Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The proximate determinants of fertility in sub-Saharan Africa

Rapid population growth has played an important role in producing the poor economic conditions that exist today in sub - Saharan Africa. However, in the past, few governments have expressed concern about demographic developments such as this. This is now changing and effective policies are being sought to reduce excessive fertility in order to effect a decline in the rate of population growth. The policy design and implementation of such policies would benefit from an understanding of the socioeconomic, cultural, biological and environmental factors that determine fertility. This paper seeks to provide such an understanding by assessing the proximate determinants of fertility. It is concluded that a rapid decline in fertility is unlikely to occur in the near future, partly because desired family size is very high and partly because upward pressure on fertility levels will result from the erosion of traditional childspacing practices of postpartum abstinence and prolonged breastfeeding, or from decline in levels of pathological sterility in response to public health measures.
Potential for Nest Site Competition Between Native and Exotic Tree Squirrels

Abstract In communities where strong interspecific competition between native species is lacking, exotic and native species often exhibit intense resource competition resulting in decline of native populations. We examined the potential for interspecific competition for nest sites between co-occurring native Mt. Graham red squirrels (Tamiasciurus hudsonicus grahamensis) and exotic Abert's squirrels (Sciurus aberti) in the Pinaleño Mountains of Arizona. Comparison of nest use between red and Abert's squirrels at different scales (nest, nest tree, and nest site) revealed contrasting results. Competition for nests and nest trees appears unlikely given the dissimilarity in use of nest types and tree characteristics. Abert's squirrels predominately used dreys, whereas red squirrels mostly used cavity nests. Neither squirrel species occupied a nest used by the other species. Nest trees differed in size and species between squirrels for dreys, but not for cavities. Abert's squirrel nest sites were found in a wider range of microhabitats including almost all microhabitats in which red squirrel nest sites were located. Although there was significant overlap, each species showed distinct trends in microhabitat. In general, red squirrel nest sites were characterized as more densely forested areas dominated by corkbark fir (Abies lasiocarpa var. arizonica), whereas Abert's squirrel nest sites were more open and contained greater tree species diversity. Overlap in microhabitat characteristics increases the likelihood of interspecific competition and could increase the vulnerability of red squirrels to extinction.
Psychologist Moving the Achievement Goal Approach One Step Forward : Towards a Systematic Examination of the Autonomous and Controlled Reasons Underlying Achievement Goals

An important recent development in the achievement goal literature is to define achievement goals strictly as aims. In this overview, we argue that this restrictive definition of achievement goals paves the way for a systematic consideration of the autonomous and controlled reasons underlying individuals’ achievement goals, a distinction central to Self-Determination Theory. To stimulate work in this area, we formulated five propositions, arguing that consideration of the “why” (i.e., type of reasons) in addition to the “what” (i.e., type of aims) of achievement goals, (a) provides an account for the regulatory basis of achievement goals, (b) opens the door for other motivation theories to be linked to the achievement goal literature, (c) matters in terms of predicting outcomes, (d) allows for a richer account of contextual forces influencing motivation, and (e) sets the stage for an enriched hierarchical model of achievement motivation. In closing, we discuss various future research directions. Key terms: Achievement goals, Reasons, Hierarchical Model of Achievement Motivation, Self-Determination Theory, Autonomous and Controlled Regulation
Investigation of Teacher-Candidates' Level of Knowledge and Their Misconceptions with Content Analysis.

This study aims to determine the challenges faced by mathematics teacher-candidates on unit conversion and dimensional analysis. The research was conducted using content analysis method of qualitative research methods. The study group consists of 66 people, 50 females and 16 males, elected through appropriate sampling method, studying at state university in the academic year of 2015-2016. Five open-ended questions were used, prepared by researchers also utilising from the technical literature for the purpose of identifying challenges faced by students during the transfer of mathematical knowledge about unit conversion Asia-Pacific Forum on Science Learning and Teaching, Volume 18, Issue 2, Article 16, p.2 (Dec., 2017) Hanife SARAÇOĞLU, Mevlüde DOĞAN and Özge KOL Investigation of teacher-candidates' level of knowledge and their misconceptions with content analysis Copyright (C) 2017 EdUHK APFSLT. Volume 18, Issue 2, Article 16 (Dec., 2017). All Rights Reserved. and dimensional analysis in physics classes. Findings obtained for increasing the validity and reliability of the research were independently coded by each researcher, then these codes were grouped under the same theme of unit conversion and dimensional analysis. Following an investigation on the answers given by students participating in this research, it was determined that they did not have enough knowledge on base quantities within SI unit system and they had problems in transitions between upper and lower coefficients. It was also found that they had misconceptions on the theme of dimensional analysis. Amplitude of mathematical procedures and formulae within physics and the lack of mathematical skills of the students indicates that they suffer an inadequacy in unit conversion and dimensional analysis operations.
Contrasting glacial meltwater effects on post-bloom phytoplankton on temporal and spatial scales in Kongsfjorden, Spitsbergen

Glacial meltwater discharge in fjords on the west coast of Spitsbergen is increasing due to climate change. The influence of this discharge on phytoplankton nutrient limitation, composition, productivity and photophysiology was investigated in central (M) and inner (G) Kongsfjorden (79°N, 11°40’E). Freshwater influx intensified stratification during June 2015, coinciding with surface nutrient depletion. Surface nutrient concentrations were negatively correlated with stratification strength at station M. Here, nitrate addition assays revealed increasing N limitation of surface phytoplankton during the second half of June, which was followed by a pronounced compositional change within the flagellate-dominated phytoplankton community as dictyochophytes (85% of chl a) were replaced with smaller haptophytes (up to 60% of chlorophyll a) and prasinophytes (20% of chlorophyll a). These changes were less pronounced at station G, where surface phosphate, ammonium and nitrate concentrations were occasionally higher, and correlated with wind direction, suggesting wind-mediated transport of nutrient-enriched waters to this inner location. Therefore, glacial meltwater discharge mediated nutrient enrichment in the inner fjord, and enhanced stratification in inner and central Kongsfjorden. Surface chlorophyll a and water column productivity showed 3–4-fold variability, and did not correlate with nutrient limitation, euphotic zone depth, or changed taxonomic composition. However, the maximum carbon fixation rate and photosynthetic efficiency showed weak positive correlations to prasinophyte, cryptophyte, and haptophyte chlorophyll a. The present study documented relationships between stratification, N limitation, and changed phytoplankton composition, but surface chlorophyll a concentration, phytoplankton photosynthetic characteristics, and water column productivity in Kongsfjorden appeared to be driven by mechanisms other than N limitation.
A Review of the Usefulness of Non-invasive Exhaled Breath Condensate pH Analysis for Diseases Diagnosis with Elements of Meta-analysis: An Update from 2012

Exhaled breath condensate (EBC) sample analysis is an entirely non-invasive novel sample collection method that is fast, easy to perform, and effort-appeared independent. EBC samples can be very useful in identifying the biomarkers of many diseases. This review provides an updated overview of EBC pH disturbances in different disorders as well as physiological levels among healthy individuals since 2012. Our meta-analysis addresses some of the key questions related to sample processing before pH measurement and discusses various methods of condensate standardization that can be employed prior to conducting a pH assay. Given the recent widespread interest in research into the use of EBC to identify biomarkers, it is necessary to establish a pathway leading from analytical methods for biomarker evaluation using EBC pH to clinical applications of this technology. This review fills a gap in the literature and attempts to connect theory to practical analytical approaches to analyzing EBC samples and making critical treatment-related decisions next to the patient's bed.
Evaluation of orange trees budded on several rootstocks and planted at high density on flatwoods soil.

The performance of 'Valencia' orange trees on Swingle citrumelo (Swi), Cleopatra mandarin (Cleo), Milam lemon (Mil), and Volkamer lemon (Volk) rootstocks was evaluated on the flatwoods soil of southwest Florida. Leaf mineral concentration, growth, fruit production and quality were measured four and seven years after planting in a closely-spaced setting (19 ft by 9 ft) in a commercial grove. Compared to Florida citrus Florida Agricultural Experiment Station Journal Series No. N-01909. Proc. Fla. State Hort. Soc. 113: 2000. leaf standards, leaf mineral concentration values were within the optimum to the high range. Yield efficiency expressed as lb solids/yard3 of canopy and juice quality in terms of juice content, Brix, and lb solids/box increased with tree age. Tree and fruit size were the highest for Volk and the lowest for Cleo . Fruit yield was the highest for Volk. However, yield expressed in lb solids/acre was not significantly different between Volk and· Swi due to the higher solids/box for Swi. Yield efficiency was also higher for Swi than for Volk. Juice content and soluble solids in the fruit were higher for Swi and Cleo than for both lemon rootstocks. Financial analysis showed that at high density planting, trees on Swi were the most profitable. Citrus is of major economic importance in many counties of Florida, with a total economic impact exceeding $8 billion a year. In Florida, citrus groves occupy approximately 845,000 acres with over 107 million trees (Florida Agricultural Statistics Service, 1999). Rootstocks have had a substantial role in the development of the Florida citrus industry. Prior to about
Geometric and Rheological Asperities 1 in an Exposed Fault Zone 2

6 Earthquake dynamics are strongly affected by fault zone structure and fault surface 7 geometry. Here we investigate the interplay of bulk deformation and surface topography using 8 detailed structural analysis of a fault zone near Klamath Falls, Oregon combined with LiDAR 9 measurements of the fault surface. We find that the fault zone has layered damage architecture. 10 Slip primarily occurs inside a 1-20 mm wide band that contains principal slip surfaces with 11 individual widths of ~100 μm. The slip band sits atop a cohesive layer which deforms by 12 granular flow. Several fault strands with total slips of 0.5-150 m also have cohesive layers with 13 thicknesses increasing monotonically with slip. The rate of the thickening decreases with 14 increasing displacement indicating that slip progressively localizes. The main fault is a 15 continuous surface with 10-40 m quasi-elliptical geometrical asperities, i.e., bumps. The bumps 16 reflect variations of the thickness of the granular cohesive layer and can be generated by a 17 boudinage-like instability. As the granular layer is stiffer than its surroundings, the asperities are 18 both geometrical and rheological inhomogenities. Modeling slip along wavy faults shows that 19 slip on a surface with a realistic geometry requires internal yielding of the host rock. 20
Dose-response Effects of Exercise Intensity on Bone in Ovariectomized Rats

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of different intensities of resistance exercise training on established bone loss in ovariectomized (ovx-ed) rats by densitometry and histomorphometry. Thirty Female Wistar rats were ovx-ed or sham-operated (SHM) at 3 months of age and maintained untreated for 5 months after surgery to establish osteopenia. When they reached 8 months, the ovx-ed rats were divided into four groups in accordance with varying weights applied to a squat-training device: The weight classifications were 1) kept sedentary (OVX); 2) lifted 0 g (LOW); 3) 750 g (MID); and 1500 g (HIGH). The rats in the three training groups performed weight-lifting of 10 reps, performing 2 sets per day, 3 days a week for a ten week period. The Femora and tibiae were removed from each rat and were used for analyses. Ovx induced a significant loss of total BMC in all the bones tested. The ovx-induced femoral BMC loss was observed at all locations tested on the bone (proximal, shaft, and distal), and exercise-intensity dependent restoration was found at the proximal and the distal sites, but not at the shaft. In the tibia, ovx-induced significant bone loss occurred only at the proximal metaphyseal site. The training increased the tibial BMC of all sites in an exercise-intensity dependently, irrespective of the degree of ovx effect. At the tibial shaft, the training increased the cortical bone mass significantly above sham level by the bone apposition at the periosteum. At the proximal tibial metaphysis, exercise had no effect on the cancellous bone volume after ovx-induced bone loss. This finding suggests that the exercise induced bone increase in the ovx-ed rats was from cortical bone, not from cancellous bone, at least in the proximal tibia. These findings indicate that the weight-lifting exercise in rats reversed the ovx-induced bone loss in an exercise-intensity dependent and site-specific manner, even in established osteopenic skeleton 5 mon after ovx.
Spatiotemporal changes in the accumulation of sugar and potassium within individual 'Sauvignon Blanc' (Vitis vinifera L.) berries

It has been speculated that there may be a link between the transport of sugar and potassium into grape berries during ripening as they exhibit similar accumulation patterns. It is unclear if this proposed link is apparent in individual grape berries and in the grape berry compartments. Single grape berries were therefore analysed for sugar and potassium content and concentration within the skin, seeds and the pulp from pre-veraison until harvest. Sugar and potassium had similar accumulation patterns and positive relationships were confirmed between the sugar and potassium content within individual berries and compartments. The sugar content in the grape berry, however, increased 5-fold during ripening whereas the potassium content only doubled. Both sugar and potassium increased with berry size, suggesting a ternary relationship with berry water. The high variability in sugar and potassium contents between berries however affirms plasticity in their accumulation within individual berries.
Possibilities of 3D printer Rapidshape D30 for manufacturing of cubic samples

The purpose of the present paper is to establish experimentally the possibilities of the 3D printer Rapidshape D30 for manufacturing of standard cubic samples from different types of monomers and to evaluate their geometrical accuracy and roughness. Standard cubic samples with dimensions 5 mm х 5 mm х 5 mm were printed from all the materials, given by the producer, in two ways of dimensional orientation according to the base – horizontally and inclined at 45 о . They were manufactured with 3D printer Rapidshape D30, working on the stereolithography principle with LED light. It was established that: The samples, made of NextDent Surgical Guide, have the highest dimensional accuracy and the lowest deviation interval in the both ways of placement. This polymer characterizes with the highest thickness of the polymerization layer – 0,100 mm, but it is transparent, thus ensuring the entire polymerization throughout the whole layer’s depth. NextDent C+B, intended for manufacturing of temporary crowns and bridges, occupies a middle position compared to the other 6 materials. Nearly in all the materials the surface roughness of the cub with horizontal placement is lower than that of the cub printed inclined (average values of Ra 0,46-2,69 µm and Ra 1,74-2,77 respectively). In 3D printing the surface roughness depends on the thickness of the polymerization layer and the inclination to the printing direction. The thicker the polymerization layer and the larger the slope, the higher the surface roughness.
Morphological and immunohistochemical features of interdigital sinus in Kivircik sheep.

Interdigital sinus secretions play a role in sexual behavior and reproductive process of sheep. In the present study, it was aimed to characterize the topographical, anatomical and immunohistological features of interdigital sinus in Kivircik sheep. The interdigital sinuses were dissected from 50 forefeet of female Kivircik sheep which were slaughtered in the slaughterhouse. The shape of sinus resembled a pipe and was located between the proximal and distal interphalangeal joints of two digits. The wall of interdigital sinus had three layers as epidermis, dermis and fibrous capsule. Epidermis consisted of a stratified squamous keratinized epithelium. Sebaceous glands, hair follicles, arrector pili muscles, and apocrine sweat glands were in the dermis. Furthermore, there were vessels and adipose tissue in the fibrous capsule. There was immunohistochemical reaction for estrogen receptor expressed in epidermis, apocrin sweat glands and sebaceous glands of interdigital sinus. In conclusion, our results about the topographical, anatomical and immunohistological features of interdigital sinus are very important to understand sexual behavior and reproductive process of sheep, and to make a new approach for its surgery. Furthermore, this study is the first to report the interdigital sinus of Kivircik sheep immunohistochemically.
Estimation of Arctic ice thickness from ambient noise

An estimate of total ice mass in the Arctic is an important parameter for global climate studies, but there are no direct means for providing this information. A surrogate measurement, spatial integration of ice thickness, is being pursued by several groups using active acoustic and electromagnetic methods. As a complement to these efforts, the passive estimation of ice thickness using ambient noise caused by thermal and mechanical stress cracks in the ice sheet is focused on. The acoustic signal received from propagating stress cracks is the convolution of an elemental fracture source function and the spatial distribution function (array) of the propagating crack. This analytic result predicts a tonal spectral component of O(1 kHz) that relates directly to ice thickness. Experimental data collected in the Beaufort Sea during the spring of 1994 demonstrates the presence of this spectral peak, which correlates well with the measured ice thickness at the site.
1 Real Exchange Rate Misalignment and Economic 2 Growth : The Case of Trinidad and Tobago 3

Conventional economic theory outlines that developing countries experience economic 11 growth through an undervalued exchange rate and that exchange rate overvaluations has negative 12 long term effects on economic growth. This paper examined the impact of exchange rate 13 movements as well as exchange rate misalignments on economic growth for the Trinidad and 14 Tobago economy over the period 1960 to 2016. We find statistically significant evidence that both 15 exchange rate appreciation and misalignments impact negatively on economic growth in the T&T 16 economy. Drilling deeper we find interestingly that there exist no non-linear effects of exchange 17 rate misalignments on growth. Specifically we find statistically significant evidence that both 18 overvaluations and undervaluations hamper economic growth in the Trinidad and Tobago 19 economy. We attribute this to T&T’s small and underdeveloped manufacturing sector that tends to 20 be overlooked on account of its energy resources, in addition to the fact that its manufacturing 21 sector is highly import oriented. A major policy recommendation would be for the critical 22 reassessment of the rules governing the HSF, as government expenditure was allowed to follow 23 energy revenues due to its current limitations. 24
EFFECT OF FEED RESTRICTION ON GROWTH PERFORMANCE , BODY CONFORMATION , CARCASS CHARACTERISTICS AND COST-BENEFIT IN BROILER CHICKENS

A total of two hundred and seven day-old Arbor Acre commercial hybrid broiler type was used to determine the effects of feed restriction on growth performance, frame size/structure, carcass qualities and profitability in an 8-week trial. Group A birds were fed 24-hour post hatch, and subjected to 4-hour feed removal from the fifth to the sixth week; Group B birds were fed 36-hour post hatch, and subjected to 6hour feed removal from the fifth to the sixth week while Group C birds were fed 48-hour post hatch, and subjected to 8-hour feed removal from the fifth to the sixth week. The final body weight, average weekly body weight, average weekly feed intake, average weekly body weight gain, feed conversion ratio and percentage mortality were not significantly influenced (P>0.05) by the duration of feed restriction. Apart from neck circumference, which was significantly (P < 0.05) higher in Group C birds, other linear type traits were not affected (P > 0.05) by feed restriction. There were no significant differences in the measured carcass parameters among broilers of the three treatment groups. Total cost of feed ( ₦) consumed per bird was significantly higher (P<0.05) in group A birds. The gross margin revealed that statistically significant values (₦711.97 versus ₦692.47; P<0.05)) were recorded for birds in Groups C and B compared to those in Group A ( ₦656.07), It is therefore, suggested that feeding broilers 48-hour post hatch coupled with 8-hour feed removal from the fifth to the sixth week of age could be employed for efficient broiler chicken production.
CrowdVision: A Computing Platform for Video Crowdprocessing Using Deep Learning

Mobile devices such as smartphones are enabling users to generate and share videos with increasing rates. In some cases, these videos may contain valuable information, which can be exploited for a variety of purposes. However, instead of centrally collecting and processing videos for information retrieval, we consider crowdprocessing videos, where each mobile device locally processes stored videos. While the computational capability of mobile devices continues to improve, processing videos using deep learning, i.e., convolutional neural networks, is still a demanding task for mobile devices. To this end, we design and build CrowdVision, a computing platform that enables mobile devices to crowdprocess videos using deep learning in a distributed and energy-efficient manner leveraging cloud offload. CrowdVision can quickly and efficiently process videos with offload under various settings and different network connections and greatly outperform the existing computation offload framework (e.g., with a 2× speed-up). In doing so, CrowdVision tackles several challenges: (i) how to exploit the characteristics of the computing of deep learning for video processing; (ii) how to parallelize processing and offloading for acceleration; and (iii) how to optimize both time and energy at runtime by just determining the right moments to offload.