Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Oil price volatility and stock markets

Primary aim of this research is to contribute to the literature on oil prices and stock markets by studying the relation between oil price volatility and stock market volatility. We use a large sample of developed and emerging stock market indices, based on monthly observations over the period January 1982 – December 2008. Volatility is approximated as realized volatility and our methodology is based on regression analysis. Results indicate that one month lagged oil price volatility has significant predicting power in a considerable number of stock market indices, despite the high persistence of stock market volatility. The explanatory power of our model is maximized with the inclusion of an additional lag of five or ten days, which is consistent with the existence of delayed reaction by investors. Furthermore, sector analysis reveals that oil price volatility has greater influence in non oil related industries than in oil related. Additionally, we find strong evidence of asymmetric effects of oil prices on stock market returns. The results denote that increases on oil price appear to have a larger (and negative) impact on the stock market indices than the decreases. Moreover, the existence of asymmetric effects on oil price volatility to stock market volatility is not supported by empirical evidence.
designing labor market regulations in developing countries Labor market regulation should aim to improve the functioning of the labor market while protecting workers

Labor market regulations can improve the employment situation of vulnerable workers. Concerns about large negative effects on employment and productivity are not substantiated in most countries. Any negative effects can be minimized if regulations are consistent with good practices in the specific country context and if compliance and interactions with other regulations and institutions are considered. Careful empirical monitoring and evaluation can identify the effects of regulations. eLeVator PItch
Survey of M itochondrial dnA M arkers in P opulations of Ceratitis capitata (Wiedmann) from tunisia

The Mediterranean fruit fly, Ceratitis capitata, is considered to be one of the world's most destructive agricultural pests. Beginning from a presumed origin in Africa, in recent years this pest has considerably expanded its geographic range. In an effort to document the genetic relationships of worldwide populations of this pest species, mitochondrial DNA markers have been surveyed in several populations of C. capitata, but previously little or no information has been available from populations in Tunisia. To address this issue, specimens have been collected from several localities within the northern part of Tunisia (Cap Bon, Mornag, Bizerte and Kairouan). These are regions known for fruit production including oranges, peaches, apples and apricots. In addition, a sample population derived from the laboratory strain used for mass rearing at the INRA Institute in Tunis was also analyzed. We have used a PCR based approach to analyze mitochondrial DNA sequences and document the genetic variation present in these populations. Our analysis includes sequences of regions of the mitochondrial genome for analysis of mitochondrial haplotypes. Our results indicate that at least two distinct mitochondrial haplotypes are present in the Tunisian populations.
Subject Areas : Acoustics A Viewpoint on : Acoustic Tractor Beam

Among the many examples of how science fiction and fantasy have inspired real science, an interesting one is the “tractor beam,” first conceived by the chemical engineer and writer Edward E. Smith in the 1930s in his novel Spacehounds of IPC. Smith’s hypothetical device was a beam capable of pulling any macroscopic object from a distance. In the case of a light beam, however, this is counterintuitive, because we have known since Maxwell developed his electromagnetic theory that, owing to linear momentum, light exerts radiation pressure on matter in the direction of propagation. But at the microscopic level, an optical tractor beam has indeed been demonstrated: researchers have developed special optical beams that can pull nanoparticles opposite to the propagation direction [1]. Now, a step towards a device that works on macroscopic objects has been demonstrated by a group of researchers led by Michael MacDonald of the University of Dundee, Scotland, and Gabriel Spalding of Illinois Wesleyan University in Bloomington. They were able to scale the tractor beam up to handle centimeter-size objects, about 6 orders of magnitude larger than those manipulated by previous schemes, as reported in Physical Review Letters[2].
Chitosan as a rainfastness adjuvant for agrochemicals

Chitosan has been identified as an excellent rainfastness aid for a model agrochemical. We use fluorescent labelling and microscopy to show that chitosan deposits on Vicia faba leaves are able to resist wash off by rain, both in a lab-scale test and via simulated rain. Furthermore, via the same methods it has been demonstrated that the rainfastness of azoxystrobin, a common fungicide which is fluorescently active, can be improved by formulating with chitosan. These findings via fluorescent microscopy were in agreement with a quantitative LC-MS/MS method in which the exact quantity of active ingredient on a leaf surface was determined before and after a rain wash. The potential of chitosan as a rainfastness aid is further supported by positive comparison with a commercial tank-mix standard, with almost 100% retention of the model active ingredient achieved in both cases after 1 hour of washing with 10 mm h−1 intensity rain.
Fast implementation of a general L/M rate changer by a filter bank structure

We show that an L/M rate changer can be realized as a discrete time SISO (L,M) shift invariant system in the form of a two-dimensional kernel function or a filter bank structure. Based on this realization, we can implement an L/M rate changer by a bank of filters with the average number of coefficients in the filters in each channel is 1/L of the original L/M rate changer. Hence, the system is speeded up by L. This helps the designer to design sharp cutoff discrete time FIR filters in an L/M rate changer for real time applications in video systems.
A baseline study on the Internet information search proficiencies of polytechnic students in Singapore

The Internet has emerged as a versatile information repository tool that offers immense potential in optimizing the transactional dynamics of teaching and learning. In the context of a developed country such as Singapore, the Internet is an ubiquitous fixture in the ever expanding electronic learning landscape of the educational system. Hardware infrastructures are in place in schools in Singapore to enable them to be seamlessly connected to the Internet to tap the wide array of opportunities the Internet affords in providing a digital context of learning that extends cognitive apprenticeship from theoretical settings to applied, active instructional environments. However, having widespread access to Internet technologies doesn’t translate to automatic positive learning gains. The power of technology needs to be combined with the expertise of pedagogy to form a potent partnership that elevates the quality of instructional delivery. This concern becomes particularly problematic when critical information literacy skills underpinning the success of Internet-based learning initiatives are self or peer taught, as it often happens in Singapore. Information literacy skills are too complex and diverse to be able to be readily learned through self-taught modes of knowledge acquisition by young learners. The baseline study elaborated in this paper attempts to document the Internet information search proficiencies of a sample of polytechnic students in Singapore to underscore the importance of systematic, intentional integration of information literacy skills within formal curriculum in schools.
Regional Clusters in a Global Industry: ICT Clusters in Canada

This paper reports the results of a 5-year study of eight information and communication technology clusters across Canada. It summarizes the key findings from the individual cases and poses several questions: What are the critical factors that contributed to the emergence and development of the individual clusters in their specific locations? What is the relative importance of local versus non-local factors in supporting the overall dynamism of the clusters? And what are the most important factors that contribute to the ongoing competitiveness of the clusters? In conclusion, it summarizes the import of our findings for the cluster literature in general and sets out the main policy implications.
Risk Estimates: Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons in Sydney Harbour Sediments and Lobster

For nearly a century, the effluents from the Sydney Tar Ponds were discharged into Muggah Creek. As this creek opens into the South Arm of Sydney Harbour, this discharge resulted in appreciable levels of polyaromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) being deposited in the Harbour sediments. Because surveys showed that lobsters captured in the South Arm of the Harbour contained substantial levels of benzo[a]pyrene, a known carcinogen, the lobster fishery in the South Arm of the Harbour was closed in 1982. Prior to the closure, the cancer lifetime risk for those eating lobsters from this area was approximately 3 times greater than the provincial acceptable level. Following the closure, the lifetime cancer risk declined to levels considered to be acceptable. Computed non-cancer hazards were deemed acceptable prior to the closure and decreased following it. A more extensive risk assessment will evaluate the site further and provide valuable information on fisheries decisions for this area. Pendant pres d’un siecle, l’effluent des etangs de goudron de Sydney s’est ecoule dans le ruisseau Muggah. Comme celui-ci se jette dans le bras sud du port de Sydney, cet ecoulement a abouti au depot de concentrations appreciables d’hydrocarbures aromatiques polycycliques (HPA) dans les sediments du port. Les releves ayant revele que des homards captures dans le bras sud du port presentaient des concentrations notables de benzoapyrene, un cancerogene notoire, la peche du homard dans le bras sud du port a ete fermee en 1982. Avant sa fermeture, le risque a vie de cancer chez les personnes qui consommaient du homard en provenance de ces eaux etait trois fois superieur au niveau acceptable etabli pour la province. Apres la fermeture de la peche, le risque a vie de cancer est retombe a des niveaux consideres comme acceptables. Les risques autres que le cancer etablis par calcul etaient juges acceptables avant la fermeture de la peche et ils ont diminue apres cette fermeture. Il sera procede a une evaluation plus exhaustive des risques, qui fournira des renseignements utiles concernant les decisions sur la peche dans cette region.
A COMPARISON OF ELECTRONIC POOLWRITINGAND GALLERY WRITING MEETINGS

Many studies have compared oral brainstorming and electronic poolwriting meetings, but few have investigated other brainwriting techniques. One alternative, electronic gallery writing, might be superior. A study of students in 12, 10-member groups using manual and electronic versions of these two brainwriting methods shows that gallery writing was preferred in part because of it’s ability to show all public comments at any one time and over the course of the meeting. Although more raw comments were generated with poolwriting, there was no significant difference in the number of relevant comments. These results support findings from earlier laboratory experiments and case studies.
A New Generation: profiling Hong Kong tertiary English learners

The new tertiary curriculum in Hong Kong has resulted in the emergence of a new generation of learners who, compared with previous generations, enter university with one year less prior exposure to English. This paper reports a subset of questionnaire findings from a large-scale profiling study which has a particular focus on understanding these new learners’ English learning experiences. Questionnaire surveys were administered at the beginning and end of the students’ first semester in university. The first looked at their secondary school English learning experiences and the second at their English language experience within the university. Their language needs and exposure to English both in and out of class were investigated because besides academic interaction, university education should include opportunities for social networking. The results provide crucial information for pedagogical development of language support for these learners and a picture of their English language environment.
Supporting integrated dependency model for change impact analysis in web systems

Change Impact Analysis (CIA) is typically used to identify the consequences of making a software change by utilizing the dependency and traceability information with regard to that change. Previous research highlights that CIA techniques are developed by both an understanding of interdependencies (between system components) as well as interaction of architectural modules. Given that Web systems (WS) are usually developed as a multi-tier and components based system, it is postulated that their multi-tier interaction and components interdependencies require different CIA methods. In this paper we propose extending current CIA techniques with the concept of an integrated dependency model to accommodate multi-tier and interoperability dependencies in WS.
Genetic Gains for Grain Yield in CIMMYT’s Semi-Arid Wheat Yield Trials Grown in Suboptimal Environments

Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) is a major staple food crop grown worldwide on >220 million ha. Climate change is regarded to have severe effect on wheat yields, and unpredictable drought stress is one of the most important factors. Breeding can significantly contribute to the mitigation of climate change effects on production by developing drought-tolerant wheat germplasm. The objective of our study was to determine the annual genetic gain for grain yield (GY) of the internationally distributed Semi-Arid Wheat Yield Trials, grown during 2002–2003 to 2013–2014 and developed by the Bread Wheat Breeding program at the CIMMYT. We analyzed data from 740 locations across 66 countries, which were classified in low-yielding (LYE) and medium-yielding (MYE) environments according to a cluster analysis. The rate of GY increase (GYC) was estimated relative to four drought-tolerant wheat lines used as constant checks. Our results estimate that the rate of GYC in LYE was 1.8% (38.13 kg ha−1 yr−1), whereas in MYE, it was 1.41% (57.71 kg ha−1 yr−1). The increase in GYC across environments was 1.6% (48.06 kg ha−1 yr−1). The pedigrees of the highest yielding lines through the coefficient of parentage analysis indicated the utilization of three primary sources—‘Pastor’, ‘Baviacora 92’, and synthetic hexaploid derivatives—to develop drought-tolerant, high and stably performing wheat lines. We conclude that CIMMYT’s wheat breeding program continues to deliver adapted germplasm for suboptimal conditions of diverse wheat growing regions worldwide.
Postconstruction Changes in the Hydraulic Properties of Water Balance Cover Soils

Hydraulic properties of soils used for water balance covers measured at the time of construction and one to four years after construction are compared to assess how the hydraulic properties of cover soils change over time as a result of exposure to field conditions. Data are evaluated from ten field sites in the United States that represent a broad range of environmental conditions. The comparison shows that the saturated hydraulic conductivity Ks can increase by a factor of 10,000, saturated volumetric water content s by a factor of 2.0, van Genuchten's parameter by a factor of 100, and van Genuchten's n parameter can decrease by a factor of 1.4. Larger changes occur for denser or more plastic fine-textured soils that have lower as-built Ks, , and s and higher as-built n, resulting in a reduction in the variation in hydraulic properties that can be attributed to compaction. After two to four years, many water balance cover soils can be assumed to have Ks between 10 5 and 10 3 cm/s, s between 0.36 and 0.40, between 0.002 and 0.2 kPa 1 , and n between 1.2 and 1.5. The data may be used to estimate changes in hydraulic properties for applications such as waste containment, where long-term maintenance of hydraulic properties in shallow engineered soil layers is important.
Friction-induced torsional vibrations in an experimental drill-string system

In this paper, we aim for an improved understanding of the causes for torsional vibrations in rotary drilling systems that are used for the exploration of oil and gas. For this purpose, an experimental drill-string set-up is considered. In that system, torsional vibrations with and without stickslip are observed in steady-state. In order to obtain a predictive model, a discontinuous static friction model is used. The parameters of the suggested model are estimated and the steady-state behaviour of the drill-string system is analysed both numerically and experimentally. A comparison of numerical and experimental bifurcation diagrams indicates the predictive quality of the model. Moreover, specific friction model characteristics can be linked to the existence of torsional vibrations with and without stick-slip.
Sign language static gesture recognition using leap motion

Currently scientists and engineers are using near-infrared (NIR) technology to detect motions of human body parts, and can develop programming for gesture recognition. Software is being developed by researchers for both stationary and mobile NIR cameras to operate as Sign Language Recognition devices. This thesis focus was on adapting an application of a NIR camera to be used on any device with application compatibility, essentially allowing a Hearing Impaired (HI) person to use a highly portable camera to communicate with non-speakers of Sign Language. Some examples of the devices that are able to use this technology include computers, tablets, and smart phones. I have developed a Sign Language recognition technology to establish better techniques, databases, and interactive applications for improved function of communication in the HI culture. The algorithm performed at a 76.67% accuracy across all gestures tested for first-time participants.
Genotyping of Extended Spectrum Β-Lactamase Escherichia Coli Strains from Clinical Specimens

The aim of the present study were to determine the incidence and origin of acquisition of ESBL-producing Escherichia coli strains isolated from Dr. Soetomo university hospital and to delineate the clonal diversity and transmission patterns of these strains by comparing results of genome macro restriction analysis – Pulsed Field Gel Electrophoresis (PFGE). The respective values of the genomic typing methods for epidemiologic typing of Escherichia coli were evaluated in more detail. Clinical specimens as the previous prevalence study of ESBL-E. coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae strains during January 2005 till April 2005 have identified 88 ESBL-E. coli strains of 330 E. coli that identified using standard method-NCCLS and DD synergy test. Banding patterns were PFGE (Certified, Bio Red, CHEF DR II) analyzed using manually read by 3 observers; and strains were defined as having PFGE genotype with ≥ 85 % similarity or no more than 2 band differences. Many strains of 88 members of ESBL-E.coli strains were multi various genotype on PFGE typing; on the other, some strains have the clonal genes, that have identical genotype or identical banding pattern. The clonal spreading of ESBL – Escherichia coli strains had detected event among the wards i.e. Surgery, Pediatry, Internal medicine and Obstetric Gynecology. Appropriate conduct on standard precaution procedures needs reinforcement, possible environmental reservoirs need elimination, and antibiotics policies need reconsideration.
SEASONAL INFLUENZA VACCINATION COVERAGE: EHIS SURVEY RESULTS VERSUS OECD STATISTICS

Seasonal influenza vaccination is one of the most important tools of prevention. Countries currently use many different methodologies to measure national influenza vaccine coverage in populations at higher risk. The study uses two main data sources: The European Health Interview Survey (EHIS) (collected by Eurostat) and OECD statistics, and compares both results. Findings showed that the EHIS survey results observed in this study are mainly lower than OECD data. This can mean that international sources provide overestimated data of coverage compared to outcomes from population surveys.
An Effective Analysis Method for EBG Reducing Patch Antenna Coupling

This paper presents an efiective analysis method for EBG reducing patch antenna coupling. A couple of coaxial probes are used to analyze the mutual coupling reduction range of patch antenna arrays loaded with EBG in this method. Conventional FDTD/PBC algorithm for EBG structures is appropriate only in inflnite ground plane and substrate. The gained frequency band-gap by using the algorithm can not be directly used in flnite ground plane because of the edge efiects. While the proposed coaxial probe method is valid not only in inflnite ground plane and substrate, but also for flnite ground plane. The method is more suitable for real environments. In order to validate the described method, a two-element microstrip patch antenna array is fabricated and measured. The experimental results are in good agreement with the theoretical data obtained by using the proposed method.
A new sensitive detection algorithm for low and high impedance earth faults in compensated MV networks based on the admittance method

Since the majority of all electrical faults in distribution networks are single line to earth faults, these events have a significant impact on the overall quality of power supply. The resonant earthing approach allows to limit the fault current in case of single pole earth faults (ground faults) and leads to a significant increased rise time of the recovery voltage. Consequently, most of the arcing ground faults will self extinguish and the quality of power supply is greatly increased. As a result a general trend towards the use of resonance earthing can be observed all over Europe. Due to the minimised fault current continuous network operation during sustained earth fault is possible. On the other hand, sensitive and highly reliable earth fault protection schemes are required to identify the faulty feeder without unwanted interruption of supply. In this paper, a new detection algorithm for low and high impedance earth faults based on the admittance method is presented.