Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Gender-specific dynamics in working hours

Gender-specific dynamics in working hours ERSA Barcelona 2011 The Dutch are part-time working champions of the world, not just because the majority of women work part-time, also a growing number of men are working part-time. However, with the aging of the population there is an increasing threat to current welfare levels. The aim of this paper is to assess the possibilities of a rise in wealth through a change in (the trend of) working hours. For the analysis we have created a unique data base which includes workers that have occupied the same job in the period 2003-2005. This means we abstain from dynamics in jobs, (i.e. job finders, job switchers, job losers), which can partly be attributed to changes in participation. Instead we focus completely at working hours of a given job. The analysis is comprised of two parts, first we analyse factors determine the actual number of hours worked for both female and male occupied jobs. Second, we analyse the dynamics in working hours of a given job using a bivariate probit estimation with selection. This model takes into account what factors determine if a person does or does not change working hours and subsequently examines which factors determine whether this change is an increase or a decrease in working hours. Women more frequently change their working hours than men and both rather decrease than increase their working hours. Changes in work situation and household situation are important determinants of changes in working hours, for women also changes in residential context play a role. A decrease in hourly wage and a relative decrease in the burden of taking care of small children are important determinants of increasing working hours, for both men and women. Although men only decrease their working hours after the birth of the first child.
Duration-based approach to VaR independence backtesting

Dynamic development in the area of value-at-risk (VaR) estimation and growing implementation of VaR-based risk valuation models in investment companies stimulate the need for statistical methods of VaR models evaluation. Following recent changes in Basel Accords, current UE banking supervisory regulations require internal VaR model backtesting, which provides another strong incentive for research on relevant statistical tests. Previous studies have shown that commonly used VaR independence Markov-chain-based testing procedure exhibits low power, which constitutes a particularly serious problem in the case of finite-sample settings. In the paper, as an alternative to the popular Markov test an overview of the group of duration-based VaR backtesting procedures is presented along with exploration of their statistical properties while rejecting a non-realistic assumption of infinite sample size. The Monte Carlo test technique was adopted to provide exact tests, in which asymptotic distributions were replaced with simulated finite sample distributions. A Monte Carlo study, based on the GARCH model, was designed to investigate the size and the power of the tests. Through the comparative analysis we found that, in the light of observed statistical properties, the duration-based approach was superior to the Markov test.
A Call to the Future: The New Air Force Strategic Framework

Abstract : America's Airmen are amazing. Even after more than two decades of nonstop combat operations, they continue to rise to every challenge put before them. I wish I could say that things are about to get easier, but I cannot because the dominant trends point to a complex future that will challenge us in new and demanding ways. Adversaries are emerging in all shapes and sizes, and the pace of technological and societal change is increasing with a corresponding increase in the demand for air, space, and cyber power. In this context, senior Air Force leaders realize we need a single, integrated strategy to focus the way our service organizes, trains, and equips the force to conduct future operations. We need a strategy that points the way forward and does not limit us to an intractable view of the future one that is actionable, with clear goals and vectors that are implementable, assessable, and revisable. This article describes that strategy: the new Air Force strategic framework for strategy-driven resourcing.
The Delft Filtration Characterisation method: Assessing membrane bioreactor activated sludge filterability

Clean water is becoming a scarce resource. As a consequence reclaimed wastewater can be an attractive alternative to replace existing water resources for non-potable reuse options. In order to achieve this goal advanced treatment technologies are required. An example of such technology is the membrane bioreactor (MBR) process. In the MBR process the biomass (activated sludge) that biologically degrades the pollutants in wastewater is separated from the purified water (effluent) by an advanced membrane filtration step, instead of the conventional sedimentation step. The superior effluent quality that can be achieved with MBR technology offers possibilities for reuse options such as irrigation and industrial process water. Application of the MBR process is however restrained by the relatively high operation and maintenance costs, related to the problem of membrane fouling (accumulation of substances on the membrane and the accompanying decrease of the system performance). In order to make MBR technology a feasible alternative more knowledge about the fouling process is required. In the research described in this thesis a method used to characterise the filterability of activated sludge is discussed and applied at full-scale MBR plants in the Netherlands. In addition the factors the influence the filterability are analysed. This is important, because good filterability forms the starting-point for an efficient MBR filtration process.
Uma análise da volatilidade condicional dos preços do petróleo

This paper analyzes the conditional volatility of daily returns on West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude oil futures contracts traded at the New York Mercantile Exchange (NYMEX) from January 1985 to September 2007. We verify whether there was an increase in volatility as a consequence of the increasing volumes traded in futures markets. Using the ARMA(3,0) GARCH(1,1) conditional volatility model with t-student distribution, we conclude that, in spite of the increasing volumes traded in the futures markets, there was no increase in volatility. In reality, there was a reduction in volatility in the 2004-2007 period, in addition to a decline in the persistence of shocks, indicating that these are increasingly transitory. The results concerning the hypothesis of volatility asymmetry for crude oil returns were not conclusive.
A novo missense variant of the PHEX gene in patients with X-linked dominant hypophosphatemia

X-linked hypophosphatemia (XLH) is characterized by low serum phosphate concentration. Both males and females could be affected, and males tend to perform more severely. Identification of a pathological variation in the phosphate-regulating gene with homologies to endopeptidase on the X chromosome ( PHEX ) gene regulating phosphate located in the X chromosome by molecular genetic detection confirms the diagnosis. The current pharmacologic treatments mainly focus on relieving symptoms instead of preventing it occur. A maternally inherited novo missense heterozygous variant c.1256G>A in exon 11 of the PHEX gene was found in the proband and her mother. SIFT, Polyphen2 and PROVEAN predicted it as a deleterious mutation. This mutation was also detected in an affected maternal grandmother and an affected maternal uncle, a healthy maternal uncle and three healthy maternal aunts and their offspring did not carry this mutation. We identified a novo PHEX variant c.1256G>A, p.(Gly419Glu), the heterozygous mutation may be the cause of the deformity in this family.
Optimum design of microthermal flow sensor and its evaluation in wall shear stress measurement

A numerical analysis of unsteady conjugate heat transfer for a microthermal flow sensor was made in order to improve its frequency response in the wall shear stress measurement. It is found that there exists a limit of the frequency response even for the ideal sensor that has no heat conduction loss to the substrate. Heat conduction in the fluid and indirect convective heat transfer from the diaphragm are two major mechanisms of sensor response deterioration. We propose an optimum arrangement of the hot-film and diaphragm based on the detailed numerical simulation of the thermal field, and evaluate its performance in turbulent flow measurements.
The Relationship between Reward, Work Discipline, Motivation and Employee Job Satisfaction among Employees of Inews Tv Padang, Indonesia

This study aims to analyze the influence of reward, motivation and discipline to employee job satisfaction. The sample of this research is 15 employees of iNews TV. Exploratory factor analysis aims to confirm the structure of factors that underlie independent predictors with each other. The results of this study explain that reward, motivation and work discipline affect job satisfaction reward, motivation and work discipline affect job satisfaction. Of the several variables that affect job satisfaction, the work discipline variables that provide the greatest contribution to satisfaction.Company management is expected to pay attention to variable work discipline employees to support the achievement of job satisfaction
The Preliminary Investigation into the Self-Efficacy of students taking an Accounting and Finance course in Undergraduate Engineering Degree Programmes

An investigation into the effectiveness of teaching accounting and finance to engineering students at the University of York, England is presented. It uses data collected from students in two consecutive academic years, 2008 and 2009. The work is part of a three-year PhD research project that aims to initially establish and validate a scale measurement for self-efficacy in accounting and finance taught as part of University degree programmes. The PhD Research project then uses this measure to investigate the effectiveness of different teaching methods and student engagement activities to develop a better understanding of how educators can build self-efficacy in their student. Pre- and Post- delivery questionnaires were used to collect data for a 9-week duration course. A student identifier was used to link pre- and post- questionnaires to the same student and of the 64 completed questionnaires received, 39 (60.9%) could be matched. In addition to asking questions that would support the development of the self-efficacy scale, questions were also asked about the student’s general background, past study experience, work experience, engagement with activities (society, club or business related competition), career intention and exposure to role models. These additional questions provide the data to explore what it is the affects the students accounting and finance self-efficacy and how it develops during the course. This paper presents the background to the project, a brief review of relevant literature, the methodology and results obtained so far. It concludes with initial comments on implications for educators in this area, including a number of options for engineering educators, not only in teaching an accounting and finance course, but also in general life-long learning for engineering undergraduates.
Electrochemical circuit model of a PEM fuel cell

A dynamic circuit model for a fuel cell is presented. The model accounts for flow transients, the reactant partial pressures, as well as loss mechanisms within the fuel cell. For a selected PEM fuel cell design, analyses are performed to examine load transients imposed on the fuel cell. The PSpice programming environment was employed. Such model capability is required to ensure power operation of a fuel cell when controlled by an inverter as would be used in home applications.
Software Project Management in Practice

We often hear about software projects that are late, over budget, or unable to satisfy customer needs. Yet some organizations are able to manage project after project successfully with desired results. In this book, Pankaj Jalote looks at one such organization, Infosys Technologies, a highly regarded high-maturity organization, and details the processes it has place to manage projects. Revealing exactly how Infosys operates, jalote provides an excellent case study to guide project managers everywhere. The specific Infosys practices described reflect sound management principles and practices. They are also grounded in common sense, and can be incorporated into any organization's software development operation easier.
Advanced technology to identify harmonics characteristics and results of measuring

This paper presents the advanced measurement technology to clarify interaction between harmonic current source and utility power systems. Difficulty in solving harmonics problems is, as a well-known fact, originated with the difficulty to clarify cause and effect between harmonic source and utility power systems. If we could measure harmonic current of inflow to load side from utility power network and outflow to utility power network from load side, the harmonic problem will be easily solved and prevented. Many kind of harmonic instruments are being used, however, no practical technology has been provided so far. We have developed an active harmonic instrument using current injection of inter-harmonic frequency (noninteger harmonics), which exist in small amount in utility power systems. The active harmonic instrument can measure harmonic impedance for power supply side and load side individually and clearly discriminate between inflow of harmonic current to load side and outflow to power supply side from loads. Since successfully confirming the performance of this instrument in an actual distribution network the authors have carried out field tests in distribution networks located in industrial area, residential area and commercial area, and succeeded in determining their precise characteristics.
Design and manufacture of an electro-mechanical hand position tracker

This thesis discusses the conceptual design, manufacture, and assembly of a device that tracks the movements and position of a user's hand. This device will be used for stroke patients undergoing rehabilitation using robotic aids, monitoring their use of their unimpaired hand, particular when performing bimanual tasks. This device uses a system of linkages and potentiometers to track the angles of the wrist, as well as the MCP and CMC joints of the index finger and the thumb. This allows a simple model of the hand to be constructed on the computer in x, y, and z dimensions. In addition, a base was designed and built to locate the absolute position of the hand in three dimensions. The potentiometers are then connected to a computer where the movements can be viewed. Thesis Supervisor: Hermano Igo Krebs Title: Senior Principal Research Scientist & Lecturer
Seasonal Unit Root Testing Based on the Temporal Aggregation of Seasonal Cycles

The effects of systematic sampling and temporal aggregation on the seasonal cycle model (see Miron, 1993) and the seasonally integrated process (see Hylleberg et al., 1990) are discussed. The temporal aggregation theory is used to improve the sequential test for monthly seasonal unit roots of Rodrigues and Franses (2003). It is shown by simulation that the monthly sequential test has better finite sample properties than the BM test (see Beaulieu and Miron, 1993). The new test is applied to monthly US Industrial Production and, contrary to the BM test, rejects the presence of any seasonal unit root.
WRKY Gene Silencing Enhances Tolerance to Salt Stress in Transgenic Tomato

WRKY proteins are superfamily of transcription factors, which are up or down-regulated in response to biotic and abiotic stress though limited study has conducted on transcriptional repression of tomato WRKY genes to salt stress. Thus, this study was conducted on three transgenic tomato ( Solanum lycopersicum L. cv. Moneymaker) T1 generation plants carrying RNAi constructs for WRKY5, WRKY12, and WRKY13 to identify WRKYs that can act as negative regulators and uncover associated gene expression. In vitro propagated transgenic and wild type (MM) seedlings were transferred to pots under greenhouse. The plants were watered with standard solution supplemented with 0 or 100 mM NaCl for 4 weeks and evaluated for their responses. The result showed WRKY12 and WRKY13_RNAi lines performed better under salt stress with successful silencing which suggest the two WRKY transcription factors act as negative regulators. SOS1 is up regulated in WRKY13_RNAi, which may lead to low Na + accumulation and contribute to salt tolerance. Expression of APX is up regulated in WRKY12 and WRKY13_RNAi, which may contribute to salt tolerance mechanism of the two genotypes. Microarray analysis of abiotic stress related genes might give clear indication for the regulatory role of WRKY12 and WRKY13 in abiotic stress tolerance.
Methodologies for the Sustainability Assessment of Agricultural Production Systems, with a Focus on Rice: A Review

The intensification of agricultural production is connected to the increased use of fertilizers, pesticides, irrigation water, and energy. Among all cropping systems, rice cultivation is considered to be one of the most significant sources of environmental harm due to the flooding conditions in which rice normally grows; at the same time, rice has important economic and social implications, especially in areas where it is a staple food. In the last 20 years, sustainable development of agricultural production has become a priority for scientific research and policy programs. Several studies proposed methodological frameworks to assess the impacts of different management practices adopted in agro-ecosystems and to identify strategies to mitigate the negative effects of agricultural intensification. Such methodologies are based on the use of particular indicators, which are increasingly seen as crucial tools in impact assessment studies and for decision making. This paper aims to review and analyze the most significant methodological frameworks developed to assess the sustainability of agricultural production systems, with a particular focus on rice cultivation. The analysis includes highlighting which dimensions of sustainability (economic, environmental, social, and governance) are covered by each method and identifying which indicators are used to describe the different dimensions. The spatial scale of the application of the indicators, their typology, the data needed for their implementation, and the criteria for formulating the overall sustainability judgment were then examined. The analysis highlighted the scarce availability of clear operational data for the calculation of the indicators and the often-limited involvement of stakeholders in the development and implementation of the methodologies. The exceptions to these limitations are represented by a few methodologies developed under the umbrella of important international organizations to promote sustainability and research efficiency in specific agricultural production systems, such as the SRP (sustainable rice platform) for rice. Finally, the analysis shows that there is a need to develop methodologies that are applicable not only to an individual farm or group of farms, but also at larger spatial scales (district, watershed, region), which are often those of greatest interest to decision makers.
Pregnancy-Induced Changes in Body Fat, Physical Fitness and Energy Requirements in Military and Civilian Women

Abstract : This study addresses the impact of pregnancy-induced changes in body composition and physical fitness on postpartum return to duty readiness. We hypothesize that moderate levels of physical activity will maintain physical fitness and limit excess fat deposition during pregnancy without jeopardizing fetal growth if dietary intake is not restricted. Furthermore, moderate levels of physical activity will facilitate fat mobilization and conserve fat-free-mass (FFM) during postpartum weight loss. Physical activity, weight, FFM and fat mass, fitness, strength, and iron status will be measured in 34 military reservists and 34 civilian women with low to normal pre-pregnancy BMI through a complete reproductive cycle (0, 8, 22, 36 wk gestation; 2, 6 and 24 wk postpartum). Physical activity will be quantified as the difference between total energy expenditure and basal metabolic rate measured by the doubly-labeled water method and room respiration calorimetry. Body volume (hydrodensitometry), total body water 2H/18O dilution), potassium (40K counting), nitrogen (prompt-gamma activation), and bone mineral (dual X-ray absorptiometry) will be used to calculate FFM and fat mass. Physical fitness will be determined by submaximal and maximal aerobic capacity tests. This report presents preliminary results on women prior to, during and after pregnancy. Data obtained prior to pregnancy strongly indicate a need to revise military equations used to predict body fat of women.
Vbot: motivating computational and complex systems fluencies with constructionist virtual/physical robotics

As scientists use the tools of computational and complex systems theory to broaden science perspectives (e.g., Bar-Yam, 1997; Holland, 1995; Wolfram, 2002), so can middle-school students broaden their perspectives using appropriate tools. The goals of this dissertation project are to build, study, evaluate, and compare activities designed to foster both computational and complex systems fluencies through collaborative constructionist virtual and physical robotics. In these activities, each student builds an agent (e.g., a robot-bird) that must interact with fellow students' agents to generate a complex aggregate (e.g., a flock of robot-birds) in a participatory simulation environment (Wilensky & Stroup, 1999a). In a participatory simulation, students collaborate by acting in a common space, teaching each other, and discussing content with one another. As a result, the students improve both their computational fluency and their complex systems fluency, where fluency is defined as the ability to both consume and produce relevant content (DiSessa, 2000). To date, several systems have been designed to foster computational and complex systems fluencies through computer programming and collaborative play (e.g., Hancock, 2003; Wilensky & Stroup, 1999b); this study suggests that, by supporting the relevant fluencies through collaborative play, they become mutually reinforcing. In this work, I will present both the design of the VBOT virtual/physical constructionist robotics learning environment and a comparative study of student interaction with the virtual and physical environments across four middle-school classrooms, focusing on the contrast in systems perspectives differently afforded by the two environments. In particular, I found that while performance gains were similar overall, the physical environment supported agent perspectives on aggregate behavior, and the virtual environment supported aggregate perspectives on agent behavior. The primary research questions are: (1) What are the relative affordances of virtual and physical constructionist robotics systems towards computational and complex systems fluencies? (2) What can middle school students learn using computational/complex systems learning environments in a collaborative setting? (3) In what ways are these environments and activities effective in teaching students computational and complex systems fluencies?