Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Infiltration-soil moisture redistribution under natural conditions: experimental evidence as a guideline for realizing simulation models

Abstract. The evolution in time, t, of the experimental soil moisture vertical profile under natural conditions is investigated in order to address the corresponding simulation modelling. The measurements were conducted in a plot with a bare silty loam soil. The soil water content, θ, was continuously monitored at different depths, z, using a Time Domain Reflectometry (TDR) system. Four buriable three-rod waveguides were inserted horizontally at different depths (5, 15, 25 and 35 cm). In addition, we used sensors of air temperature and relative humidity, wind speed, solar radiation, evaporation and rain as supports for the application of selected simulation models, as well as for the detection of elements leading to their improvement. The results indicate that, under natural conditions, very different trends of the θ(z, t) function can be observed in the given fine-textured soil, where the formation of a sealing layer over the parent soil requires an adjustment of the simulation modelling commonly used for hydrological applications. In particular, because of the considerable variations in the shape of the moisture content vertical profile as a function of time, a generalization of the existing models should incorporate a first approximation of the variability in time of the saturated hydraulic conductivity, K1s, of the uppermost soil. This conclusion is supported by the fact that the observed shape of θ(z, t) can be appropriately reproduced by adopting the proposed approach with K1s kept constant during each rainfall event but considered variable from event to event, however the observed rainfall rate and the occurrence of freeze-thaw cycles with high soil moisture contents have to be explicitly incorporated in a functional form for K1s(t).
The potential to enhance and develop BIM capabilities of companies in the AEC sector through collaboration with third level institutions in knowledge transfer partnerships (KTPs)

̶ Knowledge Transfer Partnerships (KTPs) are projects that are developed between third level educational institutions such as universities or colleges and companies through which these institutions share and develop knowledge and assist industry in business development. The KTP process provides businesses with the opportunity to improve their competitiveness and productivity through the better use of knowledge and technology. The KTP process also permits the increase in business relevance of knowledge based research and teaching for the educational institutions involved. This paper looks at the potential of KTPs between academia and companies in the AEC sector and how they could achieve a range of objectives in the development of theoretical and practical educational materials for BIM curriculums.
Does Outsourcing Result in the Outsourcing of Technological Competencies? An Empirical Analysis of the Effect of Vertical Specialization on the Technological Competence Base of Firms

Over the past two decades multinational firms from high-technology industries have increasingly relied on outsourcing of production to external suppliers. We present a theoretical framework that stems from the resource-based view of the firm (RBV) and develop hypotheses claiming that outsourcing of production will not result in the outsourcing of technological competencies. In other words, vertical specialization will not result in the reduction of the breadth and depth of the technological competence level of firms, especially in high-technology industries. We test our hypothesis with a sample of 50 firms which we selected from the population of the world’s top R&D-performing firms, measured by R&D spending. The period of investigation covers 20 years from 1983-2002. Our results indicate that over this 20 years period the technological knowledge base of the sample firms has not been affected by the ongoing outsourcing activities. The empirical observation gives rise to the ‘a priori statement’ that the knowledge-boundaries of the firms have been decoupled from production activities: In our sample of firms from high-technology industries outsourcing has not coincided with the outsourcing of technological competencies.
The Macquarie/AAO/Strasbourg Hα Planetary Nebula Catalogue: MASH

We present the Macquarie/AAO/Strasbourg Hα Planetary Nebula Catalogue (MASH) of over 900 true, likely and possible new Galactic planetary nebulae (PNe) discovered from the AAO/UKST Hα survey of the southern Galactic plane. The combination of depth, resolution, uniformity and areal coverage of the Hα survey has opened up a hitherto unexplored region of parameter space permitting the detection of this significant new PN sample. Away from the Galactic bulge the new PNe are typically more evolved, of larger angular extent, of lower surface brightness and more obscured (i.e. extinguished) than those in most previous surveys. We have also doubled the number of PNe in the Galactic bulge itself and although most are compact, we have also found more evolved examples. The MASH catalogue represents the culmination of a seven-year programme of identification and confirmatory spectroscopy. A key strength is that the entire sample has been derived from the same, uniform observational data. The 60 per cent increase in known Galactic PNe represents the largest ever incremental sample of such discoveries and will have a significant impact on many aspects of PN research. This is especially important for studies at the faint end of the PN luminosity function which was previously poorly represented.
A Feasibility Study of Using Unmanned Aerial Vehicles to Survey Avian Abundance by Using Audio Recording

Roadside counts are commonly used to assess songbird abundance, but they result in oversampling habitat edges and underrepresenting core habitats, areas of steep terrain, and wetlands. Accessing off-road habitats can be logistical challenging and time-consuming, resulting in low survey efficiency. Aerial ecological surveys, using unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs, or drones) have already proven to be valuable in wildlife monitoring. Previous studies have used photography or videography to provide permanent documentation of wildlife surveys through low altitude aerial imagery. A significant advantage of UAVs over manned aircraft is their greater safety and lower costs. We propose that UAVs can also be used to conduct audio surveys of vocal species. Here, we report on experiments to test the feasibility of using UAVs to conduct point counts of songbirds. To establish the detection radius of bird songs recorded with a microphone attached to a UAV (DJI Phantom 2.0), recordings of the songs of five regionally abundant bird species (Wood Thrush, Eastern Towhee, Song Sparrow, Chipping Sparrow, and Eastern Meadowlark) were broadcast at distances of up to 140m from the UAV, which was flown at three altitudes (20m, 40m, and 60m). We found that detection rates and radial detection distances of the broadcasts did not differ with UAV altitude. Bird recordings were clearly audible at radial distances of 60m. We conclude that it is feasible to use UAVs to conduct aerial point counts that are comparable with traditional terrestrial bird point counts, and describe additional field experimentation needed to refine our survey protocols.
Thriving Vs. Surviving: A Regulatory Focus Perspective on Entrepreneurial Striving

Entrepreneurs are often faced with a choice between persisting on the current opportunity, and moving on to other opportunities. These choices can be framed in terms of thriving (maximizing positive outcomes) or surviving (minimizing negative outcomes). Using a policy capturing approach, we tested whether Regulatory Focus (Higgins, 1987; Higgins, 1997) is a predictor of the choice that is made. Approximately 750 individuals enrolled in a variety of continuing education programs were invited to participate in the survey. Data collection is currently under way. We expect to find that individual Regulatory Focus is a reliable predictor of individual effort on collective tasks under varying conditions of goal attainment, and in the presence, or absence of alternate opportunities.
Are Workers Compensated for Accepting Vulnerable Jobs? Evidence from West Africa

Develops indicators of employment vulnerability in seven West African economic capitals and studies their links with individual earnings from the main job. Vulnerability in employment (contractual insecurity, working conditions, underemployment, and stopgap jobs mismatched with individual characteristics) is a dominant characteristic of urban labor markets in Sub-Saharan Africa. Indicators of employment vulnerability in the seven West African cities of Abidjan, Bamako, Cotonou, Dakar, Lome, Niamey, and Ouagadougou reveal that in the private sector, 83 percent of dependent workers and 86 percent of independent workers are vulnerable. These percentages mask huge differences between the formal and informal private sectors, where 98 percent of dependent and 87 percent of independent workers are vulnerable. Among workers in the private sector, 85 percent meet at least one criterion for vulnerability. For average levels of vulnerability, compensating wage differentials are found at the upper end of the distribution, but the compensating mechanism does not concern the poorest workers.
Filter‐Free Wavelength Conversion Using Mach‐Zehnder Interferometer with Integrated Multimode Interference Semiconductor Optical Amplifiers

We propose a filter‐free wavelength conversion using a Mach‐Zehnder interferometer with monolithically integrated 2×2 multimode interference semiconductor optical amplifiers (MMI‐SOAs). The device has been optimized by considering a non‐homogeneous carrier distribution due to the self‐imaging properties of the MMI‐SOA. Static measurements show an extinction ratio of up to 18 dB and an input signal rejection ratio of up to 20 dB.
The novice literacy coach: Exploring motivation and persistence in the face of challenge

Literacy coaching is complex and demanding. Charged with the responsibility of building teacher capacity, literacy coaches must not only have a sound understanding of the content of their coaching area, but must also work effectively within the domain of adult learning. Thus, for the novice literacy coach, the coaching role and context presents a range of challenges. Framed within attribution theory (Weiner, 1985, 1986), this paper draws upon an exploratory study exploring the challenges experienced by novice literacy coaches as they begin their coaching work. Through the administration of an online reflective questionnaire and online focus group interview, a sample of novice literacy coaches working within independent schools across Queensland reported on the challenges they faced, their perceptions of attributed cause for these challenges, and the ways in which they were impacted by these challenges and perceptions. This study found that while attribution theory proposes that particular attributions to problems faced may negatively impact self-efficacy, motivation and perseverance, some participating coaches were still able to maintain their self-efficacy and motivation despite these negative attributions. It is proposed that growth mindset, proactive professional learning and high task value may act as moderating influences on the dysfunctional effects of negative attributions.
Toward application of microsponges in transdermal drug delivery system

Transdermal drug delivery system (TDDS) is a dosage form designed to deliver drug through skin by topical route of administration to the systemic circulation or for local treatment. As a new type of dosage form, TDDS has a number of special merits, but inevitably at the same time it possess some distinct disadvantages, such as low permeability and the drug mostly enter the systemic vascular. Microsponges are a kind of micro-sized and polyporous particles which can entrap effective constituents, and are biologically safe. And Microsponges also exhibit distinctive advantage at the aspect of drug release. The TDDS can enhance drug stability, decrease side effects, improve bioavailability and so forth, which has been used mostly through topical and oral administration, and applied broadly in medical and cosmetic field. This review presents application of microsponges in TDDS including its preparation, properties and drug-released studies in the recent advancements.
Fairness and the Power of Competition 1

One of the most basic questions in economics concerns the effects of competition on market prices. We show that the neglect of fairness concerns prevents a satisfactory understanding of how the intensity of competition affects prices. We conduct experiments that demonstrate that introducing even a very small amount of competition to a bilateral exchange situation – by adding just one competitor – induces large behavioral changes among buyers and sellers, causing dramatic changes in market prices. Models that assume that all people are selfinterested fail to provide a satisfactory explanation of these changes. In contrast, models taking into account heterogeneous fairness concerns predict the qualitative and quantitative effects of changes in competition correctly. By combining the fairness approach with models of noisy best reply behavior we can predict the entire distribution of prices in many different competitive situations remarkably well. *Institute for Empirical Research in Economics University of Zurich Blümlisalpstrasse 10 CH-8006 Zürich Email: fiba@iew.unizh. ch; efehr@iew.unizh. ch **Department of Social and Decision Sciences Carnegie Mellon University Pittsburgh, PA 15213 Email: fong2@andrew.cmu. edu
The effect of structural social capital on innovation performance through absorptive capacity. The case of a science park

The mediation effect of absorptive capacity on the relation between structural social capital and innovation performance is analysed. This relation is first theoretically modelled and is subsequently empirically tested within the setting of an artificiallygenerated spatial agglomeration, namely, the firms settled in a young science park. Results show that science-push absorptive capacity does not drive structural social capital towards innovation performance in this science park but demand-pull absorptive capacity does. Recommendations to firms and science park managers are provided.
Term Structure of Disagreement and Predictability Over the Business Cycle

Our objective is to identify the mechanism that causes return predictability to vary over the business cycle and the trading strategy that allows an investor to take advantage of it. We build an equilibrium model in which some investors believe the economy transits slowly from good to bad times, while others believe economic conditions can change precipitately. This particular type of heterogeneous beliefs leads to a time-varying term structure of disagreement whereby return predictability rises as economic conditions deteriorate. In bad times, disagreement spikes in the short term, generating short-term momentum followed by a long-term reversion to fundamentals. In good times, instead, disagreement is steady and therefore prices revert instantly to fundamentals. Investors implement momentum strategies to extract momentum in bad times and time the market to avoid momentum crashes when the market rebounds.
Impact of Parental Stress on Their Relationship with Teenage Children

Abstract The present study investigated the role of stress in determining quality of the parent- child relationship. Families for the present study were nuclear families from middle and upper- middle class where both parents were at least graduate and were working and had one teenaged son and teenaged daughter between 13-19 years of age. The present study was based on a sample of 400 respondents (100 of each fathers, mothers, sons and daughters). A self constructed socio-demographic questionnaire, Socio-Economic Scale, Parent-Child Relationship Scales and Perceived Stress Scale were used in the present study. It was found that mothers were significantly more stressed than fathers. There were no significant differences in the parenting patterns of low stressed and moderately stressed fathers, whereas, low stressed mothers were found more accepting and realistic in their expectations by their sons and daughters. Sons perceived their moderately stressed fathers as significantly more careless, rejecting and physically punishing while moderately stressed mothers as indifferent. However, daughters did not differentiate between the parenting of low stressed and moderately stressed parents.
Fractal growth of complex networks: repulsion between hubs

The emergence of universal properties such as the scale-free property self-similarity, and modularity, as key features of complex networks raises the fundamental question of the governing growth process according to which these structures evolve. The possibility of a unique growth mechanism for biological and social networks, as well as computers in the Internet, is of interest to the specialist and the laymen alike, as it promises to uncover the origins of collective behavior. Here, we bring the concept of renormalization from critical phenomena as a mechanism for the growth of fractal and non-fractal modular networks. We show that the key principle that gives rise to the fractal architecture of the networks is a strong effective ”repulsion” between the most connected nodes (hubs) on all length scales, i.e. the hubs tend to be very disperse in the network (and not clump together). We show that the renormalization growth naturally explains to the emergence of modules in biological networks, which is crucial in understanding the structure of the biochemical functional classes. More importantly, we find that the self-similar property of networks significantly increases the robustness of such networks against targeted attacks on hubs, as compared to the very vulnerable non fractal scale-free networks.
Validation and Extension of the Usability Heuristics for Mobile Map Applications

Heuristic usability evaluation is light but efficient method for finding usability problems. In this paper, we report the process of validation and further development of the previously introduced usability heuristics for mobile map applications. The validation began by testing the heuristics by 58 evaluators who used them for usability evaluation of four different map applications. The evaluators also filled a questionnaire about the understandability of the heuristics. The amount, severity and quality of the problems found with the heuristics were reviewed and the heuristics’ understandability analyzed. As a result, it was shown that the heuristics were efficient for finding usability problems from mobile map applications. The analysis of the understandability pointed out the need to clarify the heuristics. On the basis of the findings, the heuristics were further developed. The usability heuristics introduced in this paper are supposed to be widely usable in the development of mobile map applications.
Innovation, Growth and Optimal Monetary Policy

This paper examines how the mechanism driving growth in the economy is likely to affect the optimal monetary policy response to shocks. We consider the Ramsey policy in a New Keynesian model in which growth is sustained by the creation of new patented technologies through R&D and we compare the results obtained with those arising when growth is exogenous. We find that optimal monetary policy must be counter-cyclical in face of both technology and public spending shocks, but the intensity of the reaction crucially depends on the underlying growth mechanism.
Incidence and Characterization of Mild and Severe Isolates of Citrus Tristeza Virus from Colombia

Author(s): Peiiaranda, J.; Acosta, M. ; Alegria, A. ; Pappu, H. R. ; Pappu, S. S. ; Manjunath, K. L. ; Febres, V. J.; Lee, R. F. ; Niblett, C. L.
Forest harvesting is associated with increased landslide activity during an extreme rainstorm on Vancouver Island, Canada

Abstract. Safe operations of forest practices in mountainous regions require effective development planning to mitigate hazards posed by landslides. British Columbia, Canada, has for the past 2 decades implemented landslide risk management policies aimed at reducing the impacts of the forestry industry on landslides. Consequently, it is required that timber harvesting sites be evaluated for their potential or existing impacts on terrain stability. Statistical landslide susceptibility modelling can enhance this evaluation by geographically highlighting potential hazardous areas. In addition, these statistical models can also improve our understanding of regional landslide controlling factors. The purpose of this research was to explore the regional effects of forest harvesting activities, topography, precipitation and geology on landslides initiated during an extreme rainfall event in November 2006 on Vancouver Island, British Columbia. These effects were analyzed with a nonparametric statistical method, the generalized additive model (GAM). Although topography was the strongest predictor of landslide initiation, low density forest interpreted as regrowth areas and proximity to forest service roads were jointly associated with a 6- to 9-fold increase in the odds of landslide initiation, while accounting for other environmental confounders. This result highlights the importance of continuing proper landslide risk management to control the effects of forest practices on landslide initiation.
PHYTOCHEMICAL SCREENING, ANTIGLYCATION AND ANTIOXIDANT ACTIVITIES OF ETHANOLIC LEAF EXTRACT OF AZIMA TETRACANTHA LAM.

Objective: Assessment of in vitro antioxidant and in vitro antidiabetic potential of Azima tetracantha Lam. Methods: Phytochemicals of hexane, aqueous and ethanolic extracts of the Azima tetracantha Lam were analyzed. The antioxidant potential of hexane, aqueous and Ethanolic extracts was assessed by 2,2-diphenyl-1-picryl hydrazyl (DPPH), 2,2'-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulphonic acid) (ABTS), ferric reducing ability power (FRAP), superoxide (O2 − ), hydrogen peroxide (H2O2)and nitric oxide (NO) scavenging assay and antidiabetic activity was assessed by α-amylase and α-glucosidase inhibition. Results: Amongst all the three extracts of A. tetracantha, ethanol leaf extracts contain significant antioxidant as well as antidiabetic potential. A. tetracantha showed potential antioxidant as well as anti-diabetic activities and have good reputation in traditional Indian medicine. Conclusion: Ethanol leaf extracts of A. tetracanthais having high medicinal potential in terms of their antioxidant and antidiabetic activities. Studies are required to further elucidate antioxidant and anti-diabetic potentials using in-vivo biochemical and molecular biology techniques.
Do universities affect firms’ location decisions? Evidence from Spain

Human capital, scientific research, and technology are the three chief mechanisms promoting knowledge spillovers from universities to firms. Based on a study of the impact of Spain�s 1983 University Reform Act (LRU), which opened the door to the foundation of new universities and faculties, this paper examines whether university (or faculty) location affects the creation of new firms within a given province. We conclude that the foundation of science and social science faculties has had a marked impact on the creation of firms.