bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Dynamism of Monetary Transmission Mechanism in Nigeria: Interest Rate and Market Capitalization Causality Evidence
Authors: Agundu Prince Umor C. , Henry Akani Waleru
Published: April 2020

The potency of monetary transmission channels anchors the process by which interest rate movements and other cardinal aggregates influence critical financial fundamentals in an economy. This study, thus, examines dynamism of the monetary transmission mechanism with focus on the causality of interest rate and market capitalization in the Nigerian economy. Time series data covering a period of 36 years (1981 - 2015) were extracted from publications of monetary authorities and related agencies, including annual reports of Deposit Money Banks (DMBs) in the country. Facilitated by E-Views software, the analytical proceedings generated the required statistical outcomes in terms of coefficient of correlation (r), coefficient of determination (R2), t-statistic, and F-statistic. Granger causality test was also conducted to clearly establish the direction of causality between the focal variables. Essentially, the null hypothesis is rejected as probability of the F-statistic is less than the specified 0.05 level of significance. The granger causality test statistics run from four interest rate components to the operational capital market fundamental (with F-statistics of 5.758, 5.540, 4.209,and5.656; as well as  probability values of 0.008, 0.009, 0.002, and 0.009 respectively). In view of the analytical outcomes, it is recommended that interest rate components be efficiently synergized to boost investors’ confidence and further drive monetary policy dynamics towards greater financial system vitality and sustainability in Nigeria.
Behavioral Implications of Budget Preparation: A Review and Future Research Context
Authors: Ferdous Lutfa T
Published: April 2020

This paper discusses the development of the behavioral implications of budget preparation and provides suggestions for future research on budgetary slack and its negative impact on budget preparation and performance evaluation and its influence on budget preparers and users. This paper extends future research by focusing on the proposed research question and research model including developed and developing economies. In doing so, this paper identifies research questions where evidence remains mixed and new directions in which there are research opportunities.
Sovereign Credit Rating Announcements and Liquidity Shocks in the Lebanese Daily Foreign Exchange Market
Authors: Azar Samih Antoine
Published: April 2020

Sovereign credit rating announcements are usually unexpected events that can affect local financial markets either favorably or detrimentally. In Lebanon, the credit outlook witnessed a deteriorating trend since the mid of the year 2016. The major hypothesis of this paper is that the reaction to the bad credit rating announcements is statistically significant, although ephemeral, delimited to just a few days. It is through the liquidity channel that these announcements create uncertainty and affect the economy. There are two related hypotheses: (1) illiquidity shocks impact undesirably the financial markets, and (2) credit rating announcements are accompanied by a surge in illiquidity. Since the impact of these announcements is ephemeral it should be assessed by high-frequency data, or at most by daily financial data. The domestic foreign exchange market is an ideal place to study this impact. Fortunately, the central bank of Lebanon has lately made available daily foreign exchange rates for six major currencies beginning in 2010. This defines six multiple regressions that are constructed to differentiate between the short-run and the long-run responses to illiquidity. The empirical results show that the above two hypotheses are strongly supported. Moreover, it matters little whether the event window is 3, 4 or 5 days.

JEL Classification: G14, F31, C58, C38.
An Evaluation of the Role of Commercial Banks in Financing Small and Medium Scale Enterprises (SMEs): Evidence from Nigeria
Authors: Gololo Ibrahim Aliyu
Published: April 2020

In this study an attempt was made to evaluate the role of commercial banks in financing small and medium scale enterprises in Nigeria. There is absolutely no doubt that small and medium scale enterprises play a pivotal role and contributes tremendously to the economic growth and development of many developing economy including Nigeria, but survival of Small and medium scale enterprises is often hampered by access to finance which key players were making attempt to solve. The objective of this study is to evaluate the extent to which commercial banks in Nigeria play their role in solving financing needs of small and medium scale enterprises. The study employed secondary data which use the ratio of loans to Small and Medium Scale Enterprises by commercial banks as a percentage of their total credit for the period between 1991-2012.The study utilize paired sample t-test and significance of ratio of loans to Small and Medium Scale Enterprises was tested to access the performance of Small and Medium Scale Enterprises Equity Investment Scheme by banks to provide finance to Small and Medium Scale Enterprises. The result shows that commercial banks loans even with the equity scheme introduction do not make significance positive impact on loan disbursement to finance SMEs. It is recommended that Nigerian commercial banks should embrace risk-averse behavior in respect of loans to SMEs, interest rate should be review for SMEs loans by Central bank of Nigeria and increase SMEEIS contribution by commercial banks. Specialized bank should be established by government to finance SMEs; it should also provide adequate infrastructural facilities in the country and address present security challenges so as to make Nigeria conducive for SMEs to operate.
An Empirical Analysis on the Future Economic and Financial Growth of the Banking Sector in Nepal
Authors: S Nisa. , Kharel Kushal Krishna
Published: April 2020

The Nepalese economy always experiences the trade deficit.Only, listed few goods are exported to foreign in cheap price whereas most of basic and all of luxurious items are imported from overseas at a high price. India is an immediate neighbor with whom most of the transactions of import and export are done.Again, the purchasing power of common Nepalese is comparatively high than other underdeveloped nation. The increasing openings of a bank account by people in every bank are a kind of surprise. If we observe the financial statement of every bank the number of the consumer of each product is increasing year by year. Banks are earning more than previous, some are doing good by earning double benefit than previous FY financial statement. Though the country political, economic and social current structure is not so supportive, it is very unusual fact to see the progress of banks and financial institutions. This creates a kind of curiosity to the researcher to find the reason behind it. This topic "increasing access of general people of Nepal to the banking sector is selected to analyze the reason behind in depth that will kind the different dimensions and level of society to formulate their own policies.
Determinants of Commercial Banks Credit to the Domestic Economy in Nigeria: Examinations of Dynamics Principles
Authors: Waleru Akani, Henry , Beauty Oparaordu,
Published: April 2020

This study examined determinants of commercial banks credit to the domestic economy in Nigeria. The objective was to examine the extent to which banks variables, macroeconomic and monetary policy variables affects credit allocation of Nigerian Commercial Banks. Time series data was sourced from Central Bank of Nigeria Statistical bulletin and financial statement of commercial banks. Percentage of total commercial banks loans to gross domestic product was proxy for dependent variable while the banks specific variables are peroxide by operational efficiency, liquidity, number of commercial banks branches, Commercial Banks Deposit Liabilities and deposit rate. The independent variables in macroeconomic model comprises of real gross domestic product, public expenditure, openness of the economy, inflation rate and exchange rate while monetary policy variables comprises of treasury bills rate, real interest rate, monetary policy rate, growth of money supply and financial sector development. The study employed ordinary least square properties of augmented Dickey Fuller test, co-integration test, and granger causality test and vector error correction model. Findings from the study revealed that; banks specific variables shows that deposit liabilities and liquidity ratio have positive impact on total loans and advances while deposit rate, number of commercial banks branches and openness of the economy have negative impact. Model II found that; exchange rate, inflation rate and Real Gross Domestic Product have positive impact while public expenditure and openness of the economy have negative impact on total commercial bank loans and advances. Model III found that; financial sector development and monetary policy rate have negative impact while growth of money supply, real interest rate and Treasury bills rate have positive impact on total loans and advances of commercial banks. We conclude that monetary policy, bank specific variables or internal variables and macroeconomic variables are strong determinants of Nigerian commercial banks loans and advances. We therefore, recommend for the interplay and the strengthening of macroeconomic variables, monetary policy variables and banks specific variables (internal policies) in order to enhance commercial banks credit in Nigeria.
Banks’ Profitability in an Islamized Financial System: Comparative Study between Iran and Sudan
Authors: Al-Harbi Ahmad
Published: April 2020

The main objective of this paper is to explore and compare the drives of banks’ profitability in Iran and Sudan as both countries Islamized their financial systems, and according to the best of my knowledge is the first paper to compare banks’ profitability on the only two Islamized financial systems in the world, Iran and Sudan. This study employs panel data techniques specifically one-way fixed effect model, data obtained from Bank scope database, to address this paper title for the period 1992-2008. The descriptive statistics results show that Iranian banks are more profitable and have higher loan to total asset ratio in comparison to Sudanese banks. Contrary, Sudanese banks are more liquid; more capitalized and have higher reserves. The regression analysis reported that capital adequacy (positive), loan intensity (negative), management efficiency (negative), lagged GDP growth (positive) and real interest rate (positive) had the same significant effect on banks’ profitability in Iran and Sudan. Meanwhile, liquidity albeit had the same positive effect on banks’ profitability in Iran and Sudan the results were significant in case of Iran. On the other hand, size, credit risk and industry concentration had opposite effect on banks in Iran and Sudan. The effect of size was negative for Iranian banks and positive and insignificant for Sudanese banks. Also, credit risk was negative and significant for Iranian banks and positive for Sudanese banks (insignificant).  The same applies for industry concentration as the variable impacted Iranian banks negatively (significant) and Sudanese banks positively (significant).
The Determinants of Liquidity Risk in Islamic Banks: A Case of Sudanese Banking Sector
Authors: Mennawi Ahmed Nourrein Ahmed , Ahmed Ahmed Ali
Published: April 2020

Liquidity risk either due to a surplus or serious shortage in liquidity has a significant impact to the performance and sustainability of Islamic banks. Nevertheless, there are still no common agreement on specific factors that determine the liquidity risk in Islamic banking.  This study investigates the determinant factors that affect the liquidity risk of Sudanese Islamic banks. A sample of 11 banks has been selected for a period of 7 years (2012 – 2018).  The study is based on secondary data that analysed using Pearson correlation and multiple regression analysis for hypotheses tests.  It investigated the explanatory variables of the bank’s cash position (CASH), investment in short-term securities (SECA), degree of financing the assets from customers’ deposits (DPAS) and bad financing and credit risk (NPL) as representatives of banks’ specific factors plus one microeconomic factor which is Gross Domestic Product (GDP).  The analysis found a significant and negative relation of CASH and SECA with the liquidity risk in Islamic banks. On the other hand, the results reveal that the DPAS and NPL variables have a positive relation and significant, while the GDP seen to be irrelevant to liquidity risk in Islamic bank. The importance of the study is that it touches the most significant type of risk that most of Sudanese Islamic banks face, and the data analysed covers a relatively longer period of time than similar studies for a single country. We target that the study contributes in providing decision-makers with reasonable ground for prediction and managing the liquidity risk.

 JEL Classification: G21, G17, G32.
Review on Sects and Religions in History of Iraq
Authors: Alfahham Muayad Baqer Mohammed
Published: April 2020

Every tribe in Iraq has (Sunnis ,Sheia , the Yazidis, Turkmen, Armen,…) in its ranks. Every town and city have a mix of communities. My experience of Iraq, and that of all friends and relatives, is that of an amazing mix of coexisting communities, despite successive divide-and-rule regimes. For many centuries Iraq has been able to allow a religious, cultural and ethnic diversity to exist. Marred and disfigured as it undoubtedly has been from time to time by savage sectarian outbursts it has managed to stand the test of time. And now in a matter of months it is being swept away probably forever in an unimaginably brutal way. This is not only a terrible tragedy for each of those involved it is an historic tragedy for the world as yet another part of the finely woven tapestry of human complexity and coexistence is ripped to shreds. It is easier and quicker by far to destroy, and to call for destruction, than it is to build.
Guilt and liability between Aristotle and Stoics
Authors: Gábriš Tomáš
Published: April 2020

Cicero interpreted the Stoic term ἁμάρτημα, used already by Aristotle, as a “crime”, thus coming to a seeming paradox of equality of all crimes, when explaining the Stoic claim of all ἁμαρτήματα being equal. However, should the term refer rather to illegality or “guilt”, all quotes become much less paradoxical. This seems even more appropriate in the context of responsibility for “killing one’ s father” mentioned in Stoic (and Aristotle’ s) treatises.
Axiology of human rights on the premises and determinants of contemporary discourse in the philosophy of international law
Authors: Kociołek-Pęksa Anna , Menkes Jerzy
Published: April 2020

Considering the pluralism of the axiological sources of human rights, we claim that it is necessary to realize that we are facing at the moment an analytic extension of both the “number” of human rights (appearance of new generations of human rights), as well as the “quantitative quality” of human rights due to newly uncovered axiological sources such as the appearance of new values or a redefinition of existing ones. In the presented context of the axiology of human rights and the axiology of their protection, it is easy to observe the axiological pluralism of the two spheres as well as numerous attempts to make the exegesis and interpretation both relative and instrumental1 in a domestic, European, and international sphere. Attempts to limit human rights in a camouflaged manner in the jurisdiction practice of particular states are quite abundant and an axiological justification of legal solutions that would make the implementation and protection of those rights (in particular those of the third, fourth and fifth generations) ineffectual—de facto (not de iure, since from a formal and legal point of view they correspond to declared rights and, without exception, the protected ones) is the guarantee of community security and, paradoxically, the protection of other people (i.e., the protection of religious sentiments, family, public morality based usually on the rules of the dominant religion). When transposing these problematics from the state perspective to the intra- and trans-state level, we need to demonstrate that in the international law of protection of human rights, limitation of these rights may also take place as a result of extra-normative factors due to so-called “instrumental relativism”, applied in the function of current political interests for which intrinsic human dignity happens to be infringed. We also claim that the active factor of that critical crossing point is not faults in the law or its interpretation, nor is it faults of ethics, but rather the faults of what is going on within so-called Realpolitik.
A deductive-nomological model for mathematical scientific explanation
Authors: Castro Eduardo
Published: April 2020

I propose a deductive-nomological model for mathematical scientific explanation. In this regard, I modify Hempel’s deductive-nomological model and test it against some of the following recent paradigmatic examples of the mathematical explanation of empirical facts: the seven bridges of Königsberg, the North American synchronized cicadas, and Hénon-Heiles Hamiltonian systems. I argue that mathematical scientific explanations that invoke laws of nature are qualitative explanations, and ordinary scientific explanations that employ mathematics are quantitative explanations. I analyse the repercussions of this deductivenomological model on causal explanations.
A objeção de Thomas Reid à teoria Lockiana da identidade pessoal
Authors: Freitas Vinícius França
Published: April 2020

The paper aims to present two distinct ways of defending John Locke’s theory of personal identity from Thomas Reid’s objection. First, it will be argued that this objection is not effective since it starts from a misunderstanding of Locke’s theory. The identity of a person is not preserved by the psychological continuity of consciousness, as Reid understood it, but by its ontological continuity: the existence of the same consciousness preserves the personal identity. Secondly, it will be argued that it is possible to reply to that objection in the light of the observation that the personal identity is preserved by the identity of the man: person and man are connected by means of the notion of body.
WFDE5: bias adjusted ERA5 reanalysis data for impact studies
Authors: Cucchi Marco , Weedon Graham P. , Amici Alessandro , Bellouin Nicolas , Lange Stefan , Schmied Hannes Müller , Hersbach Hans , Buontempo Carlo
Published: April 2020

Abstract. The WFDE5 dataset (C3S, 2020) has been generated using the WATCH Forcing Data (WFD) methodology applied to surface meteorological variables from the ERA5 reanalysis. The WFDEI dataset had previously been generated by applying the WFD methodology to ERA-Interim. The WFDE5 is provided at 0.5° spatial resolution, but has higher temporal resolution (hourly) compared to WFDEI (3-hourly). It also has higher spatial variability since it was generated by aggregation of the higher-resolution ERA5 rather than by interpolation of the lower resolution ERA-Interim data. Evaluation against meteorological observations at 13 globally distributed FLUXNET2015 sites shows that, on average, WFDE5 has lower mean absolute error and higher correlation than WFDEI for all variables. Bias-adjusted monthly precipitation totals of WFDE5 results in more plausible global hydrological water balance components as analyzed in an uncalibrated hydrological model (WaterGAP) than use of raw ERA5 data for model forcing. The dataset, which can be downloaded from https://doi.org/10.24381/cds.20d54e34 (C3S, 2020), is distributed by the Copernicus Climate Change Service (C3S) through its Climate Data Store (CDS, Copernicus Climate Change Service, 2020) and currently spans from the start of January 1979 to the end of 2018. The dataset has been produced using a number of CDS Toolbox applications, whose source code is available with the data – allowing users to re-generate part of the dataset or apply the same approach on other data. Future updates are expected spanning from 1950 to the most recent year. A sample of the complete dataset, which covers the whole 2016 year, is accessible without registration to the CDS at https://doi.org/10.21957/935p-cj60.
Interactions between main channels and tributary alluvial fans: channel adjustments and sediment-signal propagation
Authors: Savi Sara , Tofelde Stefanie , Wickert Andrew D. , Bufe Aaron , Schildgen Taylor F. , Strecker Manfred R.
Published: April 2020

Abstract. Climate and tectonics impact water and sediment fluxes to fluvial systems.
These boundary conditions set river form and can be recorded by fluvial
deposits. Reconstructions of boundary conditions from these deposits,
however, is complicated by complex channel–network interactions and
associated sediment storage and release through the fluvial system. To
address this challenge, we used a physical experiment to study the interplay between a main channel and a tributary under different forcing conditions. In particular, we investigated the impact of a single tributary junction, where sediment supply from the tributary can produce an alluvial fan, on channel geometries and associated sediment-transfer dynamics. We found that the presence of an alluvial fan may either promote or prevent the movement of sediment within the fluvial system, creating different coupling conditions. By analyzing different environmental scenarios, our results reveal the contribution of both the main channel and the tributary to fluvial deposits upstream and downstream from the tributary junction. We summarize all findings in a new conceptual framework that illustrates the possible interactions between tributary alluvial fans and a main channel under different environmental conditions. This framework provides a better understanding of the composition and architecture of fluvial sedimentary deposits found at confluence zones, which can facilitate the reconstruction of the climatic or tectonic history of a basin.
Sensitivity of aerosol optical properties to the aerosol size distribution over central Europe and the Mediterranean Basin
Authors: Palacios-Peña Laura , Fast Jerome D. , Pravia-Sarabia Enrique , Jiménez-Guerrero Pedro
Published: April 2020

Abstract. Aerosol size distribution is, among others, a key property of atmospheric aerosols when trying to establish the uncertainties related to aerosol-radiation (ARI) and aerosol-clouds (ACI) interactions. These interactions ultimately depend on the size distribution through optical properties as aerosol optical depth (AOD) or cloud microphysical properties. Hence, the main objective of this work is to study the impact of the representation of aerosol size distribution on aerosol optical properties over Central Europe, and particularly over the Mediterranean Basin during a summertime aerosol episode. To fulfill this objective, a sensitivity test has been carried out using the WRF-Chem on-line model. The test consisted on modifying the parameters which define a log-normal size distribution (the geometric diameter, from now on DG, and the standard deviation, SG) by 10, 20 and 50 %. Results reveal that the reduction in the SG of the accumulation mode leads to the largest impacts in the AOD representation due to a transfer of particles from the accumulation mode to the coarse mode. A reduction in the DG of the accumulation mode has also an influence on AOD representation since particles in this mode are assumed to be smaller. In addition, an increase in the DG of the coarse mode produces a redistribution through the total size distribution by relocating particles from the finer modes to the coarse.
A Mass- and Energy-Conserving Framework for Using Machine
Learning to Speed Computations
Authors: Sturm Patrick Obin , Wexler Anthony S.
Published: April 2020

Abstract. Large air quality models and large climate models simulate the physical and chemical properties of the ocean, land surface and/or atmosphere to predict atmospheric composition, energy balance, and the future of our planet. All of these models employ some form of operator splitting, also called the method of fractional steps, in their structure, which enables each physical or chemical process to be simulated in a separate operator or module within the overall model. In this structure, each of the modules calculates property changes for a fixed period of time; that is, property values are passed into the module which calculates how they change for a period of time and then returns the new property values, all in round robin between the various modules of the model. Some of these modules require the vast majority of the computer resources consumed by the entire model so increasing their computational efficiency can either improve the model's computational performance or enable more realistic physical or chemical representations in the module, or a combination of these two. Recent efforts have attempted to replace these modules with ones that use machine learning tools to memorize the input-output relationships of the most time-consuming modules. One shortcoming of some of the original modules and their machine learned replacements is lack of adherence to conservation principles that are essential to model performance. In this work, we derive a mathematical framework for machine learned replacements that conserves properties, say mass, atoms, or energy, to machine precision. This framework can be used to develop machine learned operator replacements in environmental models.
Influence of reservoir geology on seismic response during decameter-scale hydraulic stimulations in crystalline rock
Authors: Villiger Linus , Gischig Valentin Samuel , Doetsch Joseph , Krietsch Hannes , Dutler Nathan Oliver , Jalali Mohammadreza , Valley Benoît , Selvadurai Paul Antony , Mignan Arnaud , Plenkers Katrin , Giardini Domenico , Amann Florian , Wiemer Stefan
Published: April 2020

Abstract. We performed a series of 12 hydraulic stimulation
experiments in a 20m×20m×20m foliated, crystalline rock volume
intersected by two distinct fault sets at the Grimsel Test Site,
Switzerland. The goal of these experiments was to improve our understanding
of stimulation processes associated with high-pressure fluid injection used
for reservoir creation in enhanced or engineered geothermal systems. In the
first six experiments, pre-existing fractures were stimulated to induce
shear dilation and enhance permeability. Two types of shear zones were
targeted for these hydroshearing experiments: (i) ductile ones with intense
foliation and (ii) brittle–ductile ones associated with a fractured zone. The
second series of six stimulations were performed in borehole intervals
without natural fractures to initiate and propagate hydraulic fractures that
connect the wellbore to the existing fracture network. The same injection
protocol was used for all experiments within each stimulation series so that
the differences observed will give insights into the effect of geology on
the seismo-hydromechanical response rather than differences due to the
injection protocols. Deformations and fluid pressure were monitored using a
dense sensor network in boreholes surrounding the injection locations.
Seismicity was recorded with sensitive in situ acoustic emission sensors
both in boreholes and at the tunnel walls. We observed high variability in
the seismic response in terms of seismogenic indices, b values, and spatial and
temporal evolution during both hydroshearing and hydrofracturing
experiments, which we attribute to local geological heterogeneities.
Seismicity was most pronounced for injections into the highly conductive
brittle–ductile shear zones, while the injectivity increase on these
structures was only marginal. No significant differences between the seismic
response of hydroshearing and hydrofracturing was identified, possibly
because the hydrofractures interact with the same pre-existing fracture
network that is reactivated during the hydroshearing experiments. Fault slip
during the hydroshearing experiments was predominantly aseismic. The results
of our hydraulic stimulations indicate that stimulation of short borehole
intervals with limited fluid volumes (i.e., the concept of zonal insulation)
may be an effective approach to limit induced seismic hazard if highly
seismogenic structures can be avoided.
The mechanical origin of snow avalanche dynamics and flow regime transitions
Authors: Li Xingyue , Sovilla Betty , Jiang Chenfanfu , Gaume Johan
Published: April 2020

Abstract. Snow avalanches cause fatalities and economic damages. Key to their mitigation entails the understanding of snow avalanche dynamics. This study investigates the dynamic behaviors of snow avalanches, using the Material Point Method (MPM) and an elastoplastic constitutive law for porous cohesive materials. By virtue of the hybrid Eulerian-Lagrangian nature of MPM, we can handle processes involving large deformations, collisions and fractures. Meanwhile, the elastoplastic model enables us to capture the mixed-mode failure of snow, including tensile, shear and compressive failure. Using the proposed numerical approach, distinct behaviors of snow avalanches, from fluid-like to solid-like, are examined with varied snow mechanical properties. In particular, four flow regimes reported from real observations are identified, namely, cold dense, warm shear, warm plug and sliding slab regimes. Moreover, notable surges and roll-waves are observed peculiarly for flows in transition from cold dense to warm shear regimes. Each of the flow regimes shows unique flow characteristics in terms of the evolution of the avalanche front, the free surface shape, and the vertical velocity profile. We further explore the influence of slope geometry on the behaviors of snow avalanches, including the effect of slope angle and path length on the maximum flow velocity, the $\\alpha$ angle and the deposit height. Unified trends are obtained between the normalized maximum flow velocity and the scaled $\\alpha$ angle as well as the scaled deposit height, reflecting analogous rules with different geometry conditions of the slope. It is found the maximum flow velocity is mainly controlled by the friction between the bed and the flow, the geometry of the slope, and the snow properties. In addition to the flow behavior before reaching the deposition zone, which has long been regarded as the key factor governing the $\\alpha$ angle, we reveal the crucial effect of the stopping behavior in the deposition zone. Furthermore, our MPM model is benchmarked with simulations of real snow avalanches. The evolution of the avalanche front position and velocity from the MPM modeling shows reasonable agreement with the measurement data from literature. The MPM approach serves as a novel and promising tool to offer systematic and quantitative analysis for mitigation of gravitational hazards like snow avalanches.
Large impact of tiny model domain shifts for the Pentecost 2014 mesoscale convective system over Germany
Authors: Barthlott Christian , Barrett Andrew I.
Published: April 2020

Abstract. The mesoscale convective system (MCS) that affected Germany at Pentecost 2014 (9 June 2014) was one of the most severe for decades. However, the predictability of this system was very low as the operational deterministic and ensemble prediction systems completely failed to predict the event with more than a 12 h lead time. We present hindcasts of the event using the COnsortium for Small-scale MOdeling (COSMO) model at a convection-permitting (2.8 km) resolution on a large (1668 km×1807 km) domain. Using this large domain allowed us to successfully simulate the whole life cycle of the system originating from the French Atlantic coast. However, even with the large domain, the predictability of the MCS is low. Tiny changes to the model domain produced large changes in the MCS, removing it completely from some simulations.
To demonstrate this we systematically shifted the model domain by just one grid point in eight different directions, from which three did not simulate any convection over Germany. Our analysis shows that there were no important differences in domain-averaged initial conditions or in the preconvective environment ahead of the convective system. The main reason that one-third of these seemingly identical initial conditions fail to produce any convection over Germany seems to be the proximity of the track of the initial convective system to the coast and colder sea surface. The COSMO model simulates small horizontal displacements of the precursors of the MCS which then determine if the cells dissipate close to the sea or reach a favorable area for convective development over land and further evolve into an MCS. This study demonstrates the potentially huge impact of tiny model domain shifts on forecasting convective processes in this case, which suggests that the sensitivity to similarly small initial-condition perturbations could be a helpful indicator of days with low predictability and should be evaluated across other cases, models, and weather regimes.
Existence and metastability of non-constant steady states in a Keller-Segel model with density-suppressed motility
Authors: Xia Peng , Han Yazhou , Tao Jicheng , Ma Manjun
Published: April 2020

We are concerned with stationary solutions of a Keller-SegelModel with density-suppressed motility and without cell proliferation. we establish the existence and the analytical approximation of non-constant stationary solutions by applying the phase plane analysis and bifurcation analysis. We show that the one-step solutions is stable and two or more-step solutions are always unstable. Then we further show that two or more-step solutions possess metastability. Our analytical results are corroborated by direct simulations of the underlying system.
El cuerpo en vilo: otro acercamiento a los cuentos fantásticos de Julio Cortázar
Authors: Cannavacciuolo Margherita
Published: April 2020

El artículo propone una nueva aproximación a la narrativa breve de Julio Cortázar a través del análisis sobre el papel del cuerpo humano como elemento catalizador de la dialéctica fantástica de la narración. El estudio se apoya en dos reflexiones preliminares: por un lado, la observación de que el cuerpo del personaje constituye un elemento intermedio y, por otro, de que el cuerpo se convierte en una instancia de mediación entre los mismos.
La novela de la Revolución Mexicana y el cancionero popular: confluencias
Authors: Marco González Ana
Published: April 2020

El presente artículo examina las relaciones que se establecen entre la novela de la Revolución Mexicana de las décadas del veinte al cuarenta y el cancionero popular. En su primera parte, atiende a las semejanzas que se dan entre esta narrativa y la balada conocida como corrido, para analizar a continuación la funcionalidad de la cita de testimonios del cancionero por el texto escrito.
Investigating the Challenges Faced by ESP Learners in Saudi EFL Context
Authors: Nasser Alharthi Abdulaziz
Published: April 2020

ESP courses are designed to meet the specific needs of students. With this regard, it is noted that there are many challenges and problems that encounter ESP students studying English for Business Administration at Taif University, Saudi Arabia. This study has two aims, the first one is to explore the problems faced by students and the second one is to find possible solutions in order to overcome these problems in the light of the views of the students. The main instruments that were used in this study were interviews and documents (results of final exams). To achieve the aims of this study, 5 Saudi male students majoring in Business Management and Administration, participated in this study. The results showed that students registered on the ESP business modules faced a variety of problems. The nature of such problems is divided into three categories:  class size, the limitation of inputs, and classroom management.
Situating the evidence for impact of outreach strategies: A systematic review for improving access to higher education
Authors: Heaslip Vanessa , Hutchings Maggie , Collins Bethan , Crowley Emma , Eccles Sue , Hunt Clive , Tooth Rae , Wardrop Alex
Published: April 2020

Efforts to widen participation into higher education (HE) are having an impact with increasing numbers of diverse students accessing HE. Outreach is a key strategy within widening participation (WP), yet there has been little peer reviewed, published evidence regarding how outreach
is identified, situated and understood. This paper addresses this gap, presenting a systematic review of published research examining how the impact of WP outreach is identified and understood in UK research. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) checklist
was used to frame the review and empirical studies focusing upon outreach (2005 – 15) were included. Papers excluded were focused on international, part-time students or those not focused upon WP outreach. Twenty-six papers were identified for inclusion and these were analysed thematically.
The analysis identified themes of person-centred impact, raising aspirations, and social capital, addressing 'how and why' questions rather than the 'what works' question judged by the impact of outreach on student numbers. Doing so can enable improvements in the design of outreach activities
addressing individual experiences alongside structural barriers. Ultimately, this analysis suggests there is insufficient systematic evidence regarding the impact of outreach on the underlying structural factors shaping access to higher education.
Rethinking disadvantage: A social capital approach to widening participation
Authors: Johnson Matthew , Bowden Gareth , Alonso Guillermo
Published: April 2020

In England and Wales, the introduction of ?9,250 higher education (HE) tuition fees and concern more broadly about social mobility has led to the creation of a series of initiatives aimed at widening participation (WP). Increasingly, critics argue that these initiatives have failed
to achieve genuine representativeness, with lower ranked universities absorbing higher numbers of students from underrepresented groups, who then face additional challenges in securing progression to employment. In this article, we examine dominant narratives in WP programmes in England and
Wales in order to assert means of widening access more effectively, in the first instance, but also retention and progression. Rejecting non-subject-specific instrumental approaches that focus directly on graduate labour market value and earnings, we argue that effective WP ought to focus
centrally on the institutional value of HE and on fostering social capital, especially in lower ranked universities whose graduates are already discriminated against in the labour market. To this end, we evaluate the deployment of a politics-based WP programme, Rethinking Disadvantage, asserting
a set of conclusions for colleagues in other disciplines and institutions who seek to develop their own approaches.
Use of Digital Technological Tools among Undergraduate English Language Learners in Pakistan
Authors: Dahraj Maheen Tufail , Manzoor Hina , Tufail Mahnoor
Published: April 2020

Technology has become an important source for enhancing the knowledge of the students. Apart from the non-academic purposes, the use of technology for the academic purposes also has greater impact on the process of learning specifically on tertiary education. Therefore, it has become essential for higher education institutions to focus on the available opportunities for integrating technology in the academic setting. The developing countries like Pakistan, however; are facing some major challenges in technology integration due to the unavailability of sufficient financial resources. Hence, this study explores the use of digital technological tools at undergraduate level in one of the public sector universities of Pakistan. The study also examines the impact of the medium of instruction and respective discipline of the tertiary level students on the use of technology. For this purpose, an online survey was conducted from 200 undergraduate students studying in four different disciplines in the university. The findings revealed that the majority of the students at the undergraduate level have accessibility to smartphones, laptops or desktop computers in the university but only a few students use these available technological tools for learning purposes. Smartphones were determined to be the most easily available technological tool while the students generally do not prefer carrying their laptops to the university. Besides this, the students also reported having limited technological knowledge and skills for the digital tools to be used for educational and learning purposes. However, a greater percentage of the students were willing to participate in training sessions for learning.
100 jaar vrouwenkiesrecht in Nederland?
Authors: Partiman Devika
Published: April 2020

100 years of Women’s Suffrage in The Netherlands? A historical addition to the false tale of political equality

In 2019, throughout The Netherlands, 100 years of women’s suffrage was celebrated. This celebration is historically incorrect: the voting law from 1919, broadly seen as the law that gave all Dutch women the right to vote, was a discriminatory law. It excluded many women – mostly those living in the former colonized parts of the Kingdom of The Netherlands – for decades after the laws implementation. This article shares a more complete history of women’s suffrage in The Netherlands, through the history of the voting law in the entire Kingdom of The Netherlands. The article gives insight into how this historical political exclusion still contributes to a lack of representation of many women in The Netherlands.
RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN MARKET VALUE OF INDUSTRIAL COMPANIES LISTED ON WSE WITH CURRENT REPORTING OF IMPAIRMENT OF ASSETS
Authors: Lisicki Bartłomiej
Published: April 2020

The main purpose of this paper was the examination how the announcement report including information about assets write off has an influence on the market values joint stock companies. To this end applied an event study methodology created by Fama. Research has been performed by the case of industry companies listed on Warsaw Stock Exchange. For each announcement of these companies between 2013 and 2018 was made seven-day event window whereby counted day abnormal returns. The results of the calculation have indicated statistically significant values (confirmed by Wilcoxon signed-rank tests and modified t test) of abnormal returns in the day of announcement and the next day. That may be provide proofs that impairment of assets has a influence on short term returns of public companies. In the next days (until fifth day after announcement) of event window results do not show correlations.
HUMAN CAPITAL IN AN ENTERPRISE – RESEARCH CHALLENGES
Authors: Pierścieniak Agata , Bialkovska Mariia , Ohimor Joseph
Published: April 2020

The article is part of the discussions related to the knowledge of the essence of human capital and the problem of its measurement. The typology of human capital has been presented in the mainstream, taking into account the individual and institutional perspective. The main components of human capital were presented, which dominated in scientific research conducted in the last two decades. These include experience, education, entrepreneurial activity, demographic data and psychological aspects. In these article we find an example of measuring human capital in two construction companies. The authors have modelled the A. Mayo model by calculating the numerical value of human capital. The conclusions present research challenges related to the measurement of human capital ordered according to three key areas: definition context, methodical context and organization of research.
NEW HRM METHODS IN THE ASSESSMENT OF POTENTIAL EMPLOYEES OF ENTERPRISES
Authors: Machuga Roman
Published: April 2020

The article presents the results of a survey on the assessment by potential employees of enterprises of new methods of recruitment of candidates and assessment of employees based on modern information and communication technologies. The study was carried out among 173 students, because it was recognized that they are people representing the highest
level of digital skills. An electronic questionnaire was used to carry out the study. The existence of statistically significant relationships between the assessment of potential employees of new HRM methods and their socio-demographic features has been proven.
SOCIAL ENTERPRISES IN THE CONTEXT OF PUBLIC MANAGEMENT
Authors: Włóka Marta
Published: April 2020

The aim of this paper comes down to presentation of theoretical aspects of social enterprises and their role in the context of public sector management. First of all attempt was made in presentation of public management evolution. In this aspect successive stages of its evolution have given, and essential significant has been placed on public governance issue, and following on from this co-participation of diverse groups of entities in the process of public goods and services providing. On the basis of this social enterprise term has been indicated and further considerations have been given to this. In this aspect it has been referred to social economy sector as an area of social enterprises functioning. In conclusion essence of social enterprises has been highlighted as an organizations which are especially important in the context of essential needs meeting of local community.
SELECTED ISSUES OF THE ASSESSMENT OF THE CREDITWORTHINESS OF ENTERPRISES
Authors: Butor-Keler Agnieszka
Published: April 2020

Modern models of creditworthiness testing are automated. By creating models, the aim is to objectify the process and reduce the time to issue a credit decision. There is a difference between the creditworthiness testing used by banks that often use credit scoring and companies from the FinTech sector which base their ability testing on complex algorithms
that take into account the characteristics of the subject and person. Should be emphasized threats exemplified by the implementation of the program of the Chinese Social Credit System. It is based on a point social assessment that may have a direct impact on creditworthiness and in the future may be extended to the enterprises themselves. This leads to the surveillance of society. The purpose of this review paper is to discuss selected methods of assessing the creditworthiness of enterprises, used by institutions to reduce the risk of loan default. In addition, new directions of creditworthiness testing and examples of their application in Polish and foreign financial institutions will be presented
Graphic Library Optimization for MIPS Architecture
Authors: Novkovic Teodora , Lukac Zeljko , Jovanovic Petar , Kastelan Ivan
Published: April 2020

The aim of this paper and research was to analyse the efficiency of the compiler-generated code for the graphics library and to present results obtained by optimization for the MIPS (Million Instructions Per Second) architecture. Libpng is the official Portable Network Graphics reference library for use in applications that read, create, and manipulate PNG (Portable Network Graphics) raster image files. Given the data structure in the PNG files, as well as the capabilities of the MIPS instruction set, it was expected that significant improvements could be made. Graphic library libpng is optimized by using MIPS instruction set extension and tested on MIPS Malta 74K platform. Test results show, that by using MIPS optimization test, execution times are substantially improved. Our libpng optimization have achieved performance increase of 10 %–78 % depending on optimized routine.