Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Gifted education in Argentina

Abstract In this article, we review the advancement of gifted education in Argentina which has been scarce and discontinuous, particularly, in the public sphere. About the primary conception of giftedness and/or talent, we mention the obsolete struggle between those who only consider a high intellectual coefficient (IQ) versus a more comprehensive perspective, considering a greater number of variables and data obtained from different sources. Regarding to talent and giftedness’s evaluation, we found a greater efficiency in identification from parents than from teachers who mainly identify academic talent. Related to the development at school, most of our studies find the deficiency of teacher’s training as a relevant fact. Strategies applied by teachers are moderate and applied in an intuitive way. It is also found that families with some talented or gifted member do not find restraint by the educational system looking for options in extra-school environments. The main contributions and scientific findings in Córdoba are related to the opening of a free Public University Service and the validation of reliable measuring instruments with statistical local data. The absence of legal instruments, which regulate the identification and the educational responses, remains a difficult to provide appropriate programs and services for the exceptional students. Finally, as future lines of research we consider to increase the ones recently initiated, related to the effectiveness of parents in the identification of talents and /or giftedness and the early identification in children from different social contexts.
Leadership and HRM: Evaluating New Leadership Styles for effective Human Resource Management

The purpose of this study was to evaluate new leadership styles (transformational, transactional and Laissezfaire) among academic HRM executives in perception of teaching staff at university level in Punjab, Pakistan. A sample of 200 teachers was selected from four public sector universities of Punjab . A self developed questionnaire was used to collect data. The data was analyzed by applying descriptive statistical techniques, i.e. mean and percentages. It was found that most of the academic HRM executives exhibit laissez faire leadership at their workplace. While transactional and transformational leadership was found to be at minimum extent. Key Terms: Human Resource Management, New Leadership, Transformational leadership, Transactional leadership and Laissez-faire leadership
Laparoscopic ovum pick up (LOPU) in goats: from hormonal treatment to oocyte possible destinations

Whether we are collecting oocytes from valuable donors as part of a program of in vitro embryo production (IVP) and/or to promote advances in emerging biotechnologies as cloning and transgenesis, the success rate depends on the development of methodological aspects of recovering oocytes. To succeed, sufficient number of good quality oocytes is the prerequisite for various reproductive techniques and laparoscopic ovum pick up (LOPU) is the recommended technique for obtaining them from live goats. However, the variability of the quantity and quality of the oocytes collected still limits the large-scale use of this technology. Under the current conditions, too large variability is reported with oocyte recovery rates ranging from 40 to 90%, and the number of harvested oocytes per female between 4 and 14, in different laboratories. This variability can depend on either intrinsic characteristic of the donors, such as breed, age or on aspects that we might be able to control, such as stimulation treatment, type of needle, aspiration pressure, among others. We believe that new investigations should contribute to significant improvement of LOPU yield. This review aims to report different factors influencing goat donor response for LOPU, presenting main steps for oocytes recovery as well as technical modifications proposed for improving LOPU efficiency. Furthermore, it is aimed to discuss about the potential use of goat oocytes after their recovery by LOPU and present overall results in goat IVP worldwide.
Experimental demonstration of quantum correlations over more than 10 km

Energy and time entangled photons at a wavelength of 1310 nm are produced by parametric down-conversion in a ${\mathrm{KNbO}}_{3}$ crystal and are sent into all-fiber interferometers using a telecommunications fiber network. The two interferometers of this Franson-type test of the Bell inequality are located 10.9 km apart from one another. Two-photon fringe visibilities of up to 81.6% are obtained. These strong nonlocal correlations support the nonlocal predictions of quantum mechanics and provide evidence that entanglement between photons can be maintained over long distances.
Everyone Hates Privatization, but Why? Survey Evidence from 28 Post-Communist Countries

Studies of mass support for economic reform reveal a simple conclusion: Everyone hates privatization. Yet whether respondents hold this view due to a preference for state property or concerns about the legitimacy of privatization is unclear. We test these arguments using a 2006 survey of 28,000 individuals in 28 post-communist countries and find that a lack of human capital affects support for revising privatization primarily via a preference for state property over private property; whereas transition-related hardships influence support for revising privatization due to both a preference for state property and concerns about the legitimacy of privatization. These results suggest the value of analyses that not only link respondent traits with support for policy, but that also probe the motivations that underpin this support. They also indicate that opposition to privatization should not be equated with support for renationalization.
Draft ETHNIC MINORITY POVERTY IN VIETNAM

Although economic reform has brought remarkable pro gress in poverty reduction in Vietnam, the scale and depth of ethnic minority poverty in V ietnam presents one of the major challenges to achieving the targets for poverty red uction set out in the Socio-Economic Development Plan, as well as the Millennium Develop ment Goals. We first review a series of monetary and non-monetary indicators which show the living standards of the ethnic minorities are improving but still lag seriously be hind those of the majority Kinh-Hoa. The minorities’ lower living standards result from the complex interplay of overlapping disadvantages, which start in utero and continue until adult life. Next an analysis of the drivers of the ethnic gap, in terms of both differe nc s in characteristics and differences in returns to those characteristics, is undertaken. Me an and quantile decompositions show that at least a half of the gap in per capita expenditure c an be attributed to the lower returns to characteristics that the ethnic minorities receive. The reasons underlying such differences in returns are discussed, drawing on both quantitative analysis and the large number of qualitative studies on ethnic issues in Vietnam. Fi nally, some of the short and longer term policy measures which we believe could help to coun ter ethnic disadvantages in the nutrition, education and employment sectors are discussed. We also emphasize the importance of promoting growth that is geographically broad and s ocially inclusive − without which, the current disparities between the Kinh-Hoa and the et nic minorities will continue to grow. P ub lic D is cl os ur e A ut ho riz ed P ub lic D is cl os ur e A ut ho riz ed P ub lic D is cl os ur e A ut ho riz ed P ub lic D is cl os ur e A ut ho riz ed P ub lic D is cl os ur e A ut ho riz ed P ub lic D is cl os ur e A ut ho riz ed P ub lic D is cl os ur e A ut ho riz ed P ub lic D is cl os ur e A ut ho riz ed
Implementing a Nitrogen-Based Model for Autotrophic Respiration Using Satellite and Field Observations

The rate of carbon accumulation by terrestrial plant communities in a process-level, mechanistic modeling is the difference of the rate of gross photosynthesis by a canopy (A(sub g)) and autotrophic respiration (R) of the stand. Observations for different biomes often show that R to be a large and variable fraction of A(sub g), ca. 35% to 75%, although other studies suggest the ratio of R and A(sub g) to be less variable. Here, R has been calculated according to the two compartment model as being the sum of maintenance and growth components. The maintenance respiration of foliage and living fine roots for different biomes has been determined objectively from observed nitrogen content of these organs. The sapwood maintenance respiration is based on pipe theory, and checked against an independently derived equation considering sapwood biomass and its maintenance coefficient. The growth respiration has been calculated from the difference of A(sub g) and maintenance respiration. The A(sub g) is obtained as the product of biome-specific radiation use efficiency for gross photosynthesis under unstressed conditions and intercepted photosynthetically active radiation, and adjusted for stress. Calculations have been done using satellite and ground observations for 36 consecutive months (1987-1989) over large contiguous areas (ca. 10(exp 5) sq km) of boreal forests, crop land, temperate deciduous forest, temperate grassland, tropical deciduous forest, tropical evergreen forest, tropical savanna, and tundra. The ratio of annual respiration and gross photosynthesis, (R/A(sub g)), is found to be 0.5-0.6 for temperate and cold adopted biome areas, but somewhat higher for tropical biome areas (0.6-0.7). Interannual variation of the fluxes is found to be generally less than 15%. Calculated fluxes are compared with observations and several previous estimates. Results of sensitivity analysis are presented for uncertainties in parameterization and input data. It is found that uncertainty in determining maintenance respiration for tropical biomes is such that R/A(sub g) for these biomes could be similar to that for temperate biomes.
Restocking, Stock Enhancement, and Sea Ranching: Arenas of Progress

There are concerns about the sustainability of the world's capture fisheries at the current total level of ∼ 96 million tons per year. The warning signals are an increase in the proportion of depleted or recovering stocks, from about 10% in 1974 to 28% in 2004, and a corresponding decrease of under-to moderately exploited stocks from about 40% to 24%. It is widely acknowledged that reductions in fishing effort and restoration of fish habitats are needed to improve resilience of capture fisheries. Nevertheless, for some coastal fisheries, application of aquaculture technology through restocking, stock enhancement, and sea ranching also promises to help restore lost production and possibly increase harvests beyond historical levels. However, application of this technology still has a long way to go before integrated management systems are in place that successfully address all the biological, ecological, social, cultural, and economic issues. The main challenges include identifying when and where to use the interventions to add value to other forms of management; integrating these initiatives with institutional and fisheries management regimes; monitoring success of the interventions; producing cultured juveniles cost-effectively; and releasing them in the wild so that they survive in high proportions. We summarize progress to date by describing the main lessons learned from 30 years of research into the potential for releasing cultured juveniles into coastal fisheries, and from application of this technology at various scales. We also describe other lessons to be learned from stocking freshwater habitats and other emerging issues for enhanced coastal fisheries, such as market opportunities and the need to develop widely accepted definitions for “restocking,” “stock enhancement,” and “sea ranching. ” These definitions are needed so that nations can report and monitor different strategies used to improve productivity of capture fisheries.
Default Risk in Corporate Yield Spreads

An important research question examined in the credit risk literature focuses on the proportion of corporate yield spreads attributed to default risk. This topic is reexamined in light of the different issues associated with the computation of default probabilities obtained from historical default data. We find that the estimated default risk proportion in corporate yield spreads is sensitive to the ex ante estimated term structure of default probabilities used as inputs. This proportion can become a large fraction of the spread when sensitivity analyses are made with respect to the period over which the probabilities are estimated and the recovery rates.
Seismic design of earth-retaining structures and foundations

Earthquake-resistant design of earth retaining structures like retaining walls, earth dams and foundations are very important problems to minimize the devastating effect of earthquake hazards. In this paper a comprehensive review for different methods to calculate seismic earth pressures and their point of applications is shown. Numerical example shows the merit of a displacement-based analysis over force-based analysis by considering a permissible displacement of the wall.Modification of IS code for seismic design of retaining wall is proposed. Merits and demerits of several design and analytical procedures for earthen dam and foundations under seismic conditions are provided in this paper.
Catch, Stock Elasticity, and an Implicit Index of Fishing Effort

Abstract Economists are interested in the relationship between fishing effort and stock size and their impact on catch levels. The interest lies in stock elasticity, where it is thought that for pelagic fish species it is close to zero; for demersal fish stocks, closer to one. We statistically model and estimate the relationship between stock size and catch for two species, Northeast Arctic cod and saithe. In doing so we are able to recover estimates of stock elasticity but also estimates of catchability coefficients for different age classes and importantly an implicit index of fishing effort. Data on observed catch and a measure of biomass-at-age are available from the International Council for the Exploration of the Sea. The generated stock data are econometrically problematic, and we use an IV estimator with bootstrapping in estimation. Time-series techniques applied to panel data are used to statistically motivate the estimation, which is carried out within a two-way panel framework. JEL Codes: C72, Q22
Influence of salinity on life history traits of the bonga shad Ethmalosa fimbriata (Pisces, Clupeidae): comparison between the Gambia and Saloum estuaries

The common West African bonga shad represents a large part of the fish biomass in 2 neighbouring estuaries that function in different ways. The Gambia estuary has a normal salinity gra- dient, while the Saloum has an inverse gradient. Bonga shad Ethmalosa fimbriata were collected in both ecosystems during a 16 mo period (June 2001 to September 2002) at 5 locations, to investigate the role of salinity on life history traits. The main traits were studied at a spatio-temporal scale: reproduction from macroscopic examination of the gonads, oocyte counting and measuring, and growth from interpreta- tion and measurements of a sub-sample of otoliths. Analysis of genetic differentiation at 3 intronic and 1 anonymous nuclear gene loci was also carried out to investigate differences between estuaries and among locations. The results did not show any allelic frequency heterogeneity between populations, in- dicating that populations of both estuaries represent 1 single panmictic unit, and that selection is not sig- nificantly acting on these loci. Hence, the response of the different traits to environmental variation may primarily represent phenotypic plasticity. The seasonal cycle of reproduction was clearer in the Saloum, occurring during a long period (January to August). The calculated size at maturity was reduced for both sexes in the upper Saloum, where the salinity was highest. The relative fecundity and the oocyte size were larger in the Saloum. On the otoliths, translucent zones, formed each year at the end of the rains (September to October), were used to estimate the age in months. Growth rates were reduced in the hypersaline environment of the Saloum, whereas growth differences were smaller between the Gam- bia and the pooled Saloum data, with a salinity 60 psu) affects the growth, reduces the size-at-maturity and increases the fecundity of E. fimbriata.
Factors influencing brand preference of beer consumption in port-harcourt metropolis, Rivers state, Nigeria.

The objective of this study was to identify the factors influencing preference for a brand of beer in Port-Harcourt metropolis and determine their relationship with brand preference of beer consumption. The variables included in this study are advertisement, peer group influence, situational variation as independent variables and brand preference of beer as dependent variable. A sample of 354 beer consumers was systematically selected for this study. A structured questionnaire based on likert type scale was used to elicit information from the sampled respondents in three zones for which Port-Harcourt metropolis was divided. The instruments were validated and their reliability established through a test – re-test method. Our hypotheses were supported. Result of the data analysis revealed significant positive relationship between advertisement (r = 1.0), peer group influence (r = 0.96), situational variation (r = 0.98) and brand preference of beer consumers. The implication of this finding is that beer producing firms who wants to be on the cutting edge of competition should develop a more effective advertising campaign programme to increase consumer’s preference for their brand. Advertisement for beer brands should convey information about the advantages which the brand being advertise would offer over the others. The advert should encourage group purchasing and the positive effect of such purchase (security, acceptability of choice, championship etc) and depict friendship situation. Producers should in their advertisement emphasize social groups; they should exploit this further through segmenting their markets into distinctive social classes Keywords: Advertisement, Peer group influence, situational variation, Brand preference and Beer consumption
HIV-1 protease inhibitory effects of medicinal plants used as self medication by AIDS patients

Tewtrakul, S. , Subhadhirasakul, S. , and Kummee, S. HIV-1 protease inhibitory effects of medicinal plants used as self medication by AIDS patients Thirty-six chloroform-, methanol-, and waterextracts of some plants used as self mediciation by AIDS patients were investigated for their HIV-1 protease (HIV-1 PR) inhibitory activities. Of these extracts, Boesenbergia pandurata (rhizome, chloroform extract) showed the most potent inhibitory activity against HIV-1 PR, followed by Boesenbergia pandurata (rhizome, MeOH extract) and Alpinia galanga (rhizome, MeOH extract) with the inhibitions of 64.92, 51.92 and 48.70%, respectively, at concentration of 100 μg/ml.
Germination response of Russian wildrye to variations in seed mass at fluctuating temperatures.

The effects of seed mass and fluctuating temperatures on the germination and heterotrophic seedling development of 3 seed sources of Russian wildrye, Psathyrostachys juncea (Fisch) Nevski, were studied. Seeds that weighed 2.4, 3.0, 3.6, and 4.2 +/- 0.1 mg of each seed source were germinated in an unlighted incubation chamber at 5-10 degrees C, 5-15 degrees C, 10-l5 degrees C, and 10-20 degrees C. Germination and heterotrophic seedlings development were assessed using: 1) mean time to germinate (T/1), 2) the mean proportion of seeds to germinate (G) and 3) mean maximum radicle and coleoptile extension. Data were analyzed using a 4 X 4 X 3 factorial analysis of variance (n = 144) comprised of main effects, temperature (T), seed mass (M), and seed source (S). Time to germination was significantly affected by T (F = 647.44, P < 0.0001), S (F = 28.29, P < 0.0001) and the T X S (F = 4.71, P < 0.0003) and S X M (F = 2.21, P < 0.0489) interact. The mean maximum proportion of seeds to germinate was significantly affected by T (F = 13.63, P < 0.0001), S (F = 10.53, P < 0.0001), M (F = 8.11, P < 0.0001) and the T X M interaction (F = 2.21, P < 0.0276). Radicle extension was significantly affected by T (F = 21.94, P < 0.0001), S (F = 14.29, P < 0.0001), M (F = 12.70, P < 0.0001), and the T X S (F = 13.69, P < 0.0001) interaction. Coleoptile extension was significantly affected by T (F = 810.24, P < 0.0001), S (F = 68.83, P < 0.0001), M (F = 56.00, P < 0.0001), and the T X M (F = 3.84, P < 0.0003) interaction. Apparently, Syn-A seeds germinate more vigorously and have longer coleoptiles than Vinall but apparent differences remain confounded between seed sources since the effects of seed age and maternal environment cannot be eliminated from the study.
Transformation in cricket: the black African experience

Background: The small number of black African (BA) cricket players progressing through the talent development pathways to the elite level has been a constant concern for Cricket South Africa (CSA). Previous attempts to accelerate the development of BA players have not produced the desired results. A description of the barriers to development is imperative for appropriate interventions. Objectives: To understand the career progression of BA cricketers in South Africa by investigating their and other key informants’ perceptions, and identifying factors that may influence progress to the elite level. Methods: A qualitative study consisting of 23 semi-structured interviews with BA players who had succeeded at the senior level (n = 11), and key informants (n = 12), was conducted. Content analysis of the data identified 92 themes, which were then aggregated into 12 categories. Results: Five enablers (exposure to the game, education, facilities and equipment, coaching and support networks), and five barriers (team environment, quality opportunities to compete, socio-economic factors, cricket player development pathways and leadership) were identified. Two further factors (intrapersonal attributes and targets) were identified, but the differing opinions of the interviewees on the influence of these variables made it difficult to classify them. Whilst all categories were perceived to contribute in the progress of BA players to the elite level, education, support networks, quality opportunities to compete, team environment and socio-economic factors were believed to be the most important. Conclusion: The sustainable transformation of South African cricket appears to be not only about ensuring demographically representative teams, but also about addressing barriers affecting progress that may be experienced by all players. This study highlighted the key factors that are perceived to be specific to BA cricketers.
On the Causes and Effects of Exchange Rate Volatility on Economic Growth: Evidence from Ghana

ABSTRACT What drives exchange rate volatility, and what are the effects of fluctuations in the exchange rate on economic growth in Ghana? These questions are the subject matter of this study. The results showed that while shocks to the exchange rate are mean reverting, misalignments tend to correct very sluggishly, with painful consequences in the short run as economic agents recalibrate their consumption and investment choices. About three quarters of shocks to the real exchange rate are self-driven, and the remaining one quarter or so is attributed to factors such as government expenditure and money supply growth, terms of trade and output shocks. Excessive volatility is found to be detrimental to economic growth; however, this is only up to a point as growth-enhancing effect can also emanate from innovation, and more efficient resource allocation.