Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Interest rate sensitivities of externally and internally managed Australian REITs

Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) in Australia experienced tremendous growth and investor interest following the crash of unlisted property funds in the 1990s. Since 2001, management structures have shifted from external property management to an internally advised model. The sector's returns had been notably rewarding up till the Global Financial Crisis but rising costs of debt and years of aggressive borrowing to fund expansions have eroded the values of REITs. Externally managed trusts had relatively higher levels of debt than their internally managed counterparts thus increasing the sensitivities to interest rate risks. Yet internally managed REITs engage in a wider set of operating activities which compound exposures to market and financial risks. Using panel regressions, this paper aims to examine the joint impact of financial leverage and management structure on REIT returns in terms of their sensitivities towards stock market returns and changes to yields of 10-year bonds and 90-day bank accepted bills. We utilise a sample period of monthly data from January 1980 to March 2013. Panel quantile regressions are also employed to analyse how sensitivities to market risks, short and long-term interest rate risks vary at different parts of an economic cycle. Our study finds that REITs are positively related to the stock market and the effect is greater for REITs with greater financial leverage as well as stapled trusts. REITs are only negatively affected by short-term interest rates at the lowest 5 per cent quantile of returns. Long-term interest rates have an inverse effect on REITs only at the upper 75 and 95 per cent quantiles. We consider the possibilities that rental yields and inflationary expectations may offset the influences of financing costs. Internal management appears to compound market and interest rate risks. These have implications on investors looking to select REITs as substitutes of direct property investments.
The Impact of the Application of Social Responsibility on the Creation of a Competitive Advantage for Jordanian Private Universities

This study seeks to identify the impact of the application of social responsibility on the creation of a competitive advantage. The study has been applied on Jordanian private universities. 200 copies of the questionnaire were distributed over managers and officials at these institutions. 82% of the 164 questionnaires which were distributed over the study sample ware recovered. A group of social responsibility dimensions represented by the local community, employees, customers (students at private universities), the environment and studying its impact level on the creation of competitive advantage for Jordanian private universities have been focused upon.The hierarchical cluster has been used, where universities have been divided into groups. The results show that the first group of private universities uses social responsibility at a high and notable scale, while the second group uses social responsibility at a low scale. The results show that the group using social responsibility at a high scale, its competitive advantage is high, while the second group which uses social responsibility at a low scale, its competitive advantage is low.The study demonstrates the importance of social responsibility and the interest of Jordanian private universities to apply it for its positive and clear impact on the creation of a competitive advantage in the market.
In search of new models to guide the practical training of special pedagogy students

This study is focused on the practical training of students in the field of special pedagogy and the factors that can lead to its improvement. It demonstrates the need for active involvement of the academic staff in the process of practical training as a prerequisite for improved quality. Another important determinant of the good practical training of students appears to be the application of modern practices resulting in enhanced motivation for achievement.
The significance of license plate location based on Lab color space

This paper proposes a significant license plate locating method based on Lab space. First of all, preprocess image, delete fog and uneven illumination areas. Then utilize a lookup table to accomplish the transformation from RGB to Lab, and use the characteristic of b component to extract the license plate area of blue and yellow. Finally use the significance of color and textures. The experimental results have proved that the license plate localization method is rapid
Field tests with Madex Plus against CpGV-resistant codling moth populations in organic orchards in 2006.

When resistance to the Mexican isolate of Cydia pomonella Granulovirus (CpGV-M) arose in several organic orchards in Germany in 2004 and 2005, the future of codling moth control became a serious concern of organic fruit growing. In 2006, a new virus isolate from Andermatt Biocontrol AG (Madex Plus) was first tested in two field trials in organic orchards on codling moth populations resistant against the Mexican isolate of CpGV. Madex Plus showed a better efficacy on these populations than Madex 3. However, larval mortality larvae seemed to be somewhat delayed. A very good effect was shown in population control. The number of larvae in corrugated card board belts was significantly reduced after treatment with Madex Plus. In addition to these trials, on-farm trials in all orchards concerned of the CpGV-M resistance were carried out. The results of on-farm trials showed the same tendency: high efficacy in population control against a background of slightly delayed larval death. In 2007, Madex Plus was applied successfully in all organic orchards with CpGV-M-resistant codling moth populations in Germany.
Electron microscope images of icosahedral and cuboctahedral (f.c.c. packing) clusters of atoms

Images have been computed of closed-shell clusters of 55, 147 or 309 atoms in regular icosahedral and cuboctahedral (f.c.c.) packing for an electron microscope operating at 100 keV, with Cs = 0·7 mm and resolutions of 0·3 and 0·2 nm. The object is to test the possibility of distinguishing the two structures from their images. The results show that sizes and shapes are well represented at optimum defocus but that similar images are often given by both structures. Discrimination could be made for some images at excessive underfocus at 0·2 nm resolution.
Development Strategies for Woven SMEs in Medan

This research aims to implement development strategies for woven SMEs in Medan. Data used was primary data from depth interview with the woven SMEs in Medan. Sampling technique used was a nonprobability sampling. SWOT analysis by comparing internal and external factors was used for data analysis. The research shows woven SMEs are in the first quadrant for growth strategy. Therefore, the implementation of development strategies in woven SMEs in Medan are to increase woven quality by utilising the availability of weavers and develop creative entrepreneurship.
Begging and the risk of predation in nestling birds

Theoretical models of the evolution of begging in nestling passerines assume that begging is costly, either energetically or in terms of predation. However, few empirical measures of these costs exist We examined whether nestling begging calls could attract predators to nests by comparing predation rates at artificial nests with and without playbacks of tree swallow begging rails, Nests were baited with quail eggs and placed in pairs on die ground or in modified nest-boxes. Nests with playbacks of begging calls were depredated before control nests significantly more often in both die ground and nest-box trials, suggesting that predators may use begging calls to locate nests. These results suggest that the risk of nest predation may be increased because of calling by nestlings and provide further support for the assumption that conspicuous begging is costly in terms of predation. Kty words: begging, costs of begging, nestling birds, predation. [Bthav Ecol 8:644-646 (1997)]
Exploring the Cultural Context of School Improvement in Thailand

As education becomes a global enterprise, policies and practices derived from a particular cultural context are finding their way into educational systems that differ significantly from their land of origin. The article explores the cultural context of school improvement in Thailand, a developing Asian nation. Although Thailand is rapidly integrating into the global culture, it retains a strongly traditional set of cultural values and norms. Drawing upon literature review and case study data, we examine the changing nature of successful school improvement in Thailand during this period of rapid cultural transition. We also discuss implications for school improvement more generally.
First investigations of an ice core from Eisriesenwelt cave (Austria)

Abstract. Investigations into the genesis and dynamical properties of cave ice are essential for assessing the climate significance of these underground glaciers. We drilled an ice core through a 7.1 m-thick ice body filling a large cavern of the dynamic ice cave Eisenriesenwelt (Austria). In addition to visual core inspections, quasi-continuous measurements at 2 cm resolution comprised particulate matter, stable water isotope (δ18O, δD) and electrolytic conductivity profiles supplemented by specifically selected samples analyzed for tritium and radiocarbon. We found that recent ablation led to an almost complete loss of bomb-derived tritium removing any ice accumulated since, at least, the early fifties leaving the actual ice surface even below the natural tritium level. The small particulate organic masses rendered radiocarbon dating inconclusive, though a crude estimate gave a basal ice age in the order of several thousand years. The visual stratigraphy and all investigated parameters showed a clear dichotomy between the upper 2 m and the bottom 3 m of the core, which points to a substantial change in the ice formation process. Main features of the core comprise the changing appearance and composition of distinct cryocalcite layers, extremely low total ion content and a surprisingly high variability of the isotope signature. Co-isotope evaluation (δD versus δ18O) of the core in comparison with data from precipitation and karst spring water clearly indicate that ice formation is governed by (slow) freezing of dripping water.
Political control of government enterprises: Who controls whom?

Government enterprises are vulnerable to political intervention and influence of various interest groups. The theoretical literature emphasizes the role multiple and conflicting goals that distorts incentives and accountability. We offer empirical evidence of the importance of the political ownership with respect to internal and external interests in the enterprise. Our theoretical starting point is a veto player model of the relationship between two political parties and an interest group. The interest groups can exploit conflict between two political parties regarding the goals of the enterprise, and they can hold back the capacity to reform and restructure the enterprise. The empirical analyses are based on a survey questionnaire to board members and CEOs of the major government enterprises in Norway. The survey offers enterprise-specific measures of party agreement/conflict and interest group influence. The estimates suggest that political conflict increases interest group influence, both internal and external, and thereby holds back restructuring of the enterprise. Furthermore, when current revenues come from government grants, interest group influence tends to be extensive. In an extension of the analysis we show that media attention implies that board members are held more accountable.
Investigation on Nanocomposite Membrane of Multiwalled Carbon Nanotube Reinforced Polycarbonate Blend for Gas Separation

Carbon nanotube has been explored as a nanofiller in high performance polymeric membrane for gas separation. In this regard, nanocomposite membrane of polycarbonate PC, polyvinylidene fluoride-co-hexafluoropropylene PVFHFP, and multiwalled carbon nanotube MWCNT was fabricated via phase inversion technique. Polyethylene glycol PEG was employed for the compatibilization of the blend system. Two series of PC/PVFHFP/PEG were developed using purified P-MWCNT and acid functional A-MWCNT nanofiller. Scanning and transmission electron micrographs have shown fine nanotube dispersion and wetting by matrix, compared with the purified system. Tensile strength and Young’s modulus of PC/PVFHFP/PEG/MWCNT-A 1–5 were found to be in the range of 63.6–72.5 MPa and 110.6–122.1 MPa, respectively. The nanocomposite revealed 51% increase in Young’s modulus and 28% increase in tensile stress relative to the pristine blend. The A-MWCNT was also effective in enhancing the permselectivity αCO2/N2 31.2–39.9 of nanocomposite membrane relative to the blend membrane 21.6. The permeability PCO2 of blend was 125.6 barrer; however, the functional series had enhanced PCO2 values ranging from 142.8 to 186.6 barrer. Moreover, A-MWCNT loading improved the gas diffusivity of PC/PVFHFP/PEG/MWCNT-A 1–5; however, filler content did not significantly influence the CO2 and N2 solubility.
Effect of small anisotropy and absorption on metamaterial applications: “non-ideal” features of propagation and tunneling of electromagnetic waves

For cases of isotropic, uniaxial, and biaxial electromagnetic metamaterials (MM), a comparative analysis of the effect of small deviations of local material parameters from “ideal” values on the realization of MM applications (“zero” media, the Veselago-Pendry superlens) has been carried out. On the basis of the detailed investigation of the solutions of dispersion equations, it is established that even a very small dielectric and (or) magnetic anisotropy of a general form is the universal “non-ideal” factor determining (to a much greater extent than small losses) the operability of those MM applications where the wave misphasing in the effective medium is undesirable. The characteristics of wave attenuation in the absorbing isotropic and weakly anisotropic MM are mainly comparable for the applications. Limitations of the traditional approaches using the second-order curves (or surfaces) for analytic modeling of the absorbing MM dispersion equations are shown.
Sectoral Gender Wage Gap in Vietnam

Vietnam is under pressure to reduce the size of the state sector. Using the Vietnam Living Standards Survey 1997–98, the paper examines the impact of this change on the gender earnings gap. Women have traditionally been over-represented in the state sector. After exiting the state sector, some seek jobs in the private sector. Estimation of separate earnings equations by sector suggests that the gender pay gaps in the state-owned enterprises and the private sector are comparable. One may then conclude that women’s relative economic position may not have worsened significantly. However, Appleton’s decomposition (1999) has demonstrated that the gender pay gap would be much wider if men and women were equally distributed between state and private sectors. Given that further downsizing is planned, it is important to increase women’s human capital to reduce their vulnerability. Equal pay legislation and paid maternity leave are some policies that can reduce within-sector earnings inequality.
Educational Outcomes of Postsecondary Occupational Students

This Brief discusses a research study that was conducted to determine the rates of degree completion of community college occupational students compared with other types of postsecondary students, and to identify factors that might explain those differences. Much of the existing literature on college persistence and completion is focused on baccalaureate students and pays little attention to students in community colleges, and even fewer studies consider differences by students’ program of study. Therefore, it is important to investigate whether students in occupational programs in community colleges persist in postsecondary education and attain degrees at similar rates as their academic and baccalaureate peers. Community college students, as defined here, are those taking for-credit courses at a two-year or less than two-year institution, or at a four-year institution, and who are pursuing a certificate or associate degree, or seeking no degree. Thus, community college student is a descriptive term independent of the type of institution the student is attending; rather, the designation is based on the student’s type of degree program. While we include some students at four-year institutions because of their stated degree objective, nearly 90 percent of all community college students fitting this definition attend two-year or less than two-year institutions, with more than threequarters attending public two-year institutions. Occupational students constitute a group within the community college student population whose self-reported major is in one of the following vocational fields of study: agricultural business and production, agricultural sciences, business, communication technologies, computer and information science, construction, engineering, engineering technologies, health professions, home economics, mechanics and repair, personal services, precision production, protective services, science technologies, or transportation. Academic students also comprise a group of community college students. Their self-reported major is in an academic field of study (humanities, mathematics, science, or social science). Baccalaureate students are those taking for-credit courses toward a bachelor’s degree at a four-year institution.
Changes in Undergraduate Engineering College Climate and Predictors of Major Commitment: Results from Climate Studies in 2008 and 2015

This paper presents results of two cross-sectional investigations of educational and interpersonal climate in a college of engineering at a large mid-western university. In 2008 and in 2015 we deployed a survey ("Project to Assess Climate in Engineering”) to undergraduate engineering students. In each survey year, just over 1000 eligible students participated and responded to items contributing to scales rating their professors, teaching assistants, college resources, confidence (self-efficacy) in engineering, student interactions, perceptions of engineering, and commitment to an engineering major. Participants were also asked about experiences of being singled-out based on race or gender, hearing gender or racial stereotypes expressed by faculty or students, sexual harassment and racial harassment. Scale means and some individual items were analyzed for differences by demographic group, and were compared to data collected by the same institution in 2008. Results revealed significant differences in attitudes and experiences from 2008 to 2015 for the entire sample and within demographic groups. For example, experiences of stereotyping and being singled-out due to gender or race were reported at higher rates across all groups in 2015 compared to 2008, while engineering selfefficacy, ratings of professors and student interactions were lower. To investigate the influence of demographic and scale factors on commitment to major, we formed regression equations for each survey year. In 2015, perceptions of engineering, engineering self-efficacy and professor ratings predicted commitment to major. Regression results differed significantly in 2008 and 2015. Among other findings, while underrepresented minority and international status negatively influenced commitment to major in 2008, neither underrepresented minority nor international status had a significant influence on commitment to major in our 2015 sample.
(S)-fuscumol and (S)-fuscumol acetate produced by a male Astyleiopus variegatus (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae)

Abstract Within the family Cerambycidae (Coleoptera), (E)-6,10-dimethyl-5,9-undecadien-2-ol (fuscumol) and (E)-6,10-dimethyl-5,9-undecadien-2-yl acetate (fuscumol acetate) have been shown to attract several species in the subfamily Lamiinae. However, it is not yet clear whether beetles within the subfamily actually produce these compounds as pheromones or rather respond to them as kairomones. We report here that male Astyleiopus variegatus (Haldeman) produce both fuscumol and fuscumol acetate, suggesting that the compounds are indeed pheromones for this species. We also determined that the absolute configurations of these compounds are (S)-fuscumol and (S)-fuscumol acetate by synthesis of both enantiomers of each. Résumé Il est connu qu'au sein de la famille des Cerambycidae (Coleoptera), le (E)-6,10-diméthyl-5,9-undécadién-2-ol (fuscumol) et l'acétate de (E)-6,10-diméthyl-5,9-undécadién-2-yle (acétate de fuscumol) attirent plusieurs espèces de la sous-famille des Lamiinae. Il n'est cependant pas clair si les coléoptères de la sous-famille produisent de fait ces composés comme phéromones ou alors y réagissent comme à des kairomones. Nous rapportons ici que les mâles d’Astyleiopus variegatus (Haldeman) produisent à la fois du fuscumol et de l'acétate de fuscumol, ce qui laisse croire que les deux composés servent de phéromones chez cette espèce. Nous avons aussi déterminé que les configurations absolues de ces composés sont le (S)-fuscumol et l'acétate de (S)-fuscumol par la synthèse des deux énantiomères de chacun.
Transportation and Trade Interactions: A Trade Facilitation Perspective

Trade facilitation policies intend to simplify administrative processes and accelerate the handling of shipments across borders. Recent research shows that these policies have substantial effects on trade flows. In this chapter, we discuss what the existing evidence for trade implies for the provision of transportation services. In addition, we make use of a particular policy change, an upgrade to a new transit trade regime, to illustrate the many direct and indirect linkages between trade facilitation and transportation. These multiple connections imply that a well-functioning transportation sector is important to realize the full potential of trade facilitation policies. Our conceptual and empirical analyses show that, despite an increase in demand for transportation services, the effect of trade facilitation on freight rates and the underlying transportation sector is far from obvious. This calls for future research to examine equilibrium adjustment channels to trade facilitation policies in the transportation sector.
Attention in the Infant Siblings of Children with an Autism Spectrum Disorder

of a thesis at the University of Miami. Thesis supervised by Dr. Daniel Messinger. No. of pages in text. (29) Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASDs) are impaired in visually disengaging attention in both social and non-social contexts, impairments that may, in subtler form, also affect the infant siblings of children with an ASD (ASD-sibs). I investigated patterns of visual attention (gazing) in six-month-old ASD-sibs (n = 17) and the siblings of typically developing children (COMP-sibs; n =17) during the Face-toFace/Still-Face Protocol (FFSF). Also, I examined joint attention through the Early Social Communication Scales (ESCS) when ASD-sibs and COMP-sibs were eight months of age. The relationship between gazing and later joint attention was examined. Throughout the FFSF protocol, ASD-sibs shifted their gaze to and from their parents' faces less frequently than did COMP-sibs. The mean durations of ASD-sibs’ gazes away from their parents' faces were longer than those of COMP-sibs. ASD-sibs and COMPsibs did not differ in the mean durations of gazes at their parents' faces. Also, infants’ shifts in gaze were positively correlated with initiating joint attention behaviors at eight months of age. In sum, ASD-sibs showed no deficits in visual interest to their parents’ faces, but greater interest than COMP-sibs in non-face stimuli. Such differences may play an important role in the development of joint attention.