Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
UPlan: Geographic Information System as Framework for Integrated Land Use Planning Model

A geographic information system (GIS) framework is appealing to model supply-side decisions because spatial relationships commonly used by developers to evaluate building sites, such as the proximity to transportation facilities, existing land uses, political boundaries, and environmentally sensitive areas, are defined precisely in the GIS layers. The GIS captures spatial synergisms that are lost in tabulations by traffic zone or larger forecasting districts. Further, the results are defined for individual parcels (grids). This method interfaces directly with the concerns of residents and other interest groups. Uncertainty and error in postmodel allocations from zones to parcels in existing land use models can significantly blur and degrade the relevance of forecasts made with existing models. The development patterns predicted by UPlan, a planning model, tend to be realistic and provide a basis for land use planning and evaluation. A GIS land use survey, supplemented with simulation model networks and census data, was used to calibrate the model. The calibrated UPlan model did a reasonably accurate job of allocating the various categories of land uses to predefined composite growth areas. The generalized UPlan model is applicable in a wide variety of rural, suburban, and urban settings. The model, as presented, was configured as a travel simulation integrated land use planning tool, but the method also can be used as the supply-side component within a comprehensive land use modeling framework.
Money to ll the gap ? Local nancial development and energy intensity in Europe and Central Asia ∗

In this paper we provide original ndings on the impact of local nancial development (LFD) on manufacturing rms' energy intensity in European and Central Asian (ECA) post communist countries. We implement the two-step method of Guiso et al. (2004) in order to build a lagged measure of nancial development at the local level. The paper is the rst to use this methodology to assess local nancial development in the ECA region and to test its e ect on rm-level energy demand. According to related literature, our ndings also show that rm size matters. But we also provide a new insight about the non-linear e ect of nancial development depending on the scope of the nancial market. We show that while energy consumption of small businesses is more a ected by local nancial markets, large rms are more sensitive to countrywide nancial in-depth. Overall, this paper provides econometric evidence for a nancial access explanation of the "energy e ciency gap". Improving nancing opportunities should increase rms' energy e ciency. Moreover, focus on local conditions and small rms should be an important feature of active energy-saving nancial policies. JEL: Q4, D21, P28
Short-Horizon Asymmetric Mean-Reversion and Overreactions: Evidence from the Nordic Stock Markets

This paper examines the asymmetric behavior of conditional mean and variance. Short-horizon mean-reversion behavior in mean is modeled with an asymmetric nonlinear autoregressive model, and the variance is modeled with an Exponential GARCH in Mean model. The results of the empirical investigation of the Nordic stock markets indicates that negative returns revert faster to positive returns when positive returns generally persist longer. Asymmetry in both mean and variance can be seen on all included markets and are fairly similar. Volatility rises following negative returns more than following positive returns which is an indication of overreactions. Negative returns lead to increased variance and positive returns leads even to decreased variance.
On the Strategy to Enhance the Efficiency of the Cooperative Learning Method in the College English Teaching in China

The cooperative learning, which is also called the collaborative learning, is one of the most important learning theories nowadays, which promotes learning cooperation between teacher and students, students and students. The cooperative learning method is a kind of teaching mode which takes students as the center and takes groups as the form. It changes the teaching mode and it is conducive to cultivating students' cooperative awareness and autonomous learning ability. The article first illustrates the connotation, theoretical base, and elements of cooperative learning method, then explains the four typical problems arising in the cooperative learning, and finally puts forward seven methods to cope with the problems in order to enhance the efficiency of the cooperative learning method.
Asymmetric cointegration relationship between real exchange rate and trade variables: The case of Malaysia

The present study attempts to analyze the long-run equilibrium relationship between real exchange rate and trade balance, imports and exports demand by cointegration tests assuming asymmetric adjustment. Following Enders and Siklos (2001), the Engle-Granger two-step cointegration test is expanding to incorporate an asymmetric error correction term. It is found that there exists asymmetric cointegration between balance of trade and real exchange rate when momentum-threshold autoregressive (M-TAR) model is conducted and the study also found asymmetric cointegration between import volume and real exchange rate under threshold autoregressive (TAR) model. From estimation of M-TAR error-correction trade balance model, the adjustment back to equilibrium is more rapid following relative increase in trade balance (above long-run value) compared to relative decrease in trade balance (below long-run value). From TAR error-correction import demand model, the model suggests quick adjustment of import demand once it is below long-run value. The results reflect the evidence of persistence of trade balance deficit in the case of Malaysia which probably due to policies to defend an overvalued exchange rate by protectionist trade policies or capital controls. In addition, the shock of exchange rate on import demand is likely to be temporary in nature.
Can Easterlin’s paradox be applied to the development of satisfaction with life or does the explanation lie in cultural geographical characteristics?

This paper is focused on the development of satisfaction with life, as declared by the inha-bitants of the Czech Republic in a long-term (2003 – 2015) and continuous questionnaire survey. In order to explain this development, we made correlations between the development satisfaction with life with the development of relevant economic variables such as wages and gross domestic product. Our objective is to refute or confirm Easterlin’s paradox through correlations with wages and GDP development. The analysis of the development of satisfaction with life has revealed surprising findings; their possible explanation lies in Easterlin’s paradox and geographical differentiations of cultural characteristics.
Sensitivity of inferred climate model skill to evaluation decisions: a case study using CMIP5 evapotranspiration

Confrontation of climate models with observationally-based reference datasets is widespread and integral to model development. These comparisons yield skill metrics quantifying the mismatch between simulated and reference values and also involve analyst choices, or meta-parameters, in structuring the analysis. Here, we systematically vary five such meta-parameters (reference dataset, spatial resolution, regridding approach, land mask, and time period) in evaluating evapotranspiration (ET) from eight CMIP5 models in a factorial design that yields 68 700 intercomparisons. The results show that while model–data comparisons can provide some feedback on overall model performance, model ranks are ambiguous and inferred model skill and rank are highly sensitive to the choice of meta-parameters for all models. This suggests that model skill and rank are best represented probabilistically rather than as scalar values. For this case study, the choice of reference dataset is found to have a dominant influence on inferred model skill, even larger than the choice of model itself. This is primarily due to large differences between reference datasets, indicating that further work in developing a community-accepted standard ET reference dataset is crucial in order to decrease ambiguity in model skill.
Active Labour Market Policies in Denmark : A Comparative Analysis of Post-Program Effects

The scope of the paper is to estimate post-program effects in fostering good transitions from unemployment to work. Such an issue implies that besides job finding rates, qualitative variables related to work have to be included as well. The evaluation is based on a comprehensive transversal dataset of Danes who ended an activation program in the year 2002, merged with individual characteristics and yearly information related to their labour market status until 2004. To control for unobserved heterogeneity treatment-effects models have been applied. As regards transitions to work and labour market integration, main results show fairly large positive effects for private sector employment programs. It is worthwhile to be aware that job opportunities for private sector employment participants are highly dependent on the business cycle. Besides, the "creaming effects" minimize the positive impact of this type of programs as unemployed with longer work experience benefit the most from the private sector. Smaller positive impacts are found for labour market training and intensive job seeking, whereas negative coefficients are assigned to public sector employment programs. Long-term effects on wages are the most positive for those who involved into labour market training.
High-voltage Gain DC DC Boost Converter with Coupled Inductors and Interleaved for a PV System to Supply Data Centers

This study presents the analysis and design of a high-voltage gain dc–dc converter applied to photovoltaic systems. A Battery bank rated at 24 V is connected to the input side, and the converter is responsible for stepping the voltage up to 311 V, in order to supply a Data Center to be used at IFRN’s Campus Verde (Federal Institute of Rio Grande do Norte’s Green Campus), where there is already a photovoltaic plant connected to the AC bus. The idea of a direct current supply is to improve the quality of energy delivered to such loads. This study proposes a converter topology with interleaved operation between two boost converters with coupled inductor and duplicity of the exit module to improve the ripple of the output voltage and reduce the high voltage on the output diode of converter, respectively. The Interleaved topology between two converters with a lag of the 180o promotes the reduction of output voltage ripple as well as filter elements, since it allows the load to receive the double of switching frequency, and doubles the total output power of the circuit. The interleaving concept reduces input current ripple and the input inductance size. In addition, the dimensioning voltage is not output voltage but capacitor voltage, which is lower than output voltage, reducing costs.
Fuzzy Control of Vehicle Active Suspension System

Suspension in a vehicle is provided primarily to improve the passenger comfort and road handling to different road conditions. An active suspension is proved to be better than a passive suspension system. Ride comfort can be measured by observing the body acceleration in the vertical direction and vehicle handling performance can be observed by suspension deflection. In this paper, the suspension dynamics are modeled by using 2degree of freedom linear time invariant quarter car model. The purpose of this paper is to investigate the performance of active suspension system using fuzzy logic controller and linear quadratic regulator controllers in comparison with passive suspension system. The simulation of vehicle performance on road is studied by using MATLAB/SIMULINK. The results shows that both LQR and FLC can effectively control the vibration of the vehicle as compared to passive suspension system. Moreover FLC control method is more effective in reducing the acceleration of sprung mass as compared to LQR control. 
Does regulation improve bank peroformance in South and East Asia

In this paper, we utilize stochastic frontier analysis to estimate the impact of the regulations and institutions on bank efficiency through analyzing 389 savings and commercial banks in 11 Asian countries during the period 2000-2012. We find that activity restriction, capital requirement, official supervisory and private monitoring have a positive impact on bank performance. Furthermore, a wholesome institutional environment with powerful government, low corruption and strict law can enhance bank inefficiency. Our results suggest that banking regulations can improve bank performance with high quality of the institutional environment.
A Systematic Comparison Between Classical Optimal Scaling and the Two-Parameter IRT Model

In this article, the relationship between two alternative methods for the analysis of multivariate categorical data is systematically explored. It is shown that the person score of the first dimension of classical optimal scaling correlates strongly with the latent variable for the two-parameter item response theory (IRT) model. Next, under the assumption that the latent variable has a standard normal distribution, it is derived how the IRT item parameters are related to the optimal category weights.
Origins of horizontal divergence in the auroral thermosphere: A modelling study

It has widely been presumed that most horizontal divergence in Earth's thermospheric wind field results from pressure gradients established by localized heating. A simplified local‐scale, three‐dimensional, time‐dependent, finite element model has been used to determine other possible sources of horizontal divergence over spatial scales of less than 200 km. In a limited study to test the hypothesis that inertial processes contribute to the generation of horizontal divergence, a non‐divergent, time‐varying ion convection pattern was used to deposit momentum. Divergent neutral winds resulted. Divergence was induced by both localized heating and time varying momentum deposition. Further, for the geometries considered, thermal expansion resulting from heating was the dominant driver of the horizontal gradient perpendicular to the background flow, whereas inertial processes dominated the horizontal gradient parallel to the background flow.
Facilitators for Empowering Women in Breastfeeding: a Qualitative Study

Background Exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months and continued breastfeeding up to 2 years or more is a desirable approach for infant’s nutrition. A mother's breastfeeding empowerment is considered an important factor in promoting breastfeeding and identifying its facilitating factors can contribute to the development of effective policies and intervention. This study with a qualitative approach carried out aiming to exploring the facilitators for women’s empowerment in breastfeeding. Material and Methods This study conducted by content analysis method. Thirty-four semi-structured individual interviews with 20 mothers having breastfeeding experience, 4 key family members, and 10 personnel involved in breastfeeding services were carried out. Data analysis was simultaneously performed with data collection. Results Three main categories of "Health system factors", "Family and personal factors" and "Social and cultural factors" were extracted from the participants' explanations, indicating the dimensions of facilitators for empowering women in breastfeeding. Conclusion Participants regarded the acquisition of breastfeeding skills in hospitals and breastfeeding counseling in health centers as important factors in facilitating their empowerment to early initiation of breastfeeding and its continuity. Further analysis showed "a mother's decision to breastfeed" along with her understanding of "positive attitude and her husband and family's participation in breastfeeding" boosts the breastfeeding ability and the support of the community through "positive cultural belief in breastfeeding" and" public education and information" provides an appropriate ground for the continuity of breastfeeding. In order to improve breastfeeding, a comprehensive planning with regard to women's empowerment in breastfeeding should be considered.
Fast imaging and fast force spectroscopy of single biopolymers with a new atomic force microscope designed for small cantilevers

Small cantilevers allow for faster imaging and faster force spectroscopy of single biopolymers than previously possible because they have higher resonant frequencies and lower coefficients of viscous damping. We have used a new prototype atomic force microscope with small cantilevers to produce stable tapping-mode images (1 μm×1 μm) in liquid of DNA adsorbed onto mica in as little as 1.7 s per image. We have also used these cantilevers to observe the forced unfolding of individual titin molecules on a time scale an order of magnitude faster than previously reported. These experiments demonstrate that a new generation of atomic force microscopes using small cantilevers will enable us to study biological processes with greater time resolution. Furthermore, these instruments allow us to narrow the gap in time between results from force spectroscopy experiments and molecular dynamics calculations.
Numerical study of the combustion of conventional and biofuels using reduced and advanced reaction mechanisms

Combustion process of conventional liquid fuels and BioFuels depend on many factors including thermo - physicochemical properties associated with such fuels, their chemical structure and the combustion infrastructure used. This manuscript summarises the computational results of a steady cfd simulation for reactive flows performed to validate advanced reaction mechanisms for both conventional and BioFuels. The computational results have shown good agreement with the available experimental data with the differences thoroughly discussed and explained. An important observations and findings reported in this work was that when comprehensive reaction models were used, the injected fuels burned at a slower rate compared to the situation when reduced models were employed. While such comprehensive models predicted better flame structure and far better biproducts compared to the existing experimental results, it has also led to over-predicting the temperature field. The computational results have also shown that BioDiesel produces a marginally higher rate of CO2 compared to Diesel. Such results are thought to be due to the Oxygenated nature of the fuel and how such feature influences the development of a comprehensive reaction mechanism for such fuels.
Number 1 & 2 , 15 – 24 Data-Based Nonparametric Signal Filtration

The problem of stochastic signal filtration under nonparametric uncertainties is considered. A probabilistic description of the signal process is assumed to be completely unknown. The Bayes estimator can not be constructed in this case. However if the conditional density of the observation process given signal process belongs to conditionally exponential family, the optimal Bayes estimator is a solution to some non-recurrent equation which is explicitly independent upon the signal process distribution. In this case, the Bayes estimator is expressed in terms of conditional distribution of the observation process, which can be approximated by using of the stable nonparametric procedures, adapted to dependent samples. These stable approximations provide the mean square convergence to Bayes estimator. In the stable kernel nonparametric procedures, a crucial step is to select a proper smoothing parameter (bandwidth) and a regularized parameter, which have a considerable influence on the quality of signal filtration. The optimal procedures for selecting of these parameters are proposed. These procedures allow to construct the automatic (data-based) signal filtration algorithm.
Testing the Effect of Technical Analysis Strategies on Achieving Abnormal Return: Evidence from Egyptian Stock Market

This study examined the effect of using inter and exit signals of three of the most common used technical analysis strategies on achieving abnormal return compared with the buy and hold strategy in the Egyptian security market. The tests were done using data for short term, relatively long term, during bull and bear market. Using bootstrap methodology and wilcoxon/mann-whitney test for daily closing prices during the period from 1-1-1998 to 14-1-2016, the results indicated that; First, market timing with technical analysis yields more return and reduces risk in general. Second, short term investing is not recommended at all, as it is less profitable even than bear market period. Third, in long term and during bull market technical analysis is more profitable than short term. Fourth, technical analysis importance have been reduced during the last few years due to the effect of the Egyptian revolution on the security market. As for investors, they should use technical analysis trading rules to determine when to enter and exit the market, so that they can improve their investment decisions, as it leads to achieve abnormal return and reduces risk more than buy and hold strategy in all cases, while pay more attention for the current and political events than before.
From LPA signaling to polycomb : oncogenic cooperations revealed by genetic screens and dynamics and recruitment of polycomb group proteins

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Application of The Random Matrix Theory on the Cross-Correlation of Stock Prices

The analysis of cross-correlations is extensively applied for understanding of interconnections in stock markets. Variety of methods are used in order to search stock cross-correlations including the Random Matrix Theory (RMT), the Principal Component Analysis (PCA) and the Hierachical ‎Structures. ‎ In ‎this work‎, we analyze cross-crrelations between price fluctuations of 20 ‎company ‎stocks‎‎ of Iran by using RMT. We find the eigenvalues and eigenvectors of the matrices of the cross-correlations related to ‎the‎se stocks. ‎‎‎ The results show some eigenvalues do not fall within the bounds of RMT eigenvalues, that indicate the correlations of ‎‎ stocks in usual and critical flucatutions.
Computerized database and software for retrieval, processing, and prognosis of rate and equilibrium constants of chemical reactions

A computerized database on rate and equilibrium constants of chemical reactions was created. Two versions of the database, one limited to the pKa data, which employs the graphical display of the structures, and the other that enables systematic withdrawal of data selected by several conditions over all 14 main reaction types, are represented. The algorithm for statistical treatment of large sets of data to create and check mathematical models for their chemical interpretation was modified and refined. The software has been used for the treatment of large sets of data on solvent and subtituent effects and can be employed for the prognosis of new data not yet studied experimentally.