Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The Diffusion of Broadband Telecommunications: The Role of Competition

This paper addresses the determinants of diffusion of broadband infrastructure by looking at the U.S. Federal States. It tries to identify in particular to what extent intra- and inter -platform competition contribute to accelerating the speed of diffusion. Panel data analysis results indicate that both types of competition significantly affect the rate of diffusion, although with different effect. Intra-platform competition seems to have a positive impact only initially on the rate of diffusion but then dissipates. For the longer term, inter -platform has a much more important role in driving the rate of diffusion. The study takes account of the impact of other variables measuring competition in the telecommunications sector as well.
Antenna Diversity on a UMTS HandHeld Phone

This work investigates the possible return of antenna diversity on the handheld phone in a bandwidth corresponding to UMTS. The findings are that the diversity gain will change significantly dependent on the person using the phone. The diversity gain is found to be between 2 and 7 dB. This is primaryly caused by different slow fading from the two different types of antennas. The investigations are based on measurements where 200 test persons have been measured.
The Study of Syncopation Using Inner Metric Analysis: Linking Theoretical and Experimental Analysis of Metre in Music

Abstract This paper investigates the influence of syncopation on the metric structure of musical pieces using the computational model of Inner Metric Analysis. Inner Metric Analysis generates metric hierarchies evoked by the note onsets of a piece. Syncopation in the rhythmic structure influences these hierarchies in different ways. The comparison of local and global perspectives on the metric structure allows one to distinguish between different amounts of syncopation present in a musical piece. This paper shows that the study of syncopation using Inner Metric Analysis contributes to explaining tapping performances of listeners. Hence comparing the structural descriptions generated by the model to results of a listening experiment helps to link music theoretic and perceptual studies.
Amylase production under solid state fermentation by a bacterial isolate W74

This study was concerned with the screening of a suitable isolate and optimization of cultural conditions for the biosynthesis of thermostable amylase under solid state fermentation (SSF). Twenty seven isolates were screened for amylase production out of which one isolate designated as W74 showed maximal amylase activity at 70°C and a pH of 6.5 and selected for further optimization of cultural conditions under SSF. Among the different carbon and nitrogen sources supplemented to wheat bran, starch (96.7 U/g) and casein (107.3 U/g) enhanced maximum amylase production. Addition of exogenous glucose repressed secretion of amylase, demonstrating that a classical glucose effect was operative in this organism. Cultural optimization was undertaken to evaluate the effect of main process parameters as incubation period (144 h), moisture (66.7%), inoculum size (40%), and initial medium pH (6.5) on enzyme production. The enzyme was optimally active at 70°C and in pH range of 5.5-6.5. Keywords: Thermostable amylase, solid state fermentation, wheat bran, enzyme African Journal of Biotechnology , Vol 13(21), 2145-2153
The Influence of Non-Cognitive Skills on Wages within and between Firms: Evidence from Bangladesh's Formal Sector

Many employers and employees believe that non-cognitive skills are an important contributor to labor market success. This study has assessed the empirical evidence for such a claim in the case of Bangladesh by evaluating unique employer-employee matched labor market data. The analysis is based on data collected from 6,981 workers in 500 formal sector firms in Bangladesh's five largest formal economic sectors. Using ordinary least squares and firm fixed-effect models, the study assesses correlations between wages and the so-called"big five"personality traits, and augments the analysis with the latent personality scores captured by the Rasch model. Comparing the ordinary least squares and fixed-effect models reveals statistically significant correlations between personality traits and wages, within and across firms. The results appear to indicate that non-cognitive skills are correlated with a worker's likelihood of achieving success in the labor market. Although many of the findings are consistent with the literature, the analysis reveals specific patterns that appear to be unique to Bangladesh, including a positive correlation between ? emotional stability? and wages and a negative correlation between"grit"and wages, especially among manufacturing workers. Differences across firms could indicate that firms that offer higher wages may tend to attract workers with distinct types of non-cognitive skills, whereas differences within firms may indicate that variations in non-cognitive skills are associated with disparities in firm-level wage structures. Correlations between wages and personality traits are more prominent among large firms than among small or medium-sized firms.
An epidemiological survey of neonatal sepsis in a hospital in western Nigeria

The study examined occurrence of bacterial pathogens associated with neonatal sepsis in a hospital setting. A prospective cross-sectional study was carried out on neonates with sepsis who were admitted to the neonatal ward of Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospital Complex, Ile-Ife, Nigeria over a six-month period. One hundred samples for microbiological evaluation were collected from the neonates excluding those on prior antibiotic therapy. Microbiological examination and analysis of a variety of samples, processed according to standard procedures for isolation and identification of pathogenic bacteria and antibiotic sensitivity testing, was carried out on bacterial isolates. Among the 100 samples collected and processed, Staphylococcus aureus accounted for 28%, Klebsiellaand Pseudomonas species 13% each, Proteus species 10%, otherEnterobacteriaciae 9%, Neisseria gonorrhoea 8%, beta-haemolytic Streptococcus5 and 14% showed no bacterial growth. Antibiotic sensitivity patterns of the bacterial isolates showed that most were sensitive to oxfloxacin. However, a significant number of them showed resistance to commonly used antibiotics such as ampicillin and penicillin. Bacterial pathogens in neonates with sepsis vary from Gram-positive bacteria, mostly S. aureus to Gram-negative bacilli, mainlyKlebsiella and Pseudomonas species. Improvement in hygienic practices in both the wards and nurseries is required to reduce mortality rate in the hospital. Key words: Neonatal sepsis, samples, infants, bacteria, antibiotic, Nigeria.
Design of Low-Dispersion Fractal Photonic Crystal Fiber

In this paper, a fractal photonic crystal fiber (F-PCF) based on the 1 iteration of Koch fractal configuration for optical communication systems is presented. Complex structure of fractal shape is build up through replication of a base shape. Nowadays, fractal shapes are widely used in antenna topics and its usage in PCF is investigated in this paper. The purpose of this research is to compare normal photonic crystal fibers (N-PCFs) with F-PCFs through the simulation and optimization procedure based on the finite element method (FEM). The effective mode index of the fundamental mode is found for different PCF structures. In addition, dispersion properties of F-PCF are numerically calculated and compared by N-PCF.
Involuntary Non-standard Employment: evidence from Italian regions

Using European Union Labour Force Survey data on over 2.5 million workers in Italian regions for the period 1999-2010, we investigate the determinants of involuntary non-standard (temporary and part-time) employment (INE). We find that regional differences significantly affect the probability of workers being involuntarily employed in non-standard jobs, with higher probabilities for workers in the southern and insular regions than in the rest of the country. Women, young individuals, and low-skilled workers are particularly at risk of INE. The same holds for graduates, whose chances of finding satisfactory full-time permanent jobs are lower than those of individuals with diplomas. Finally, we find that INE follows a counter-cyclical behaviour, with it more likely to be higher when GDP growth is low and unemployment high.
29. MOTION OF THE AUSTRALIAN PLATE FROM SEDIMENT PALEOINCLINATIONS, EARLY CRETACEOUS THROUGH HOLOCENE1

The change in paleolatitude of the areas off northwestern Australia since the Early Cretaceous was determined from Paleomagnetism of cores from ODP Leg 123 (Sites 765 and 766) and DSDP Leg 27 (Site 261). The Early Cretaceous paleolatitudes determined for Sites 766 and 261 agree with each other, indicating an average paleolatitude of 37° ± 3°, which is slightly lower than expected from the Australian apparent polar wander path (APWP). The Early Cretaceous to Paleogene paleolatitudes for Site 765 are systematically lower than those predicted by the Australian apparent polar wander path. In particular, the disagreement between these data and predictions for the mid-to-Late Cretaceous is in excess of 15°.
Temporal changes in height and diameter growth for two Nothofagus species in New Zealand

We examined whether the growth dynamics of two species can explain their coexistence. In particular, we exam- ined New Zealand forests dominated by Nothofagusfusca and N. menziesii to determine whether both species can reach the canopy in tree-fall gaps. Stems in a gap and other stems (in pairs: one of each species, close together) were destructively sampled and aged at their bases and at heights of 1.4 m and 3 m, and at 2 m intervals thereafter as high as possible. For additional pairs of adjacent, similarly sized stems, one of each species, ring widths were analyzed for responsiveness to envi- ronmental changes. In general the faster growth rates of N. fusca were sufficient to balance the greater abundance of N. menziesii in the understory, such that both species were able to reach the canopy. Stems of both species grew at similar rates for decades. Both species were able to tolerate some periods of suppression and to respond to opportunities (climatic or due to mild disturbances). Abstract. We examined whether the growth dynamics of two species can explain their coexistence. In particular, we exam­ ined New Zealand forests dominated by Nothofagusfuscaand N. menziesii to determine whether both species can reach the canopy in tree-fall gaps. Stems in a gap and other stems (in pairs: one of each species, close together) were destructively sampled and aged at their bases and at heights of 1.4 m and 3 m, and at 2 m intervals thereafter as high as possible. For additional pairs of adjacent, similarly sized stems, one of each species, ring widths were analyzed for responsiveness to envi­ ronmental changes. In general the faster growth rates of N. fusca were sufficient to balance the greater abundance of N. menziesii in the understory, such that both species were able to reach the canopy. Stems of both species grew at similar rates for decades. Both species were able to tolerate some periods of suppression and to respond to opportunities (climatic or due to mild disturbances).
Influence of polymorphisms in osteoprotegerin on susceptibility to periodontal disease in patients with type 2 diabetes

Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate polymorphisms in the promoter region (-163A/G, -245T/G and -950T/C) of the gene osteoprotegerin (OPG) as well as the distribution and influence of these polymorphisms in patients with type 2 diabetes and periodontitis in comparison to a health control group. Methods: The study involved the participation of 67 subjects: 32 in the test group (diabetic patients with periodontitis) and 35 in the control group (non-diabetic subjects without periodontitis). Pocket depth, bleeding on probing and attachment loss were assessed for the diagnosis of periodontitis. Six sites on each tooth were probed. Periodontitis was diagnosed when two or more sites had a pocket depth and attachment loss ≥ 4 mm. DNA was obtained from the blood of the subjects for the investigation of OPG polymorphisms using the Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism (RFLP) method. Results: No association was found between periodontitis and polymorphisms in the promoter region of the OPG gene in test group (P>0.005). The most frequent allele in this group was A163 (81.2%), followed by T245 (75.0%) and T950 (54.7%). The T950 allele, which is a possible marker of osteoclastogenesis, was not associated with periodontal status in patients with diabetes (P>0.005). Conclusion: No association was found between periodontiitis and genetic polymorphisms in the OPG gene in patients with diabetes.
AFLP markers for the assessment of genetic diversity in european and North American potato varieties cultivated in Iran

Information about the genetic diversity of potato germplasm in Iran is important for variety identification and to enhance the classification of germplasm collections and exploit them in breeding programs and for the development and introduction of new varieties. AFLP fingerprinting was applied to a group of cultivated potato varieties to find if there is any geographical differentiation in potato diversity from Europe and North America. The high level of polymorphism within potato varieties and the high number of variety-specific bands suggest that AFLPs are powerful markers for diversity analysis in potato varieties. No region-specif ic AFLP markers were found (present in varieties from the same origin and absent in others). The UPGMA dendrogram revealed four distinct clusters corresponding almost to the geographical origin of the varieties. However, the bootstrap support for branches was rather weak. No clusters clearly distinguished varieties from Europe and North America. Varieties from the same geographical origins however tended to group together within each cluster. The mean similarity and the UPGMA dendrogram both suggest that North American varieties have nearly identical genetic diversity to European varieties. The results of AMOVA revealed large within-region variations which accounted for 94.5% of the total molecular variance. The between-region variation, although accounting for only 5.5% of the total variation, was statistically significant. AFLP technology was successfully used to evaluate diversity between different geographical groups of potatoes and is recommended for potato genetic studies.
Recognizable Clinical Subtypes of OSA across a Worldwide Sleep Center Population: A Cluster Analysis

Study Objectives: A recent study of patients with moderate–severe obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) in Iceland identified three clinical clusters based on symptoms and comorbidities. We sought to verify this finding in a new cohort in Iceland and examine the generalizability of OSA clusters in an international ethnically diverse cohort. Methods: Using data on 972 patients with moderate–severe OSA (apnea–hypopnea index [AHI] ≥ 15 events per hour) recruited from the Sleep Apnea Global Interdisciplinary Consortium (SAGIC), we performed a latent class analysis of 18 self-reported symptom variables, hypertension, cardiovascular disease, and diabetes. Results: The original OSA clusters of disturbed sleep, minimally symptomatic, and excessively sleepy replicated among 215 SAGIC patients from Iceland. These clusters also generalized to 757 patients from five other countries. The three clusters had similar average AHI values in both Iceland and the international samples, suggesting clusters are not driven by OSA severity; differences in age, gender, and body mass index were also generally small. Within the international sample, the three original clusters were expanded to five optimal clusters: three were similar to those in Iceland (labeled disturbed sleep, minimal symptoms, and upper airway symptoms with sleepiness) and two were new, less symptomatic clusters (labeled upper airway symptoms dominant and sleepiness dominant). The five clusters showed differences in demographics and AHI, although all were middle-aged (44.6–54.5 years), obese (30.6–35.9 kg/m2), and had severe OSA (42.0–51.4 events per hour) on average. Conclusions: Results confirm and extend previously identified clinical clusters in OSA. These clusters provide an opportunity for a more personalized approach to the management of OSA.
Links between the dynamical evolution and the surface color of the Centaurs

Context. The Centaurs are a transitional population of minor bodies of the solar system and the evolutionary link between the transNeptunian objects and the short period comets. The surface properties of these objects are very peculiar, because currently available data suggest that their visual surface colors divide the population into two distinctive groups, those with reddish slopes of the visual reflection spectra and those with neutral spectra. Moreover, some of them are known to posses comas produced by cometary activity. Aims. We aim to investigate possible links between the orbital dynamical history and the surface physical properties of the bodies of this population. Methods. By means of numerical integrations of the equations of motion we calculated the orbital evolution of three groups of Centaurs: the Red group, the Gray group, and the Active group. We looked for statistical differences in the timescales spent by the objects of each group at heliocentric distances below certain values that are associated with locations where certain particular physical processes occur at the surfaces. Results. We find remarkable differences when we compare the fraction of objects that penetrate below typical heliocentric distances for each group. Conclusions. Our results suggest that the observed bimodality in the distribution of surface colors of the Centaurs is caused by the different thermal reprocessing on the surface of bodies of the Red group on one side and the Active and Gray groups on the other. Centaurs of the Gray group likely had cometary activity, therefore their color distribution is similar to that of comet nuclei.
The impact of the expansion of the Bolsa Familia Program on the time allocation of youths and their parents

This paper evaluates the impact of the 2007 expansion of the Bolsa Familia program to families with youths aged 16 to 17 years on the time allocation of youths and on the labor supply of their parents. A differences-in-differences intention to treat estimator was used to compare poor households with 16-year-old youths with households with 15-year-old adolescents before and after the expansion. The results show that granting the benefit had a positive and significant impact on school attendance, helping bridge 25% of the gap in school attendance between rich and poor households, and on the decision of young people to study and work at the same time.
Graduate Unemployment in Nigeria: Entrepreneurship and Venture Capital Nexus

It is observed that the rate of unemployment in Nigeria is alarming and intolerable, moreso, graduate unemployment. However, government alone cannot provide all the required jobs. We therefore advocate establishment of venture capital bank managed by men of proven integrity to provide loans to unemployed graduates with promising ideas. We also solicit that government should provide conducive environment that enables private sector to strive while universities should finetune their curricula to reflect the needs of the employers and university students should study to acquire necessary knowledge that makes them employable. Keywords: Graduate unemployment, entrepreneurship, venture capital infrastructure, loan monitoring.
A study of adjustment among learning disabled children in relation to their gender

Article History Published Online: 13 March2019 The present study attempts to compare the adjustment level (Home, School, and Peer adjustment) of learning disabled children in relation to their gender. The study was carried out on 50 students (25 L.D. boys and 25 L.D. girls). The age of the selected subjects ranged from 8 to 12 years. The data was analyzed with the help of suitable statistical techniques like mean, standard deviation and t-test. On the basis of the responses, the gender difference was seen. Result shows a significant difference among the home, school, peer and overall adjustment of male and female learning disabled children.
Like a bell responding to a striker: Instruction contingent on assessment

This article is concerned pragmatically with how recent research findings in assessment for learning (AfL) can bring about higher quality learning in the day-to-day classroom. The first half of this paper reviews recent studies within Black and Wiliam's (2009) framework of formative assessment and looks for insights on how pedagogical procedures could be arranged to benefit from and resonate with research findings. In the second half, based on lessons drawn from the review, the findings were incorporated into an instructional design that is contingent on formative assessment. The concept of teacher contingency is elaborated and demonstrated to be central to the AfL pedagogy. Attempts were made to translate updated research findings into an English as a foreign language (EFL) writing instruction to illustrate how teachers may live up to promises offered by recent developments on AfL. This AfL lesson, situated in L2 writing revision, made instruction contingent on and more responsive to learner performance and learning needs. As shown in an end-of-semester survey, learner response to the usefulness of the instruction was generally quite positive.
The influence of soil heterogeneity on plant species richness

Aims. Environmental heterogeneity is a primary mechanism explaining species coexistence and extant patterns of diversity. Despite strong theoretical support and ample observational evidence, few experimental studies in plant communities have been able to demonstrate a causal link between environmental heterogeneity and plant diversity. This lack of experimental evidence suggests that either fine-scale heterogeneity has weak effects on plant diversity or previous experiments have been unable to effectively manipulate heterogeneity. Here, I utilize a unique soil manipulation to test whether fine-scale soil heterogeneity will increase plant richness through species sorting among experimental patch types. Methods. This experiment was conducted in the tallgrass prairie region of south-central Kansas, U.S.A. I utilized the inherent variation found in the vertical soil profile, which varied in both biotic and abiotic characteristics, and redistributed these strata into either homogeneous or heterogeneous spatial arrangements in 2.4x2. 4 m plots. After the soil manipulation, thirty-four native prairie species were sown into all plots. I conducted annual censuses at peak biomass to quantify species composition and plant density by species within the experimental communities.