Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Subcontracting Systems and Social Protection in the Informal Building Construction Industry in Lagos, Nigeria

Subcontracting systems are entrenched in the building construction process in Nigeria. However, the implications for informal building construction industry workers' access to social protection measures are a cause for concern. This study examined the influence of subcontracting systems on access to social protection measures by workers in the informal building construction industry in Lagos, Nigeria, based on a cross-sectional research design, agency theory and the general theory of employment. The secondary and primary data used for the study were derived from a systematic review of relevant literature, a questionnaire administered to 908 respondents and 50 key informant interviews among informal building construction workers and subcontractors. The structured questionnaire was subjected to internal and external validity; the Cronbach's Alpha reliability test of the survey stood at 0.722. Data extracted from the structured questionnaire and interviews were analysed through the use of descriptive statistics, correlational analysis and narrative analysis. Findings revealed that workers got financial and health assistance from employers and government respectively. Results also show that informal building construction workers perceived provision of social protection as inadequate. The results of Pearson Correlation indicate that subcontracting systems have an inverse and statistically significant relationship with access to free or subsidised medical care, the remedy to accident on site and pattern of savings. Therefore, subcontracting systems influenced the availability of social protection measures significantly. Based on the findings and the important roles of subcontractors in the building construction industry, it is recommended that appropriate legislative instrument should be developed to address the challenges posed by subcontracting concerning access to social protection measures in the informal building construction industry. It is also suggested that steps should be taken by the government to promote formalisation of employment in the informal sector and support community-based social insurance schemes in Nigeria. Keywords: Building construction, Informal economy, Lagos, Social protection, Subcontracting systems.
New Trends for Microwave Packaging into Space-Borne Equipment

This paper focuses on the most promising evolutions which are emerging in the packaging of microwave functions for space applications. Starting from the former micropackage solution, continuing with the current MCM technology, new routes are then reviewed. Those include flip-chip which has the huge advantage of short and reproducible connections, glob-top and other non-hermetic approaches. All of them are major departures from the present situation if not a complete revolution. Finally, a special attention is given to MEMS as these new devices can also bring their own intrinsic packaging solution. This is one of the most intriguing and captivating outcome of their apparition : at last, the convergence of electrical and mechanical expertise.
SOIL CARBON DYNAMICS AND GLOBAL WARMING POTENTIAL OF SELECTED SOIL SERIES AND LANDUSE CATEGORIES

Land use conversion is usually accompanied by a decline in soil organic carbon. This work is aimed to determine the soil organic carbon affected by the multiple land use in a particular soil series. The study was conducted in Ustic Haplohumults soil series of Kottayam district of Kerala including land uses like Cropland, Wetland, Agricultural land, Homestead and Mixed vegetation land. Change in land use induced significant losses of soil and particulate organic carbon. The maximum SOC content (7.39%) was observed in abandoned paddy field which is nearly 89% more than the lowest values of 0.76% recorded from the Homestead soil. Soil carbon sequestration potential of different land uses varies on spatial and temporal basis along with the interplay of environmental externalities. Potential for CO2 production and global warming of various soils was in accordance with C mineralization and this explains the role and capacity of various land use under consideration to store and release carbon. In the present study it was found that the soils of coconut plantation serve as a better system in terms of maximum SOC storage and minimum carbon emission. The present study reveals the significance and importance of specific land use category which is optimal for particular soil series towards soil carbon storage.
A Phillips curve to the Dominican Republic

This paper has provided an empirical evidence to support the existence of the Phillips curve in the case of the Dominican Republic. The Phillips curve is estimated using data over the last forty years and includes a role for supply factors. The most striking feature of the model is the strong relationship between in(cid:29)ation and excess demand.
Local linear density estimation for filtered survival data, with bias correction

A class of local linear kernel density estimators based on weighted least-squares kernel estimation is considered within the framework of Aalen's multiplicative intensity model. This model includes the filtered data model that, in turn, allows for truncation and/or censoring in addition to accommodating unusual patterns of exposure as well as occurrence. It is shown that the local linear estimators corresponding to all different weightings have the same pointwise asymptotic properties. However, the weighting previously used in the literature in the i.i. d. case is seen to be far from optimal when it comes to exposure robustness, and a simple alternative weighting is to be preferred. Indeed, this weighting has, effectively, to be well chosen in a ‘pilot’ estimator of the survival function as well as in the main estimator itself. We also investigate multiplicative and additive bias-correction methods within our framework. The multiplicative bias-correction method proves to be the best in a simulation study comparing the performance of the considered estimators. An example concerning old-age mortality demonstrates the importance of the improvements provided.
Differentiation of the body composition in the Polish national team pentathletes

Contemporary anthropological research confirms the fact that body composition is one of the elements differentiating athletes from persons not practising sport systematically. The differences in body composition – in many cases even extreme – also regard athletes in the context of the sports discipline they practise. The aim of the study was to determine the properties of body composition of the Polish national team pentathletes in comparison to persons of the same population not practising competitive sport. The research comprised members of the Polish national team in modern pentathlon (n=10). The subjects were 18-23 (20±1.5) years of age with their body mass from 64 to 80 kg (73.27±6.1) and body height of 172-188 cm (180.11±6.22). The athletes had had 6-13 years (10.38± 2.07) of training experience. Students of Warsaw Technical University (Poland) constituted the reference group. Measurements of 20 basic somatic features were made. The following indices were calculated: leanness, Rohrer’s, BMI, Manouvrier’s and pelvic-shoulder. Body density, total body fat, active tissue, the general body composition profile and internal proportions of the body composition were determined. An analysis of internal proportions of the factors of athletes’ body composition revealed differences in particular groups of features. The athletes’ overall body size results from greater than mean values of the body height and the average ones of stoutness and the fat content. The proportions of features within the analysed factors proved a significant advantage of the upper limb over the lower one and the significant predominance of the musculature of the forearm. 105 Author’s Conrtibution A – Study Design B – Data Collection C – Statistical Analysis D – Data Interpretation E – Manuscript Preparation F – Literature Search G – Funds Collection Word count: 2322 Tables: 1 Figures: 2 References: 25 Address for correspondence Dr hab. prof. nadzw. Wladyslaw Jagiello, Academy of Physical Education and Sport Dep. of Martial Arts, 80-336 Gdansk, Poland, ul. K. Gorskiego 1, Phone: +4858 554-74-50, e-mail: wjagiello1@wp.pl Received: February 2011 Accepted: May 2011 Published: June 2011 Background: Materials and methods:
Explicit resolution of weak wild quotient singularities on arithmetic surfaces

A weak wild arithmetic quotient singularity arises from the quotient of a smooth arithmetic surface by a finite group action, where the inertia group of a point on a closed characteristic p fiber is a p-group acting with smallest possible ramification jump. In this paper, we give complete explicit resolutions of these singularities using deformation theory and valuation theory, taking a more local perspective than previous work has taken. Our descriptions answer several questions of Lorenzini. Along the way, we give a valuation-theoretic criterion for a normal snc-model of P^1 over a discretely valued field to be regular.
A Diagnostic Study of Computer Application of Structural Communication Grid.

In this article, Structural communication grid (SCG), an alternative measurement and evaluation technique, has been firstly summarised and the design, development and implementation of a computer based SCG system have been introduced. The system is then tested on a sample of 154 participants consisting of candidate students, science teachers and faculty staff members. A comparative study between paper-and-pencil and computerized versions of SCG has been conducted. 154 subjects, consisting of candidate students, science teachers and faculty staff members, have participated in this study. Participants’ views are probed by using Software Evaluation Questionnaire and Open-Ended Interview Form. Findings of the study show that i) participants find SCG technique easier to use in computer medium, ii) they have positive attitudes towards this computer software, and iii) they prefer computerized version of SCG technique to the paper-based SCG technique. The findings have been discussed in terms of its contribution to computer aided measurement and evaluation methods by taking similar studies in the literature into account.
Accelerating low-carbon development in the world's cities

This report finds that investing in public and low emission transport, building efficiency, and waste management in cities could generate savings with a current value of US$17 trillion by 2050. These low-carbon investments could also reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 3.7 Gt CO2e per year by 2030, more than the current annual emissions of India. With complementary national policies such as support for low-carbon innovation, reduced fossil fuel subsidies, and carbon pricing, the savings could be as high as US$22 trillion. The report recommends that cities commit to low-carbon urban development strategies by 2020. It also recommends cities commit to the Compact of Mayors, a global coalition of mayors and city officials pledging to reduce local greenhouse gas emissions, enhance resilience to climate change, and track their progress transparently. More than 130 cities - representing more than 220 million people - have already committed to the Compact of Mayors and will be setting ambitious emissions reduction targets and reporting publicly. The report also recommends that the international community should develop an integrated package of US$1 billion or more over five years to help accelerate and scale up low-carbon urban strategies in at least the worldrs largest 500 cities.
Resistin, adiponectin and visfatin; can adipocytokines predict gestational diabetes mellitus and early post partum metabolic syndrome?

Background: We investigated the association between three adipocytokines: resistin, adiponectinl, visfatin, and gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) and early postpartum metabolic syndrome. Methods: In a case-control study, 70 GDM patients and 76 healthy pregnant women were recruited from Endocrinology and Metabolism Research Center GDM Clinic, Tehran, Iran. Circulatory resistin, adiponectin and visfatin were measured in week 24-28th of pregnancy. All the participants followed until 6-12 weeks after delivery. Results: The concentrations of all three adipocytokines were significantly different between GDM patients and healthy pregnant women. Visfatin concentration was higher in GDM patients (10.62±8.12 vs. 4.30±4.00 ng/ml, P< 0.01). Adiponectin concentration was lower in GDM patients (9.07±5.10 vs. 13.45±8.53 μg/ml, P<0.01). Resistin concentration was also lower in GDM patients (5.04±2.03 vs. 10.40±3.63 ng/ml, P<0.01). Postpartum follow-up showed that women developing metabolic syndrome had significantly lower adiponectin and resistin concentrations during pregnancy; however, visfatin concentration measured during pregnancy had no relation with postpartum development of metabolic syndrome. Nonetheless, after adjustment for age and pre-pregnancy BMI, logistic regression analysis did not show independent relation between adiponectin and resistin with development of postpartum metabolic syndrome. Conclusion: Our results indicate that adipocytokines may associate with GDM and postpartum metabolic syndrome. However, the efficacy of their measurement during pregnancy as a predictor of postpartum metabolic syndrome is controversial. Keywords: Gestational diabetic mellitus, Adipokines, Visfatin, Resistin, Adiponectin, Metabolic syndrome
Nonlinear Processes in Geophysics Comparative rainfall data analysis from two vertically pointing radars , an optical disdrometer , and a rain gauge

The authors present results of a comparative analysis of rainfall data from several ground-based instruments. The instruments include two vertically pointing Doppler radars, S-band and X-band, an optical disdrometer, and a tipping-bucket rain gauge. All instruments were collocated at the Iowa City Municipal Airport in Iowa City, Iowa, for a period of several months. The authors used the rainfall data derived from the four instruments to first study the temporal variability and scaling characteristics of rainfall and subsequently assess the instrumental effects on these derived properties. The results revealed obvious correspondence between the ground and remote sensors, which indicates the significance of the instrumental effect on the derived properties.
Inhibitory Control and Reward Predict Risky Driving in Young Novice Drivers: A Simulator Study

The purpose of this study is to unravel the cognitive mechanisms that underlie risky driving in young novice drivers. Based on the two pillars of the Dual Systems Model of adolescent risk taking, the authors hypothesized that (1) lower capacity for cognitive control (inhibitory control), (2) a rewarding context, and (3) the interaction of these predict risky driving and constitute part of the cognitive basis for the large number of crashes in the young novice driver population. Two groups different in age (n=31, 17-18 year-olds; n=22, 22-24 year-olds), but equal in driving experience participated in the experiment. Each participant completed two 28km test-drives in a STISIM M400 driving simulator. In the first drive, participants were asked to drive as they normally do. For the second drive, participants were told they could obtain a monetary reward for completing the drive as fast as possible, although for each collision or traffic violation (except speeding), penalty time would be imposed. Inhibitory control was measured by means of a stop signal reaction time task (SSRT). Measures of risky driving included: standard deviation of lateral lane position (SDLP), responses to critical events, speeding, and red light running. The authors found that: (1) inhibitory control still improves within the young driver population; (2) lowered inhibitory control had a driving specific effect: drivers with lower inhibitory control (SSRT) had a higher SDLP; (3) a rewarding context predicts risky driving as speeding and red light running occurred more often in the trip with than without reward.
Branding Paradigms in the Fast Moving Consumer Goods Industry

The goal of this study is to investigate branding models and whether they distinguish companies on the basis of revenue in Romania. Analysis of covariance is used to explore differences across three clearly identified branding paradigms used by major companies. It was found that, contrary to the commonly held understanding, a traditional branding paradigm that is based on familiarity and local values does not differentiate a firm in terms of revenue. A variety of branding models can be effective if the brand is clearly positioned in the consumers’ minds. Whilst sensitivity to national culture and local preferences remains a priority, companies should not rely on rescriptive models of branding that are steeped in overall market tendencies or emotional heritage. The paper brings evidence on branding in Romania that did not exist previously to enrich the executive and research agendas on sensitivity to local culture and the relationship between branding and firm performance.
A method for measuring the comparability of different sampling methods used in biological surveys: implications for data integration and synthesis

Summary 1. Numerous methods have been developed to sample the biota occurring in different ecosystems. However, the comparability of data derived from different sampling methods is generally unknown and is a major concern when integrating data from different studies. 2. Examination of assemblage-level attributes such as taxa richness and biotic index scores is generally inappropriate for evaluating the degree to which different sampling methods produce comparable descriptions of entire assemblages, because these measures provide no information regarding taxonomic composition. Multivariate methods are generally more appropriate for this purpose, but some of the methods previously used are not satisfactory and others have not been tested. A useful measure of sampling-method comparability (SMC) should be independent of sampling effort, independent of the sites sampled and have an explicit biological interpretation. 3. We used simulated data to compare two potential methods of assessing SMC, the R-value produced by anosim and a modified version of classification strength (CS-SMC) derived from Van Sickle's Mean Similarity Analysis. Analyses were based on similarities between the assemblages captured by two different sampling methods (electrofishing and seining) employed at the same sites. Similarities were calculated two different ways: the Bray–Curtis index and the Jaccard coefficient. 4. Based on simulated data, anosimR-values were strongly affected by sampling effort, highly variable across sites and difficult to interpret biologically. In contrast, CS-SMC values were highly stable over a range of sampling effort, across sites and easy to interpret biologically. 5. Application of CS-SMC to field data showed that seining and electrofishing produced highly comparable samples of fish in small streams: 97% comparable on average for species lists and 94% comparable for relative abundances. Kicknet and Surber samples of benthic invertebrates were also comparable after being standardised to a fixed count, but to a lesser extent than fish samples: 77% comparable on average for the taxa lists and 93% comparable for relative abundances. CS-SMC should be of general use when integrating and synthesising assemblage data from a variety of assemblages.
The Reproductive Health and Liver Functions of Occupationally ExposedFemale Pesticide Sprayers of Mango Plantations

The present study explores the effect of pesticide exposure on the reproductive health and liver function of females participating in agricultural related work. Blood samples were obtained from thirty-five (35) females (out of one hundred females of reproductive age) who were willing donors. Fifty (50) females matched for age and socio economic status was recruited as a control group to compare levels of hormones (estradiol, progesterone and follicle stimulating hormone), liver enzymes-alanine aminotransferase (ALT), and aspartate aminotransferase (AST). Results showed that 56% of the females were illiterate with 48% representing agricultural work. Females who helped in farming operations showed a higher incidence of adverse pregnancy outcome such as abortions and stillbirths compared to non-participants. There was a significant elevation in estradiol and progesterone levels among female agricultural workers. While there was an elevation in serum liver enzymes (AST and ALT) there was a significant decrease in FSH level in females engaged in agricultural activities. The study suggests that participation of females in agricultural activities with potential exposure to pesticides endangers their reproductive health and liver functions.
Challenges for Industrial Product/Service Systems : Experiences from a learning network of large companies

In Sweden, there are a growing number of manufacturers that are using the approach of industrial product/service systems. This paper explores how manufacturers and university researchers have started a workshop series where important and topical product/service system issues are elucidated. The companies face many challenges in order to achieve a good product/service system business. Many challenges are related to changing different peoples’ mindset within the company and/or with external companies and customers. Having a learning network approach of dealing with these challenges has been perceived as a good manner of tackling the questions raised within the product/service system providing companies.
Synthetic synchrotron diagnostics for runaways in tokamaks

In tokamaks, highly relativistic electrons known as runaway electrons may be created, for example during disruptions when instabilities rapidly grow and cause operation to abruptly terminate. If control of the runaway beam is lost, the electrons can collide with the device wall and inflict severe damage. Therefore, it is of great importance to understand the processes that give rise to and govern the behaviour of these particles. One of the best ways to learn about the phase-space distribution of runaway electrons in experiments is to measure the synchrotron radiation emitted by them, often in the visible or infrared wavelength ranges, by making camera images or measuring the spectrum. Synchrotron radiation is emitted almost entirely in the forward direction of the electron, contrary to how light is usually emitted by most other light sources, and because of this electrons must be moving towards the observer in order to be seen. As a result, most electrons are invisible to the observer most of the time, and the synchrotron image does not reveal the full runaway beam, rather showing an abstract spot of light that can take on many different shapes. The sharp beaming in the forward direction of synchrotron radiation however puts an extra constraint on the image which allows the full velocity vector of the runaways to be inferred from the image. In this thesis the numerical tool SOFT (for Synchrotron-detecting Orbit Following Toolkit), along with the theory on which it builds, is presented. With SOFT, synchrotron images from runaway populations that are arbitrarily distributed in phase-space can be simulated, taking various kinds of geometric effects (magnetic field geometry, camera placement, viewing direction etc.) into account. The effects on the image due to isolated variations in energy, pitch angle, minor radius and camera location are investigated and analysed. Synchrotron images simulated with analytical avalanche distributions of runaways are interpreted in relation to, and compared with, synchrotron images from mono-energetic runaway populations. All parameters are found to have distinct effects on the synchrotron spot, and it is shown that the synchrotron images due to full distributions of runaway electrons can partly be understood as dominated by particles of a particular energy and pitch angle