Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
What Do Culturally Diverse Students in New Zealand Value Most for Their Mathematics Learning

Classrooms around the world are becoming increasingly diverse. A major challenge faced by educators is achieving equity for all mathematics learners. To achieve equity, educators need to acknowledge and cater for this increasing diversity which includes attending to values of their students. Drawing on survey responses and individual interviews, this paper explores the mathematics education values espoused by 227 middle school students in New Zealand, including Pākehā/European, East Asian, Māori and Pāsifika learners. Results from this study provide insight into what is valued in the mathematics classroom and may assist teachers to develop pedagogy and classroom culture which aligns with students’ values.
An index of (absolute) correlation aversion: theory and some implications

The concept of absolute risk aversion proposed by K. Arrow (1965) and J. Pratt (1964) and the assumption that it is decreasing in wealth has played a central role in the analysis of risky choices. Ten years later S. Richard (1975) defined correlation aversion in the framework of bivariate utility functions. Surprisingly however the measure of the intensity of correlation aversion has received so far almost no attention. In this paper we define an index of (absolute) correlation aversion and stress some of its properties. Besides we show how the assumption that it is decreasing in wealth generates new results for the analysis of risky choices under bivariate utility. Finally we indicate how these notions can be extended to higher orders of risk attitudes.
COMPARATIVE STUDY OF TOMATOES AND ONIONS FORM IRRIGATED FARMLNADS ON THE BANK OF RIVER CHALLAWA, KANO, NIGERIA

The concentration of Cu, Mn, Ni and Zn were determined in tomatoes and onions samples using Atomic Absorption Spectrometry. A total of 32 samples each of tomatoes and onions were collected from the exposed and control sites for analysis. The trace metals (Cu, Mn, Ni and Zn) concentration in tomatoes wee found to be 6.2406, 6.5521 , 5.7375 and 8.9297 mg/kg -1 , respectively. while those of onions samples (exposed and control) are 8.250 for Cu,7.9479 for Mn, 10.8583 for Ni and 98.7292 for Zn; and 5.5698 for Cu, 2.5156 for Mn, 7.8813 for Ni and 6.6573 mg/kg -1 for Zn in respect of onions sample (control). The abundance of the trace metals followed the trend of Zn > Mn > Cu > Ni for tomatoes samples (exposed), Zn > Ni > Cu > Mn for onions samples (exposed) and Ni > Zn > Cu > Mn for the onions samples (control). The trace metals levels in the tomatoes and onions were found to be above the FAO/WHO and WHO/EU allowed limits, which put the consumers of these vegetable crops at risk healthwise. However, the Cu and Zn values have not reached the MAFF limit.
Weak Copling Limit of the N-Particle Schrödinger Equation

This work is devoted to the derivation of a nonlinear 1-particle equation from a linear AT-particle Schrodinger equation in the time dependent case. It emphazises the role of a so-called "finite Schrodinger hierarchy" and of a limiting (infinite) "Schrodinger hierarchy". Convergence of solutions of the first to solutions of the second is established by using "physically relevant" estimates (L and energy conservation) under very general assumptions on the interaction potential, including in particular the Coulomb potential. In the case of bounded potentials, a stability theorem for the infinite Schrodinger hierarchy is proved, based on Spohn's idea of using the trace norm and elementary techniques pertaining to the abstract Cauchy-Kowalewskaya theorem. The core of this program is to prove that if the limiting AT-particle distribution function is factorized at time t = 0, it remains factorized for all later times. We offer this contribution to Cathleen Morawetz as an expression of our admiration and friendship and in recognition of the influence that her work on the interaction of mathematics and physics has exerted on us.
The productivity, metabolism and carbon cycle of two lowland tropical forest plots in south-western Amazonia, Peru

Background: The forests of western Amazonia are known to be more dynamic that the better-studied forests of eastern Amazonia, but there has been no comprehensive description of the carbon cycle of a western Amazonian forest. Aims: We present the carbon budget of two forest plots in Tambopata in south-eastern Peru, western Amazonia. In particular, we present, for the first time, the seasonal variation in the detailed carbon budget of a tropical forest. Methods: We measured the major components of net primary production (NPP) and total autotrophic respiration over 3–6 years. Results: The NPP for the two plots was 15.1 ± 0.8 and 14.2 ± 1.0 Mg C ha−1 year−1, the gross primary productivity (GPP) was 35.5 ± 3.6 and 34.5 ± 3.5 Mg C ha−1 year−1, and the carbon use efficiency (CUE) was 0.42 ± 0.05 and 0.41 ± 0.05. NPP and CUE showed a large degree of seasonality. Conclusions: The two plots were similar in carbon cycling characteristics despite the different soils, the most notable difference being high allocation of NPP to canopy and low allocation to fine roots in the Holocene floodplain plot. The timing of the minima in the wet–dry transition suggests they are driven by phenological rhythms rather than being driven directly by water stress. When compared with results from forests on infertile forests in humid lowland eastern Amazonia, the plots have slightly higher GPP, but similar patterns of CUE and carbon allocation.
Disease progression in potato germplasm from different reaction groups against potato virus Y in relation to environmental factors

Germplasm of 10 potato varieties/lines were screened out against PVY. Out of 10, five (Tota-704, FD 71-1, FSD WHITE, FD 8-1, FD 76 24) were found susceptible, three (FD 74-41, FD 74-50 and N-96-25) moderately susceptible and two (Kuruda and SH 216 A) moderately resistant varieties. The mean incidence of PVY was 61%. ELISA confirmed virus in the samples from all varieties showing moderately yellow to yellow color in the ELISA plate. There was significant correlation between PVY and maximum, minimum temperature and relative humidity. Disease severity was maximum in the range of 20–29°C for maximum temperature, 5–6°C for minimum temperature in all three groups of Varieties. 82–83% relative humidity favors the disease severity.
The Origin of Etch Pits Recorded on Residual Grain Surfaces from Kaolinized Granitic Rocks West Region Cameroon

The weathering of some granitic rocks in the West Region of Cameroon (Central Africa) was examined by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and X-ray fluorescence Spectrometer (XRF) in conjunction with Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). Kaolinite and illite were the most predominant weathering products whereas gibbsite, goethite and maghemite were also found in small amounts; only residual quantities of quartz and potassium feldspar were observed. The geochemical study shows the mobility of major elements during the progressive kaolinization of granitic rocks. The main trend is the loss of elements, with high losses of CaO, Na2O and MgO, slight losses of SiO2 while Al2O3 and K2O appear to increase with weathering intensity. Chemical index of alteration (CIA) shows a high value (68-95%). The scanning electron microscope analysis reveals the existence of several surface features that reflect the effect of mainly chemical actions on the quartz and K-feldspar grains. Quartz and K-feldspar crystals from kaolinized granitic rocks show low to very high chemical etching attributed to weathering under moderate to severe environmental conditions such as low pH, high temperature and humidity and extreme leaching typical of tropical climatic conditions. Etched pit densities on quartz surfaces increase with weathering, as a result of increasing silica concentrations in pore fluids.
Evidence of polygamy in the socially monogamous Amazonian fish Arapaima gigas (Schinz, 1822) (Osteoglossiformes, Arapaimidae)

Arapaima gigas is one of the largest freshwater fishes of the world. It is socially monogamous, forming pairs, constructing a nest and providing parental care. We performed a paternity analysis under three scenarios in captive, semi-natural and natural areas using 10 microsatellite markers. As a positive control, we analyzed three pairs and their offspring isolated individually in artificial breeding ponds (a priori very high probability of monogamy). We then analyzed two samples of offspring from large artificial ponds with multiple adults but only one reproductive pair (a priori high probability of monogamy), two samples from semi-natural breeding station with multiple adults but only one reproductive pair (a priori high probability of monogamy), and a sample from a natural lake with multiple adults, some potentially breeding (a priori medium probability of monogamy). Analysis of patterns of Mendelian heredity suggested an extra-pair contribution for all broods except the positive controls. Similarly, results based on multilocus analysis estimated at least two sib-groups per nest. These results reject monogamy as a system of breeding in Arapaima gigas. From a management perspective, this behavior may be exploited to maintain genetic diversity in captive and as well in wild populations of Arapaima gigas.
Interdependent supply relationships as institutions: the role of HR practices

Purpose – This paper aims to use institutional theory to explore the role of human resource (HR) practices as carriers in the evolution of interdependent supply relationships.Design/methodology/approach – This is a qualitative study of an inter‐firm supply relationship where the two partners were interdependent as a result of a “closed loop” supply relationship. The paper explores the perspectives of employees at multiple levels within both partners, and collects pluralist evidence from 36 interviewees from both sides of the dyad. It collects documentary evidence such as minutes, contractual agreements and HR documents. This paper re‐analyses the evidence from earlier work using an institutional theory framework.Findings – Using Scott's “three pillars” the paper shows that HR practices can act as carriers of regulative, normative and cultural‐cognitive elements in interdependent supply relationships through both formal and informal mechanisms. Regulative elements were less evident, but could be fundamenta.
Simultaneous Detection of Helicobacter Genus and Helicobacter pylori Species using a Multiplex PCR Method

In order to improve simultaneous detection and identification of Helicobacter genus in general and Helicobacter pylori specifically and reduce the number of amplifications needed, we established a multiplex PCR. In this study, two pairs of primers: Hcom1 and Hcom2 specific for Helicobacter genus, Hicd1 and Hicd2 specific for Helicobacter pylori species were used. To determine the sensitivity of our multiplex PCR, the lower limits of DNA detection from pure culture were established using phenolchloroform method. To evaluate the specificity of our protocol, we tested DNA extracted from various Gram-negative and -positive bacteria. A study was subsequently undertaken on stomach tissue samples from 18 patients to evaluate this protocol for detection of Helicobacter in tissue samples. In our optimized PCR, two fragments of 389- and 1200-bp were produced using Hcom1-Hcom2 and Hicd1-Hicd2 primers, respectively. Amplification of Helicobacter pylori genomic DNA was achieved at concentration as low as 0.03 pg equivalent to 150 bacteria. No DNA amplification of other Grampositive and -negative bacteria was seen. Twelve specimens, positive in culture and rapid urease test for Helicobacter pylori were positive for DNA of this organism using this multiplex PCR. Our results demonstrate that this protocol represents a specific and sensitive assay for simultaneous detection of Helicobacter genus members, in general, and Helicobacter pylori species, specifically, in clinical samples yielding no false-positive. Iran. Biomed. J. 8 (4): 205-209, 2004
Clinical Interventions of Social Humanoid Robots in the Treatment of a Set of High- and Low-Functioning Autistic Iranian Twins

In this paper, the robot-assisted interventions for a pair of fraternal twins with autism, one of whom is high-functioning and the other low-functioning is presented. Since many genetic and environmental factors were the same for both participants, the effect of individual and group robotic games on these two children with high- and low-functioning autism were compared. The results indicated improvement in joint attention skills for both subjects. It was further observed that robot group games had the potential to improve social skills in the subject with high-functioning autism; and lower the amount of stereotyped and detrimental behaviors in the participant with low-functioning autism. Both participant’s communication with each other improved, and their mother claimed she observed her children playing a meaningful game together at home for the first time since their birth.
LOW SELF-CONTROL AND OPPORTUNITY: TESTING THE GENERAL THEORY OF CRIME AS AN EXPLANATION FOR GENDER DIFFERENCES IN DELINQUENCY*

This research tests Gottfredson and Hirschi's general theory of crime as an explanation for gender differences in the delinquency of approximately 2,000 Canadian secondary school students. Separate psychological factors, including a preference for risk seeking, impulsivity, temper, present oriented, and carelessness, are used as measures of self-control, and additional measures of the construct are taken from the frequency of self-reported smoking and drinking. Elements of delinquent opportunity are controlled for by including measures of parental/adult super-vision. These measures and their interactions are used to predict self-reported general delinquency, property offenses, violence, and drug offenses. Results provide partial support for the general theory, revealing relationships between measures of self-control and delinquency that vary by magnitude across genders and for different offense types. Implications for the generality of the theory are discussed.
The Degree of Insulin Resistance in Hepatitis C Infection

Background: The prevalence of type 2 diabetes mellitus is higher in chronic hepatitis C infection with significant higher degree of insulin resistance. There are limited data of insulin resistance in Thai patients with chronic hepatitis C. Aim: To compare the degree of insulin resistance in non-diabetic chronic hepatitis C patients with matched healthy controls. Patients and Methods: A case-control study was conducted, comprising 85 confirmed non-diabetic chronic hepatitis C patients who attended for blood donation at Chiang Mai University Hospital and 75 healthy blood donors matched by age and gender. The demographic and the clinical data were collected. Biochemical tests were carried out. Hepatic ultrasonography was performed in all chronic HCV cases, and was combined with clinical and biochemical tests for the exclusion of liver cirrhosis. The degrees of insulin resistance as determined by the homeostasis model assessment (HOMA-IR) were compared between the two groups. Results: Non-diabetic chronic HCV subjects had no significantly different degree of insulin resistance when compared with matched healthy controls (1.638 ± 1.359 vs 1.612 ± 1.131, p = 0.894). Using the BMI cut-off point of 23 for determining an overweight status for Asian populations, there were no differences of the HOMA-IR in BMI >23 between the two groups (2.27 ± 1.50 vs 2.13 ± 1.83, p=0.666). There were significantly lower HOMAIR in HCV cases in BMI <23 compared with healthy subjects (0.86 ± 0.51 vs 1.13 ± 0.56, p = 0.027). Conclusions: A significantly higher degree of insulin resistance in patients with hepatitis C may not be the case in patients with a younger age of onset or a shorter duration of HCV infection. A lower BMI may be another possible explanation for the lower degree of insulin resistance in this type of patients.
Graphene Oxide as a Practical Solution to High Sensitivity Gas Sensing

Graphene and its related materials have attracted much interest in sensing applications because of their optimized ratio between active surface and bulk volume. In particular, several forms of oxidized graphene have been studied to optimize the sensing efficiency, sometimes moving away from practical solutions to boost performance. In this paper, we propose a practical, high-sensitivity, and easy to fabricate gas sensor based on high quality graphene oxide (GO), and we give the rationale to the high performance of the device. The device is fabricated by drop-casting water-dispersed single-layer GO flakes on standard 30 μm spaced interdigitated Pt electrodes. The exceptional size of the GO flakes (27 μm mean size and ∼500 μm maximum size) allows single GO flake to bridge adjacent electrodes. A typical p-type response is observed by testing the device in both reducing and oxidizing environments. The specific response to NO2 is studied by varying the operating temperature and the gas concentration. Sensing a.
Classification and environmental properties of X-ray selected point-like sources in the XMM-LSS field

Context. The XMM-Large Scale Structure survey, covering an area of 11.1 sq. deg. , contains more than 6000 X-ray point-like sources detected with the XMM-Newton to a flux of 3 × 10-15 erg s-1 cm-2 in the [0.5−2] keV band. The vast majority of these sources have optical (CFHTLS), infrared (SWIRE IRAC and MIPS), near-infrared (UKIDSS), and/or ultraviolet (GALEX) counterparts.Aims. We wish to investigate the environmental properties of the different types of the XMM-LSS X-ray sources by defining their environment using the i′-band CFHTLS W1 catalog of optical galaxies to a magnitude limit of 23.5 mag.Methods. We have classified 4435 X-ray selected sources on the basis of their spectra, SEDs, and X-ray luminosity, and estimated their photometric redshifts, which have a 4−11 band photometry with an accuracy of σ△z/(1+zsp) = 0.076 with 22.6% outliers for i′ < 26 mag. We estimated the local overdensities of 777 X-ray sources that have spectro-z or photo-z calculated by using more than seven bands (accuracy of σ△z/(1+zsp) = 0.061 with 13.8% outliers) within the volume-limited region defined by 0.1 ≤ z ≤ 0.85 and −23.5 < Mi′ < −20. Results. Although X-ray sources may be found in variety of environments, a high fraction (≳55−60%), as verified by comparing with the random expectations, reside in overdense regions. The galaxy overdensities within which X-ray sources reside show a positive recent redshift evolution (at least for the range studied; z ≲ 0.85). We also find that X-ray selected galaxies, when compared to AGN, inhabit significantly higher galaxy overdensities, although their spatial extent appear to be smaller than that of AGN. Hard AGN (HR ≥ −0.2) are located in more overdense regions than soft AGN (HR < −0.2), which is clearly seen in both redshift ranges, although it appears to be stronger in the higher redshift range (0.55 < z < 0.85). Furthermore, the galaxy overdensities (with δ ≳ 1.5) within which soft AGN are embedded appear to evolve more rapidly compared to the corresponding overdensities around hard AGN.
Organic pig production in free range systems

TABLE OF CONTENTS . Preface A. Sundrum and F. Weissmann . Integration of organic pig production into land use J. E. Hermansen . Behaviour, performance and carcass quality of three genotypes of growing-finishing pigs in outdoor pig production in Austria: A pilot study Simone Laister and S. Konrad . Performance, carcass and meat quality of different pig genotypes in an extensive outdoor fattening system on grass clover in organic farming F. Weissmann, G. Biedermann and A. Klitzing . Fattening pigs in an outdoor system as a part of the crop rotation within organic farming: Growth performance and carcass yield Antje Farke and A. Sundrum . Integration of organic pig production within crop rotation: Implications on nutrient losses M. Quintern . Outdoor pig farming in the Netherlands H. van der Mheen and H. Vermeer . Documentation of animal health in organic pig herds: A case study Marianne Bonde, N. P. Baadsgaard and J. T. Sorensen
Groundwater Quality and Identification of Hydrogeochemical Processes within University of Lagos, Nigeria

Water samples from twenty one boreholes were collected within University of Lagos and analyzed for physical properties, trace elements and cations using inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES). Physical analysis of the samples shows slight acidity and alkalinity with 78% of the samples exceeded recommended standards. They can be classified as fresh water based on TDS and EC. Chloride concentrations fall within water standards in most samples while Al, Na, Pb and Br exceeded recommended standards in most samples. Gibbs plot, relationship between total cations, Na + K, Ca + Mg and Cl showed that all the groundwater samples fall in the water-rock interaction field which suggests that the weathering of rocks and influence of sea water primarily controls the major chemistry of groundwater in the area. Sodium Absorption Ratio (SAR) for all the water samples was less than 10 and excellent for irrigation purpose. Only 33% of water samples were suitable for irrigation based on Soluble Sodium Percentage (SSP) and Magnesium Adsorption Ratio (MAR), whereas based on Kellys Ratios (KR) all the water samples were not good for irrigation purpose having KR greater than 1. Fifty percent of the water samples showed pollution index (PI) above 1 with highest contribution (37.8%) from lead (Pb). Mn, Al, Ni, Fe and As contributed 29.3%, 19.13%, 8.66%, 4.25% and 0.82% respectively.
A Robust Algorithm for Ear Recognition System Based on Self Organization Maps

This paper presents a robust algorithm for ear identification based on geometrical features of the ear and Kohnen Self Organization Maps (SOM). Using ears in identifying people has been interesting at least 100 years. The researches still discuss if the ears are unique or unique enough to be used as biometrics. Ear shape applications are not commonly used, yet, but the area is interesting especially in crime investigation. In this paper we present the basics of using ear as biometric for person identification and authentication. High resolution ear images are taken by high resolution digital camera. Six images have been taken for twenty three persons. Four geometrical distances were calculated for each image. These geometrical distances are used as an input to the unsupervised Kohonen self organization maps. The accuracy of identification were found to be equal to 98%, for the proposed system . We conclude that that the proposed model gives faster and more accurate identification of persons based on the ear biometrics and it works as promising tool for person identification of persons from the image of their ear for criminal investigation purposes.