Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Credibility and Cheap Talk of Securities Analysts: Theory and Evidence

This paper studies how investors react to public messages that may be optimistically biased. We first construct a communication game between an investor and a (possibly) biased securities analyst. We find an equilibrium characterised by the following properties: first, the investor reacts more to bad news than to good news, and second, the difference in this reaction is higher when the investor has a greater prior suspicion that the analyst is a biased type. We then use nonparametric techniques and a large database of earnings forecasts to test these predictions, and find that the evidence supports them. Lastly, we use our empirical strategy to discriminate between the causes for analysts' bias.
Remote sensing of ecosystem light use efficiency with MODIS-based PRI - the DOs and DON'Ts

Remote sensing of ecosystem light use efficiency with MODIS-based PRI – the DOs and DON’Ts A. Goerner, M. Reichstein, E. Tomelleri, N. Hanan, S. Rambal, D. Papale, D. Dragoni, and C. Schmullius Max Planck Institute for Biogeochemistry, 07745 Jena, Germany Natural Resources Ecology Lab, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, USA CEFE-CNRS, 34293 Montpellier cedex 5, France Department of Forest Science and Environment, University of Tuscia, 01100 Viterbo, Italy Department of Geography, Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana, USA Friedrich-Schiller-University Jena, 07743 Jena, Germany
The orientability of small covers and coloring simple polytopes

Small Cover is an -dimensional manifold endowed with a Z2 action whose orbit space is a simple convex polytope . It is known that a small cover over is characterized by a coloring of which satisfies a certain condition. In this paper we shall investigate the topology of small covers by the coloring theory in combinatorics. We shall first give an orientability condition for a small cover. In case = 3, an orientable small cover corresponds to a four colored polytope. The four color theorem implies the existence of orientable small cover over every simple convex 3-polytope. Moreover we shall show the existence of non-orientable small cover over every simple convex 3-polytope, except the 3-simplex.
Prolonged aragonite undersaturation in bottom water of a biological hotspot in the Chukchi Sea, Arctic Ocean

Distribution of calcium carbonate saturation state (Ω) was observed in bottom waters of the Chukchi Sea in autumn 2012 and early summer 2013. Aragonite and calcite undersaturation were found in high productivity regions in autumn 2012 but not in early summer 2013. Comparison with other parameters has indicated that biological processes -respiration and photosynthesisare major factor controlling regional and temporal variability of Ω. From these ship-based observations, we 10 have obtained empirical equations to reconstruct Ω from temperature, salinity and apparent oxygen utilization. Using twoyear-round mooring data and these equations, we have reconstructed seasonal variation of Ω in bottom water in Hope Valley, a biological hotspot in the southern Chukchi Sea. Results showed prolonged undersaturation for both aragonite and calcite even during winter period, not only in 2012 but also in 2013. Calculations also suggest that bottom water in the hotspot could have been undersaturated for aragonite on an intermittent basis even in the pre-industrial period. Anthropogenic CO2 has 15 extended the period of aragonite undersaturation to twoor three-fold longer by now. When atmospheric pCO2 increases to 650 ppm, occupation of aragonite and calcite undersaturation can be as long as two-third and one-third of a year, respectively. Anthropogenic CO2 has significant impact on duration of CaCO3 undersaturation in the bottom water of the Chukchi Sea, even though horizontal and seasonal variability in Ω is controlled by biological processes.
Distribution of coagulase-positive staphylococci in humans and dogs

Staphylococci form part of the normal flora of humans and a wide variety of animals. Some staphylococcal species also cause infections for human and household pets. The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of coagulase-positive staphylococci in humans and dogs within a common household. Coagulase-positive staphylococci could not be identified phenotypically in all cases. Molecular methods were used for the correct identification of pathogenic staphylococci. The prevalence of Staphylococcus aureus was identified in 26/72 (36.1%) dog owners and in 4/61 (6.6%) dogs. Staphylococcus pseudintermedius was isolated from three (4.2%) humans, and from 28 dogs (45.9%). Other coagulase-positive staphylococci species were not isolated in this study. Colonization of S. aureus in humans was significantly higher than in dogs ( P < 0.001). Staphylococcus pseudintermedius was more common in dogs compared to humans (P < 0.001). Staphylococcus pseudintermedius strains were isolated from dogs with clinical symptoms more frequently compared to healthy dogs (P = 0.02). Colonization of S. aureus in female dogs was significantly higher compared to male dogs ( P = 0.045). The same staphylococci species were isolated from the dog and its owner in six households (12%, 6/50). Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus pseudintermedius, bacteria, nasal, rectal
Pattern classification of Myo-Electrical signal during different Maximum Voluntary Contractions: A study using BSS techniques

Pattern classification of Myo-Electrical signal during different Maximum Voluntary Contractions: A study using BSS techniques The presence of noise and cross-talk from closely located and simultaneously active muscles is exaggerated when the level of muscle contraction is very low. Due to this the current applications of surface electromyogram (sEMG) are infeasible and unreliable in pattern classification. This research reports a new technique of sEMG using Independent Component Analysis (ICA). The technique uses blind source separation (BSS) methods to classify the patterns of Myo-electrical signals during different Maximum Voluntary Contraction (MVCs) at different low level finger movements. The results of the experiments indicate that patterns using ICA of sEMG is a reliable (p<0.001) measure of strength of muscle contraction even when muscle activity is only 20% MVC. The authors propose that ICA is a useful indicator of muscle properties and is a useful indicator of the level of muscle activity.
Plasticity in leaf and stem nutrient resorption proficiency potentially reinforces plant–soil feedbacks and microscale heterogeneity in a semi‐arid grassland

1. The potential resorption of substantial amounts of nutrients from all vegetative organs of plants has large implications for the plant nutrient economy and for biogeochemical cycles. So far, most studies have focused on leaf nutrient resorption only. Besides, while evidence is growing that soil fertility changes impact on leaf nutrient resorption at a large spatial scale, hardly anything is known of such coupling at a small spatial scale.
BOOK OF ABSTRACTS ORAL 5 – 7 APRIL 2017 VODAFONE VILLAGE MILAN

In this contribution we summarize insights on the geographical veracity of using mobile phone data to create (statistical) indicators. We focus on problems that persist with spatial allocation, spatial delineation and spatial aggregation of information obtained from mobile phone data. For each of the cases, we offer insights from our works on a French CDR dataset and propose both short and long term solutions. As such, we aim at offering a list of challenges, and a roadmap for future work on the topic.
HISTOCHEMICAL CHANGES IN LEYDIG CELLS AND SEMINIFEROUS TUBULES OF MICROCHIROPTERAN BAT HIPPOSIDEROS SPEORIS (SCHNEIDER) DURING TESTICULAR CYCLE

Hipposideros speoris is an insectivorous bat and breeds once in a year. For the demonstration of oxidative enzymes namely succinic dehydrogenase (SDH) and glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G-6-PDH) throughout the annual reproductive cycle the testis were histochemically studied. Correlative to the reproductive status specific changes in the enzymatic reaction were observed. Thus during quiescense (April-August) a moderate activity in the Leydig cells whereas very low reactivity in the seminiferous tubules for both the enzymes was observable. With the approach of maturity (recrudescence: September-October) an enhanced activity reflecting high intensity in the Leydig cells whereas in the seminiferous tubules similar intensity expressed by granular formazan deposition. Massive deposition of formazan granules characterized this period (breeding period: November-December), however, there appeared differential distribution of the granules being even all over the seminiferous tubule while concentrated at one spot in Leydig cells. The characteristic features of the regression period (January-March) were prominent decrease in the intensity of enzymes which was almost negligible in the seminiferous tubules. From the foregoing, it is concluded that the annual reproductive cycle and enzymic activity go vis-a-vis.
Non-domain specific and translated sentiment analysis-Local lexical analyzer

There is an ever-growing amount of opinionated data available on the Web, in form of reviews, discussions and blogs. This data can potentially provide a lot of information through sentiment analysis and data mining in general. However, most research in the field of sentiment analysis has been locked to a single language and a single domain. Thus, the main objective of this thesis is to answer the question: “How can a sentiment analysis tool that is independent of domain and language be developed? ” The aim of this thesis is to show the possibilities of a sentiment analysis program independent of languages and domain, capable of being used in different languages and domains without added effort. A sentiment analysis program was developed to test the feasibility of sentiment analysis across different domains or in languages other than English. Three main methods of sentiment analysis were implemented into the program, with tests being run on three different datasets. These three methods are a single weight analysis method where a documents sentiment equals the sum of its words sentiment, a sentence analyzer where a document is analyzed sentence by sentence, and a co-occurrence analyzer operating on the assumption that words occurring together often share the same sentiment value. The results shown are not able to achieve the same quality as those shown in other published articles, and in the case of the non-English analysis, are inconclusive. However the possible viability of a completely resourceless sentiment analysis program is shown. Further research and improvement is needed to achieve better results.
A case study for the application of data and process mining in intervention program assessment and improvement

The University of Illinois at Chicago offers an intervention program by admitting students to its Honors College. We call this program Honors Program (HP). HP offers additional, valuable resources that can positively affect the educational trajectory of an individual student. The current selection process for admission into HP or dismissal from HP is traditional. Administration views a students’ current Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) and does not look at the students’ past. In this paper, we take advantage of the educational history of a student to make the admission or dismissal of each student from HP more effective. We use data and process mining techniques to study students CGPA traces and their HP participation history. We measure the graduation rates of students based on their CGPA traces and HP participation history. We show that it is possible to improve the graduation rate of students if HP admission/dismissal rules are designed based on CGPA traces and HP participation history rather than just the current CGPA of students. The model produced from our study creates a method for both students and administration to evaluate whether or not a student benefits from participating in HP. For students who are eligible and might benefit from HP, the model also determines the optimal entering semester to HP.
Threshold stress and asymptotic stiffness of UK clays in the repeated load triaxial test

Recent research at Loughborough University has produced a draft performance specification for pavement foundations. To assess the performance parameters of stiffness and resistance to permanent deformation of the subgrade, an extensive series of repeated load triaxial tests has been performed on a range of fine grained subgrades. Assessment of the data has shown that the deviator stress at which the cumulative permanent deformation starts to increase significantly (i.e. the threshold stress) is equal to half that at failure (and occurs at approximately 1% permanent strain). The resilient stiffness of the materials tends to low asymptotic values at higher deviator stress. Comparison between the elastic and plastic behaviour has shown that the deviator stress at ‘threshold’ is coincident with the stiffness asymptote. This paper presents a suggested simplified mechanistic design approach for pavement foundations based on these findings.
PRACTICAL THEOLOGY IN SA – PRAKTIESE TEOLOGIE IN SA 33 RELIGIOUS SOCIALISATION AND THE ONGOING QUEST FOR A HUMAN RIGHTS CULTURE IN SOUTH AFRICA(1)

The aim of this paper is to explore the role of religious socialisation, approached from a social learning perspective, towards establishing a human rights culture in South Africa. On the basis of longitudinal survey research conducted among Grade 11 learners in the Johannesburg and Pretoria region, who in general report fairly high levels of religious socialisation, both from incidental and intentional learning, and despite some differences between learners from private (Anglican and Catholic) and public schools, we can conclude that religious socialisation and praxis relate positively towards some political (participation and interest in politics) and environmental rights attitudes. Religious socialisation and praxis, however, relate negatively towards a number of civil rights attitudes (including the freedom of religion) and the rejection of oppression. In comparison with the first survey in 1995/1996, more negative relations between religious socialisation and praxis and human rights attitudes are found in the second survey in 2000/2001. _________________________________________________
Maple Toolbox for Switched Stabilizing Controller

— This paper is celebrating the increment of interest in the application of computer algebra in control system analysis. A Maple toolbox for stabilizing state feedback controllers for a class of switched system is presented. The attention is focused on finding the existence of common Lyapunov function (CLFs), as this ensures stability for arbitrary switching sequences between several subsystems. The system considered here are restricted to second order linear systems. In order to find the common Lyapunov function and the ability of the Maple software, the toolbox is proved to be less computational demanding compared to a lot of methods that has been solved by Linear Matrix Inequalities (LMI)
Predation on heteropterans within an assemblage of anurans at kis-balaton, hungary

Taxonomic and functional groups of heteropterans consumed by six anuran species (Bombina bombina, Pelobates fuscus, Bufo bufo, Hyla arborea, Rana arvalis, Pelophylax esculentus complex) from four localities of Kis-Balaton wetland area in western Hungary were compared. Altogether 821 heteropteran specimens belonging to 76 species were found in the diet of anurans during a 5-year study. Consumed heteropteran species diversity was highest in anurans foraging in the driest microhabitats. Functional heteropteran groups were established by ecological parameters: humidity preference and vertical distribution on vegetation. Cluster analysis indicated that heteropteran diet of anurans is habitat dependent and intraspecific similarity was low between habitats. Vertical distribution of heteropterans was more strongly correlated with similarity between anuran species. Anuran species with similar foraging strategies formed separate groups in each habitat. Results support the theory that anurans having opportunistic and non- specific feeding habits are more accustomed to unpredictable environments.
A Cross Cultural Examination of Brand Equity and its Constructs: A SEM Approach using Second Order Factor Analysis The Impact of Intranet on Managersand Their Work: An Empirical Study in the Malaysian Port Industry

The hospitality businesses have increasingly adopted a marketing focus in order to thrive in a very competitive business environment. A key element of the marketing concept is that of market segmentation, primarily based on an understanding of the social, economic and psychological location of the consumer. Market segmentation can be considered as one of the cornerstones of marketing management. In the present day scenario of intense competition, organization can prosper through the development of offers for specific market segments as a result of good market segmentation strategy. This paper presents the result and implications of segmenting the fine dining restaurant market using consumer's purchasing orientation.
Survival and Growth in Retail and Service Industries: Evidence from Franchised Chains

Using data on franchised chains, which are the type of single-product entities emphasized in industry dynamics models, we show that age and size affect growth and survival even after controlling for chain characteristics and unobserved chain-specific efficiency. This implies that age and size affect firm growth and survival for reasons other than those emphasized in learning-type models. We also find that several chain characteristics affect growth and survival directly, and thus controlling for firm characteristics is important. Finally, we find that chain size increases rather than decreases exit among young chains, and chains converge in size over time.
The 3-dimensional cored and logarithm potentials: Periodic orbits

We study analytically families of periodic orbits for the cored and logarithmic Hamiltonians with 3 degrees of freedom, which are relevant in the analysis of the galactic dynamics. First, after introducing a scale transformation in the coordinates and momenta with a parameter ɛ, we show that both systems give essentially the same set of equations of motion up to first order in ɛ. Then the conditions for finding families of periodic orbits, using the averaging theory up to first order in ɛ, apply equally to both systems in every energy level H = h > 0 showing the existence of at least 3 periodic orbits, for ɛ small enough, and also provides an analytic approximation for the initial conditions of these periodic orbits. We prove that at every positive energy level the cored and logarithmic Hamiltonians with 3 degrees of freedom have at least three periodic solutions. The technique used for proving such a result can be applied to other Hamiltonian systems.
Coral diseases in aquaria and in nature

Many reef coral diseases have been described affecting corals in the wild, several of which have been associated with causal agents based on experimental inoculation and testing of Koch's postulates. In the aquarium industry, many coral diseases and pathologies are known from the grey literature but as yet these have not been systematically described and the relationship to known diseases in the wild is difficult to determine. There is therefore scope to aid the maintenance and husbandry of corals in aquaria by informing the field of the scientifically described wild diseases, if these can be reliably related. Conversely, since the main driver to identifying coral diseases in aquaria is to select an effective treatment, the lessons learnt by aquarists on which treatments work with particular syndromes provides invaluable evidence for determining the causal agents. Such treatments are not commonly sought by scientists working in the natural environment due the cost and potential environmental impacts of the treatments. Here we review both wild and aquarium diseases and attempt to relate the two. Many important aquarium diseases could not be reconciled to those in the wild. In one case, however, namely that of the ciliate Helicostoma sp. as a causal agent of brown jelly syndrome in aquarium corals, there may be similarities with pathogenic agents of the wild coral diseases, such as white syndrome and brown band syndrome. We propose that Helicostoma is actually a misnomer, but improved understanding of this pathogen and others could benefit both fields. Improved practices in aquarium maintenance and husbandry would also benefit natural environments by reducing the scale of wild harvest and improving the potential for coral culture, both for the aquarium industry and for rehabilitation programmes.
Technology Windows: a New Method to Determine Valuable Product-Market Combinations

This paper describes the Technology Front End (TFE) method, which applies Technology Windows as a new approach to the front-end of technology-oriented innovation. The development of the TFEmethod started with a review of the relevant literature, an analysis of technology-oriented innovation projects and semi-structured interviews with ten experts. This research confirmed that such a method should address technology push as well as market pull factors. The core contribution is the concept of Technology Windows, a new approach to generate applications in case of a technology-oriented innovation project. A Technology Window is a symbolic visualization of the strengths of a technology plotted against constraints and technological trends. This allows searching for suitable product-market combinations based on a thorough definition of the strengths of the technology. The TFE-method therefore enhances the process of the technology oriented front-end of innovation. The method was applied in three case studies in order to test it, of which two resulted in a set of innovative productmarket combinations. Because of its generic structure, the method should also be applicable in other technology-oriented innovation projects to define innovative product-market combinations.
Raman spectroscopic investigations of some Tl-sulfosalt minerals containing pyramidal (As,Sb)S3 groups

Abstract Oriented single crystals of stibioellisite (Tl3SbS3), parapierrotite (TlSb5S8), weissbergite (TlSbS2), and lorandite (TlAsS2) were investigated by polarized Raman spectroscopy. Whereas stibioellsite shows isolated SbS3 groups, the rest of the minerals show interconnected pyramidal (As,Sb)S3 groups. Raman bands of the investigated minerals occur between 400 and 10 cm-1. The internal vibrations for stibioellsite occur between 350-100 cm-1. Those of the interconnected pyramidal groups occur between 350 and 10 cm-1 in parapierrotite, 350 and 90 cm-1 in weissbergite, and 420 and 130 cm-1 in lorandite. Approximate similarities in the spectral features are evident when comparing the spectra of minerals containing XS3 pyramids with the spectra of the minerals in the present study. A clear distinction between Raman spectra of separated and interconnected SbS3 groups is not observed.
Recycling, International Trade, and the Distribution of Pollution: The Effect of Increased U.S. Paper Recycling on U.S. Import Demand for Canadian Paper

Abstract The quantity of paper recycled in the U.S. has more than doubled since 1985. International trade theory predicts that this will lead to reduced imports of paper, and a shift in domestic production toward waste paper intensive outputs (e.g., newsprint) and away from higher grade products such as printing/writing paper. Import demand elasticities with respect to input prices were estimated for newsprint, printing/writing, and all paper utilizing 20 years of monthly data. The empirical results confirm the predictions of theory, and illustrate a channel through which recycling may be more beneficial for U.S. industry than the domestic environment.