Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Small scale rollout of PV systems in Chikwawa District, Malawi: remote monitoring system effectiveness

Off-grid solar photovoltaic systems in Malawi are deployed increasingly as the primary option for rural public infrastructure such as primary schools and health centres. Overall, grid-connected electricity access has remained stagnant at around 9% with only 1% of rural population connected. To improve the technical sustainability of such systems, a novel remote monitoring technology utilising Wireless Sensor Networks was installed and the systems were monitored over roughly one year. This paper has described the technical design, performance, and benefits received from deployment of the technology. Furthermore, it has evaluated the cost implications for a larger scale rollout and potential benefits.
Poverty Dynamics in Clusters of European Union Countries: Related Events and Main Determinants

So far the dynamics of income poverty in European countries has been analysed in a comparative perspective using the ECHP dataset, the first EU-scale panel survey ran from 1994 to 2001 in the “old” 15 member states. By means of the EU-SILC longitudinal data, the main purpose of this paper is to up-to-date such kind of analysis up to 2007 and to extend it including also the “new” EU member states. Being the time span covered by EU-SILC too short for carrying out survival analysis on poverty duration and recurrence, in this paper we focus on income poverty mobility only, identifying and analysing which are the main determinants associated to households’ fall into or exit from poverty. Analyses are carried out grouping EU countries in the five usual geographical clusters. The results show that events related to the labour market are the most important in all clusters both because of their frequency and their relevant impact on poverty transitions Demographic events are, on the contrary, everywhere, much less relevant.
Development of fruit maturity and mineral content norms for export avocado cultivars from different South African avocado growing regions

The aim of this study is to establish appropriate harvest maturity and fruit mineral content norms for Fuerte, Hass, Edranol, Pinkerton and Ryan grown in the Limpopo, Mpumalanga and KwaZulu-Natal production regions. During the 2001/02 season, fruit were sampled on a regular basis from farms in the Barberton, Eshowe, Hazyview, Levubu, Melmoth, Nelspruit, Richmond and Tzaneen districts. Measurements taken included fruit growth, moisture content and mineral composition. The intention is to use this information to formulate a quality assurance plan for all cultivars similar to that developed for Pinkerton during the last number of seasons. Thus far, provisional reference points for fruit moisture and nitrogen content have been formulated for Fuerte and Hass in the Nelspruit, Kiepersol and Tzaneen growing areas. However, intensive storage trials are required before refined recommendations can be made for high and low risk orchards during both ‘on’ and ‘off’ years. The study is continuing.
SPECIFICITY OF SPORTS TRAINING WITH WOMEN

An increasing number of new physical activities, the emergence of new disciplines and female participation in disciplines that, until recently, were only male, has become a daily practice. Female participants is growing in number and is more evident, so the question of whether women’s sports training has certain peculiarities, has been naturally imposed. Despite an increased number of researches on a female sample, the male samples are still dominant. Mechanical identifi cation of men and women can cause more harm than good, especially in professional sport. Based on previous research, it can be said that the overall maximum ability of an adult woman is 70 - 90% of the overall maximum capacity of an adult male, which primarily stems from the morpho-functional characteristics. The woman has a lower maximal speed, strength, speed – power component, endurance, much better fl exibility and agility, greater accuracy and precision of movement, compared to the average man. The strength of any muscle group in women is on average less than men the same age. Although women have lower power, adaptation to strength training in women is not different, so there is no reason why female athletes would not apply the same methods as men. Sports training increases maximal oxygen consumption among women in the same way as in men. Today sports training enables women to run and achieve results in the long and the longest distance, as well as men. In fact, the last two decades of research have pointed to similar training methods, training responses, physiological requirements, both men and women.
Relating particle hygroscopicity and CCN activity to chemical composition during the HCCT-2010 field campaign

Abstract. Particle hygroscopic growth at 90% RH (relative humidity), cloud condensation nuclei (CCN) activity, and size-resolved chemical composition were concurrently measured in the Thuringer Wald mid-level mountain range in central Germany in the fall of 2010. The median hygroscopicity parameter values, κ , of 50, 75, 100, 150, 200, and 250 nm particles derived from hygroscopicity measurements are respectively 0.14, 0.14, 0.17, 0.21, 0.24, and 0.28 during the sampling period. The closure between HTDMA (Hygroscopicity Tandem Differential Mobility Analyzers)-measured ( κ HTDMA ) and chemical composition-derived ( κ chem ) hygroscopicity parameters was performed based on the Zdanovskii–Stokes–Robinson (ZSR) mixing rule. Using size-averaged chemical composition, the κ values are substantially overpredicted (30 and 40% for 150 and 100 nm particles). Introducing size-resolved chemical composition substantially improved closure. We found that the evaporation of NH 4 NO 3 , which may happen in a HTDMA system, could lead to a discrepancy in predicted and measured particle hygroscopic growth. The hygroscopic parameter of the organic fraction, κ org , is positively correlated with the O : C ratio ( κ org = 0.19 × (O : C) − 0.03). Such correlation is helpful to define the κ org value in the closure study. κ derived from CCN measurement was around 30% (varied with particle diameters) higher than that determined from particle hygroscopic growth measurements (here, hydrophilic mode is considered only). This difference might be explained by the surface tension effects, solution non-ideality, gas-particle partitioning of semivolatile compounds, and the partial solubility of constituents or non-dissolved particle matter. Therefore, extrapolating from HTDMA data to properties at the point of activation should be done with great care. Finally, closure study between CCNc (cloud condensation nucleus counter)-measured ( κ CCN ) and chemical composition ( κ CCN, chem ) was performed using CCNc-derived κ values for individual components. The results show that the κ CCN can be well predicted using particle size-resolved chemical composition and the ZSR mixing rule.
Effectiveness Evaluation of Zali bet as Reinforcement in Concrete Beam

In this paper the yield strength, ultimate strength and modulus of elasticity of a rattan (Calamus guruba, local name in Bangladesh is "Zali bet") were measured. After that the performance of some concrete beams was justified where this rattan was used both as flexural and shear reinforcements. Total eleven beams were tested in this study. Among them seven were singly reinforced beams and were used in flexure test. And the other four beams were prepared for shear test. Concrete properties were kept constant leaving reinforcement the only variable. The lengths were 500 mm for flexure test and 1025 mm for shear test having the same width and height. The test results were compared with non-reinforced concrete beams. The results were analyzed using the conventional moment equations and bond stress. Relations between the experimental and theoretical values were made. Finally design of rattan-reinforced beam was also made to understand its contribution physically.
Biofumigation of plant species on Sitophilus zeamais in stored maize.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the repellent effect and toxicity of volatile substances from plant species in the form of ethereal, ethyl, aqueous extracts and powders on adults of Sitophilus zeamais. The experiments were conducted at the Laboratory of Plant Science of the Camilo Castelo Branco University, Campus Descalvado/Sao Paulo State. It were used the Chenopodium ambrosioides, Corymbia citriodora and Cucurbita pepo plant species. The experimental design was completely randomized with six replications. In repellency tests were used doses of 5μl, 10μl, 15μl, 20μl, and 25μl (for the ethereal, ethyl and aqueous extracts) and 0.3 g (for powder) with assessments after 24 hours. In the toxicity tests it was used the dose of 25μl (for the ethereal, ethyl and aqueous extracts) and 0.3 g (for powder) with assessments after 48 hours. Based on the obtained data it can be concluded that the ethereal (excepting C. pepo), ethyl, aqueous extracts and powders of all the tested plants showed repellent effect to adults of S. zeamais. All extracts and powders from the tested plants showed toxic effects to adults of weevil.
Comparison of Models for Indirect Estimation of Water Retention and Available Water in Surface Soils

Quantitative knowledge of the unsaturated soil hydraulic properties is required in most studies involving water flow and solute transport in the vadose zone. Unfortunately, direct measurement of such properties is often difficult, expensive and time‐consuming. Pedotransfer functions (PTFs) offer a means to estimate soil hydraulic properties based on predictors like texture, bulk density, and other soil variables. In this study, we focus on PTFs for water retention and show that systematic errors in five existing PTFs can be reduced by using water content–based objective functions, instead of parameter value–based objective functions. The alternative analysis was accomplished by establishing offset and slope coefficients for each estimated hydraulic parameter. Subsequently we evaluated these and six other PTFs for estimating water retention parameters using the NRCS soils database. A total of 47435 records containing 113970 observed water contents were used to test the PTFs for mean errors and root mean square errors. No overall superior model was found. Models with many calibration parameters or more input variables were not necessarily better than more simple models. All models underestimated water contents, with values ranging from −0.0086 to −0.0279 cm3 cm−3 Average root mean square errors ranged from 0.0687 cm3 cm−3 for a PTF that provided textural class average parameters to 0.0315 cm3 cm−3 for a model that also used two water retention points as predictors. Available soil water content for vegetation was estimated with errors ranging from 0.058 to 0.080 cm3 cm−3, depending on the model and the definition of available water.
Measurement of large amplitude plane vibrations of two dimensional structures

In the paper large amplitude plane vibrations of an elastic structure are investigated experimentally by using the method of time averaged geometric moire. Investigations of a two-dimensional problem are performed. Experimental setup is developed and the results obtained by using the experimental procedure are analyzed. On the basis of a one-dimensional model graphical relationships for linear variation with respect to longitudinal coordinate of amplitude of vibrations are obtained. They provide the background for interpretation of partially exposed time averaged moire. Recommendations for the choice of background intensity are provided.
Optimization and characterization of cold-active endoglucanase produced by Aspergillus terreus strain AKM-F3 grown on sugarcane bagasse

The psychrotolerant microfungus Aspergillus terreus strain AKM-F3 (GenBank Accession No. KF417464) was investigated for the production of cold-active endoglucanase using sugarcane bagasse. The effects of different process parameters were studied for hyperproduction. Optimum production was found at 15 °C with an initial pH of 5.0 at 120 h. For enzyme production, 1 mM ZnCl2, 0.01% aspartate, 2% lactose, and 3% NaNO3 were regarded as potent inducers. The final production gave an activity 3.764-fold higher than the unoptimized conditions. The molecular weight of purified endoglucanase was 55 kDa, showing a 3.464-fold purification increase with a 23.925% yield having 75.279 U/mg of specific activity. The Km and Vmax values of the purified enzyme were found to be 0.37 mg/mL and 24.63 U/mg, respectively. The enzyme was more active at 35 °C and pH 4.0, whereas more stability was observed at 0 °C and pH 7.0. Ca2+, Mn2+, and all tested organic solvents were found to be activators of endoglucanase. EDTA had very low effect, whereas the most active inhibitor was sodium deoxycholate. The present study successfully produced a cold-active endoglucanase with novel properties that can be used for the degradation of cellulosic wastes in cold regions and the economically sound removal of unwanted extra microfibrils from cotton.
Performance of Red Onion Varieties in Kharif Season under Akola Conditions

Research experiment was carried out during 2012-13 at Main Garden, Department of Horticulture, Dr. Panjabrao Deshmukh Krishi Vidyapeeth, Akola, in order to evaluate the Performance of red onion varieties in kharif season under Akola conditions. The experiment was laid out in Randomized Block Design with eight red onion varieties viz. V1(Agrifound Dark Red), V2(Phule Samarth), V3(Baswant-780), V4(N-53), V5(Pune Red), V6(Bhima Super), V7(Bhima Raj) and V8(Bhima Red) which were replicated three times. Results obtained showed that red onion varieties were significantly different when it comes to the plant and bulb morphological characteristics. The variety N-53 produced the maximum height of plant (66.87 cm). While, Bhima Red and Phule Samarth were at par in terms of number of leaves per plant (14.33 and 14.20 cm), bulb diameter (6.61 and 6.36 cm), fresh bulb weight (110.95 and 106.28 gm), cured bulb weight (99.53 and 95.30 gm). Regarding neck thickness, the variety Pune Red recorded minimum (0.87 cm) neck thickness which was at par with N-53 (0.93 cm), Bhima Super (0.97 cm) and Baswant-780 (1.03 cm). The cultivar Bhima Red recorded maximum marketable yield per hectare (328.57 quintal/ha) which was at par with Bhima Raj (298.41 quintal/ha) and Bhima Super (269.83 quintal/ha) respectively. Agrifound Dark Red recorded the maximum TSS (11.47 0Brix) content which was at par with Phule Samarth (10.50 0Brix). Bhima Red variety recorded the zero bolting percentage and minimum splitting percentage (0.33%). The cultivar Bhima Red and Bhima Raj were performed well for the Akola region in kharif season.
The response of molting Homarus americanus to ocean acidification projections

Marine calcifiers, especially those in their larval and juvenile stages, are thought to be most vulnerable to ocean acidification (OA) due to the effects of carbon dioxide (CO2) on growth and shell mineralogy. However, recent evidence is contradictory. We monitored molting activity, length and weight in early benthic phase (EBP, Wahle 1992) American lobster Homarus americanus (Milne-Edwards 1837) under elevated CO2 conditions (500 μatm, 1100-1300 μatm, and 2000-2700 μatm) to determine how OA affects growth at this life stage. Molted shells were analyzed for magnesium (Mg) and calcium (Ca) content by laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS). Exposure to higher CO2 partial pressures over a 90-120 day period affected intermolt period length and caused decreased length and weight growth increments. The higher concentrations of CO2 also changed the magnesium to calcium (Mg:Ca) ratio present in the mineralized shell. Shells from lobsters in the medium and high CO2 treatments had an overall higher Mg:Ca than lobsters in the control CO2 treatment, which can have consequences for shell dissolution in higher CO2 conditions. Lobsters in the medium and high CO2 treatments were also more susceptible to shell disease compared to those in the low CO2 treatments. Taken together, these results suggest juvenile EBP lobsters may remain smaller for a longer period of time, which could make them more vulnerable to disease and/or shell dissolution in a high CO2 ocean.
Correlates of physical activity in school-aged children: parents' role in active living. A comparative study between Italy and Germany

pag. 1 CAP. 1 BACKGROUND: The problem of sedentary behaviour among children pag. 3 1.1 Physical activity and sedentary behaviour pag. 4 1.1.1 Physical activity health benefits pag. 5 1.1.2 Physical activity recommendations for children pag. 5 1.1.3 The problem of sedentary behaviour among children pag. 7 1.2 The description of the problem in Italy pag. 8 1.2. 1 Gender and age pag. 10 1.2. 2 Families and communities pag. 13 1.2. 3 School physical education pag. 17 1.2. 4 Inactivity and leisure time pag. 19 1.2. 5 Programs and strategies to promote physical activity and sport participation in children and adolescents pag. 23 1.2. 6 Final considerations for Italian situation pag. 27 1.3 The description of the problem in Germany pag. 28 1.3. 1 Gender and age pag. 29 1.3. 2 Families and migration background pag. 30 1.3. 3 School physical education pag. 32 1.3. 4 Old/new states of Germany, and communities pag. 34 1.3. 5 Programs and strategies to promote physical activity pag. 35 1.3. 6 Final considerations for German situation pag. 36 1.4 Health education and physical activity pag. 37 1.5 Correlates of children physical activity pag. 38 1.6 The objective of the research pag. 42
Authentic leadership and organizational commitment: the mediating role of positive psychological capital

Purpose: This study analyzes the mediating role of positive psychological capital in the relationship between authentic leadership and organizational commitment. Design/methodology/approach: This quantitative study presents a model in which were considered as variables mediating the relationship between authentic leadership and organizational commitment, the four dimensions of positive psychological capital (optimism, resilience, self-efficacy, hope). Findings: The results showed that positive psychological capital mediates the relationship between authentic leadership and organizational commitment. However, they also indicate that this mediation is only made for three of the four dimensions of positive psychological capital (self-efficacy, hope and optimism). They also show that resilience negatively affects organizational commitment. Originality/value: The value of this study is to strengthen the interest in the study of positive psychological capital as a mediating variable and the importance of development that each of its dimensions and the impact they may have on other variables, as demonstrated by the results.
Behavioral Rationality in Finance: The Case of Dividends

As the title suggests, this paper attempts to get to the specifics of the behavioral rationality theme of this conference by focusing on an area in the main core of finance, namely, the demand and supply of dividends, where, by common consent, the essentially "rationalist" paradigm of the field seems to be limping most noticeably. Important and pervasive behavior patterns on both the paying and the receiving ends have despairingly been written off as "puzzles" even by theorists as redoubtable as Fischer Black (see esp. his much-cited 1976 article). Behaviorists have homed in on precisely these same dividendrelated soft spots in the current body of theory (see esp. Shefrin and Statman 1984). We seem to have, in sum, an ideal place to look for signs of an imminent "paradigm shift" in the behavioral direction of precisely the kind envisioned by some of the other contributors to this conference. The dividend-related difficulties and supposed anomalies at issue here are more than just the parochial concern of finance specialists. The Dividends seem a natural area in finance where the introduction of behavioral/cognitive elements might help resolve long-standing anomalies, particularly the seeming failure of supply to adjust to taxinduced price penalties. A closer look at the empirical record, however-particularly at evidence of responsiveness to major structural changes shows behavior of the aggregates to be less anomalous than conventional handwringing might suggest. Behavioral/cognitive elements, whatever they might contribute to the description of particular microdecisions, do not appear to be essential adjuncts to the basic finance model in the major, comparative static applications for which it was intended. * Helpful comments on an earlier version of this paper have been received from Nai-fu Chen, Jean-Marie Gagnon, Gur Huberman, Kose John, James Poterba, and especially Melvin Reder.
A STUDY ON TAIWANESE CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY AND OWNERSHIP STRUCTURES

This study develops several models to examine the relationship between the corporate social responsibility (CSR) and the ownership structure of Taiwanese firms. Our results suggest that firms which are controlled by professional managers, government-owned, or collectively-owned would like to undertake serious efforts to integrate the CSR into various aspects of their companies. Due to Asia firm’s culture, family firms might be more reluctant to put efforts on CSR activities. We also report that there is a positive relationship between (a) the CSR and financial performance and (b) the CSR and earnings quality. This study suggests that the ownership structures are found to have effects on the CSR and the CSR could also decrease the information asymmetry between managers and investors.
Trading Procedure for the Discovery of Asset Price Risks

The traditional trading procedure as currently adopted in centralized financial exchanges sets, at a point in time, the most competitive price as the single transaction price of all units of an asset consummated in trading. The trading procedure for the discovery of asset price risks introduced in this essay, in opposite, sets a plurality of shared value appraisals between buyers and sellers to form a spectrum of concurrent transaction prices. In the received view of a probabilistic asset price, the contrast shows that the traditional trading procedure works like a filter suppressing investors’ all other value appraisals, whereas the introduced trading procedure works like a prism to reflect a spectrum of shared idiosyncratic value appraisals. Transparency in price risk enabled by the prism-like trading procedure is shown to facilitate undistorted coordination and adjustment of investors’ idiosyncratic value appraisals. The institutional source of recurring excess volatility in financial markets is thus traced to the unrecognized filter-like institutional frame the traditional trading procedure imposes on investment behaviors. This essay also elucidates the role of price discovery in coordinating idiosyncratic risk perceptions and its related issues.