Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Profit Efficiency of Rice Farmers in Cambodia The Differences between Organic and Conventional Farming

This article highlights some important issues regarding the relative profit efficiency of organic and conventional farming in selected study areas of Cambodia, by estimating pool and separate profit frontiers of the two groups and accounting for the self-selection problem. We identify the relationship between the efficiency score from each frontier with farmers’ characteristics. The results indicate that farmers cannot manage their rice farming effectively in larger fields and fail to optimize their labor input and costs owing to limited skills and knowledge in rice production. Organic fertilizers can help to increase farmers’ rice income, while chemical fertilizers are less effective in doing so. Interestingly, being an organic farmer had no effect on farmers’ income elasticity when we conducted pool frontier estimation. However, these results were rejected by an LR test that was favorable to the estimation of a separate frontier, which suggested a better efficiency score if farmers adopted organic farming. We found some significant factors influencing the efficiency score, including education, own-tractor, and credit use (negative correlation) and selling, other farming, and number of poultry (positive correlation). Off farm was negatively correlated with the efficiency score in organic farming, but positively correlated in matched conventional.
Teachers' Experiences with and Perceptions of Mosston's Spectrum: How Do They Compare with Students'?.

The dual purposes of this study were to examine teachers' experiences with and perceptions of Mosston's Spectrum of Teaching Styles and to coliLpare and contrast teachers' aid students' perceptions of ana experiences with the spectrum. A teaching styles survey instrument was also validated in this study. Participants were 212 physical education teachers from two states who completed a teaching styles instrument. Teacher data also were combined with student data from a companion study in order to compare teachers' and students' experiences and perceptions. Teachers had significantly different experiences using the spectrum of teaching styles as well as perceptions of the styles. Their perceptions also differed according to self-rated teaching ability related to using the styles. The most preferred teaching styles included practice, reciprocal, inclusion, divergent production, and guided discovery. Teachers and students also had significantly different experiences with the teaching styles and perceptions of the educational characteristics of the styles. (Contains 35 references.) (Author/SM) Reproductions supplied by EDRS are the best that can be made from the original document. Teachers' and Students' Perceptions of Styles 1 TEACHERS' EXPERIENCES WITH AND PERCEPTIONS OF MOSSTON'S SPECTRUM: HOW DO THEY COMPARE WITH STUDENTS? Pamela Hodges Kulinna, Wayne State University Donetta J. Cothran, Indiana University Weimo Zhu, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign Send correspondence to: Pamela Hodges Kulinna College of Education Wayne State University 263 Matthaei Building Detroit, MI 48202 Phone: (313) 577-9847 Fax: (313) 577-9300 E-mail: P.Kulinna@wayne.edu Running Head: Teachers' and Students' Perceptions of Styles Paper presented at the annual meeting of the American Educational Research Association, New Orleans, Louisiana, April 2000
Synthesis and Characterization of Mn, Ce Co-Doped CDS Nanoparticles Synthesized Via Co-Precipitation Method

Mn, Ce co-doped CdS nanoparticles were prepared by chemical co-precipitation method at room temperature. The prepared samples were characterized by X- ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive analysis of X-rays (EDAX), photoluminescence (PL) and high resolution Raman spectroscopic techniques. X-ray diffraction studies showed that the diameter of the particles was around 10-12 nm. Broadened XRD peaks revealed the formation of nanoparticles with wurtzite structure. The Raman spectra of undoped and Mn, Ce ions co-doped CdS nanoparticles showed longitudinal optical mode. Compared with the 1LO and 2LO Raman modes (296 and 590 cm -1 ) of undoped CdS nanoparticles, the Raman modes of Mn, Ce co- doped CdS nanoparticles were slightly shifted towards lower frequency. PL spectra of the samples showed remarkable enhancement in the intensity upon doping.
Extraordinary September Arctic sea ice reductions and their relationships with storm behavior over 1979–2008

Dramatic changes have been observed in Arctic sea ice, cyclone behavior and atmospheric circulation in recent decades. Decreases in September ice extent have been remarkable over the last 30 years, and particularly so in very recent times. The analysis reveals that the trends and variability in September ice coverage and mean cyclone characteristics are related, and that the strength (rather than the number) of cyclones in the Arctic basin is playing a central role in the changes observed in that region, especially in the last few years. The findings reinforce suggestions that the decline in the extent and thickness of Arctic ice has started to render it particularly vulnerable to future anomalous cyclonic activity and atmospheric forcing.
Another Look at the EWMA Control Chart with Estimated Parameters

When in-control process parameters are estimated, Phase II control chart performance will vary among practitioners due to the use of different Phase I data sets. The typical measure of Phase II control chart performance, the average run length (ARL), becomes a random variable due to the selection of a Phase I data set for estimation. Aspects of the ARL distribution, such as the standard deviation of the average run length (SDARL), can be used to quantify the between-practitioner variability in control chart performance. In this article, we assess the in-control performance of the exponentially weighted moving average (EWMA) control chart in terms of the SDARL and percentiles of the ARL distribution when the process parameters are estimated. Our results show that the EWMA chart requires a much larger amount of Phase I data than previously recommended in the literature in order to sufficiently reduce the variation in the chart performance. We show that larger values of the EWMA smoothing constant result in higher levels of variability in the in-control ARL distribution; thus, more Phase I data are required for charts with larger smoothing constants. Because it could be extremely difficult to lower the variation in the in-control ARL values sufficiently due to practical limitations on the amount of the Phase I data, we recommend an alternative design criterion and a procedure based on the bootstrap approach.
On Cyclic Gradient Descent Reprojection

In recent years, convex optimization methods were successfully applied for various image processing tasks and a large number of first-order methods were designed to minimize the corresponding functionals. Interestingly, it was shown recently by Grewenig et al. that the simple idea of so-called “superstep cycles” leads to very efficient schemes for time-dependent (parabolic) image enhancement problems as well as for steady state (elliptic) image compression tasks. The ”superstep cycles” approach is similar to the nonstationary (cyclic) Richardson method which has been around for over sixty years. In this paper, we investigate the incorporation of superstep cycles into the gradient descent reprojection method. We show for two problems in compressive sensing and image processing, namely the LASSO approach and the Rudin-Osher-Fatemi model that the resulting simple cyclic gradient descent reprojection algorithm can numerically compare with various state-of-the-art first-order algorithms. However, due to the nonlinear projection within the algorithm convergence proofs even under restrictive assumptions on the linear operators appear to be hard. We demonstrate the difficulties by studying the simplest case of a two-cycle algorithm in R^2 with projections onto the Euclidian ball.
Cooperative games: incidence in motivation, basic psychological needs and enjoyment in Primary School Los juegos cooperativos: incidencia en la motivación, necesidades psicológicas básicas y disfrute en Educación Primaria

This research’s aim was to analyse the effects of a cooperative games didactic unit on selfdetermined motivation, basic psychological needs and enjoyment, in physical education sessions, with primary school students. A quasi-experimental pre-post-test design with a control group was used. 104 schoolchildren were the participants (10.29 ± .62 years old) from Lugo (Spain). The control and experimental groups consisted of 50 and 54 students, respectively. To measure motivation, basic psychological needs and enjoyment, an ad hoc questionnaire -used in other researcheswas used. Results indicated positive effects of the program on intrinsic motivation (p < .001); extrinsic motivation (p = .044); demotivation (p = .014); relationships (p = .004), perceived autonomy (p = .001) and enjoyment (p = .021). Data suggest that the application of didactic units or programs based on cooperative games could positively influence self-determined motivation, satisfaction of basic psychological needs and enjoyment of schoolchildren in physical education sessions.
Mapping a dark network with Social Network Analysis (SNA) : the right wing Vaal Dam bomb plot

The use of Social Network Analysis (SNA) to map dark, i.e. illegal, networks gained momentum after the 9/11 attacks on the World Trade Centre in New York, and numerous studies have been conducted that map Islamic extremist organisations. This article follows international studies and contemporary practices in military intelligence in using SNA to map the ties of the members of the Southern right wing group plot to blow up the Vaal Dam, who were arrested in 2002 and subsequently convicted of sabotage. It is shown how the leader of the plot consistently scores highest on betweenness, degree, and closeness centrality, and that he played an important role as broker between the Southern and the Northern groups (better known as the Boeremag). Ties between the two right wing groups are also discussed, along with the important structural roles that their meeting places played.
Effect of Phytic Acid and/orAscorbic Acid to Mitigate Manganese Toxicityin Experimental Animals

This study was conducted to investigate the effect of manganese toxicityby manganese chloride (MnCl2) on the experimental animals and to evaluatethe efficacy of phytic acid and/orascorbic acid in attenuating the deleterious effect induced by manganese toxicity. For this purpose,thirty healthy rabbits weighing 1655±367.07g were divided into five groups each of six rabbits. Group 1; rabbits fed on commercial diet and normal water served as normal control; group 2; rabbits fed on commercial diet and received 200mg/L of MnCl2 in drinking water. Group 3; rabbits received MnCl2 in drinking water (200mg/L) and fed on commercial diet supplemented with phytic acid(20 g /kg diet). Group 4; rabbits fed on commercial diet and received 200mg/L MnCl2 in drinking water and orally administrated with ascorbic acid (30mg/kg body weight daily). Group 5; rabbits received MnCl2 in drinking water (200mg/L) and fed phytic acid (20 g /kg diet)and orally administrated ascorbic acid (30mg/kg body weight daily) by intragastric tube. Results showed that MnCl2 intoxication significantlyreducedhaemoglobin (Hb) concentrationand serum iron with a significant increase in total iron binding capacity. Also, it induced a significant increase in malondialdehyde (MDA) level accompanied bya significant decrease in reduced glutathione (GSH) concentration and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity. Moreover, MnCl2intoxication caused a significant increase in serum alanine transaminase (ALT), aspartate transaminase (AST) activities. Also, serum urea and creatinine significantly elevated in MnCl2-intoxicated group.An improvement was noticed in these altered parameters after oral administration ofphytic acid and/or ascorbic acid.
STABILITY ANALYSIS OF YIELD AND YIELD COMPONENTS IN CHICKPEA (CICER ARIETINUM L.) GENOTYPES ACROSS THREE RAINFED LOCATIONS OF PAKISTAN

One approach to improve the chickpea yield is to identify stable genotypes that perform consistently better under diverse environments. Fifteen genotypes of chickpea were evaluated for stability of different yield parameters under three diverse environments (Bhakkar, Chakwal and Rawalpindi) in the Punjab province of Pakistan. Variance due to genotypes, environments, genotype x environment and environment (linear) was highly significant for days to flowering, plant height, number of pods per plant, 100 grain weight and grain yield per plant across the environments. By using Eberhart and Russel method of stability analysis genetic differences among diverse cultivars were calculated. The results showed that different genotype depicts significant genotype x environment (linear) response under contrasting conditions. The present study revealed that genotypes 01067, 3CC-113 and AZC-06 showed stable performance for days to flowering and number of pods per plant. The genotypes CMC211-5 and 3CC-116 depicted stable performance for days to flowering and grain yield per plant. The genotypes Bittal-98 was stable for number of pods per plant and grain yield per plant. The genotype CH24100 was stable for days to flowering and 100 grain weight. The genotype Dasht with the highest grain yield per plant was found stable for 100 grain weight. The present study concluded that in general the genotypes differed for yield components regarding stability in chickpea.
A complete characterization of the heralded noiseless amplification of photons

Heralded noiseless amplification of photons has recently been shown to provide a means to overcome losses in complex quantum communication tasks. In particular, to overcome transmission losses that could allow for the violation of a Bell inequality free from the detection loophole, for device independent quantum key distribution (DI-QKD). Several implementations of a heralded photon amplifier have been proposed and the first proof of principle experiments realized. Here we present the first full characterization of such a device to test its functional limits and potential for DI-QKD. This device is tested at telecom wavelengths and is shown to be capable of overcoming losses corresponding to a transmission through 20 km of single mode telecom fibre. We demonstrate heralded photon amplifier with a gain >100 and a heralding probability >83%, required by DI-QKD protocols that use the Clauser–Horne–Shimony–Holt inequality. The heralded photon amplifier clearly represents a key technology for the realization of DI-QKD in the real world and over typical network distances.
Population structure and long-term decline in three species of heart urchins Abatus spp. near-shore in the Vestfold Hills region, East Antarctica

Patterns of fine-scale spatial population structure in Antarctic benthic species are poorly understood. There is a high proportion of brooding species in the Antarctic benthos, and a brooding life history strategy is expected to restrict their dispersal abilities and therefore foster population structure. Additionally, genetic structuring of populations can preserve signals of historic processes (such as Pleistocene glaciations) on species distributions and abundances. We developed a set of seven microsatellite markers to examine population genetic variation and infer the demographic history of three sympatric Antarctic sea urchin species from the order Spatangoida (Abatus ingens, A. shackletoni and A. philippii), all with brooding life history strategies. Samples were collected at five sites separated by up to 5 km, in the near-shore area surrounding Davis Station in the Vestfold Hills area of the Australian Antarctic Territory. We found evidence of a long-term population decline in all three species, and the estimated timing of the decline precedes anthropogenic activities and is compatible with long-term climate variability. Two genetic clusters in A. ingens and A. shackletoni suggest secondary contact after population differentiation in glacial refugia. Life history is not a good predictor of fine-scale population structure in these species, with gene flow possible at distances of 5 km. Finally, no evidence was found for a potential impact of pollution from Davis Station on genetic variation. The reduced effective population size observed for these Antarctic benthic species highlights their fragility and the need for conservation concern.
Nitrogen fertilization strategies for organic wheat production: Crop yield and nitrate leaching

Agronomy Journa l • Volume 108 , I s sue 2 • 2016 Common wheat is the most important crop for human nutrition in Europe and in other temperate regions worldwide (FAOSTAT, 2014). At present, in addition to the needs of enhanced sustainability and reduced levels of external inputs, wheat production is also facing the threat of an increased occurrence and magnitude of adverse and extreme agro-climatic events (Asseng et al., 2015; Trnka et al., 2014). Th e implementation of solid agrobiodiversity strategies (Costanzo and Bàrberi, 2014), together with the recoupling of global biochemical C and nutrient cycles (Drinkwater and Snapp, 2007) in such a framework have the potential to improve the wheat production process in both organic and conventional, low input systems. Th e holistic approach to the entire cropping system management certainly represents the most informative one (Mäder et al., 2002). Nevertheless, detailed fi eld studies on specifi c aspects of crop management remain essential for the fi ne tuning of concrete guidelines for farmers and policymakers (Bengtsson et al., 2005). Among the several aspects of organic wheat production, N management is crucial (Bilsborrow et al., 2013), particularly for autumn-sown wheat in the Mediterranean area, as low organic matter content in the soil, low temperatures, and high autumn– spring rainfall can cause very low levels of available mineral N in the soil during most of the crop cycle (Fagnano et al., 2012). In conventional agriculture, the use of split application of mineral N fertilizers has been shown to increase fertilization effi ciency and the harvest index of wheat (Blandino et al., 2015; FuertesMendizábal et al., 2010). In organic farming, side dressing fertilization is not commonly used and the management of N fertilization is normally based on: (i) increasing the presence of legumes in the crop rotation (Th omsen et al., 2013), (ii) broadcasting organic compounds before sowing (Mazzoncini et al., 2015; Petersen et al., 2013) and (iii) adopting cereal-legume intercropping (Pelzer et al., 2012). An improvement in the use of legume crops represents the most promising option for the achievement of farm N self-suffi ciency (Amosse et al., 2014; Farneselli et al., 2013). However, when an organic source of extrafarm N (i.e., agroindustry by-products) is easily available, then it may be both convenient and environmentally sound to rely on that source (Drinkwater and Snapp, 2007; Entry et al., 1997). Every year, millions of tonnes of animal by-products are produced worldwide; for instance, the rendering industry Organic Agriculture & Agroecology
Recent Volatility in U.S. Equity Markets: A Review of Key Contributing Factors and Relationships

This paper is a review of volatility trends, factors, and relationships in U.S. equity markets, with emphasis on the period of time from 1980 to the present, when volatility has been at higher levels than what had been observed earlier. Both finance academics and investment professionals are affected by this ‘high-volatility’ environment, as it impacts the traditional relationships that connect risk and return, and can therefore alter both individual asset and portfolio allocation decisions. Based on a thorough review of the literature on a stock’s idiosyncratic volatility, we explain why it has increased in recent times, discuss factors that affect volatility level, and provide an overview of the empirical relationship between current volatility levels and future expected return. At the end of each section, we pose a related idea for future research – there are ten such ideas offered. The primary purposes of the paper are to convince the reader that volatility is an important investment consideration, to identify the major findings in recent volatility research, and to highlight some unanswered volatility questions for future academics and practitioners to explore.
Empirical Test of Single Factor and Multi-Factor Asset Pricing Models: Evidence from Non Financial Firms on the Ghana Stock Exchange (GSE)

This paper examines the explanatory power of a uni-factor asset pricing model (CAPM) against a multi-factor model (The Fama-French three factor model) in explaining excess portfolio returns on non-financial firms on the Ghana Stock Exchange (GSE). Data covering the period January 2002 to December 2011 were used. A six Size- Book-to-Market (BTM) ratio portfolios were formed and used for the analysis. The paper revealed that, a uni-factor model like the (CAPM) could not predict satisfactorily, the excess portfolio returns on the Ghana Stock Exchange. By using the multi-factor asset pricing model, that is, the Fama-French Three Factor Model, excess portfolio returns were better explained. It is then conclusive enough that, the multi-factor asset pricing model introduced by Fama and French (1992) was a better asset pricing model to explain excess portfolio returns on the Ghana Stock Exchange than the Capital Assets Pricing Model (CAPM) and that there exist the firm size and BTM effects on the Ghanaian Stock market.
Dimensions of Social Well-Being in a Motor Manufacturing Organisation in South Africa

The study examined the psychometric properties of the 15-item version of the Social Well-being Scale (SWBS-15: Keyes, 1998) for a South African sample with diversity in culture. The SWBS-15 and a biographical questionnaire were administered to employees in a motor manufacturing organisation (N = 203). The five-factor structure of social well-being obtained previously in Western studies, were not replicated. Instead, we found three factors with acceptable levels of internal consistency emerged through exploratory factor analysis. Significant differences regarding social well-being were obtained between groups that differed in terms of their marital status and job levels. The results suggest that social well-being in South Africa might be operationalized differently than it is currently operationalized in traditional western measurements.
Young Tennis Players’ Competitive Task Involvement and Performance: The Role of Goal Orientations, Contextual Motivational Climate, And Coach-Initiated Motivational Climate

The purpose of this study was to examine the role of situational and dispositional factors in contributing to competitive task involvement and performance in young tennis players. One hundred fifty-one adolescent tennis players and their coaches participated in the study. Participants responded to instruments measuring pre-game dispositional goal orientations and perceptions of the motivational climate and post-game task involvement in the competition by assessing concentration, loss of self-consciousness, and autotelic experience, perceptions of coach-initiated motivational climate in competition, and self-evaluation of game performance. In addition, coaches evaluated the players’ performance. Results showed that task involvement was predicted by players’ perceptions of a coach-initiated learning motivational climate in competition. Loss of self-consciousness was predicted by the players’ perceptions of a coach-initiated performance climate in competition. Finally, coaches’ and players’ assessment of performance were predicted by autotelic experience, concentration, and by perception of coach-initiated learning and performance orientation in competition.