECTS OF A SCHOOL INTERVENTION PROGRAM ON CHILDREN'S SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT

The Child Development Project (CDP) is a school-based program designed to foster children's social, ethical, and intellectual development through activities emphasizing cooperative learning, developmental discipline, social understanding, interpersonal helping, and prosocial values. The CDP was implemented in kindergarten through fourth grade by regular classroom teachers with a cohort of students who began kindergarten in fall 1983 in three northern California elementary schools. At one of the schools, CDP continued through grade 6. Students from two CDP and two comparison schools entered the same intermediate school, where long-term effects of the program were assessed. In kindergarten and grades 2, 4, and 8, individual interviews with the CDP and comparison students were conducted to assess certain social skills, inclinations, and values. In addition, group questionnaires were administered in grades 7 and 8. Study findings indicated that the program had some sustained effects on children's social development. Conflict resolution, which had shown strong effects in earlier years, maintained this effect in the eighth grade. Two moral reasoning variables concerned with helping and responding to transgressions showed a small effect when combined across years. Self-esteem, which had not shown an effect when last assessed in elementary school, showed a quite strong effect in eighth grade. Finally, the program's effect on democratic values, which was significant in grade 4, disappeared by grade 8. (AC) *********************************************************************** Reproductions supplied by EDRS are the best that can be made from the original document. *********************************************************************** U.S DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION Of of Educsitonai Research and Improvement EDUCATIONAL RESOURCES INFORMATION CENTER (ERIC, Xj'his document has been reproduced as received Prom the person or organization orodirtattng Minor changes have been made to improve reproduction Quality Points of vtetv or op,n,ons stated .n dOCu mem do not necessanty represent oft c,a1 OERI goattton or potiCv A LONGITUDINAL INVESTIGATION OF THE EFFECTS OF A SCHOOL INTERVENTION PROGRAM ON CHILDREN'S SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT DANIEL SOLOMON, VICTOR BATTISTICH AND MARILYN WATSON Developmental Studies Center San Ramon, California PEHMISS'ON TO 0EPRODUCE '1-41S MATERIAL HAS BEEN GRANTED BY S 0\OVVJVN TO THE EDiir'AM)NAt. RESOURCES INFORMATION :'ENTER Presented at the Biennial Meeting of the Society for Research in Child Development March 26, 1993
TAIGA—A hybrid array for high-energy gamma astronomy and cosmic-ray physics

The physics motivations and advantages of the new TAIGA (Tunka Advanced Instrument for cosmic ray physics and Gamma Astronomy) detector are presented. TAIGA aims at gamma-ray astronomy at energies from a few TeV to several PeV, as well as cosmic ray physics from 100 TeV to several EeV. For the energy range 30 – 200 TeV the sensitivity of 10 km 2 area TAIGA array for the detection of local sources is expected to be 5 × 10 -14 erg cm -2 sec -1 for 300 h of observations. Reconstruction of the given EAS energy, incoming direction and its core position, based on the timing TAIGA-HiSCORE data, allows one to increase a distance between the IACTs up to 600-1000 m. The low investments together with the high sensitivity for energies ≥ 30-50 TeV make this pioneering technique very attractive for exploring the galactic PeVatrons and cosmic rays. At present the TAIGA first stage has been constructed in Tunka valley, 50 km West from the Lake Baikal. The first experimental results of the TAIGA first stage are presented.
The critical power concept and bench press: Modeling 1RM and repetitions to failure

International Journal of Exercise Science 7(2) : 152-160, 2014. Introduction: We demonstrate application of the 3-parameter critical power (CP) model derived for cycling and running, to performance at bench press exercise. We apply the model to both performance of a single repetition maximum (1RM) and multiple repetitions (reps) to failure at different submaximal weights. Methods: Sixteen weight-trained young adult male participants each performed a modified YMCA 1RM test and four sets of fixed cadence reps to failure at different sub-maximal weights. The CP model equation takes the form: n = ALC/(m – CL) + ALC/(CL – Lmax,), where n is the number of reps to failure and m is the sub-maximal weight lifted (kg). ALC is the anaerobic lift capacity (kg), CL is the critical lift (the maximal continuous aerobic ability at bench pressing, kg), and Lmax is the maximal ‘instantaneous’ lift (kg). Results: The 3parameter critical power model fits recorded reps to failure very well in almost all subjects (0.9556 < R2 < 0.9999), and provides estimates of the three model parameters for each individual. CL was not significantly different from zero, suggesting that the aerobic energy contribution to short duration bench press sessions is negligible. When used to estimate 1RM for each subject, the CP model produces estimates significantly greater (p < 0.05) than those obtained using the YMCA procedure. Conclusion: The CP concept can be used to accurately model bench press reps to failure at different submaximal weights in a homogeneous group of individuals. Prediction of 1RM is possible, but caution should be exercised in interpreting and using the prediction.
Understanding the role of birds in sustaining indigenous turf communities in a lacustrine wetland in New Zealand.

Since human settlement, wetland ecosystems in New Zealand have been severely modified by fire and reduced by drainage for agricultural development. Those remaining are problematic to manage, with modified water regimes, invasive weeds and grazing by livestock. Before settlement, wetland habitats supported diverse avian herbivores, the majority of which are now extinct. However, introduced birds are increasing in wetlands. We sought to understand the role of grazing birds in the maintenance of local turf communities in a lacustrine environment in Otago, New Zealand. To determine the causes of the vegetation patterns, we investigated the influence of abiotic (water table and soil nutrients) and biotic (direct via grazing and indirect via faeces deposition) effects of the birds on the vegetation. Four plant communities were distinguished, two dominated by Leptinella and two by Carex species. The occurrence of the communities was correlated with the distance from the nearest permanent water, soil phosphorus levels, and amount of faecal deposition. The results indicate that avian grazing decreased the proportion of dominant exotic plant species by biomass removal, but not through enhanced nutrient inputs via faecal deposition. Results from this site suggest that naturalised geese facilitate the maintenance of indigenous plant species in the face of exotic invasion, and have a conservation role in highly modified wetland systems, perhaps restoring a herbivore function lost with the extinction of native avian grazers. The long-term conservation management of wetlands in New Zealand may require the utilisation of both native and introduced avian grazers to facilitate the dominance of indigenous plants.
Set‐valued estimation of switching linear system: an application to an automotive throttle valve

This paper introduces a polyhedral approximation algorithm for set‐valued estimation of switching linear systems. The algorithm generates set‐valued estimates for any possible sequence of switching parameters, under the assumption that the system has unknown but bounded disturbances and measurement noises. Our algorithm has practical implications; namely, set‐valued estimates were generated for the position and electrical current of a real‐time automotive electronic throttle valve, and the corresponding experimental data demonstrate the practical benefits of our approach. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Practical validation of efficacy of the standardized ileal digestible amino acid values in diet formulation for broiler chickens.

The aim of experiment was to determine the potential for the improvements in growth performance and carcass traits, and reduction of N excreta output in final rearing period of broiler chickens by formulating diets on standardized ileal digestible amino acid (SID AA) basis. The experimental diets were composed of wheat, faba beans, peas, maize DDGS, soyabean meal and one of the 3 rapeseed products: solvent-extracted meal (RSM), expeller-extracted cake (RSC) or full-fat seeds (FRS); control diet was based on maize and soyabean meal. Experimental diets were formulated in two versions, based on a total (T) or digestible (D) levels of Lys, Met, Cys, Thr and Trp in feed components: calculated with the use of the SID AA coefficients determined previously with 30-day-old birds. The control diet was formulated on total AA at the levels equivalent to the levels in the T subset of experimental diets. Irrespective of the rapeseed component type, formulating diets on a SID AA basis yielded improved performance and post-slaughter parameters, and reduced excreta N output compared with their total AA counterparts. These benefits were most pronounced in chickens fed on diet containing RSM. Feeding the T version of experimental diets had a significant adverse impact on chicken growth and slaughter performances, and resulted in higher N outputs compared with the control group. Formulating experimental diets with SID AA (D version) allowed to obtain mean values of feed conversion ratio and performance indexes, carcass and breast meat yields, and both absolute and relative N excretions not significantly different from the control group. Relative to the control diet, balancing digestible AA contents partially compensated the negative effects of total AA formulation on body weight gains during the experiment.
Rethinking the Formal Methodology (I): Wave-Vortex Essence of the Substance

An approach/methodology proposed to basic problems, alternative to standard formalism. The opportunity of representation of the quantum phenomena in causality principle, on the wave-field common nature of the substance is shown. Elementary particles physical essence and types of interactions interpreted within wave-field peculiarities. The problems with de Broglie wave and particles’ double slit interference discussed. Physical models of basic hadrons, their internal structure and static fields’ configurations proposed. The values of mass, spin, magnetic moments of n, p hadrons defined within modeling. Causal interpretation to β decay presented. The tremendous penetrating peculiarity of neutrino discussed. Structural schemas to e H 4 2 , C 12 6 nucleons are proposed.
Public Expenditure on Social Capital: Implications for Economic Growth in Nigeria.

This Study examined the implications of Public expenditure on social capital for the economic growth of Nigeria (1970-2008). On the application of error correction mechanism and Johansen Co-integration test, the following results were obtained: social capital had insignificant positive impact on Economic growth in Nigeria within the period under review. The result of the Johansen Co-integration test under the assumption of linear determinative trend, its likelihood ratio test indicates (2) Co-integrating equation, at 1% levels of significance and three (3) co-integrating equations at 5% level of significance. This indicates that there is co-integration among the variables in the model and hence the result can be relied upon in making long-run policy decisions. The study showed that budgetary allocation to the Education Sector which ranged from 0.57 percent to 10.8 percent from 1970-2008 fell below UNESCO recommended 26% provision. The Study also shows that government expenditure on health (both capital and recurrent) has incremental impact on economic growth in Nigeria. This means that any policy shift which allows increase in budgetary allocation to the health sector increases economic growth performance in Nigeria. Consequently the study recommends among other things increased budgetary allocation to the social sector to bring about skilled and healthy human capital that will contribute significantly to the economy and place Nigeria on the right path towards vision 20:20:20. Keywords: Capital expenditure, Recurrent expenditure, Economic Growth, Social capital, Co integration, Causality
About stability and regularization of ill-posed elliptic Cauchy problems: the case of Lipschitz domains

This article is devoted to a conditional stability estimate related to the ill-posed Cauchy problems for Laplace's equation in domains with Lipschitz boundary. It completes the results obtained by Bourgeois [Conditional stability for ill-posed elliptic Cauchy problems: The case of C1,1 domains (part I), Rapport INRIA 6585, 2008] for domains of class C 1,1. This estimate is established by using an interior Carleman estimate and a technique based on a sequence of balls which approach the boundary. This technique is inspired by Alessandrini et al. [Optimal stability for inverse elliptic boundary value problems with unknown boundaries, Annali della Scuola Normale Superiore di Pisa 29 (2000), pp. 755–806]. We obtain a logarithmic stability estimate, the exponent of which is specified as a function of the boundary's singularity. Such stability estimate induces a convergence rate for the method of quasi-reversibility introduced by Lattès and Lions [Méthode de Quasi-Réversibilité et Applications, Dunod, Paris, 1967] to solve the Cauchy problems. The optimality of this convergence rate is tested numerically, precisely a discretized method of quasi-reversibility is performed by using a nonconforming finite element. The obtained results show very good agreement between theoretical and numerical convergence rates.
Challenges in determining the pathogenicity status of Leptospira isolates with phenotypic methods: The need for a polyvalent approach

Immunology Department, Max Planck Institute for Infection Biology, Chariteplatz 1, Campus Charite Mitte, D-10117 Berlin, Germany. Sokoine University of Agriculture, Pest Management Centre, P. O. Box 3110, Morogoro, Tanzania. Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Instituto de Higiene e Medicina Tropical, Unidade de Leptospirose e Borreliose de Lyme, and Centro de Recursos Microbiológicos, FCT/UNL, Rua da Junqueira, 100, 1349-008 Lisboa, Portugal. Royal Tropical Institute, Department of Biomedical Research, Meibergdreef 39, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, the Netherlands.
Remagnetization is a widespread phenomenon in Palaeozoic and Mesozoic carbonates of North America and Europe

The palaeomagnetic properties of Frasnian and Famennian dolomites from two quarries in Latvia and Lithuania respectively are compared. Famennian dolomites from Skaistgirys quarry (N Lithuania) revealed the presence of one distinct normal polarity component (D =14 , I = 53 , 95 = 4.2 , n = 28 specimens). The reversed polarity component predominates in Frasnian dolomites from Èesis quarry (Central Latvia). Only one hand specimen from this locality contained a component with the opposite direction. The mean direction from Èesis quarry (D = 198 , I = –53 , 95 = 4.4 , n = 22 specimens) is very close to that from Skaistgirys quarry and therefore was recorded most probably during the same event of remagnetisation but at a later stage. The remagnetizations of these dolomites were caused most probably by progressive oxidation of ferric sulphides to magnetite and finaly to hematite. A comparison of the palaeomagnetic poles obtained with the stable European APWP (Apparent Polar Wander Path) indicates a Late Jurassic/Early Cretaceous age for the remagnetization event. This estimation can be useful for chronostratigraphic linking of post-Palaeozoic tectonic activity and diagenetic events, so far very poorly recognized in this part of the European plate. Our data shows also that the Late Jurassic/Early Cretaceous part of the stable European APWP may still be inaccurate.
Comparativa morphology of the venom apparatus in some subfamilias of braconid wasps (Hymenoptera: Braconidae)*

Venom apparatus morphology has been investigated in 23 species of 6 subfamilies of Braconidae: Braconinae, Doryctinae, Exothecinae, Rogadinae, Opiinae and Cheloninae. Several signincant characters are described and illustrated. Differences in the presence or absence of constrictions dividing the reservoir into a number of distinct regions, the number and position of the insertions of the venom gland ducts on the reservoir, the branching pattern of the venom glands, and in the evennes and distribution of the spiral thickenings of the reservoir and duct intima are discussed.
Is it ever Enough? Food Consumption, Satiation and Obesity

In order to explain the growth of obesity in industrialized and transition economies, a behavioral approach to food intake and overconsumption of calories is presented. It is argued that changes in food consumption patterns are one of the main drivers behind the imbalance of calories consumed and calories spent. The inclusion of new types of food in the regular diet of individuals led to changes in the motives for eating. While the intake of nutrients has always been and still is a prime motive of food consumption, it will be argued that with a growing variety of food items other motives increasingly take over as major drivers of the expanding food intake. These other motives also cause that the internal signals indicating to the body when to close a consumption act now occur with delay. The interrelation of biological and psychological factors and changes in the composition of diet therefore forms the basis for weight gain and, in the long run, obesity.
Breeding Activity Period, Distribution and Nest Performance of Rufous-vented Prinia, Prinia burnesii burnesii (Blyth), in Pakistan

This study was undertaken in the wake of absence of any description on breeding activity period, present distribution status and nest performance of the Rufous-vented Prinia Prinia burnesii burnesii (Passeriformes: Sylvidae) inhabiting the Indus Plains of Pakistan, as well as North-west India. It was found that breeding activity season was marked with the territorial male calls from February 10 to May 18, when fledglings could be seen around River Indus between Chashma Barrage (in the north) to Guddu Barrage (in the south) and in other tributaries, where suitable alluvial habitats are found. Rufous-vented Prinia was observed building nest on March 26 at Faridabad (30 o 30' N 70 o 45' E). Predominantly female remained inside the nest for 59.9% (n = 49) of the total time (2,678 minutes) observed during incubation period. By April 20 chicks were hatched. Both male and female birds were observed provisioning the chicks. During rearing period (April 18-May 1) the female remained inside the nest for 23.75% (n = 141) of the total time (2,467 min) observed. Our observations conclude overall breeding period of Rufous-vented Prinia from nest-building to fledging encircles around 38 days. During this time, male and female, both birds contribute significantly in rearing of chicks.
Catastrophic Thinking And Symptom Perception In Asthma: Validation Of A Questionnaire

Within the field of pain--especially chronic pain--the influence of catastrophic thinking on vigilance, fear/avoidance and the longterm evolution of the clinical state has been identified. Catastrophic thinking may appear to be of similar influence within the field of asthma. We adapted the Pain Catastrophizing Scale (PCS; Sullivan et al., 1995) to the situation of asthma, including a scale assessing catastrophic thinking during an exacerbation (exacerbation scale) and a scale assessing catastrophic thinking in general, when patients are not experiencing an exacerbation (general scale). We administered the Catastrophizing about Asthma Scale (CAS) to 94 patients with asthma. Principal component analysis revealed two factors that were identical to the two scales. Based on statistical considerations, three items were removed from the exacerbation scale. Internal consistency of the revised CAS was high (Cronbach's alpha = .93), test-retest reliability was excellent (r = .94), and the CAS showed good construct validity. The data reported on in this paper were collected at the Research Group for Stress, Health, and Well-Being [RSHW], Department of Psychology, University of Leuven, Belgium. The first author was supported during the study by grant G.0270. 01 from the Fund for Scientific Research Flanders (FWO-Vlaanderen); BIL01/06; and currently PDM/05/075 from the KULeuven.