Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The Relationship between Science Achievement and Self-concept among Gifted Students from the Third International Earth Science Olympiad

Background:This study investigated the relationship between gifted students’ academic self-concept (ASC) and academic achievement (AC) in earth science with internationally representative high school students from the third International Earth Science Olympiad (IESO) held in Taiwan in 2009.Material and methods:Participants’ academic achievement was measured by their total score in IESO written and practical examinations developed by international earth science experts with appropriate validity and reliability, while academic self-concept was measured with Inventory of Self-Confidence in Earth Science Learning (ISCESL), which was developed by Chang and Cheng (2008). Results:The results of regression analysis indicated that IESO students’ ASC was significantly correlated with their AC (R2=0.53, p<0.01) with large effect size, Even when compared to other Asian countries such as Korea and Japan, it was found that Taiwan students had the lowest ASC and poor interaction with other IESO students.Conclusions:The unique pattern of Taiwanese students exhibited through the 3rd IESO allows us to conclude that for the top notch gifted students, the social and psychological factors, such as popularity and interaction skills, are much stronger than cultural factors on students’ ASC.
Econometric analysis of the changes in food consumption expenditure patterns in Egypt

This paper analyses the changes in food expenditure patterns over time in Egypt with special emphasis on the differences between urban and rural sectors. Engel curves for food groups are estimated by using double-log function type. The method used for estimating regression equations is the Weighted Least Squares (WLS). Data used in the study are obtained from the Household, Income, Expenditure, and Consumption Survey (HIECS) conducted by the Central Agency for Public Mobilisation and Statistics (CAPMAS) of Egypt for five survey periods from 1990/1991 to 2009/2010. Food consumption expenditure patterns have changed over the five conseculative survey periods as a result of economic changes. Estimated expenditure elasticities for food groups are positive and less than one except for fish, milk-eggs, and fruits, as they moved up to the necessity commodities in 2009/2010. The estimated expenditure elasticities for food groups have decreased significantly over the time. There are statistically significant variations between the urban and rural expenditure elasticity of most food commodities, except for cereals, milk-eggs, fruits, and beverages. Elasticities tend to be higher in rural areas than urban ones. The expenditure elasticities of food groups are lower at high-income groups than low-income ones. These results provide the guideline for future policy implication in respect of the demand management and food consumption in Egypt. Key words: Food consumption expenditure, Engel curves, expenditure elasticity, Egypt.
The Assembly Enterprises in the Electric Electronic Sector in Tamaulipas, Mexico: Their Knowledge Ties

This work’s objective is to identify, and to classify the different types of bonds established between the assembly enterprises in the electric electronic sector in Tamaulipas with the local and foreign agents. The work is supported in a multicase study methodology. The methodology is applied by Marin and Giuliani (2006) that allows them to measure the bonds looking for the frequency, stability, the degree of cohesion, the fragility of the relationships, the interoperability, the interdependence of the diverse agents of study, and also its graphic representation through the Netdraw software. The classification of the enterprises involved in the study was obtained with the enterprises with fragile local ties and strong bonds with their headquarters. The evaluation of these bonds allowed them to classify them as globally diversified (enterprises A and B); Globally dependent (C); Globally Independent (E); and Globally Isolated (E).
The determinants of capital structure choice: Evidence from Western Europe

This paper examines corporate leverage and its determinants on panel of 921 large Western European companies from 2003 to 2010. The results proved a substantial influence of estimated variables on changes in target debt or leverage ratio. Apart of the determinants from the “core” model, I test the influence of stock price variations on changes in capital structure to conclude if companies “time” the market. The estimation procedure of target debt ratio was performed using Fixed-Effect and FGLS methods. The results were compared to the results of often used methodology in previous research – OLS and Tobit regression. I found statistically significant and negative correlation between target leverage ratio and tangibility, market to book, profitability, product uniqueness and total return (average stock return) and statistically significant and positive correlation between target leverage ratio and size. The results suggest the mix of trade-off and pecking order theory predictions and are consistent with findings of previous studies. Future research should focus on impact of leverage deficit (deviations from target leverage ratio) on corporate decisions in Europe.
Modalities for mitigating sexual harassment: towards sex education for effective human development

Modalities for mitigating Sexual Harassment has been surveyed. The effect of sexual harassment on the victims has been proven negative through literature findings, with consequences like health effect including psychological effect been a drawback, acting like a barrier to the ideal development of an individual. Avoidance of pornographic materials such as movies and book has been pointed-out as one of the measures to be used in mitigating sexual harassment, as this is one of the fuelling factors leading to increasing cases of sexual harassment. Active involvement of mass media has also been pointed-out as yet another remedy for reduction of cases of sexual harassment, with the view that the media covers a large population of people including those living in the rural area where access to school and information is limited. Inclusion of Sex Education into the Nation’s curriculum has been identified as a factor to mitigate the rise in the manse of sexual harassment. Proper dressing (avoiding sensitive body parts revealing clothing) has also been pointed out as a measure to cut-down the rise in cases of sexual harassment. Self-control/alertness to identify and avoid been sexually harass World Scientific News 86(3) (2017) 311-321 -312as been viewed as one of the modalities to be used in the reduction of the act. Conscience building through moral teachings has also been pointed to as a factor to be employed in the mitigation of sexual harassment. Behaviour modelling/effective Guidance and Counselling is one of the factors agreed to be used in the remedy of the rise in act of sexual harassment, this has been proven effective/productive, with the respondents view on its role in conscience building, advice and giving direction to the individual concern. Proper discipline of culprit is another factor identified as a remedy to the rise in cases of sexual harassment, with participants’ views, that this will serve as a guide to prevent others from indulging in the act. Result of the finding presents a view that for sexual harassment mitigation to be effective/productive factors pin-pointed out in this study should be view and implemented in the study area and its environs.
Quantization of specific trace metals in bivalve, Villorita Cyprinoides Var Cochinensis in the Cochin estuary

Present study consists the quantization of specific metals-- Cr, Cd, Pb, Zn and Cu observed in the experimental bivalve, Villorita species. Bivalve specimens were collected seasonally from the identified three hot spots of Vembanad Lake. Soft tissue concentrations of metals are very sensitive in reflecting changes in the ambient environment and hence important in assessing the environmental quality. Concentrations of Zn in bivalves were fairly high compared to other metals. All the stations showed a maximum concentration during premonsoon and minimum during the other two seasons. Levels of Pb, Cu, Zn, Cd and Cr are between 0-6.17mg/kg, 0-17.224mg/kg, 1.916-255.163mg/kg, 0.325-4.133mg/kg, and 0-15.233mg/kg respectively.
Determinants of Capital Adequacy Ratio of Deposit Money Banks in Nigeria

Capital Adequacy Ratio (CAR) is an important measure of “safety and soundness” for banks and depository institutions because it serves as a buffer or cushion for absorbing losses. It is one of the major benchmarks for financial institutions the world over, especially with the introduction and adoption of the various Basel Accords. This study is an attempt to analyze the bank-specific determinants of CAR in the Nigerian Deposit Money Banks (DMBs) using balanced panel data collected from financial statements of 12 selected quoted banks for the ten-year period 2005-2014. The index for profitability which is ROA was found to be the most important determinant of CAR, having recorded the highest coefficient in the multiple regression result. The study found out that Capital Adequacy Ratio of Nigerian deposit money banks is well above the regulatory minimum set by CBN as well as the requirements of Basel Accord. Also, Nigerian banks’ risk portfolio is quite high and ROA is quite low. Depositors’ interests are well protected as the asset base of DMBs is well above the total deposits. The study concludes that CAR is largely determined by banks risk-portfolio, deposit level, profitability and asset quality and that CAR of Nigerian banks is well above the regulatory minimum. The study recommends that Nigerian deposit money banks should adopt a more pragmatic risk-management mechanism and a risk-based capital maintenance approach backed by a robust data management system. The study recommends improvement in operational performance of banks, strict compliance with various capital regulations, frequent stress tests for banks and more detailed disclosure practice to include details of changes in Tier I and Tier II capital, risk-weighted assets and trend analysis of changes in Capital Adequacy Ratio.
Relationships between irritable bowel syndrome, generalized anxiety disorder, and worry-related constructs

This ex post facto study aimed to replicate previous research demonstrating an association between generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and to extend this work by examining possible relationships between IBS and psychological constructs associated with the development of GAD. A total of 391 undergraduate psychology students completed self-report diagnostic measures of IBS and GAD as well as questionnaire measures of trait anxiety, worry, experiential avoidance, intolerance of uncertainty, and problem-solving confidence. Consistent with previous research, an association between IBS and GAD was found. Compared to participants without IBS, participants endorsing Rome II diagnostic criteria for IBS reported greater trait anxiety, worry, and experiential avoidance. No group differences on measures of intolerance of uncertainty and problem-solving confidence were found. Etiological factors considered specific to the development of GAD (i.e., increased intolerance of uncertainty and deficits in problem-solving confidence) do not account for the observed relationships between IBS and general anxiety variables. However, experiential avoidance, or attempts to avoid unwanted bodily sensations, emotions, or other internal events, does appear elevated among IBS individuals. Implications of these findings are discussed within the context of a biopsychosocial model of IBS.
Eliminating zinc deficiency in rice-based systems

vi 1 Ecological life cycle of zinc 1 2 Extent and geographic distribution of zinc deficiency 1 3 Extent of zinc deficiency in rice cultivation 2 4 Soil factors controlling zinc availability 3 4.1 Soil pH 4 4.2 Soil organic matter 5 4.3 Soil microorganisms 5 4.4 Soil chemistry interactions during drying of soils 5 4.5 Soil parameters for zinc availability 6 5 Zinc uptake by plants 6 5.1 Root traits enhancing zinc uptake at low soil zinc levels 8 5.2 Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi 9 5.3 Breeding for zinc efficiency 9 6 Plant zinc allocation and re-allocation 10 7 Zinc in the edible produce 11 8 Phosphorus-zinc interactions 12 9 Zinc management options in rice-based systems 13 9.1 Soil application of zinc fertilizers 13 9.2 Foliar application of zinc 15 9.3 Seed treatments 15 9.4 Organic matter management 16 9.5 Cropping system adaptations 17 9.6 Options to reduce the phytic acid content of rice grains 17 10 Sustainability of the production system and impact on the environment 18 10.1 Role of zinc fertilizer in improving soil health and maintaining soil production capacity 18 10.2 Externalities causing threat to the environment and ecosystem functioning 18 11 Bioavailability of increased zinc content in rice and significance for human intake and health 19 11.1 Food chain approaches 19 11.2 Zinc uptake from biofortified rice 20 11.3 Contribution of zinc-biofortified rice to reduce human zinc deficiency 20 11.4 Processing 21
Spawning season and temperature relationships for sardine (Sardina pilchardus) in the eastern North Atlantic

Spawning temperature preferences for sardine (Sardina pilchardus) in the eastern North Atlantic were determined from egg survey data. These were compared with climatological temperature cycles (1986–2002) derived from satellite observations, by geographical region, to predict spawning seasons. Optimum spawning temperatures were determined as 14.0–15.0°C from the English Channel to Portugal and 16.0–18.0°C for all north-west African regions. Spawning seasons were closely related to the general latitudinal trend of the annual temperature cycle, with modification by upwelling in the western Iberian and north-west African regions. Some differences between temperature-based spawning season predictions and field observations were related to variations in seasonal plankton production. Correlations in the annual time-series of favourable spawning temperatures suggested relatively strong linkages between the southern areas from Portugal to Senegal. There was no consistent relationship between annual variations in extent of temperature-predicted spawning seasons and observed field abundance of eggs.
On integral-like units of modular group rings

In this note we study units of modular group algebras over a prime field F which have similar properties as units of integral group rings. Nevertheless we demonstrate in specific examples that subgroups consisting of such units behave totally different as in the integral group ring case. Towards the construction of possible counterexamples to the modular isomorphism problem of p-groups we show that the normalized unit group V (FG) of the modular group algebra of a finite p-group G may possess linearly independent subgroups non-isomorphic to a subgroup of G. In particular, a normalized monomorphism of group rings FH −→ FG does not imply that H is isomorphic to a subgroup G. This stands in a strong contrast to the integral case where in the case when G is a p-group by [11, 13] a normalized monomorphism ZH −→ ZG implies that H is a isomorphic to a subgroup of G. Even the p-rank of H may be bigger than that one of G, while H consists of elements with integral-like partial augmentations. The object of this note are special investigations of the unit group of a modular group algebra. Let G be a finite group and let F be a prime field of characteristic dividing |G|. Denote the group algebra of G over F by FG and the integral group ring of G by ZG. A well known conjecture on torsion units of ZG due to H.Zassenhaus states that each torsion unit of augmentation 1 is conjugate to a unit of G within the group algebra QG. Let R be a commutative ring and let u = ∑ g∈G rgg be an element of its group ring RG. The partial augmentation of u with respect to a conjugacy class C of G is defined as ∑ g∈C rg and denoted by eC(u). We say that a unit v of FG has integral-like partial augmentations if eCi(v) = 1 for precisely one conjugacy class Ci, and on all other classes partial augmentations are equal to zero. A torsion unit u ∈ ZG of order k is rationally conjugate to an element of G if, and only if, for every divisor m of k partial augmentations of u are integral-like [9, 10]. It is a natural question to ask whether a similar statement holds also in the modular group algebra FG. Clearly, if a unit u is conjugate within FG to an element g ∈ G, then the partial augmentations of each power of u will have this property. Our first example shows that the reverse statement is not true. 1revised on March 11th, 2011
Stellar populations in the Milky Way bulge region: towards solving the Galactic bulge and bar shapes using 2MASS data

Exploring the bulge region of our Galaxy is an interesting but challenging quest because of its complex structure and the highly variable extinction. We re-analyse photometric near-infrared data in order to investigate why it is so hard to reach a consensus on the shape and density law of the bulge, as witnessed in the literature. The apparent orientation of the bulge seems to vary with the range of longitude, latitude, and the population considered. To solve the problem we have used the Besancon galaxy model to provide a scheme for parameter fitting of the structural characteristics of the bulge region. The fitting process allows the shape of the bulge’s main structure to be determined. We explore various parameters and shapes for the bulge population, based on Ferrer’s ellipsoids, and fit the shape of the inner disc in the same process. The results show that the main structure has a standard triaxial boxy shape with an orientation of about 13° with respect to the Sun-Galactic centre direction. But the fit is greatly improved when we add a second structure,which is a longer and thicker ellipsoid. We emphasize that our first ellipsoid represents the main boxy bar of the Galaxy and that the thick bulge population could be either (i) a classical bulge slightly flattened by the effect of the bar’s potential; or (ii) an inner thick disc counterpart. With Ferrer’s ellipsoid, the model shows a general agreement with 2MASS data at the level of 10% in the whole bulge region but does not produce the “double clump” feature. However, we show that the double clump seen at intermediate latitudes can be reproduced by adding a slight flare to the bar. To characterize the populations better, we further simulate several fields that have been surveyed in spectroscopy and for which a metallicity distribution function (MDF) are available. The model agrees well with these MDF measured along the minor axis if we assume that the main bar has a mean solar metallicity and the second thicker population has a lower metallicity. It then naturally creates a vertical metallicity gradient by mixing the two populations. In the process of model fitting, we also determine the thin disc parameters. The thin disc is found to have a scale length of 2.2 kpc, in good agreement with previous estimates towards the anticentre, but with a large hole of scale length 1.3 kpc, giving a maximum density in the plane for this population at about 2.3 kpc from the Galactic centre. In the very central part of the bulge on top of our two populations, and by subtracting the fitted ellipsoids, we find evidence of an extra population in the nuclear region, at 2° in longitude and 1° of latitude from the Galactic centre. Its location corresponds well to the central molecular zone, and to the Alard nuclear bar.
Precision astronomy with imperfect fully depleted CCDs — an introduction and a suggested lexicon

This paper summarizes the introductory presentation for a workshop (held Nov 18, 19 2013 at Brookhaven National Laboratory) that explored the challenges associated with making precision astronomical measurements using deeply depleted = ``thick" =``high-ρ'' CCDs. While thick CCDs do provide definite advantages in terms of increased quantum efficiency at wavelengths 700 nm < λ < 1.1 μm and reduced fringing from atmospheric emission lines, these devices also exhibit undesirable features that pose a challenge to precision determination of the positions, fluxes, and shapes of astronomical objects, and for the precision extraction of features in astronomical spectra. For example, the assumptions of a perfectly rectilinear pixel grid and of an intensity-independent point spread function become increasingly invalid as we push to higher precision measurements. Many of the effects seen in these devices arise from lateral electrical fields within the detector, that produce charge transport anomalies that have been previously misinterpreted as quantum efficiency variations. Performing simplistic flat-fielding therefore introduces systematic errors in the image processing pipeline. One measurement challenge we face is devising a combination of calibration methods and algorithms that can distinguish genuine quantum efficiency variations from charge transport effects. These device imperfections also confront spectroscopic applications, such as line centroid determination for precision radial velocity studies. Given the scientific benefits of improving both the precision and accuracy of astronomical measurements, we need to identify, characterize, and overcome these various detector artifacts. In retrospect, many of the detector features first identified in thick CCDs also afflict measurements made with more traditional CCD detectors, albeit often at a reduced level since the photocharge is subject to the perturbing influence of lateral electric fields for a shorter time interval. I provide a qualitative overview of the physical effects we think are responsible for the observed device properties, and provide some perspective for the work that lies ahead. Finally, I take this opportunity to make a plea for establishing a clear and consistent vocabulary when describing these various detector features, and make some suggestions for a standard lexicon based on discussions at the workshop. A more refined understanding of the device imperfections we are working to circumvent lies ahead, and this workshop was convened to help us find our way.
Distribution, Age and Growth, and Sexual Maturity of American Plaice (Hippoglossoides platessoides(Fabricius)) on Flemish Cap (NAFO Division3M)

American plaice (Hippoglossoides platessoides) distribution, age and growth, and sexual maturity on the Flemish Cap from 1978 to 1985 were determined. American plaice were distributed mainly in the shallower areas, generally in the central, southern and southwestern areas of Flemish Cap. Densities were much lower on average than in the adjacent Grand Bank area. There was no size selective distribution by depth or temperature. Examination of otoliths revealed that females grew at a faster rate than males after age 3. The maximum age recorded was 15 years, which was considerably lower than the value for adjacent stocks of American plaice. In many years the population was dominated by one year-class, which comprised up to 68% of the catch numbers. The M50 values for age and length for males were 3.8 years and 26.4 cm, respectively, and the corresponding values for females were 6.2 years and 39.7 cm. The lengths at M50 were similar to those for American plaice in other areas of the Northwest Atlantic, although the ages at M50 were considerably lower.
THE EFFECTS OF FORKHEAD BOX P2 GENE ON LANGUAGE FUNCTIONAL ARTICULATION DISORDER

This study mainly concentrates on the discussion of the relationship between FOXP2 gene and language functional articulation disorder. The children of functional articulation disorder are selected, the normal healthy subjects in the corresponding period served as the controls, by contrasting with five polymorphic sites in FOXP2 gene to have a correlative study on human genes and language acquisition with the language barriers as main characteristics, in order to further prove the significance of FOXP2 gene in cultivating language and speech.