Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Determinants of Teachers’ Attitudes Towards E-Learning in Tanzanian Higher Learning Institutions

This survey research study presents the findings on determinants of teachers’ attitudes towards e-learning in Tanzanian higher learning institutions. The study involved 258 teachers from 4 higher learning institutions obtained through stratified, simple random sampling. Questionnaires and documentary review were used in data collection. Data were analysed using statistical package for the social sciences (SPSS). Chi-square was performed to examine the association of variables. It was found that teachers have positive attitudes towards e-learning where computer exposure played a statistically significant contribution to their attitudes. It is recommended that training in e-learning needs to be provided to teachers to widen their understanding of e-learning. There is also a need to strengthen factors associated with teachers’ positive attitudes towards e-learning. Results from this study are of particular importance to both teachers and the education stakeholders in Tanzania.
The Comparison of Trading Costs between Two Markets: KOSPI and KOSDAQ

We apply the pair sample method of Huang and Stoll (1996) to the Korea Exchange (KRX) so as to compare the trading costs of KOSPI and KOSDAQ stocks. The Korea Exchange have two trading places for listed stocks, which are KOSPI vs KOSDAQ, with the same trading mechanisms, i.e., the order-driven trading mechanism. Provided that we follow the pair sample method of Huang and Stoll (1996), we expect similar trading costs between KOSPI and KOSDAQ. One reason for this is that Huang and Stoll (1996) presumes that only trading mechanism under their pair sample does affect the difference in trading costs. Another reason is that KOSPI and KOSDAQ have the same trading mechanism. We found out that percent price impact costs are the same between KOSPI and KOSDAQ. Meanwhile, percent quoted and realized spreads show difference between KOSPI and KOSDAQ. In a further investigation of the intraday 30-minute time-interval trading costs, we found out that the average percent price impact costs were similar between KOSPI and KOSDAQ, while median percent price impact costs were different.
Working Paper Series WP 2009-09 School of Economic Sciences PARTICIPATION IN UNIVERSAL PREVENTION PROGRAMS

We analyze the decision to participate in community-based universal prevention programs through the framework of prospect theory, with family functionality, and related risk status, providing the reference point. We find that participation probability depends on the relative ratios of the weighting and valuation functions. Using data from the Strengthening Families Program and the Washington Healthy Youth Survey, we empirically test the implications of our model. We find that family functionality affects the participation decision in complex and, in some cases, non-linear ways. We discuss the implication of these findings for cost-effectiveness analysis, and suggest directions for further research.
Presidential Address: Globalization Hazard and Delayed Reform in Emerging Markets

Capital inflows to emerging market economies rose to unprecedented heights in the first part of the 1990s and then collapsed very rapidly in the second. Such volatility could partly be explained by financial vulnerability in the emerging markets themselves, but the global nature of the phenomenon raises the suspicion that the world financial market is wrought with systemic problems that are largely independent of the individual countries affected. This paper puts forward the conjecture that phenomena such as contagion could stem from the way the capital market operates (for example, crises generated by margin calls). These systemic phenomena require systemic instruments. Unfortunately, few are available. The International Monetary Fund (IMF) operates more like a fire department than like a central bank. Liquidity is sprayed where fire is found, not on the system as a whole in the manner of a central bank faced with a liquidity crisis.
Volcanic Ash Beds as Stratigraphic Markers in the Glenns Ferry and Chalk Hills Formations from Adrian , Oregon , to Bruneau , Idaho

Volcanic ash beds were sampled from Miocene and Pliocene sedimentary rocks of the western Snake River Plain in Idaho and correlated using concentrations of major and trace elements. Neutron activation analysis of cleaned bulk samples and electron microprobe analysis of glass shards provided twenty-three elemental abundances used for characterizing each of the beds. Principal component and cluster analysis provided a classification of the samples based on their chemical similarities and differences. One mafic group and several silica-rich groups were distinguished; each of the silica-rich groups is believed to represent volcanic ash from an individual source. Correlation of contemporaneous beds by chemical analyses and field studies has established two time-stratigraphic horizons in the Chalk Hills Formation and seven in the Glenns Ferry Formation. The algal limestone, previously thought to be equivalent to the oolite at the base of the Glenns Ferry Formation, is now correlated to the type Chalk Hills sediments. Sediments in the vicinity of Adrian, Oregon, were laid down in both the Chalk Hills and Glenns Ferry depositional systems, but were separate from the Deer Butte system.
Optimal hedging in discrete time

Building on the work of Schweizer (1995) and Cern and Kallseny (2007), we present discrete time formulas minimizing the mean square hedging error for multidimensional assets. In particular, we give explicit formulas when a regime-switching random walk or a GARCH-type process is utilized to model the returns. Monte Carlo simulations are used to compare the optimal and delta hedging methods.
Analysis of the influence of ventilation rate on sleep pattern

In this paper, the results from a field study on the influence of ventilation rate on the sleep pattern are presented. The testgroup was asked to sleep in their normal sleeping environment (student dorms) in order to cause as little disruption in the normal pattern as possible. For the same reason, actigraphy was used to measure sleep patterns since this is one of the least disturbing measurement techniques available. The student dorms were selected as a location because all rooms are identical and basic conditions are therefore very similar for all the participants in the study. The participants were also asked to fill out a number of questionnaires to determine their general attitude towards sleep and to get an idea of their subjective appreciation of the sleep quality experienced over the test period. The results show only a very small effect of the ventilation rate on the sleep pattern.
How robust are predictions of galaxy clustering

We use the Millennium Simulation data base to compare how different versions of the Durham and Munich semi-analytical galaxy formation models populate dark matter haloes with galaxies. The models follow the same physical processes but differ in how these are implemented. All of the models we consider use the Millennium N-body Simulation; however, the Durham and Munich groups use independent algorithms to construct halo merger histories from the simulation output. We compare the predicted halo occupation distributions (HODs) and correlation functions for galaxy samples defined by stellar mass, cold gas mass and star formation rate. The model predictions for the HOD are remarkably similar for samples ranked by stellar mass. The predicted bias averaged over pair separations in the range 5–25 h−1 Mpc is consistent between models to within 10 per cent. At small pair separations there is a clear difference in the predicted clustering. This arises because the Durham models allow some satellite galaxies to merge with the central galaxy in a halo when they are still associated with resolved dark matter subhaloes. The agreement between the models is less good for samples defined by cold gas mass or star formation rate, with the spread in predicted galaxy bias reaching 20 per cent and the small-scale clustering differing by an order of magnitude, reflecting the uncertainty in the modelling of star formation. The model predictions in these cases are nevertheless qualitatively similar, with a markedly shallower slope for the correlation function than is found for stellar mass selected samples and with the HOD displaying an asymmetric peak for central galaxies. We provide illustrative parametric fits to the HODs predicted by the models. Our results reveal the current limitations on how well we can predict galaxy bias in a fixed cosmology, which has implications for the interpretation of constraints on the physics of galaxy formation from galaxy clustering measurements and the ability of future galaxy surveys to measure dark energy.
ITS rDNA phylogeny of selected Mycosphaerella spp. and their anamorphs occurring on Myrtaceae

Species of Mycosphaerella and their anamorphs are commonly found on the leaves of Myrtaceae, many of which are defoliated by these pathogens. The taxonomy of these fungi has been based on minute morphological dierences, and virtually nothing is known regarding their relatedness to each other. In this study, we present a phylogeny of 30 species of Mycosphaerella or their anamorphs from myrtaceous hosts, based on sequence data from the ITS regions of the ribosomal RNA operon. Fifteen of the species were also analysed for the 5« end of the large subunit (28S), which produced a phylogeny similar to that obtained for the ITS data set. The Mycosphaerella species included in this analysis are all regarded as representatives of section Plaga, and appear to represent a monophyletic assemblage. Mycosphaerella lateralis was the only species shown to have a wide host range. In general, species clustered together based on their anamorph genera. Species with Colletogloeopsis and Stenella anamorphs always grouped in two respective clusters. However, species with Mycovellosiella, Phaeophleospora, Pseudocercospora and Uwebraunia anamorphs occurred separately, suggesting that they have evolved more than once within Mycosphaerella. Based on the ITS data set, all morphospecies were also shown to be phylogenetic species, although too few isolates were available to address questions relating to intraspecies variation. Nevertheless, ITS sequence data proved sucient to distinguish morphologically similar taxa that have hitherto only been distinguished based on ascospore germination patterns and anamorph characteristics. Sequence data presented in this study should facilitate the identification of Mycosphaerella species occurring on Myrtaceae in the future.
Secondary Mathematics Teachers' Perceptions of the Achievement Gap

The purpose of this study was to survey the perceptions of secondary mathematics teachers on factors contributing to the achievement gap and ways to reduce this gap. National Council of the Teachers of Mathematics (NCTM) members were surveyed, and a total of 379 secondary teachers responded. Overall, respondents were most likely to attribute the achievement gap to student characteristics, such as differences in motivational levels, work ethic, and family support. Furthermore, teachers from schools with a higher population of White students were more likely to attribute the gap to student characteristics than were teachers in schools with higher percentages of minority students. Mathematics supervisors and university faculty were less likely to attribute the achievement gap to student characteristics than were middle and high school teachers. Instead, the supervisors and university faculty were more likely to endorse explanations related to curriculum and instruction than were secondary teachers. In terms of attributing the achievement gap to factors related to language, we found that the higher the percentage of Hispanic or Latino students in the respondents' schools, the more likely they were to endorse Language items. Suggestions for reducing the achievement gap centered on professional development for teachers, curricular changes, community building, and policies that included more funding equity and a reduction in class size.
Modeling of Magnetic Near-Field Radiated by Electronic Devices Disturbed by Transient Signals with Complex Form

For the safety and reliability of modern hybrid electronic systems in function of the increase of complexity and density integration, relevant modeling methods of near-field (NF) radiation are necessary. This article develops a time-frequency modeling method of electromagnetic (EM) NF emitted by electronic devices excited by transient pulse current. The modeling method is originally flexible to fast switching disturbances propagating in the mixed-systems. The model is based-on the ultra wide band (UWB) model of EM NF maps using a set of elementary EM dipoles. An innovative algorithm for generating a simple reduced model is established. Then, by considering the convolution between the signals exciting the circuit and the UWB model introduced, transient radiation models are realized. The method developed was validated with the magnetic NF radiated at some mm above the microstrip planar DUT. The UWB model effectiveness was verified in RF baseband from DC to 100 MHz. Then, NF map time-dependent model emitted by the circuit excited by a microwave signal modulating 0.9 GHz carrier with 0.6 GHz - 1.2 GHz frequency band is also validated. As expected, good agreements between simulations, measurements and the models investigated are observed for any form of excitation current.
New measurements of rotation and differential rotation in A-F stars: are there two populations of differentially rotating stars?

Context. The Sun displays differential rotation that is intimately connected to the solar dynamo and hence related to solar activity, the solar cycle, and the solar wind. Considering the detectability and habitability of planets around other stars it is important to understand the role of differential rotation in other stars. Aims. We present projected rotational velocities and new measurements of the rotational profile of some 180 nearby stars with spectral types A-F. The results are consolidated by a homogeneous compilation of basic stellar data from photometry and the identification of multiple stellar systems. New and previous measurements of rotation by line profile analysis are compiled and made available. Methods. The overall broadening profile is derived analysing spectral line shape from hundreds of spectral lines by the method of least-squares deconvolution, reducing spectral noise to a minimum. The effect of differential rotation on the broadening profile is best measured in inverse wavelength space by the first two zeros of its Fourier transform. Results. Projected rotational velocity v sini is measured for more than 110 of the sample stars. Rigid and differential rotation can be distinguished in 56 cases where v sini > 12 km s −1 . We detect differential rotation rates of δΩ Ω = 5% and more. Ten stars with significant differential rotation rates are identified. The line shapes of 46 stars are consistent with rigid rotation, even though differential rotation at very low rates might still be possible in these cases. The strongest amount of relative differential rotation (54%) detected by line profile analysis is found among F stars. Conclusions. As of now, 33 differential rotators detected by line profile analysis have been confirmed. The frequency of differential rotators decreases towards high effective temperature and rapid rotation. There is evidence for two populations of differential rotators, one of rapidly rotating A stars at the granulation boundary with strong horizontal shear and one of mid- to late-F type stars with moderate rates of rotation and less shear. The gap in between can only partly be explained by an upper bound found for the horizontal shear of F stars. Apparently, the physical conditions change at early-F spectral types. The range of horizontal shear observed for mid-type F stars is reproduced by theoretical calculations while there seems to be a discrepancy in period dependence for late-F stars.
Pathway Curvature and Border Visibility as Predictors of Preference and Danger in Forest Settings

The authors investigated pathway curvature and pathway border visibility as predictors of preference and perceived danger in forest settings. Participants rated 56 forest settings containing pathways for one of four variables—mystery, visual access, pathway length, and pathway width—or for one of four additional predictors. Pathway curvature was unrelated to preference, danger, or mystery. Border visibility and visual access were positively related to preference, negatively related to danger, and positively related to each other. Preference and danger were negatively related. Danger was more strongly related to the predictors than was preference. Mystery had a modest negative relation with preference and substantial relations with danger (positive) and visual access (negative). Factor analysis of the predictor inter-correlations revealed a visibility construct. Visibility scores were positively related to preference and negatively related to danger. For within-forest settings, danger seems to be more salient than preference, and visibility is a major concern.
The impacts on broiler performance and yield by removing antibiotic growth promoters and an evaluation of potential alternatives

The Impacts on Broiler Performance and Yield by Removing Antibiotic Growth Promoters and an Evaluation of Potential Alternatives. (December 2008) Joey L. Bray, B.S., Stephen F. Austin State University; M.S., Stephen F. Austin State University Chair of Advisory Committee: Dr. John B. Carey Three experiments were conducted to evaluate the impacts of removing antibiotic growth promoters (AGP) on broiler performance and yield and to evaluate alternative products as potential replacements. In experiment one, approximately 552,000 broilers were reared in four solid-wall, tunnel ventilated houses that were divided into two paired-house facilities, each assigned one of two dietary treatments. The treated group received basal diets containing salinomycin (SAL), roxarsone (ROX) and AGP, while the control group received the same diets without ROX and AGP. Removal of ROX and AGP had no affect on average body weight and feed efficiency, while livability was significantly affected negatively by the removal of ROX and AGP. Tender, wing, drum and percentage of total white meat showed significant improvements in yield during the study, while all other parts were not affected by removal of ROX and AGP. In experiment two, an investigation was conducted to evaluate the effects on performance from feeding Bacillus subtilis spores (Gallipro ® , Chr Hansen A/S, Denmark), as a direct-fed microbial additive, to commercial broiler chickens. Birds were
Aquatic Living Resources Mitochondrial DNA and morphological identification of a new cupped oyster species Crassostrea dianbaiensis ( Bivalvia : Ostreidae ) in the South China Sea

Though Crassostrea oysters have been distributed and cultured worldwide, their taxonomy is still difficult and often inaccurately determined because of the high level of phenotypic plasticity of the shell morphology. With the help of mitochondrial DNA, two novel species of Crassostrea oysters (C. hongkongensis and C. zhanjiangensis) were recently recognized, which suggests that the species diversity of Indo-Pacific oysters could be underestimated. Utilizing a combination of shell characteristics, a molecular marker (mitochondrial cox1 gene) and phylogenetic analysis, we identified a mangrove-distributed novel Crassostrea oyster species, C. dianbaiensis. The shell morphology of the new species is phenoplastic, as seen in other congeneric oysters. The left valve of this oyster is usually deeply cupped, and the right valve is usually slightly concave. The body size is classified as medium and is approximately 5–10 cm in height (estimated from 20 individuals). One distinctive feature of C. dianbaiensis is that the adductor muscle scars vary in color from dark purple to white in the right valve, but always appear white in the left valve. Based on the cox1 phylogenetic tree, C. dianbaiensis is inferred to be a new member of the Southeast Asia tropical oysters and is believed to be the northernmost distributed species among the tropical oysters. This study provided basal information for future studies, which are necessary to better understand the faunal characteristics, population and roles of this oyster in nearshore ecosystems.
What makes individual investors exercise early? Empirical evidence from the fixed-income market

This paper studies the empirical early exercise behavior of Individual Investors in non-tradable putable bonds. Analyzing circa 31 million holding and exercise decisions of more than 220,000 Individual Investors over 13 years, our major ﬁndings are: (i) Individual Investors use their early exercise right predominantly at points in time that are not economically advisable, which results on average in negative excess returns from exercising. (ii) Only a small fraction of attractive exercise opportunities are exploited over time. (iii) Exercise behavior diﬀers signiﬁcantly among investor groups and is related to personal characteristics. (iv) The demand for liquidity and ﬁnancial ﬂexibility is apparently a more important investment and exercise motive than performance seeking.