Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
An Augmented Macroeconomic Linear Factor Model of South African Industrial Sector Returns

Purpose This study aims to investigate the impact of the macroeconomic environment on South African industrial sector returns. Design/methodology/approach Using standardized coefficients derived from time-series factor models, the authors quantify the impact of macroeconomic influences on industrial sector returns. The authors analyze the structure of the resultant residual correlation matrices to establish the level of factor omission and apply a factor analytic augmentation to arrive at a specification that is free of omitted common factors. Findings The authors find that global influences are the most important drivers of returns and that industrial sectors are highly integrated with the global economy. The authors show that specifications that comprise only macroeconomic factors and proxies for omitted factors in the form of residual market factors are likely to be underspecified. This study demonstrates that a factor analytic augmentation is an effective approach to ensuring an adequately specified model. Research limitations/implications The findings have a number of implications that are of interest to investors, econometricians and researchers. While the study focusses on a single market, the South African stock market, as represented by the Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE), it is a highly developed and globally integrated market. In terms of market capitalization, it exceeds the Madrid Stock Exchange, the Taiwan Stock Exchange and the BM&F Bovespa. Yet, a limited number of studies investigate the macroeconomic drivers of the South African stock market. Practical implications Investors should be aware that while the South African domestic environment, especially political risk, has an impact on returns, global influences are the greatest determinants of returns. No industrial sectors are insulated from global influences and this limits the potential for diversification. This study suggests an alternative set of macroeconomic factors that may be used in further analysis and asset pricing studies. From an econometric perspective, this study demonstrates the usefulness of a factor analytic augmentation as a solution to factor omission in models that use macroeconomic factors to proxy for systematic influences that describe asset prices. Originality/value The contribution lies in providing insight into a large and well-developed yet understudied financial market, the South African stock market. This study considers a much broader set of macroeconomic factors than prior studies. A methodological contribution is made by estimating and interpreting standardized coefficients to discriminate between the impact of domestically and internationally driven factors. This study shows that should coefficients not be standardized, inferences relating to the relative importance of factors will differ. Finally, the authors unify an approach of using pre-specified factors with a factor analytic approach to address factor omission and to ensure a valid and readily interpretable specification.
Cross sections for photodetachment of electrons from negative ions near threshold

Threshold laws for the cross section for photodetachment of electrons from polyatomic negative ions are derived. The general form for the limiting behavior at threshold is derived using group theory and symmetry considerations. In addition, for energies within a few eV of threshold, a formulation using the Born approximation with partial orthogonalization is developed. The energy dependence of the photodetachment cross section for molecular negative ions is computed and shown to agree well with experimentally determined cross sections.
Electrohydraulic Discharge and Nonthermal Plasma for Water Treatment

The application of strong electric fields in water and organic liquids has been studied for several years, because of its importance in electrical transmission processes and its practical applications in biology, chemistry, and electrochemistry. More recently, liquid-phase electrical discharge reactors have been investigated, and are being developed, for many environmental applications, including drinking water and wastewater treatment, as well as, potentially, for environmentally benign chemical processes. This paper reviews the current status of research on the application of high-voltage electrical discharges for promoting chemical reactions in the aqueous phase, with particular emphasis on applications to water cleaning.
Radio-frequency positioning methods for solving the problem of high precision 2D positioning

The paper describes methods and a corresponding practical approach on designing of a 2D UWB RTLS prototype (RF IPS) from the ground up. It is based on universal high performance SDR-platform able to produce and process HRP UWB pulses. The designed RF IPS prototype hardware part consists of three anchors and one tag. The RF IPS prototype software part implements TDoA multilateration algorithm to calculate local tag coordinates. The paper describes both the hardware and the software parts and their communication protocol as well.
Impact of Global Warming in Subtropical Climate Buildings: Future Trends and Mitigation Strategies

The growing concern about global climate change extends to different professional sectors. In the building industry, the energy consumption of buildings becomes a factor susceptible to change due to the direct relationship between the outside temperature and the energy needed to cool and heat the internal space. This document aims to estimate the energy consumption of a Minimum Energy Building (MEB) in different scenarios—past, present, and future—in the subtropical climate typical of seaside cities in Southern Spain. The building energy consumption has been predicted using dynamic building energy simulation software tools. Projected climate data were obtained in four time periods (Historical, the 2020s, 2050s, and 2080s), based on four emission scenarios defined by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC): B1, B2, A2, A1F1. This methodology has been mathematically complemented to obtain data in closer time frames (2025 and 2030). In addition, different mitigation strategies have been proposed to counteract the impact of climate change in the distant future. The different energy simulations carried on show clearly future trends of growth in total building energy consumption and how current building designers could be underestimating the problem of air conditioning needs in the subtropical zone. Electricity demand for heating is expected to decrease almost completely, while electricity demand for cooling increases considerably. The changes predicted are significant in all scenarios and periods, concluding an increase of between 28–51% in total primary energy consumption during the building life cycle. The proposed mitigation strategies show improvements in energy demands in a range of 11–14% and they could be considered in the initial stages of project design or incorporated in the future as the impact of climate change becomes more pronounced.
Analysis of Wastewater Treatment Engineering in Reconstituted Tobacco Company

The wastewater of a reconstituted tobacco company in Guangdong Province has the characteristics of high concentration and complex composition. By comparison, the pretreatment (Grid / Air Flotation) and Up-flow Anaerobic Sludge Bed / anoxic / aerobic process combined with advanced treatment process (Air Flotation / Ozonation-Biological aerated filter) were applied. After stable operation of the system was achieved, the effluent quality could meet the first level standard of the maximum allowable discharge concentration of the second class pollutants in the second period of the Discharge limits of water pollutants (DB44 / 26-2001) in Guangdong Province. This paper introduces the process flow of the project and the design parameters of the main structure, and provides a reliable reference for the similar engineering design.
Nutritional value of insects and ways to manipulate their composition

This article reports on the nutrients present in insects and factors affecting their variability. Data on protein content and amino acid profiles of a variety of insect species are discussed and their amino acid profiles compared to nutrient requirements of growing broiler chicks, catfish, trout, swine, and human adults and young children. Both in vitro and in vivo protein digestibility data for a variety of insect species is presented and factors affecting these data are discussed. Furthermore, the fat content and fatty acid profiles of a variety of insect species is reviewed, with special attention on omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids. Information on carbohydrates, fibre and chitin in insects is shown along with potential effects on nutrient availability. This is followed by a discussion of essential minerals in insects with an emphasis on calcium and phosphorus. Data on insect vitamin content is shown along with a discussion of antinutritional factors such as phytate and thiaminase, which can adversely affect their nutritional value. Dietary effects on insect nutrient composition are reviewed with an emphasis on essential minerals, heavy metals, vitamin E, and carotenoids. Lastly, the effects of processing, including protein extraction and various cooking methods on insect composition are discussed. In summary, this article provides an overview of the nutrient content of insects, and how select nutrients can be altered.
Adoption of MOOCs by Emerging Countries Seeking Solutions to University Overcrowding: Literature Review and Feedback from the First Scientific MOOC Held by Sidi Mohammed Ben Abdullah University - Fez, Morocco

The adoption of various forms of distance education, particularly MOOCs (an acronym for Massive Open Online Courses), by universities worldwide has continuously gained momentum over the past decade. This is due not only to the importance of maintaining a parallel educational model alongside face-to-face courses in order to complete students’ training, but also in response to the limits of academic infrastructure faced with an increasingly large mass of learners, typically in emerging countries. Universities view MOOCs as a remedy to this dilemma—one which promises reasonable development costs—especially taking into account the ubiquity of the internet and digital communication tools. In a country such as Morocco, whose university capacity has been stretched to 186%, the quest to dematerialize lectures can support universities in producing well-rounded professional profiles as well as improving institutional and academic services overall. In this paper, we present the feedback from Sidi Mohammed Ben Abdellah University concerning its first scientific MOOC, launched within the framework of the MarocUniversitéNumérique (Morocco Digital University) or MUN project in collaboration with the France UniversitéNumérique (France Digital University) or FUN platform. The objectives of this paper are threefold: to assess the possibility of adopting further MOOCs in a Moroccan setting, to seek insight on the profiles of learners who have completed MOOCs and to draw lessons in order to improve future experiences.
The Polarization of Ambient Noise on Mars

Seismic noise recorded at the surface of Mars has been monitored since February 2019, using the InSight seismometers. This noise can reach −200 dB. It is 500 times lower than on Earth at night and it increases of 30 dB during the day. We analyze its polarization as a function of time and frequency in the band 0.03–1 Hz. We use the degree of polarization to extract signals with stable polarization independent of their amplitude and type of polarization. We detect polarized signals at all frequencies and all times. Glitches correspond to linear polarized signals which are more abundant during the night. For signals with elliptical polarization, the ellipse is in the horizontal plane below 0.3 Hz. In the 0.3‐1Hz high frequency band (HF) and except in the evening, the ellipse is in the vertical plane and the major axis is tilted. While polarization azimuths are different in the two frequency bands, they both vary as a function of local hour and season. They are also correlated with wind direction, particularly during the daytime. We investigate possible aseismic and seismic origins of the polarized signals. Lander or tether noise can be discarded. Pressure fluctuations transported by wind may explain part of the HF polarization but not the tilt of the ellipse. This tilt can be obtained if the source is an acoustic emission coming from high altitude at critical angle. Finally, in the evening when the wind is low, the measured polarized signals may correspond to the seismic wavefield of the Mars background noise.
An Optimum Design of Clocked AC-DC Charge Pump Circuits for Vibration Energy Harvesting

This paper shows how clocked AC-DC charge pump circuits can be optimally designed to have the minimum circuit area for small form factor vibration energy harvesting. One can determine an optimum number of stages with simple equations and then determine the capacitance of each pump capacitor to have a target output current at a target output voltage. The equations were verified under a wide range of design parameters by comparing the output current with the simulated one. The output current of the circuit designed by the equations was in good agreement with the simulated result, to within 5% for 98% of the 1600 designs with different parameters. We also propose a design flow to help designers determine the initial design parameters of a clocked AC-DC charge pump circuit (i.e., the number of stages, capacitance per stage, and the total size of rectifying devices) under the condition that the saturation current of a unit of the rectifying device, clock frequency, amplitude of the voltage generated by the energy transducer, target output voltage, and target output current are given. SPICE simulation results validated theoretical results with an error of 3% in terms of the output current when a clocked AC-DC charge pump was designed to output current of 1 μA at 2.5 V from a vibration energy harvester with an AC voltage amplitude of 0.5 V.
Changes in Tourism Destination Promotion with the Technological Innovation

Tourism industry has extensively embraced technologies to enhance operational competencies, service quality over and above customer satisfaction. This chapter presents Information Technologies as an innovative approach to promote tourism destination from Destination Management Organization’s (DMO’s) perspective. Precisely, attention has been given on how destination managers are applying different types of technological tools to promote their tourism business. In recent times, DMOs are implementing several promotional tools with the use of technology like embracing the mobile technology, Social Media, online ads, and building effective marketing strategies innovatively to compete with the cut-throat competition in travel trade. It also tried to provide an insight understanding of the changes in destination manager’s promotional strategies with the advancement of technologies. Based on primary research with destination managers and using the literature review, a collection of technology-based tools used by DMOs for the promotion of tourism at the destination level was identified and their individual impacts were measured to identify the effects on the profit generation. To accomplish the mentioned objectives, an explorative study based on basic demographic analysis along with Pearson correlation and Simple Linear Regression was conducted to examine the individual impacts of the different promotional tools used by DMOs.
New genomically enhanced reproduction breeding values for Merino sheep allow targeted selection for conception rate, litter size and ewe rearing ability

Context Net reproduction rate defined as number of lambs weaned for joined ewes reflects conception, litter size and the ability of ewes to rear lambs to weaning age. These three attributes can be treated as separate traits for genetic evaluation, allowing breeders to focus selection for each appropriately. Aims The aim of the present paper was to present characteristics of the data, models and genetic parameters estimated from Merino data, along with results demonstrating the predictive capacity of breeding values, for conception, litter size, rearing ability, maternal behaviour and body condition score. Methods Industry data from MERINOSELECT were used to derive phenotypes for conception, litter size and rearing ability traits separately for yearling and adult ewes, along with maternal behaviour and body condition score. Indirect traits provided correlated information, including scrotal circumference, weight, scanned fat and eye muscle depths at up to three ages (post-weaning, yearling and hogget), along with pre-joining weight and condition score for ewes. Co-variances were estimated among the 19 traits included in the analysis. Breeding values were estimated using single step genomic methodology using consensus estimates of genetic parameters, with the predictive capacity of breeding values being estimated using forward-validation. Key results Heritabilities ranged from 0.04 to 0.06 for conception, litter size and rearing ability, and were moderate for maternal behaviour (0.13) and condition score (0.20). Component traits were genetically controlled by some common genes, but with genetic correlations less than 0.5, each component can be selected for independently. Weight, fat depth and muscle depth measures were moderately to highly correlated with body condition score. These body development traits generally had low, favourable genetic correlations with ewe reproductive traits. Conclusions These procedures provide better use of data recorded by breeders subject to both data limitations and opportunities, and provide separate breeding values for conception, litter size, rearing ability, maternal behaviour and body condition score. Implications New breeding values with good predictive ability are now available for the component traits of reproduction. Direct recording data of the traits is required to achieve accuracy of breeding values. Australian Merino breeders are now able to select directly for components of reproduction and specific maternal characteristics.
Experimental determination of the edge depletion width of ahe two‐dimensional electron gas in GaAs/AlxGa1−xAs

A new method based on one‐dimensional localization theory is introduced to determine the width of the two‐dimensional electron gas (2DEG) in narrow conducting channels of GaAs/AlxGa1−xAs heterojunctions. The edge depletion width of the 2DEG, measured by the difference between this width and the metallurgical width of the channel, is ∼0.5 μm±0.2 μm for a 2DEG density ns=1.5×1011/cm2.
Analyzing Major Track Quality Indices and Introducing a Universally Applicable TQI

Adequate railway track condition is a prerequisite for safe and reliable railway operation. Many track quality indices (TQIs) have been developed with the aim of assessing the track condition holistically. These indices combine measurement signals of some or all relevant geometry parameters with different mathematical models. In this paper, a selection of important TQIs is evaluated. Using measurement data of a five kilometer track section, the indices are calculated and their properties are discussed. This study reveals that all indices exhibit drawbacks to varying degrees. As a consequence, a new index has been developed—the track quality index of Graz University of Technology (TUG_TQI). Its favorable characteristics are presented by means of the above-mentioned test section. The TUG_TQI combines all relevant track geometry parameters, which are normalized beforehand to eliminate over or underrepresentation of different parameters. Thus, the index reliably describes the overall geometrical track quality.
Perawatan saluran akar (PSA) satu kali kunjungan pada gigi molar pertama bawah kanan dengan restorasi endocrown resin komposit

Introduction: One-visit root canal treatment (PSA) should comply with the endodontic triad principles (biomechanical preparation, medication, and root canal obturation) in one visit. The advantage of a one-time PSA is the minimum microorganism contamination risk, time-saving, without compromising the treatment outcome quality. The PSA on multiple roots (molars) is a difficult challenge because it requires more expertise. This case report was aimed to discuss a one-time visit PSA of the lower right first molar with a composite endocrown resin final restoration. Case report: A 38-years-old female patient diagnosed with irreversible pulpitis and the PSA was performed on the lower right first molar. The objective examination results showed positive vitality and negative percussion. The radiological examination results showed radiolucency to the pulp chamber, and the periodontal ligament was within normal limits. The diagnosis of tooth 25 was irreversible pulpitis. The root canal treatment was performed in a one-time visit with isolation of the working area; then the access cavity was prepared. Root canal negotiation was performed using K-files #10, and the working length measurement was carried out using the apex locator. The root canal was irrigated using the NaOCl 5.25%, followed by EDTA 17% and chlorhexidine 2%. Preparation was conducted using the rotary instruments to #25.06. The root canal filling with epoxy resin will be followed by composite endocrown restoration at the next visit. Conclusion: One visit root canal treatment in the lower right first molar with composite resin endocrown restoration performed in this case showed the clinical and radiological success.
The Role of Corporate Culture in Performance Measurement and Management Systems

Recently, there has been increasing pressure to change current performance measurement and management systems from control systems to those that support learning and continuous improvement. This change requires a specific corporate culture that supports the effective operation of performance measurement and management. This paper aims to clarify the relationship between corporate culture and performance measurement and management systems. Questionnaire survey data from Czech medium and large companies were collected and analyzed by Pearson’s chi-squared test to validate the proposed hypothesis. The research findings confirmed that performance measurement and management systems of companies that devoted sufficient energy and attention to performance-driven culture are more effectively developed. Analysis of different performance-driven culture attributes revealed which are the most important ones.
Cost analysis for Construction of Photovoltaic Roofing

The article deals with roof building structures that allow the use of solar energy in the segment of family houses. Modern technologies include photovoltaic roofing, which, in addition to the production of electricity, also fully replaces the roofing itself. It does not disturb the resulting aesthetic and architectural impression of the roof. The article analyzes the cost, return on investment and service life of four solar solutions that are applied to the roof structure of a family house. The use of solar energy is currently small in the segment of family houses in Slovakia despite state subsidies. As this is an ecological way of obtaining energy, there is a need for more discussion on this topic in order to ensure the sustainability of the planet.