Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Influence of cloud microphysical processes on black carbon wet removal, global distributions, and radiative forcing

Abstract. Parameterizations that impact wet removal of black carbon (BC) remain uncertain in global climate models. In this study, we enhance the default wet deposition scheme for BC in the Community Earth System Model (CESM) to (a) add relevant physical processes that were not resolved in the default model and (b) facilitate understanding of the relative importance of various cloud processes on BC distributions. We find that the enhanced scheme greatly improves model performance against HIPPO observations relative to the default scheme. We find that convection scavenging, aerosol activation, ice nucleation, evaporation of rain or snow, and below-cloud scavenging dominate wet deposition of BC. BC conversion rates for processes related to in-cloud water–ice conversion (i.e., riming, the Bergeron process, and evaporation of cloud water sedimentation) are relatively smaller, but have large seasonal variations. We also conduct sensitivity simulations that turn off each cloud process one at a time to quantify the influence of cloud processes on BC distributions and radiative forcing. Convective scavenging is found to have the largest impact on BC concentrations at mid-altitudes over the tropics and even globally. In addition, BC is sensitive to all cloud processes over the Northern Hemisphere at high latitudes. As for BC vertical distributions, convective scavenging greatly influences BC fractions at different altitudes. Suppressing BC droplet activation in clouds mainly decreases the fraction of column BC below 5 km, whereas suppressing BC ice nucleation increases that above 10 km. During wintertime, the Bergeron process also significantly increases BC concentrations at lower altitudes over the Arctic. Our simulation yields a global BC burden of 85 Gg; corresponding direct radiative forcing (DRF) of BC estimated using the Parallel Offline Radiative Transfer (PORT) is 0.13 W m−2, much lower than previous studies. The range of DRF derived from sensitivity simulations is large, 0.09–0.33 W m−2, corresponding to BC burdens varying from 73 to 151 Gg. Due to differences in BC vertical distributions among each sensitivity simulation, fractional changes in DRF (relative to the baseline simulation) are always higher than fractional changes in BC burdens; this occurs because relocating BC in the vertical influences the radiative forcing per BC mass. Our results highlight the influences of cloud microphysical processes on BC concentrations and radiative forcing.
Evaluating the effectiveness of the Home Interaction Program for Parents and Youngsters (HIPPY)

There is now a substantial body of evidence that highlights the importance of the early/preschool years in predicting a child's developmental trajectory and later-life outcomes. In the early years the architecture of the child's brain is being formed and is extremely sensitive to inputs from the caretaking environment. Developmental gaps open up early, are predictive of future life outcomes and are more difficult and costly to close later in life (Hart and Risley, 1995; Heckman and Lochner, 2000; Heckman, 2008). Some challenging later-life outcomes that have their roots in early childhood include poor literacy, aggressive and antisocial behaviour, mental health problems, family violence, welfare dependency, crime, obesity and substance abuse (Oberklaid, 2007). The cost to society in terms of lost productivity and attempts to ameliorate these problems is greater than the cost of early childhood intervention. Investment in early years programs that target developmentally vulnerable children and their parents or caretaker(s) is realistically estimated to return a benefit to society of as much as $4 for every $1 spent (Duncan, Lugwig, and Magnuson, 2007; Heckman and Masterov, 2007). Thus, human capital investment in the early years has been described as a 'win - win' policy, with no social or economic trade-off. It is described as a macro-policy that simultaneously enhances both economic competitiveness and social cohesion (Esping-Andersen, 2009; Heckman and Masterov, 2007).
Is gravity linear

Despite the solid theoretical foundation on which the gravity model of bilateral trade is based, empirical implementation requires several assumptions which do not follow directly from the underlying theory. First, unobserved trade costs are assumed to be a (log-)linear function of observables. Second, the effects of trade costs on trade flows are assumed to be constant across country pairs. Maintaining consistency with the underlying theory, but relaxing these assumptions, we estimate gravity models-in levels and logs-using two data sets via nonparametric methods. The results are striking. Despite the added flexibility of the nonparametric models, parametric models based on these assumptions offer equally or more reliable in-sample predictions and out-of-sample forecasts in the majority of cases, particularly in the levels model. Moreover, formal statistical tests fail to reject either parametric functional form. Thus, concerns in the gravity literature over functional form appear unwarranted, and estimation of the gravity model in levels is recommended. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Retirement effects of heavy job demands

This study focuses on the influence of heavy job demands on retirement, using the available SHARE waves. Heavy job demands may have a direct and health mediated effect on individual retirement. An econometric challenge is the dynamic self-selection of workers into jobs. The main findings indicate: the frequency of heavy job demands is higher among workers with low levels of socioeconomic status. Heavy job demands are associated with on average higher retirement probabilities, once workers become eligible to pension benefits. The effect is driven by long-term exposure to heavy job demands during the career. There are overall no retirement effects in the age bracket 50-58 and thus no indication for strong adverse health effects. A change in the level of current job demands does not influence the subsequent probability of retirement.
Gender Role Ideologies and Prevalence of Violence Against Women in Imo State, Nigeria

Abstract Gender inequalities is at the root of all forms of gender-based violence. This inequality is reinforced by ideologies that emphasize unequal sex role. The extent this is translated into specific actions has not been fully investigated. In this study we examine the relationship between gender-role ideology and prevalence and incidence of violent acts against women as proxied by wife battery, sexual coercion or rape and female genital mutilation. Data was collected from a sample of 308 women aged 15-50 in selected parts of Imo State, Nigeria. The sampling design was a multi-stage cluster sampling technique. Both qualitative and quantitative tools were used in the collection of data. Analysis was done using SPSS. The findings show that attitudes about violence against women are mostly influenced by male-dominance ideology. It is also shown that women, irrespective of their place of residence, subscribe to gender role of male authority, though there are some noticeable changes. The paper calls for community education to change societal attitudes to violence against women while also noting the reproductive health and rights implications of these ideologies.
Exporting Sweatshops? Evidence from Myanmar

Abstract This study investigates the impacts of exporting on working conditions in Myanmar by drawing on a new firm survey. For the identification, I use the rapid opening of Myanmar to trade alongside the firm's proximity to airports and products that have generated variations in access to foreign markets. The results show that exporting has significant positive impacts on working conditions regarding fire safety, health management, and freedom of negotiation; positive insignificant effects on wages; and negative insignificant effects on working hours. I also find that exporting positively affects firm size, management practices, and the likelihood of receiving a labor audit.
Motivation and self-concept in windsurfers: A study of professional and recreational participants

The purpose of this study was to examine self-determined motivation, achievement goal orientations, and self-concept characteristics of professional, competitive amateur and noncompetitive recreational windsurfers. Questionnaires were administered to a sample of 140 individuals including 79 (54 professionals and 25 non-professionals) individuals who were participants in either a championship or a recreational competition. Also, surveyed were 61 recreational but non-competitive windsurfers. Overall, the results revealed high levels of self-determined motivation. In addition, participants reported a positive physical self-concept, a strong task motivational orientation and a weak ego goal orientation. On the motivational and self-concept dimensions, significant differences were found between competitive windsurfers and non-competitive windsurfers but not between the professional competitors and the amateur competitors. No significant gender differences emerged. Age was negatively related to an ego goal orientation as well as to physical self-concept. Performance outcomes could not be predicted by this set of variables.
Exchange Rate Pass-Through to Import and Consumer Prices: Evidence from Ethiopia

The fact that Ethiopia adopted managed floating exchange rate policy since 1992 as well as various trade reform measures taken makes the country’s import and consumer prices susceptible to the effects of exchange rate movements. Thus, the study investigates the degree of ERPT to import and consumer prices in Ethiopia between 1991/92 and 2010/11 using Structural Vector Autoregressive (SVAR) model where the degree of pass-through is estimated by the means of impulse response functions. The paper found that ERPT in Ethiopia during the period under review is significant, moderate and persistent in the case of import price and low and short lived in the case of consumer prices. These results are robust to a number of alternative specifications of the model, such as the use of different ordering and identification schemes. Keywords : exchange rate pass-through, consumer price, import price, SVAR, Ethiopia
The gene expression of weaning age and its effect on productive performance of rabbits

Weaning age for mammals remains a topic of debate and an interesting subject of research. The literature data reflect opposite views on the recommended weaning age of rabbits. Thus, we determined the optimal weaning age for average commercial rabbit lines by studying one of these lines, the V-line. Gene expression of weaning age was studied in this research to reach the optimal weaning age for efficient rabbit growth and survival. The effect of weaning age on growth and mortality rates was investigated in young rabbits by comparing 3 groups (kits of 10 V-line does for each group), weaned at 23 (W23), 28 (W28) and 33 (W33) days of age. Rabbits weaned at 23 d of age had significantly (P<0.05) lower body weight at the age of 63 d (market age) than those weaned at 28 and 33 d of age. The weaning age also influenced survival; mortality rate was highest in rabbits weaned at 23 d of age, followed by those weaned at 28 and 33 d of age. Morphometric parameters reflect the integral effect of all factors influencing digestive tract growth and development. From the results, it seems that the small intestine length did not have a clear effect on different weaning ages. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction analysis is an important tool to monitor changes in gene expression in animals such as rabbits. We used this approach to measure intestinal insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) mRNA level and observed that the expression levels of IGF-1Ea, IGF-1Eb and IGF-1R were nearly the same in W28 and W33 rabbits, while they were the lowest in W23 rabbits. Serum IGF-1 concentrations tended to present significant differences (P<0.05) with different weaning ages. We found that levels of IGF-1 in rabbits weaned at 28 and 33 d of age were convergent and higher than the IGF-1 levels in rabbits weaned at 23 d of age. Moreover, the early weaning of rabbits has a negative impact on growth. This therefore suggests that moderate weaning (28W) will be suitable for the farm economy and will improve rabbit production better than early or late weaning.
AGROFORESTRY STATUS AND ITS ROLE TO SEQUESTER ATMOSPHERIC CO2 UNDER SEMI-ARID CLIMATIC CONDITIONS IN PAKISTAN

Carbon dioxide (CO2) is the major cause of global warming. Many countries including Pakistan have signed the Kyoto Protocol agreement under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCC) and agreed to control the release of CO2 and to increase the CO2 sequestration. Agroforestry sector can contribute efficiently in carbon sequestration. This study was carried out to determine the status and potential of agroforestry and its role in carbon sequestration under semi-arid conditions. Data was collected through a multi-objective and pre-tested questionnaire from 250 village farmers in tehsil Sumandri, Pakistan. Height and girth of trees were measured from 250 randomly selected 0.405 ha farm plots. Soil samples from each cropping pattern were collected and analyzed. The whole study area has 2069.19 Mt of above ground carbon stocks and has sequestered a total of 7579.46 Mt of carbon dioxide at the rate of 186201.85 t CO2 yr . Furthermore, the study area has the potential of stocking 3607.61 Mt and sequestering 13214.67 Mt of CO2 at the rate of 327232.46 t CO2 per year. According to calculations, increasing the number of farm trees/ha, average CO2 sequestration rate of the study area can be increased from 2.05 t CO2 ha yr to 3.59 t CO2 ha -1 yr. The role of agroforestry as C sink in not negligible and it should be given a dire consideration in policies, especially, in low forest countries like Pakistan to meets the melinium goals of atmospheric C reduction.
Tectonic evolution of Devonian basins in northern Scotland and southern Norway

The geometries of the Devonian basins of northern Scotland and southern Norway are analysed to determine the regional tectonic control on their formation. The Orcadian Basin in northern Scotland consists of distinct half-graben sub-basins controlled by separate, closely spaced, sub-parallel arcuate extensional fault elements which are parti y con tro lied by the Caledonian crustal fabric. The unconformity at the base of the middle Devonian in this area is interpreted as being formed by a sudden increase in the rate of extension. In southern Norway, in con trast, extensional structures are more widely spaced and larger in scale. Very deep (>8 km) half-graben basins were developed of which only the bottom parts are now preserved. In the Devonian of Norway the Jack of a major stratigraphic break suggests a constant extension rate. The observed differences in style are thought to be due to different initial crustal thicknesses.
Attitude as a Measure for Acceptance: Monitoring IS Implementation in a Hospital Setting

The aim of this study was to assess whether Attitude Toward Technology (ATT) is a better measure of technology acceptance than Behavioral Intention (BI) in a mandatory medical setting. A questionnaire was taken in two hospitals, one university (Setting 1) and one private (Setting 2). The technology studied was PACS (Picture Archiving and Communication System). The questionnaire was taken on several occasions: preimplementation (T1, both Settings); three months postimplementation (T2, S2); and one year after the transition was completed (T3, S1; S2 is underway). Four models were assessed: (1a) original TAM with ATT, (1b) TAM with BI replacing ATT, (2a) UTAUT, and (2b) UTAUT with ATT replacing BI. Our preliminary results indicate that ATT is indeed a better measure for acceptance than BI. Variance explained in ATT ranged from . 47 to . 72, in BI from . 12 to . 45. BI was the best predictor of USE.
From the global to the local? Governance and development at the local level: reflections from Tanzania

ABSTRACT Governance reform practice has mostly focused on building up and transforming central state institutions. Furthermore, the politics of aid has often constructed a very ‘introverted’ politics based in large cities. This article explores the means through which governance ideas are implemented outside this ‘governance realm’, by looking at the ways in which the Lushoto District government in Tanzania has mediated a range of policy changes that have emanated from the state/donor centre. Identifying three distinct but inter-related repertoires of political practice, it argues that governance at the local level has been largely about financial management, and that this aspect of reform is in tension with local developmentalism and is more starkly opposed to local veranda politics.
INHIBITORY EFFECTS OF WILD BARLEY (HORDEUM SPONTANEUM Koch.) RESIDUES ON GERMINATION AND SEEDLING GROWTH OF WHEAT (TRITICUM AESTIVUM L.) AND ITS OWN PLANT

Laboratory studies were conducted to examine the effects of different concentrations of wild barley (Hordeum spontaneum Koch.) shoot and seed extracts on germination and seedling growth of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) and wild barley. In this study, all wild barley shoot extract concentrations (with exception of lowest concentration) significantly reduced wheat seed germination after 7 days. Shoot extract concentrations of 60 and 120 g / L significantly reduced shoot and root lengths, shoot fresh and dry weights, and, root fresh and dry weights of wheat. Seed germination of wheat was not affected by intermediate wild barley seed extracts. Considerably, some extracts of wild barley seeds stimulated the germination and growth of wheat. Wild barley shoot and seed extracts at low level stimulated the growth of its own plant, however, its germination and seedling growth were inhibited at higher shoot extract concentrations. The results of this investigation show that wild barley shoot extracts exert more allelopathic effects on germination and growth of wheat and its own plant than those of seed extracts.
Four-month chromospheric and coronal activity cycle in τ Boötis

We have used our robotic TIGRE facility to closely monitor the star τ Boo during the last three observing seasons 2013–2016 and to determine its S -index variability from the strength of its Ca ii H and K line cores in order to study its characteristic cyclic chromospheric variations and determine its rotation period. We furthermore reanalyze archival X-ray data of τ Boo taken with the XMM-Newton satellite. Using Lomb-Scargle periodograms, we find a strong periodic signal in our data with a period of about 122 days with extremely high significance, which is also consistent with the observed long-term X-ray variability. Furthermore, the epochs of magnetic field reversals observed in τ Boo with the technique of Zeeman Doppler imaging are consistent with the hypothesis that they are produced at activity maximum. In line with previous studies of τ Boo, we therefore interpret our data as evidence of a very short activity cycle in analogy to the solar cycle, but the cycle period of τ Boo may also show some slight variability and may show substantial phase shifts. The chromospheric signal of τ Boo is found to vary on the rotational timescale of somewhat more than three days only during one out of the available three observing seasons. The available data suggest that persistent cyclic magnetic activity can occur on timescales much shorter than the decadal timescale observed for the Sun and many other late-type stars.
Challenges for Open and Distance learning (ODL) Students: Experiences from Students of the Zimbabwe Open University

The purpose of this study was to investigate the ch allenges facing Open and Distance Learning students at the Zimbabwe Open University (ZOU). The study was conducted at ZOU Masvingo Regional Campus. The study employed both qualitative and quantitative ap proaches. The main data collection techniques were questionnaires and structured interviews, supplemen ted by documentary review. Tables, frequencies and percentages were the key descriptive statistics use d to analyze and present the findings. The results showed that ODL learners were challenged with a range of obstacles in their course of studies. The most reported c hallenges were lack of sufficient time for study, difficultie s in access and use of ICT, ineffective feedback an d lack of study materials. It was recommended that ZOU should strive to achieve effective and balanced teaching and learning system that satisfies the desire of the le arners to the extent that they would wish to come b ack to the institution for further studies and feel proud to r ecommend the institution to others who are seeking for knowledge.
Gender in the Prozac Nation

Since Prozac emerged on the market at the end of 1987, there has been a dramatic increase in antidepressant use and in its discussion by popular media. Yet there has been little analysis of the gendered character of this phenomenon despite feminist traditions scrutinizing the medical control of women’s bodies. The authors begin to fill this gap through a detailed content analysis of the 83 major articles on Prozac and its “chemical cousins” appearing in large-circulation periodicals in Prozac’s first 12 years. They find that popular talk about Prozac and its competing brands is largely degendered, presented as manifestly gender neutral, yet replete with latent gendered messages. These are about women with neurochemical imbalances but also about the need to discipline elite female bodies, to enhance their productivity and flexibility. This new form of female “fitness” mirrors demands of the New Economy and indicates how psychiatric discourse contributes to the historically specific shaping of gendered bodies.
Monitoring natural vegetation in Southern Greenland using NOAA AVHRR and field measurements

The application of the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) for monitoring natural vegetation and biomass production has been evaluated for a sheep farming area in southern Greenland. Field measurements of spectral reflectance data during the growing season have been used to make a calibration between NOAA AVHRR NDVIs and aboveground vegetation quantities. The potential biomass production is estimated as the product of mean NDVI and the length of the growing season. Lowest-order atmospheric as well as geometric corrections were carried out on the satellite data before the seasonal and regional variations were correlated with climate and water balance. Agriculture in southern Greenland started when Eric the Red came from Iceland around 982 A.D., and the Norse era ended approximately 500 years later because of climatic change, extensive overgrazing and soil erosion. Modern sheep farming started in 1924, but the threats to sheep breeding and the environment are the same today as during the Norse era. The satellite-based monitoring has proved to be a useful tool to avoid overgrazing, which in this foehn-affected area easily implies soil erosion. It is a quick and low-cost method, and in combination with meteorological and soil water data it is possible to forecast the dry biomass production at the beginning of each growing season. This facilitates agricultural management and planning of the potential breeding capacity in this vulnerable marginal environment. Key words: southern Greenland, NOAA-AVHRR, Normalized Difference Vegetation Index, atmospheric corrections, biomass production