Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Projected Changes in the Physical Climate of the Niger Delta Region of Nigeria

Introduction The impacts of global climate change on the natural and social environment are confirmed positive and negative by Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC). Changes in T, P and SLR over the next century are predicted Whitehead et al. [1]; Amir et al. [2]. These climate change and variability studies have shown that both anthropogenic and natural factors are responsible for it [3]. Understanding the effects at local and regional scales is a great challenge for addressing climate change in Africa. There is increasing anxiety over future climate especially the West African region, as human-induced global warming continues, since the population of the region depends essentially on agriculture and climate change may alter the availability of water resources IPCC, [4] especially in the coast. Recent research has shown that human actions such as fossil fuels, unsustainable agriculture, and deforestation have amplified the Earth’s natural greenhouse effect and are contributing to increase in GHGs in the atmosphere [5]. Reports have stated that as the planet warms, climate and weather variability would increase [4, 6]. Changes in the frequency and severity of extreme climate events and in the variability of weather patterns will have significant effects for human and natural systems. Increasing frequencies of heat stress, drought and flooding events are projected for the rest of this century. Also Food
Rapid Routine HIV Testing for Psychiatric Inpatients

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that HIV screening be routine and offered in all healthcare settings, including all mental health care facilities. The psychiatric patient population is known to be at higher risk and have significantly higher prevalence of HIV infection than the general population, but remains inconsistently tested and often missed through screening efforts. The objective of this study was to implement and determine the efficacy of a counselor-based HIV screening program on inpatient psychiatric units, and to identify risk factors and barriers to testing within this population. Utilizing dedicated, trained Public Health Advocates, rapid HIV testing was offered to a convenience sample of psychiatric inpatients determined to have capacity to consent. Pre-test counseling was provided and demographic and risk factor data obtained from participants, while reasons for refusal were obtained from those who denied testing. Of consentable patients, 74.6% were offered testing and 62.9% of offers were accepted, resulting in 405 patients tested and one new HIV diagnosis. Amongst those who were tested, 26.4% were found to be high-risk, 33.1% had a history of drug use and 7.4% had a history of sex abuse, while 38% did not receive regular medical care and 22.2% had never been tested for HIV. The most common reason for patients rejecting testing was the belief that they were not at risk (44%). In sum, many psychiatric inpatients were high-risk for HIV infection but did not receive regular health care, and personal risk perception is the major barrier preventing patients from obtaining testing. Counselor-based rapid testing proved to be acceptable to psychiatric inpatients and an effective model for screening a large number of high-risk and underserved individuals with minimal added burden to the mental health care team.
Drivers of Corporate Social Responsibility within Construction Organization in Nigeria

This paper examined the drivers of corporate social responsibility within construction organisations in Nigeria. The objectives were to determine the critical factors driving corporate social responsibility implementation in Nigeria and to examine the level of its uptake. It involved a semistructured interview conducted on 36 respondents. The sample include 4 key accountable persons in four constructions firms in Akwa Ibom State Nigeria; 16 employees comprising four from each firm and 16 community stakeholders in which these firms had executed projects in the past six years. Qualitative data collected were sorted and interpreted. The need to mitigate community stakeholder’s risk; government push, competitive advantage and diverting attention of key stakeholders are the key drivers of corporate social responsibility among construction organisations in Nigeria. There is also a wide uptake of corporate social responsibility although with limited implementation in key areas in the social and environmental agendas. Constructions organisations need be innovative in their implementation policy while exploring ways to improve on the agendas where there are lapses in order to be social responsible organisations. The study provides an understanding of the most critical barrier to creating a safe commercial environment devoid of stakeholders’ opposition.
Strategic Privatization with Tariffs and Environmental Taxes in an International Mixed Duopoly

We examine the strategic interaction between two governments in an international mixed duopoly market, in which a state-owned enterprise competes with private enterprises under different regimes of privatization policies with import tariffs and environmental taxes. We find that bilateral privatization leads to higher tariffs than no privatization, but unilateral privatization yields the highest tariff for a privatized country and the lowest tariff for a non-privatized country. However, a higher environmental tax is called for when a privatization policy is practiced. We also investigate a privatization choice game between two governments and show that unilateral privatization is the Nash equilibrium of the game. Finally, we compare the local optimum with the global optimum and show that the latter is independent of the regimes of privatization policies. We find a need for trade and environmental policy coordination between the two governments for global welfare maximization.
Optimal input flows for a PDE–ODE model of supply chains

In this paper we deal with a continuous model for supply chains, consisting of a PDE for the density of processed parts and an ODE for the queue buffer occupancy. We discuss the optimal control problem stated as the minimization of the queues and the quadratic difference between the effective outflow and a desired one. Here the input flow is the control and is assumed to have uniformly bounded variation. Introducing generalized tangent vectors to piecewise constant controls, representing shifts of discontinuities, we analyse the dependence of the solution on the control function. Then existence of an optimal control for the original problem is obtained. Finally we study the sensitivity of the cost functional J as function of controlled inflow, providing an estimate of the derivative of J w.r. t. switching times.
Surface wave tomography of the Gulf of California

We measured interstation fundamental mode Rayleigh wave phase velocities using data from the NARS‐Baja seismic network located around the Gulf of California. A region‐average, shear velocity model and a set of azimuthally anisotropic phase velocity maps are obtained from these data. The average shear velocity structure shows a strong low‐velocity zone underlying a thin lid and the data are suggestive of low velocities down into the transition zone. The phase velocity maps display signatures of sedimentary layers, crustal thickness variations, upwelling under the plate boundary, and the presence of the subducted Farallon microplate remnants beneath the Gulf. The upper mantle features inferred from this study provide new seismic evidence on the tectonic evolution of the region.
The COS-Halos Survey: Metallicities in the Low-redshift Circumgalactic Medium

We analyze new far-ultraviolet spectra of 13 quasars from the COS-Halos survey that cover the H i Lyman limit of 14 circumgalactic medium (CGM) systems. These data yield precise estimates or more constraining limits than previous COS-Halos measurements on the H i column densities . We then apply a Monte-Carlo Markov chain approach on 32 systems from COS-Halos to estimate the metallicity of the cool ( K) CGM gas that gives rise to low-ionization state metal lines, under the assumption of photoionization equilibrium with the extragalactic UV background. The principle results are: (1) the CGM of field L* galaxies exhibits a declining H i surface density with impact parameter (at confidence), (2) the transmission of ionizing radiation through CGM gas alone is 70 ± 7%; (3) the metallicity distribution function of the cool CGM is unimodal with a median of and a 95% interval to ; the incidence of metal-poor ( ) gas is low, implying any such gas discovered along quasar sightlines is typically unrelated to L* galaxies; (4) we find an unexpected increase in gas metallicity with declining (at confidence) and, therefore, also with increasing ; the high metallicity at large radii implies early enrichment; and (5) a non-parametric estimate of the cool CGM gas mass is , which together with new mass estimates for the hot CGM may resolve the galactic missing baryons problem. Future analyses of halo gas should focus on the underlying astrophysics governing the CGM, rather than processes that simply expel the medium from the halo.
On improving precision of GPS-derived height time series at GEONET stations

This paper summarizes the effect of various noises on GEONET height time series and demonstrates how the state-of-art analysis technique can improve its quality with the results evaluated by simulations and actual observations. Three factors that may affect the GPS-derived height time series are investigated: 1) mismodeling of atmospheric delays; 2) load deformation by the atmosphere; and 3) load deformation by the ocean. It is found that: 1) the use of conventional mapping functions that are used in the current GEONET routine analysis may introduce spurious annual height variations up to 3mm, and these spurious signals can be considerably mitigated with the use of mapping functions based on numerical weather models; 2) annual height variations caused by the atmospheric loading are up to 3mm; and 3) the annual variations caused by oceanic loading deformations get larger toward the south, reaching 3mm in the Nansei Islands. It is confirmed that when these corrections are applied in the GPS analysis of GEONET data, the annual height variations of GEONET stations are largely reduced. Hence, it may now be possible to detect even these small movements related to the earthquake/volcanic activities that were formally obscured by the annual height noises, offering a hope that more accurate disaster prevention information could be provided.
Probable Middle Holocene geomagnetic excursion at the Red Rock archaeological site, California

Paleomagnetic data from three sedimentary sections at a locality in western California (U.S.A.) is reported. Natural remanent magnetization directions obtained from 61 oriented cores showed a magnetic component different from the present geomagnetic field. The characteristic remanent magnetizations (ChRM) show oblique normal, oblique reverse and reverse polarities during the Middle Holocene. The transitional VGP resembles those registered during Early and Middle Holocene in central Mexico and other areas of the Northern and Southern Hemispheres.
State space adjustments for the control of nonlinear systems

We have seen the appearance of some papers which extended techniques traditionally used in the study of the existence of solutions of nonlinear differential equations to solve problems of control, state estimation and parameter identification of nonlinear systems. These techniques often require some topological adjustments of either the space of admissible input functions U (the control space) or the state space X of the system. These topological adjustments became possible with the use of matched sets introduced by the author in [3, 4, 5]. The present work places its emphasis on how the matched sets can be used to adjust the spaces U and X for the problem of nonlinear control as formulated below. A summary of the theory of complete matched sets is also shown. Moreover, the semigroup approach is used so that the distributed parameter systems and delay systems can be considered as well as lumped parameter systems.
Population Dynamics and Viability Analysis for the Critically Endangered Ferruginean Limpet

ABSTRACT The current study deals with the critically endangered limpet Patella ferruginea (Gastropoda: Patellidae) endemic to the western Mediterranean. The species has been in decline since the early 20th century and is currently restricted to certain locations on the Iberian Peninsula, Corsica, Sardinia, and the North African coasts of Morocco, Algeria, and Tunisia. Its large size and conspicuous shell often makes the species a target of human collection. We describe the results of temporal monitoring conducted on one of the remaining most important P. ferruginea populations in North Africa, and provide quantitative data on growth rates, natural mortality, and harvesting rates. The maximum collection rates were recorded during the summer months, when fishermen most attend the beach. This type of mortality mostly affected medium and large individuals, and increased natural mortality rates up to 37%. All results and previously available data were implemented for population viability analysis. We determined that the species is clearly overexploited in the study area, and may face local extinction within the next 20 y if harvesting activities are not controlled. Even though more precise predictions could be obtained by using a longer time series, our study is the first attempt to model the future viability of the species, and indicates the urgent need of establishing efficient protection measures.
Connections from supermassive black holes to white dwarfs

I present results showing connections between different ty pes of accreting objects. I show the known empirical connections between X-ray binaries and Act ive Galactic Nuclei, the fundamental plane of black hole activity and the variability plane, a s well as highlight some of their applications. In addition, I will argue that also neutron stars an d white dwarfs may be included into a single unified scenario of accreting sources.
The Practices of Contract Farming Among Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Suppliers in Malaysia

Problem statement: Contract Farming (CF) concept is an agreement between buyers and producers, where by producers agree to produce and supply agriculture products according to the agreed quantity, quality, variety, grade, type of packaging and time of delivery. The two parties will mutually agree on the pricing of product, either on a contract price or a market price. Therefore, CF is seen as a tool for fostering smallholder participation in new high-value product markets and improving quality standards, thus increasing and stabilizing smallholder incomes. In Malaysia, CF has been identified as a system capable of stimulating agricultural production and was given a central role in the latest strategy by government to improve the vegetable and fruit production. Approach: The overall objective of this study was to examine CF as the new marketing practice among selected vegetable and fruit suppliers. The specific objectives of the study were: (1) to examine the respondentsâ€™ perception towards CF; (2) to identify respondentsâ€™ practices toward the CF and (3) to suggest a policy to ensure the sustainability of CF. Results: Out of 208 of the total respondents selected in the study, 41 suppliers were involved in CF. The data were analyzed using SPSS to describe the respondents’ profile and current supply chain practices. At present, the suppliers have a contract agreement with Federal Agriculture Marketing Authority (FAMA) and FAMA has a contract agreement with Hypermarkets. It is presumed that there is a new supply chain network but the contract was not according to the FAO definition. The production and marketing contracts exist in non-formal or mainly verbal agreement. The production contract respondents also did not follow the criteria of CF. Conclusion: Because of this, all the non-formal production contracts in this survey are categorized into marketing contracts. This study concludes with the absence of proper farming contract between farmers and hypermarkets.
Human capital disclosures in developing countries: figureheads and value creators

Purpose - – The purpose of this paper is to explore if any disparity exists between human capital information desired by financial analysts and fund managers and actual disclosure of such information in company annual reports, in the context of developing countries. Design/methodology/approach - – Financial analysts and fund managers were interviewed to obtain opinions on the importance attributed to human capital information and whether their desired information is disclosed in the annual reports. Content analysis was then used to assess the extent and nature of human capital information actually provided in the annual reports of 100 listed companies in Malaysia. Findings - – Interviewees seek information on company management and key corporate decision makers who could provide a firm with competitive advantage. However, the human capital information provided is limited, and tends to focus on directors, many of whom may be figureheads with little impact on the way companies are run and in creating value for the firm. Accordingly, analysts rely on alternative sources to get their desired information – a costly process for private shareholders. Originality/value - – The paper contributes to the literature on the demand for, and disclosure of, human capital information in the context of developing countries. It identifies the inadequacy of current human capital disclosure practices in company annual reports. The authors theorise that in developing countries, resource dependence, legitimacy-seeking and “culture” cause companies to pay relatively more attention to figureheads than value creators.
Highly Efficient Adsorption of Aqueous Pb(II) with Mesoporous Metal-Organic Framework-5: An Equilibrium and Kinetic Study

1Facultad de Ciencias Quı́micas, Universidad Veracruzana, Prolongación Oriente 6, No. 1009 Colonia Rafael Alvarado, 94340 Orizaba, VER, Mexico 2Instituto Tecnológico de Mérida, Av. Tecnológico km 4.5, 97118 Mérida, YUC, Mexico 3Instituto Tecnológico de Cancún, DEPI, Av. Kabah km 3, 77500 Cancún, QROO, Mexico 4Facultad de Ingenieŕıa Quı́mica, Universidad Autónoma de Yucatán, Campus de Ingenieŕıas y Ciencias Exactas, Periférico Norte km 33.5, 97203 Mérida, YUC, Mexico
Macroeconomic Effects of Financial Shocks ∗ Preliminary and Incomplete

In this paper we document the cyclical properties of U.S. firms’ financial flows. Equity payouts are procyclical, and debt payments are countercyclical. We develop a model with explicit roles for debt and equity financing, and we study its business cycle implications. Standard productivity shocks can only partially explain the observed variations in real variables and financial flows. We show that financial shocks that affect firms’ capacity to borrow can bring the model much closer to the data. The recent events in the financial sector show up clearly in our model as a tightening of firms’ financing conditions in 2008 and as a cause for a downturn in GDP growth. The model also suggests that the boom and bust cycle around the year 2000 was strongly influenced by changes in the credit environment.
A Model of Market Positioning of Destinations Based on Online Customer Reviews of Lodgings

The aim of this study is to develop a methodology to determine the competitive online positioning of lodging companies in different tourist destinations. The rise of the digital age has allowed many customers to share their opinions through specialized websites, providing a dynamic and constantly updated evaluation of the market. In this context, competitiveness is an essential factor in the economic sustainability of destinations. The competitive positioning of destinations is determined by the scale of variables used by Booking.com. The price and lodging category variables are also used, as well as three new variables derived from the initial scale: the quality average, value and added value. This methodology provides a tool to determine the level of competitiveness of the lodging offered in tourist destinations, based on which, actions can be taken to improve destinations’ positioning.
Phytotoxicity and Benzoxazinone Concentration in Field Grown Cereal Rye (Secale cereale L.)

Winter rye (Secale cereale L.) is used as a cover crop because of the weed suppression potential of its mulch. To gain insight into the more effective use of rye as a cover crop we assessed changes in benzoxazinone (BX) levels in rye shoot tissue over the growing season. Four rye varieties were planted in the fall and samples harvested at intervals the following spring. Two different measures of phytotoxic compound content were taken. Seed germination bioassays were used as an estimate of total phytotoxic potential. Dilutions of shoot extracts were tested using two indicator species to compare the relative toxicity of tissue. In addition, BX (DIBOA, DIBOA-glycoside, and BOA) levels were directly determined using gas chromatography. Results showed that rye tissue harvested in March was the most toxic to indicator species, with toxicity decreasing thereafter. Likewise the BX concentration in rye shoot tissue increased early in the season and then decreased over time. Thus, phytotoxicity measured by bioassay and BX levels measured by GC have a similar but not identical temporal profile. The observed decrease in phytotoxic potential and plant BX levels in rye later in the season appears to correlate with the transition from vegetative to reproductive growth.
What are hemoglobins doing in plants

Within the last 3-4 years, evidence has accumulated to indicate that hemoglobin proteins exist widely in the plant community. This review presents some of the evidence to support this view and describes some of the properties of a barley hemoglobin. Barley hemoglobin has a strong avidity for oxygen, having an oxygen dissociation constant for oxyhemoglobin of 3 nmol L-1. It is induced under low oxygen tensions, with the induction regulated by ATP, or some consequence of ATP action. Experiments with transformed maize cells indicate that hemoglobin acts to improve the energy status of plant cells under low oxygen stress. It is postulated that hemoglobin acts as an oxygenase in plants. The review is a consequence of a CSPP Gold Medal Presentation at the Plant Biology 1997 Meeting in Vancouver, B.C.Key words: nonsymbiotic hemoglobins, hypoxia, barley, flooding tolerance.
Genetic Variability in Apurimacia dolichocarpa (Fabaceae), a Narrow Endemic Species of Córdoba Hills, Argentina

Apurimacia dolichocarpa (Fabaceae) is a narrow endemic species, restricted to Córdoba Hills, Argentina. At present, only two populations are known. In order to analyse the level and distribution of its genetic variability, allele frequencies in 16 loci coding for enzymes were estimated from starch gel electrophoresis patterns. The levels of genetic diversity (P99% = 56.25, A = 1.81, He = 0.1125) are higher than the mean for endemic species reported in the literature. The low level of genetic differentiation between the two populations (&thgr; = 0.04) may be the result of a recent fragmentation of an ancestral panmictic population. Apurimacia dolichocarpa does not appear as threatened from the genetic viewpoint, given that its populations preserve a moderate level of allozymic polymorphism. Artificial establishment of intermediate populations would facilitate pollen dispersal, a strategy that could favour the maintenance of the polymorphism levels.
Risk factors associated with serious and fatal road traffic accidents in Manzini City, Swaziland

7 INTRODUCTION.10 RESEARCH PROBLEM. 17 PURPOSE . 17 LITERATURE REVIEW.18 AIM AND OBJECTIVES. 34 METHODOLOGY . 35  Study design . 35  Study population.35  Sampling . 35 o Sample size.35 o Sample type.36 o Sampling Procedures.36  Data Collection.37  Analysis.37  Reliability.38  Validity . 38  Ethics.38 RESULTS . 40 DISCUSSION . 48