Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Minimal Gerschgorin sets. II

The Gerschgorin Circle Theorem, which yields n disks whose union contains all the eigenvalues of a given n X n matrix A = (fli,j), applies equally well to any matrix B = φi,i) of the set ΩA of n x n matrices with bi,i—aiti and 16^1 = 1 aitj\f 1 <; i, j ^n. This union of n disks thus bounds the entire spectrum S(ΩΛ) of the matrices in ΩA. The main result of this paper is a precise characterization of S(ΩΛ), which can be determined by extensions of the Gerschgorin Circle Theorem based only on the use of positive diagonal similarity transformations, permutation matrices, and their intersections.
Population Dynamics of Grayling: Modelling Temperature and Discharge Effects

We propose a matrix population modelling approach in order to describe the dynamics of a grayling (Thymallus thymallus, L. 1758) population living in the Ain river (France). We built a Leslie like model, which integrates the climate changes in terms of temperature and discharge. First, we show how temperature and discharge can be related to life history traits like survival and reproduction. Second, we show how to use the population model to precisely examine the life cycle of grayling : estimated numbers of individuals at the beginning of the reproduction season, estimated number of individuals in summer, comparison between observed and simulated numbers of individuals. Finally, we discuss our results in the framework of the assessment of impact of possible climate changes on grayling populations.
Analysis of green net national product and genuine saving in Portugal, 1991 - 2005

The context of this paper is the measurement of welfare and weak sustainability, defined as non-declining utility, in dynamic economies, i.e., green, environmental or comprehensive accounting. We estimate the green net national product and genuine saving for Portugal 1991-2005, accounting for the disamenity of air pollution emissions, the depreciation of commercial forests - pine and eucalyptus -, the value of time (through technological progress), excluding the effect of business cycles and discussing the assumptions behind the usual terms included in the empirics of comprehensive accounting. For the accounting period considered we find that both GNNP and GS are positive, thereby indicating no sustainability problem in Portugal, although both GNNP and GS depict a trend towards unsustainability. Excluding technological progress there is a contradiction in the sustainability message: GS is negative after 2002, whereas GNNP is always positive, indicating that welfare increased.
Mobilizing Domestic Resources for Capital Formation in Ghana : The Role of Informal Financial Markets

This study analyses the impact on agricultural price incentives of the main adjustment programmes implemented by the Sudanese government during the period 1978-1993, notably the Economic Recovery Programme (ECRP) 1978-1985 and the national economic Salvation programme (NESP), 1990-93. The study addresses two basic questions: Did these programmes provide any tangible incentives to agriculture? And are improved price incentives an efficient and sufficient condition for increasing aggregate agricultural output? The effects of the programmes on the level and stability of price incentives were measured, both at the sectoral (direct) and economywide (indirect) levels. The results indicate that both programmes failed to improve either the level or the stability of real farm prices. Poor macroeconomic policies appear to be the main cause. With regard to the efficacy of price incentives in stimulating aggregate agricultural output, the findings tend to confirm the predominant view that increases in real farm prices have positive but limited overall effect on agriculture. Non-price factors appear to play a greater role in determining aggregate agricultural output. The analysis implies that without the provision of adequate credit, public investments and improvement in infrastructure, the aggregate response of agriculture to price incentives would be minimal.
ScratchDet: Training Single-Shot Object Detectors From Scratch

Current state-of-the-art object objectors are fine-tuned from the off-the-shelf networks pretrained on large-scale classification dataset ImageNet, which incurs some additional problems: 1) The classification and detection have different degrees of sensitivity to translation, resulting in the learning objective bias; 2) The architecture is limited by the classification network, leading to the inconvenience of modification. To cope with these problems, training detectors from scratch is a feasible solution. However, the detectors trained from scratch generally perform worse than the pretrained ones, even suffer from the convergence issue in training. In this paper, we explore to train object detectors from scratch robustly. By analysing the previous work on optimization landscape, we find that one of the overlooked points in current trained-from-scratch detector is the BatchNorm. Resorting to the stable and predictable gradient brought by BatchNorm, detectors can be trained from scratch stably while keeping the favourable performance independent to the network architecture. Taking this advantage, we are able to explore various types of networks for object detection, without suffering from the poor convergence. By extensive experiments and analyses on downsampling factor, we propose the Root-ResNet backbone network, which makes full use of the information from original images. Our ScratchDet achieves the state-of-the-art accuracy on PASCAL VOC 2007, 2012 and MS COCO among all the train-from-scratch detectors and even performs better than several one-stage pretrained methods. Codes will be made publicly available at https://github.com/KimSoybean/ScratchDet.
Computer modeling of acoustic beam formation in Delphinus delphis

It has been established that some dolphins possess well‐developed acoustic orientation (echolocation) and information gathering abilities, though substantially less is known about the system of sound generation and beam formation. Dolphins use a narrowly focused sound beam that emanates from the forehead and rostrum during echolocation. The primary objectives of this study were to simulate the effects of anatomical structure on beam formation, and to test the viability of various hypothetical sound source locations. Outlines from parasagittal x‐ray CT scans were used to construct a 2‐D model of the head of the common dolphin, Delphinus delphis. Finite difference techniques were used to simulate sound propagation through tissues modeled as inhomogeneous fluids. Preliminary simulations confirm that beam formation results primarily from reflection off of the skull and the skull‐supported air sac surfaces. For the frequencies tested, beam angles best approximate those measured by experimental methods for a so.
The Usage of Aquatic Floating Macrophytes (Lemna And Wolffia) as Biofilter in Recirculation Aquaculture System (RAS)

Conventional water treatment in recirculation aquaculture systems (RAS) is a limited technology to answer the challenges of so called "sustainable aquaculture". This is why new and innovative technologies need to be invented and introduced in RAS. The aim of the conducted study was to determine the possible advantages of using two macrophytic plants - Lemna minor and Wolffia arrhiza and their quality as biological filter in a RAS for the cultivation of fingerlings from common carp. The temperature, dissolved oxygen, pH and conductivity were measured daily with a portable combined meter and with a probe appropriate for the parameters in the newly constructed control and experimental RAS (with floating macrophytes as a biological filter). Ammonium, nitrite, nitrate, total nitrogen and phosphorus were measured spectrophotometrically. At the end of the trial the fish were weighed and individual weight gain, specific growth rate and FCR (feed conversion ratio) were calculated. The utilization of two macrophytes (Lemna and Wolffia) in their quality as a biofilter in RAS increased dissolved oxygen in the water, significantly decreased the quantity of total dissolved solids, ammonia, nitrite, orthophosphate as well as total phosphorus in water, and significantly increased the growth of the cultivated carp's fingerlings.
Meanings, Dimensions, and Categories of Mathematics Teacher Beliefs: A Navigation through the Literature

This paper aimed to discuss the meanings, dimensions, and categories of teacher beliefs about teaching and learning mathematics. I reviewed the relevant literature about teacher beliefs in general, beliefs about mathematics, and beliefs about mathematics teaching and learning in particular. Based on the review of the literature, I outlined the meanings of teacher beliefs and conceptualized three dimensions of teacher beliefs – affective dimension, cognitive dimension, and pedagogical dimension. Then, I discussed three viewpoints to observe teacher beliefs – relational, institutional, and praxis lenses. I utilized these lenses to categorize belief constructs into three classes of beliefs about mathematics, teaching mathematics, and learning mathematics. These classes’ included-instrumentalist, constructivist, and integral beliefs. I addressed the pedagogical implications of these categorical beliefs in the end.
Deliberately Lit Vegetation Fires in Australia

Bushfire arson is an important issue in Australia, but studies analysing its prevalence and distribution are sparse and have focused on isolated areas or specific data collections. This paper summarises key findings of the Australian Institute of Criminology's extensive analysis of vegetation fires attended by Australian fire agencies, and represents the first attempt to quantify the extent of deliberately lit fires in Australia, focusing on when and where deliberate fires occur, and how their distribution varies as a function of natural and human factors. The study identifies the need for improved collection and integration of key data to inform both policy and practice. Despite the limitations of the empirical data, important implications for the management of fire and the prevention of ignitions are discussed. The paper notes the need to examine management practices along the urban interface including strategies to build community cohesion in rapidly growing population centres in these interfaces. It also highlights the need to develop ongoing resourced arson reduction strategies that effectively target broad sections of the community, while maintaining strategies that target specific offenders.
Salaries, Salary Growth, and Promotions of Men and Women in a Large, Private Firm

Excerpt] Salaries, promotions, and salary growth of men and women in a large, diversified firm were examined for the years 1980 through 1986. Consistent with other studies, men's average salary was higher than women's average salary. However, statistical adjustment for gender differences in-education, tenure, time at level, experience, and job level substantially reduced the salary advantage of men over women. Although the average salary of men was higher than that of women in 1980 and 1986, women actually received greater numbers of promotions, as well as larger percentage salary increases between 1980 and 1986. One reason for women's salary growth advantage was the higher average performance ratings of women between 1980 and 1986. One important reason for women's promotion advantage was their greater likelihood of being in (lower) job levels where promotion opportunities were greatest.
The Welfare Effects of Fuel Conservation Policies in the Indian Car Market

We estimate a model of vehicle choice and miles driven to analyze the impact of fuel conservation policies in the Indian car market. Taxing diesel fuel to equalize diesel and petrol prices would reduce fuel consumption in the new car market by 7 percent and reduce diesel car sales by 26 percent. A tax on diesel cars with the same sales impact would reduce fuel consumption by only 2 percent. The compensating variation per liter of fuel saved is smaller for the fuel tax than for the car tax; however, the car tax has lower deadweight loss per liter of fuel saved. Our estimates of the long-run elasticities of fuel consumption with respect to fuel prices imply that the CAFE standards contemplated by the Indian government would generate a significant rebound effect. Projected fuel savings are 20 percent if consumers do not adjust to the change in operating costs and less than 9 percent once consumers adjust.
A simplified health information model increased the level of knowledge regarding “five a day” and food safety in a city district

Purpose – The aim of this paper was to analyze the effect according to knowledge and behavior, respectively, through a simplified health information model launched in a selected city district.Design/methodology/approach – The intervention in this study encompasses information meetings where two educational computer programs highlighting the “five a day” concept, and food hygiene were showcased in conjunction with a group discussion. In total, 92 people living or working in a selected city district participated. The effect of the intervention was determined by means of inquiries (multiple‐choice) that were carried out prior to, immediately following, and three weeks after the intervention.Findings – A statistically significant improvement in knowledge of the concepts “five a day”, cross‐contamination, and recommended storage temperature (for smoked salmon and raw mince meat) was observed, however, no major change in behavior was reported.Practical implications – The knowledge improvement suggests that the .
2 . 3 Activation of TLR , RAGE and HMGB 1 signaling in malformations of cortical development

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Evaluation of selected meat traits in seven-week-old duck broilers

Investigated were three crossbred duck broiler groups: heavy Star 63, PP54, and Dworka (CaA15), 20 males (M) and 20 females (F) per group. The birds were kept in pens on rye straw, in a separate closed building with regulated environmental parametres, and fed ad libitum standard commercial feed mixtures. Body weight was recorded on day 1 and then on week 3 and 7 of birds’ life, and feed consumption measured up to the end of rearing period (week 7). At the end of week 7 five M and five F birds selected from each group were slaughtered and their carcasses dissected. Immediately postslaughter the breast and leg muscle samples were taken for histological fibre identification. Breast and leg muscles pH was determined 15 min and 24 h post-slaughter. Body weight on week 7 of life was significantly highest in the Star 63 birds of both sexes. The lowest feed consumption up to the end of week 7 of life was found in CaA15 while the most desirable feed conversion ratio in males and females Star 63 broilers. The highest slaughter body weight and highest dressing percentage were both found in Star 63 (both sexes), while the lowest body weight was found in both sexes of Dworka broilers. No significant differences were identified in dressing percentage and in the content of carcass elements between the evaluated crossbreds as well as between the sexes. The breast muscle content of carcass with neck was highest in PP54 males (13.7%) and in Star 63 females (14.5%), while the content of skin with fat occurred lowest in CaA15 group (26.5% in males and 27.8% in females). Heavy Star 63 broilers had the lowest white fibre (αW: 28.1 µm in males and 27.4 µm in females) and red fibre (βR: 15.1 µm in males and 14.2 µm in females) diameter of the surface breast muscle, while the light (CaA15) Dworka broilers showed the highest white fibre diameter (αW: 37.2 µm in males and 36.3 µm in females) and red fibre diameter (βR: 16.2 µm in males and 15.6 μm in females).
MULTIVARIABLE ANALYSIS OF 2 , 4-D HERBICIDE PHOTOCATALYTIC DEGRADATION ANÁLISIS MULTIVARIABLE

The 2,4-D herbicide degradation of TiO2 suspensions in tap water was evaluated under artificial irradiation conditions. The response surface methodology (RSM) was applied to evaluate the effect of variables such as: catalyst concentration, herbicide concentration, pH, and the volumetric flow on the photocatalytic reaction in two kinds of photoreactors: flat plate and tubular reactor. The response variable was the pesticide mineralization expressed as the total organic carbon (TOC) removal percentage of the herbicide after four hours of irradiation. For the treatment carried out in the tubular reactor, the four effects had the same significance on the degradation; whereas for the flat plate reactor, the catalyst concentration and the pH were more significant. The results obtained suggest that the RSM is a suitable technique for obtaining optimal operating parameters of a photocatalytic process with a specific reactor and within a determined range of study.
Effects of career progression, work motivation and leadership styles on job satisfaction of library personnel in the Federal Civil Service of Nigeria

The study examines effects of career progression, work motivation and leadership styles on job satisfaction of library personnel in the Federal Civil Service of Nigeria. Total enumeration technique together with questionnaire was used to collect data from 450 library personnel in the Federal Civil Service in Nigeria, out of which 426 responded. The copies of the questionnaire were found usable for analysis given a response rate of 94.67%. The study found that there were significant relationships between career progression, work motivation, leadership styles and job satisfaction of the respondents. It is therefore recommended that the government and federal civil service administrators should give due attention to leadership styles, work motivation and career progression in order to improve job satisfaction of the library personnel in their employment. Key words: Career progression, work motivation, leadership styles, job satisfaction, library personnel
The impact of lightning on tropospheric ozone chemistry using a new global parametrisation

A lightning parametrisation based on upward cloud ice flux is implemented in a chemistryclimate model (CCM) for the first time. The UK Chemistry and Aerosols model is used to study the impact of these lightning nitric oxide (NO) emissions on ozone. Comparisons are then made between the new ice flux parametrisation and the commonly-used, cloud-top height parametrisation. The ice flux approach improves the simulation of lightning and the temporal correlations with ozone 5 sonde measurements in the middle and upper troposphere. Peak values of ozone in these regions are attributed to high lightning NO emissions. The ice flux approach reduces the overestimation of tropical lightning apparent in this CCM when using the cloud-top approach. This results in less emission in the tropical upper troposphere and more in the extratropics when using the ice flux scheme. In the tropical upper troposphere the reduction in ozone concentration is around 5-10%. 10 Surprisingly, there is only a small reduction in tropospheric ozone burden when using the ice flux approach. The greatest absolute change in ozone burden is found in the lower stratosphere suggesting that much of the ozone produced in the upper troposphere is transported to higher altitudes. Major differences in the frequency distribution of flash rates for the two approaches are found. The cloudtop height scheme has lower maximum flash rates and more mid-range flash rates than the ice flux 15 scheme. The initial Ox (odd oxygen species) production associated with the frequency distribution of continental lightning is analysed to show that higher flash rates are less efficient at producing Ox low flash rates produce around 10 times more Ox per flash than high-end flash rates. We find that the newly implemented lightning scheme performs favourably compared to the cloud-top scheme with respect to simulation of lightning and tropospheric ozone. This alternative lightning scheme shows 20 spatial and temporal differences in ozone chemistry which may have implications for comparison on models and observations and for simulation of future changes in tropospheric ozone. 1 Atmos. Chem. Phys. Discuss. , doi:10.5194/acp-2016-59, 2016 Manuscript under review for journal Atmos. Chem. Phys. Published: 15 February 2016 c © Author(s) 2016. CC-BY 3.0 License.
Monetary policy reaction function pre and post the global financial crisis

This paper analyses the monetary policy reaction function pre and post the recent global financial crisis in South Africa. This is achieved by comparing the reaction function of the the monetary policy interest rate to changes in the target variables that comprise the inflation rate, output gap and financial stress index pre and post the recent global financial crisis. The results show a negligible reaction of the monetary policy to changes in inflation in the pre and post the recent global financial crisis period. The results further show a relatively loose monetary policy stance during the financially stressful economic conditions in the pre and post the recent global financial crisis period. Most importantly, the results show that the reaction of monetary policy to changes in the target variables pre the recent global financial crisis period has not changed significantly compared to post the recent global financial crisis period. Therefore the paper concludes that there is no material difference in the conduct of monetary policy by the monetary authority in South Africa pre and post the recent global financial crisis.
The Fallacy of Promoting Non Native Varieties of English in Postcolonial Multilingual Settings: The Case of Cameroon English (CamE) in Cameroon

This research endeavour is a major contribution to the current debate on the integration of non-native varieties into the school curriculum in non-native settings. Taking the specific case of Cameroon, this work rests on the solid assumption that the promotion of CamE to the detriment of Standard British English accent is definitely a fallacy. The researcher is of the opinion that the ELT pedagogy based on the local variety of English advocated by Cameroonian scholars and researchers cannot bare fruits as Cameroonian professional users of English did not received any training on how to teach CamE; there are no pedagogic materials so far that clearly outline an approach to CamE grammar, vocabulary, morphology instruction, most of the so-called CamE characteristic features are errors and seem not to reflect the sociocultural realities of the entire country but of the Anglophone Cameroon represented by 20% in the Cameroonian landscape. Above all, decision makers on language use in Cameroon and learners prefer native varieties of English like Standard British English and American English as well as other varieties of English spoken in the Cameroonian setting to the detriment of CamE. Keywords : Cameroon, Cameroon English, ELT, Sociolinguistic realities, Varieties of English
Corporate Performance: Identifying a Control Variable for HR – Attitude Studies

Recent evidence consistently shows that corporate performance has an important effect on job satisfaction. This study aims to contribute further to this novel field of research by examining the relationship between corporate performance and job satisfaction in a longitudinal study. Results show that corporate performance is associated with job satisfaction. The study discusses the importance of corporate performance as control variable in current HR – Attitude studies. The connection of job satisfaction with HR practices is also discussed. Future research questions are proposed.