Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Multi-gas and multi-source comparisons of six land use emission datasets and AFOLU estimates in the Fifth Assessment Report, for the tropics for 2000–2005

Abstract. The Agriculture, Forestry and Other Land Use (AFOLU) sector contributes with ca. 20–25 % of global anthropogenic emissions (2010), making it a key component of any climate change mitigation strategy. AFOLU estimates, however, remain highly uncertain, jeopardizing the mitigation effectiveness of this sector. Comparisons of global AFOLU emissions have shown divergences of up to 25 %, urging for improved understanding of the reasons behind these differences. Here we compare a variety of AFOLU emission datasets and estimates given in the Fifth Assessment Report for the tropics (2000–2005) to identify plausible explanations for the differences in (i) aggregated gross AFOLU emissions, and (ii) disaggregated emissions by sources and gases (CO2, CH4, N2O). We also aim to (iii) identify countries with low agreement among AFOLU datasets to navigate research efforts. The datasets are FAOSTAT (Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, Statistics Division), EDGAR (Emissions Database for Global Atmospheric Research), the newly developed AFOLU “Hotspots”, “Houghton”, “Baccini”, and EPA (US Environmental Protection Agency) datasets. Aggregated gross emissions were similar for all databases for the AFOLU sector: 8.2 (5.5–12.2), 8.4, and 8.0 Pg CO2 eq. yr−1 (for Hotspots, FAOSTAT, and EDGAR respectively), forests reached 6.0 (3.8–10), 5.9, 5.9, and 5.4 Pg CO2 eq. yr−1 (Hotspots, FAOSTAT, EDGAR, and Houghton), and agricultural sectors were with 1.9 (1.5–2.5), 2.5, 2.1, and 2.0 Pg CO2 eq. yr−1 (Hotspots, FAOSTAT, EDGAR, and EPA). However, this agreement was lost when disaggregating the emissions by sources, continents, and gases, particularly for the forest sector, with fire leading the differences. Agricultural emissions were more homogeneous, especially from livestock, while those from croplands were the most diverse. CO2 showed the largest differences among the datasets. Cropland soils and enteric fermentation led to the smaller N2O and CH4 differences. Disagreements are explained by differences in conceptual frameworks (carbon-only vs. multi-gas assessments, definitions, land use vs. land cover, etc.), in methods (tiers, scales, compliance with Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) guidelines, legacies, etc.) and in assumptions (carbon neutrality of certain emissions, instantaneous emissions release, etc.) which call for more complete and transparent documentation for all the available datasets. An enhanced dialogue between the carbon (CO2) and the AFOLU (multi-gas) communities is needed to reduce discrepancies of land use estimates.
When Informing About Eating Disorders Exacerbates the Problem Instead of Preventing it: Which Programs Work and Which Ones do not?

Nowadays, we find in the literature many researches and related theories about body diseases and eating disorders in adolescence. Basing on these theories, the health promotion interventions at school are inclined to give youth the outcomes of risk behavior analysis, in the development of eating disorders. Those interventions lack of consideration regarding what students already think about the origins of the diseases. In this work we seek for the spontaneous ideas about developing of eating disorders and theories about how these problems could be prevented at school. In order to do that, we constructed an ad hoc survey which have been validated. Using the factorial analysis, we recognized three factors that participants used to explain the disorder: Relationship with parents, self-harm and mental illness; Organic illness; and Social comparison and social acceptance. The analysis of the data suggest that, in the schools that did not have programs of health promotion on food and the body (70%), students are more vulnerable to eating disorder. Among the others, the factor considered the most important by the students of these school, was the social comparison and social acceptance. On the contrary, the students who participated to the health programs on this topic, were more likely to consider responsible the relationships with parents, mental illness and self-harm. Considering the outcomes, we could suggest to rethink the methods utilized to promote health programs for preventing eating disorders at school.
TO CLICK, OR NOT TO CLICK, THAT IS THE QUESTION

This research deals with the high school students' response to involving new technology in the physics education. The goal is to measure the difference in the knowledge acquired with software for video measurement and without it. Using standard software for processing experimental data, Excel, the students focused their attention on where to click, instead on thinking about the results. This research presents the conditions in which this situation appeared. PACS: 01.40. ek, 01.40. Fk, 01.40. gb, 01.50H-
Mechanism of arsenic resistance prevalent in Bacillus species isolated from soil and ground water sources of India

Arsenic is a naturally occurring element and its contamination of soil and groundwater is a major threat to the environment and human health. The ubiquity of arsenic in the environment has led to the evolution of the arsenic defence mechanism in certain microbes. The present study highlights identical mechanisms of arsenic resistance in two bacterial strains, namely AG24 and AGM13, which were taken from two different ecosources and states of India. The phylogenetic analysis of the strains using 16S rDNA sequence revealed both strains to be under the genus ‘Bacillus’. Furthermore, arsC gene was amplified from the strains, cloned and sequenced. The homology of the sequences of the two strains, when compared with available database using BLASTn search, showed that the 300bp amplicons obtained in both strains possess a partial arsC gene sequence which codes for arsenate reductase, an enzyme involved in the reduction of arsenate to arsenite, which is then effluxed out of the cell. Nevertheless, atomic absorption spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy analysis of both strains also strengthen the presence of the efflux mechanism. Thus, the presence of a similar mechanism of resistance in both strains suggests the possible role of lateral gene transfer from soil to water system and vice versa which is an alarming situation for global concern.
Effects of spring-calving compared to autumn-calving on the lactation curve and milk quality inNorwegian herds

The objective of this work was to study the effects of spring calving in comparison with autumncalving on the trajectory of both milk yield and quality (percentages of protein, fat and lactose, and also somatic cell counts (SCC) and urea). On average, autumn-calvers had 0.8 and 1.2 kg higher daily milk yield and ECM (energy-corrected milk), respectively, than those calving in the spring, due to a higher yield in midand late lactation. Milk fat and lactose were also higher and SCC lower for those calving in autumn, and the reduction of protein and fat percentages in early lactation was lower. These results suggest that maintaining a high milk yield is a greater challenge for springcalving cows on pasture feeding than for autumn-calving cows fed indoors.
Perceptions of intercultural interaction and communication satisfaction: A study on initial encounters

This project explored perceptions of intercultural interactions. Data were collected from U.S. undergraduate students shortly after they had a face‐to‐face, one‐on‐one conversation with an international student. A 15‐item instrument was used to measure perceptions of the intercultural interaction. Study 1 included a principal components factor analysis and isolated three factors of perceptions of intercultural interaction: synchrony, difficulty, and common ground. Further, these dimensions were used to predict communication satisfaction. In Study 2, the factor structure was replicated and overall perceptions of intercultural interaction were found to be positively correlated with communication satisfaction. When used as predictors of communication satisfaction, the three factors combined to account for 70% of variance.
Growth and yield performance of various Brassica genotypes under the agro-ecological condition of Quetta

field experiment was conducted to compare the growth and yield performance of seven Brassica genotypes under the Agro – Ecological condition of Quetta during 2014. The treatments comprised of V1 ((Sultan Raya) V2(BARD – 1), V3(Dunkled ), V4(CON II), V5(Chakwal Raya), V6(19 – H) and V7 (Canola Raya), Among the seven varieties, BARD–1 produced maximum seed yield (1652.3 kg ha-1) with improved yield components like plant height, 1000 seed weight and biological yield as compared to other varieties. It is concluded that BARD–1 cultivar performed better and attained maximum yield and quality under the agro-ecological condition of Quetta.
Influence of social networking on the psychological adjustment of adolescents with hearing impairment in Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria

This study investigated the influence of social networking (SN) on the psychological adjustment of adolescents with hearing impairment in Oyo State, Nigeria. The study adopted a descriptive survey research design. A purposive sampling technique was employed to select adolescents with hearing impairment. A simple random sampling technique was also used to select 126 adolescents with hearing impairment who were thirteen years and twenty three years of age from both the junior and the senior secondary schools in Ibadan, Oyo State. 3 research questions were generated and one hypothesis was formulated. Data were collected through a structured questionnaire tagged “Social Networking (Social Media) Scale” with a reliability coefficient of 0.74. Data were analysed with inferential statistics of Pearson Product Moment Correlation, Multiple regression and Analysis of Variance (ANOVA). The findings revealed that use of SN have a positive significant relationship with emotional intelligence (r = .601; P 0.05) among adolescents with hearing impairment. The finding also found a joint relationship between use of SN, emotional intelligence, self esteem and loneliness (F(3,125) = 33.052, P 0.05). The study concluded that use of SN have a great influence on psychological well-being, access to information, sustaining relationships and self expression among adolescents with hearing impairment. Based on these findings, it was recommended that adolescents with hearing impairment should be actively involved in physical and social activities with their hearing peers in order to boost their self esteem and emotional intelligence while it will eliminate issues of social isolation and facilitate social inclusion.
Rarely pure and never simple: extracting the truth from self-reported data on substance use

We consider the misreporting of illicit drug use and juvenile smoking in self-report surveys and its consequences for statistical inference. Panel data containing repeated self-reports of 'lifetime' prevalence give unambiguous evidence of misreporting as 'recanting' of earlier reports of drug use. The identification of true initiation and reporting processes from such data is problematic in short panels, whilst more secure identification is possible in panels with at least five waves. Nevertheless, evidence from three UK datasets clearly indicates serious underreporting of cannabis, cocaine and tobacco use by young people, with consequent large biases in statistical modelling.
SKILLS FOR LIBRARY AND INFORMATION PROFESSIONALS WORKING IN BORDERLESS LIBRARY

Borderless library is a technologically empowered web-based library, which provides services to its user throughout computer networks. As the changes occurred in library environment, the library and information science professionals should be acquaintance with different skills. This paper tries to reflect some skills required for the library and information professionals working at IT environment and highlights on different programmes to enhance these skills among the professionals.
Adoption of business analytics and impact on performance: a qualitative study in retail

Abstract This paper describes a qualitative study aimed at understanding issues faced by retail firms when they start a project of implementing business analytics (BA) and understanding the impact of BA implementation on business performance. Our study is informed by prior literature and the theoretical perspectives of the Technology–Organisation–Environment (TOE) framework but is not constrained by this theory. Using case studies of nine retailers in the U.K, we have found support for the link between TOE elements and adoption. In addition, we have identified more interesting involvement of additional factors in ensuring how firms could maximise benefit derived from BA and traditional TOE factors that potentially could have additional impacts different from the ones. For example, there appears a link between adoption of BA and business performance (including performance in terms of environmental sustainability), and this link is moderated by the level of BA adoption, IT integration and trust.
An Alternative to Seclusion And Restraint: Collaborative Problem Solving

The use of seclusion and restraint within psychiatric and residential settings is controversial, particularly when used with children. No consensus exists that supports its use despite it being a widely accepted form of intervention throughout the world. Research suggests the use of such interventions can have deleterious effects and national guidelines have been implemented to govern the practice of seclusion and restraint with children. Collaborative Problem Solving (CPS) is a transtheoretical model designed to decrease aggressive and explosive behavior in children and adolescents. Evidence suggests CPS is effective in the reduction of seclusion and restraint in inpatient settings. This study investigates the effectiveness of CPS in reducing the incidents of seclusion and restraint on a child and adolescent inpatient unit. Participants of the study ranged in age from 9 to 18 years of age. Eight years of seclusion and restraint data was analyzed that included four years pre and four years post the implementation of CPS. A time-series segmented regression analysis was used to analyze the data. A significant reduction was found in the incident of restraints immediately following the implementation of CPS; however, the results did not sustain over time. A discussion of the research is provided concluding that CPS was not a highly effective method for reducing seclusion and restraint rate. Limitations of the study and directions for future research are also discussed. Degree Type Dissertation
Milk CLA content and Δ9 Desaturase activity in buffalo cows along the lactation.

Significant influence of the stage of lactation was found on milk CLA in grazing cow, sheep and goat. However, differences in pasture composition and plant vegetative stage can affect the results; when animals were fed the same diet, conflicting data are reported. CLA is formed as an intermediate during the biohydrogenation of linoleic acid to stearic acid in the rumen or from the endogenous conversion of t-11 C18:1 by Δ 9 -desaturase (SCD) in the mammary gland. Aims of present trial were to study the influence of lactation stage on milk CLA content and SCD activity in forty lactating Italian Mediterranean buffalo cows fed TMR (0.90 UFL/kg DM; 15.4 CP/DM). From 30th to 120th d of lactation, individual milk yield was daily registered and representative samples were monthly analyzed for protein, fat and fatty acids profile. SCD activity was calculated as Desaturation index (14:1n-9/14:0). Average milk yield, fat and protein were kg/d 9.8, 8.56% and 4.70% respectively. Milk fat was significantly (P<0.01) lower at the 1st compared to the following months of sampling. cis 9-trans 11 CLA was affected by lactation stage: the highest value was registered at the 3 rd sampling while the lowest at the 1 st and 4 th sampling (0.75% vs. 0.57 and 0.58% of total fatty acids; P<0.05). No correlation was found between milk CLA content and SCD activity. Indeed, the Desaturation index increased with the lactation stage and was significantly different at the 4 th compared to the 1 st sampling (0.125 ± 0.02 vs 0.096 ± 0.01; P<0.05).
EATING, RESTING AND RUMINATION ACTIVITIES OF TRANSITION DAIRY COWS FED WITH GLYCEROL - 10.14688/1984-3801/gst.v7n2p130-141

The objective of this study was to determine the effects of replacing high-moisture corn with glycerol on eating, resting and rumination activities of transition dairy cows. Twenty multiparous Holstein cows were paired by expected calving date and fed diets containing either glycerol or high-moisture corn once daily from -28 through +56 days relative to calving (DRTC). Glycerol was included at 11.5 and 10.8% of the ration dry matter (DM) for the pre- and post-partum diets, respectively. Cow activity (n=10 control and n=10 glycerol fed cows) was continuously videotaped for 24 hours on -17, -10, 8, 15 and 50 DRTC. Eating, resting and rumination activities from each cow were evaluated during an hour intervals beginning at 0, 1, 5.5 and 11 hours relative to feed delivery. There was no response (P>0.05) of treatment on the activities of eating, resting and rumination during the pre- and post-partum intervals. Glycerol can be recommended to replace high-moisture corn in rations fed to dairy cows during the transition period.
Double Impact on CVA for CDS : Wrong-Way Risk with Stochastic Recovery

Current CVA modeling framework has ignored the impact of stochastic recovery rate. Due to the possible negative correlation between default and recovery rate, stochastic recovery rate could have a doubling effect on wrong-way risk. In the case of a payer CDS, when counterparty defaults, the CDS value could be higher due to default contagion while the recovery rate may also be lower if the economy is in a downturn. Using our recently proposed model of correlated stochastic recovery in the default time Gaussian Copula framework, we demonstrate this double impact on wrong-way risk in the CVA calculation for a payer CDS. We also present a new form of Gaussian copula that correlates both default time and recovery rate.
Evaluating Agricultural Policy Impacts in Ghana: The Case of Food Crop Development Project in Ejura-Sekyedumase

A Government of Ghana development project known as The Food Crop Development Project (FCDP) was introduced in Ghana with the aim of improving farm incomes, household food and nutrition security and reducing poverty among small-scale farmers. This study sought to find answers to the questions of whether participation in the FCDP improved maize output, household income and food security status. Applying endogenous switching regression (ESR), while accounting for self-selectivity bias, the findings indicate that access to extension and credit services significantly influenced households’ participation in FCDP and by extension adoption of improved practices. The results also reveal significant selectivity correction terms in the choices of both participation and non-participation, indicating that accounting for selection bias is a prerequisite for unbiased and consistent estimation. The findings also indicate participation and adoption of improved maize production technologies increase maize output and households’ incomes, while non-participation exerts the opposite effect. The policy implication of these findings is that subsidized agricultural input projects like the FCDP, have the potential to improve food security and farm incomes of peasant households. Keywords : Self-selectivity, endogenous switching regression (ESR), Ejura-Sekyedumase, food security.
Individual Differences in the Centrality of Visual Product Aesthetics: Concept and Measurement

This research conceptualizes and develops a scale to measure individual differences in the centrality of visual product aesthetics (CVPA), defined as the level of significance that visual aesthetics hold for a particular consumer in his/her relationship with products. Three related dimensions of product aesthetics centrality emerged from the research: value, acumen, and response intensity. A series of eight studies provided evidence that the CVPA measure possesses satisfactory reliability and validity. Additionally, this research illuminates important differences between high and low CVPA consumers in product-design-related evaluations and behaviors and provides suggestions for future research employing the scale. Copyright 2003 by the University of Chicago.
Strategic R&D Investment, Competitive Toughness and Growth

We develop an overlapping generations model, where firms (as consumers) have a two-period life, investing in R&D during the first period and competing in the product market in the second period. The number of firms is endogenously determined and the set of successful firms by a Bernoullian random process. We show the possibility of an inverted-U relationship between innovation and product market competition for an individual industry, based on the possibility for non-successful firms to remain productive. When the relative cost advantage of successful firms is large (large innovation step or small spillovers) this possibility results from the probabilistic nature of the model.
TPCK/TPACK research and development: Past, present, and future directions

Scholarship addressing technological pedagogical content knowledge (TPCK or TPACK) has examined how to develop, apply, and assess it in diverse educational settings and content areas. During the last 12 years, multiple ways to understand this knowledge and support its development have emerged, generating approximately 1,200 publications that utilise the construct, impacting the practice of postsecondary faculty, administrators, and others invested in meaningful educational uses of technology. Perhaps inevitably, TPACK’s enthusiastic reception and rapid dissemination have generated multiple points of divergence, which in turn need further study; especially the construct's accurate measurement and validation; how to assist preservice and in-service teachers' TPACK development; contextual influences upon teachers' TPACK; and the relationship of TPACK-based knowledge to teachers' decision-making and action. Given the widespread diffusion of TPACK, research focusing on these and related issues will help to determine the direction of future post-secondary learning and teaching with technologies. Therefore, this special issue of AJET addresses future directions in TPCK/TPACK research and development.