Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Arable Crop Farmers Preference for Agricultural Information Sources and Adoption of Technology in Edo State, Nigeria

This study examined the accessibility of arable crop farmers to agricultural information in Edo State. A total of 180 farmers from six randomly selected communities were used for the study. Data were collected with interview schedule, only 142 interview schedule were however found useful for analysis. Data were analysed using both descriptive and inferential statistics. The study result revealed that crop farmers preferred radio as the most use channel of agricultural information (mean= 2.33). Improved seedlings and varieties was the most adopted technology. Increased yields (mean=2.34), increased income (mean=2.20) and proper use of improved varieties (mean=2.18) were found to be the major benefits derived from the use of agricultural information. Hypotheses testing of relationship showed that respondents sex (mean = 0.488), marital status (mean = 0.352) had no significant relationship with crop farmers sources of agricultural information. The study recommends the integration and mobilization of the various informal groups in the rural area in the information dissemination network of agricultural programmers, the employment and use of town carriers in the rural areas to create awareness as regards new developed agricultural technologies, the establishment of information centers at the local government headquarters.
Textbooks and Cultural Traditions: A Comparative Case Study of Berlin and Hong Kong

This study compared the textbooks and their underlying intended curricula and traditions in Berlin and Hong Kong using the Rezat model. The German educational philosophy was characterised by the humanistic-oriented approach, while the Hong Kong education was strongly influenced by the Confucian heritage culture (CHC) and the Anglo-Saxon curriculum tradition. Differences in the textbooks include linguistic characteristics and use of history of mathematics, which are related to the intended curriculum. The findings support the notion of the dependence of the textbook curriculum in mathematics on cultural traditions.
Singing to the Plants: A Guide to Mestizo Shamanism in the Upper Amazon

In the Upper Amazon, mestizos are the Spanish-speaking descendants of Hispanic colonizers and the indigenous peoples of the jungle. Some mestizos have migrated to Amazon towns and cities, such as Iquitos and Pucallpa; most remain in small villages. They have retained features of a folk Catholicism and traditional Hispanic medicine, and have incorporated much of the religious tradition of the Amazon, especially its healing, sorcery, shamanism, and the use of potent plant hallucinogens, including ayahuasca. The result is a uniquely eclectic shamanist culture that continues to fascinate outsiders with its brilliant visionary art. Ayahuasca shamanism is now part of global culture. Once the terrain of anthropologists, it is now the subject of novels and spiritual memoirs, while ayahuasca shamans perform their healing rituals in Ontario and Wisconsin.Singing to the Plants sets forth just what this shamanism is about--what happens at an ayahuasca healing ceremony, how the apprentice shaman forms a spiritual relationship with the healing plant spirits, how sorcerers inflict the harm that the shaman heals, and the ways that plants are used in healing, love magic, and sorcery.
A measurement of the muon number in showers using inclined events detected at the Pierre Auger Observatory

The average muon content of measured showers with zenith angles between 62 ◦ and 80 ◦ detected at the Pierre Auger Observatory is obtained as a function of shower energy using a reconstruction method specifically designed for inclined showers and the hybrid character of the detector. The reconstruction of inclined showers relies on a comparison between the measured signals at ground and reference patterns at ground level from which an overall normalization factor is obtained. Since inclined showers are dominated by muons this factor gives the relative muon size. It can be calibrated using a subsample of showers simultaneously recorded with the fluorescence detector (FD) and the surface detector (SD) which provides an independent calorimetric measurement of the energy. The muon size obtained for each shower becomes a measurement of the relative number of muons with respect to the reference distributions. The precision of the measurement is assessed using simulated events which are reconstructed using exactly the same procedure. We compare the relative number of muons versus energy as obtained to simulations. Proton simulations with QGSJETII show a factor of 2.13 ± 0.04(stat) ± 0.11(sys) at 10 19 eV without significant variations in the energy range explored between 4 × 10 18 eV to 7 × 10 19 eV. We find that none of the current shower models, neither for proton nor for iron primaries, are able to predict as many muons as are observed.
Network Management--New Strategies in Elderly Services for Thai Government

This study mirrors the increasing importance of network management and also looks at about the devolution of elderly services or social services in general. This survey research was to develop a structural equation model of network management in elderly services. The sample consisted of 556 elderly service providers in Southern part of Thailand. Data were collected using a questionnaire. Findings show the structural equation model had a good fit with the empirical data (χ 2 = 767.53, df = 279, RMSEA=0.064, CFI=0.98, SRMR=0.058). The model confirms that 6 factors: trust, mutuality, governance, administration, autonomy and, antecedents possessed effects on network performance. Trust had the highest positive direct effects on network performance, followed by mutuality, governance, and administration respectively, autonomy had negative direct effects and, antecedents only had indirect effect. Therefore, when governments have to work together with partners in elderly services, the problems become more complex so administrators should be concern about these constructs to provide service provisions so that a functional capacity can be maintained for elderly well-being. Int. J. Soc. Sc. Manage. Vol. 4, Issue-4: 232-239
Exploring the Role of Social Reasoning and Self-Efficacy in the Mathematics Problem-Solving Performance of Lower- and Higher-Income Children

Traditional textbook: Situational context is nonessential and/or focuses on inanimate objects (e.g., sticks and rocks). These problems represent the typical word problems in mathematics textbooks. No agent; impersonal language is used instead. Problem #5 There are 15 bundles of long brown sticks gathered together in a very big pile on the ground. Each of these bundles has 7 long brown sticks in it. How many long brown sticks are there altogether in the very big pile of bundles? Problem #6 There are 16 bundles of short black wires gathered together in a very big pile on the ground. Each of these bundles has 55 short black wires in it. How many short black wires are there altogether in the very big pile of bundles? Symbolic: No words are used. Problem #7 14 × 7 = Problem #8 16 × 45 = Mathematics Self-Efficacy Measure Students were asked to complete a mathematics self-efficacy rating form that included eight additional multiplication problems. This measure was structured in the same way as the
Tween girls' perception of gender roles and gender identities: a qualitative study

Purpose – The present study aims to examine girls' perception of gender roles and gender identities in Hong Kong.Design/methodology/approach – A total of 16 girls aged 10 to 12 were asked to take pictures from the media that could illustrate “what girls or women should or should not be; and what girls or women should or should not do”. Qualitative interviews were conducted.Findings – Analysis of interviews and images captured found that tween girls' perceived gender roles for females were based on a mixture of traditional and contemporary role models. Girls in Hong Kong demonstrated conservatism in sexuality. Sexy outlook and pre‐marital sexual relations were considered inappropriate. Tween girls showed concern about global as well as domestic social agendas. They used a variety of media and showed interest in contents primarily for adults.Research limitations/implications – The study was based on a convenience sample. The interviewees came from middle to lower income families, limiting the validity for g.
UNDERSTANDING LANGUAGE LEARNING: REVIEW OF THE APPLICATION OF THE INTERACTION MODEL IN FOREIGN LANGUAGE CONTEXTS

Purpose – This paper examined the application of the inputinteraction-output model in English-as-Foreign-Language (EFL) learning environments with four specifi c questions: (1) How do the three components function in the model? (2) Does interaction in the foreign language classroom seem to be effective for foreign language acquisition? (3) What factors might facilitate/impede interaction, which, in turn, positively or negatively affect output? (4) What are effective teaching methods to enhance interaction and ensure quality of output? Methodology – A systematic search for empirical studies was conducted in the selected databases, which yielded 26 studies from different parts of the world. These studies met the preset criteria concerning medium of instruction, setting, relevancy and quality. Findings – The review demonstrated that when input, interaction and output worked together, positive English learning results were achieved by EFL learners. In addition, the relationship among input, interaction, and output was likely to be infl uenced by such factors as language environment, task type, gender, and language profi ciency. The review also showed that in the face of diversifi ed forms of interaction, EFL teachers were capable of effi ciently implementing different teaching strategies. Signifi cance – The review not only lends support to the applicability of the interaction model in foreign language contexts, but also suggests from the pooled evidence, effective ways to apply the
Fluid Flow Around and Heat Transfer from Elliptical Cylinders: Analytical Approach

An integral method of boundary-layer analysis is employed to derive closed-form expressions for the calculation of total drag and average heat transfer for flow across an elliptical cylinder under isothermal and isoflux thermal boundary conditions. The Von Karman-Pohlhausen integral method is used to solve the momentum and energy equations for both thermal boundary conditions. A fourth-order velocity profile in the hydrodynamic boundary layer and a third-order temperature profile in the thermal boundary layer are used. The present results are in good agreement with existing experimental/numerical data and, in the limiting cases, can be used for circular cylinders and finite plates. Nomenclature a = semimajor axis of elliptical cylinder, m b = semiminor axis of elliptical cylinder, m C D = total drag coefficient C D f = friction drag coefficient C D p = pressure drag coefficient C f = skin friction coefficient, ≡ 2τw/ρU 2 app
Tax Rate Variability and Public Spending as Sources of Indeterminacy

We consider a constant returns to scale, one sector economy with segmented asset markets, encompassing both the Woodford (1986) and overlapping generations models. We analyze the role of public spending, financed by (labour or capital) income and consumption taxation, on the emergence of indeterminacy. We find that what is relevant for indeterminacy is the variability of the distortion introduced by government intervention. We further discuss the results in terms of the level of the tax rate, its variability with respect to the tax base and the degree of externalities in preferences due to the existence of a public good. We show that the degree of public spending externalities affects the combinations between the tax rate and its variability under which indeterminacy occurs. Moreover, in contrast to previous results, we find that consumption taxes can lead to local indeterminacy when asset markets are segmented.
Strong gravitational lensing and the stellar IMF of early-type galaxies

Systematic variations of the initial mass function (IMF) in early-type galaxies, and their connection with possible drivers such as velocity dispersion or metallicity, have been much debated in recent years. Strong lensing over galaxy scales combined with photometric and spectroscopic data provides a powerful method to constrain the stellar mass-to-light ratio and hence the functional form of the IMF. We combine photometric and spectroscopic constraints from the latest set of population synthesis models of Charlot & Bruzual, including a varying IMF, with a non-parametric analysis of the lens masses of 18 ETGs from the SLACS survey, with velocity dispersions in the range 200–300 km s−1. We find that very bottom-heavy IMFs are excluded. However, the upper limit to the bimodal IMF slope (μ ≲ 2.2, accounting for a dark matter fraction of 20–30 per cent, where μ = 1.3 corresponds to a Kroupa-like IMF) is compatible at the 1σ level with constraints imposed by gravity-sensitive line strengths. A two-segment power-law parametrization of the IMF (Salpeter-like for high masses) is more constrained (Γ ≲ 1.5, where Γ is the power index at low masses) but requires a dark matter contribution of ≳25 per cent to reconcile the results with a Salpeter IMF. For a standard Milky Way-like IMF to be applicable, a significant dark matter contribution is required within 1Re. Our results reveal a large range of allowed IMF slopes, which, when interpreted as intrinsic scatter in the IMF properties of ETGs, could explain the recent results of Smith et al., who find Milky Way-like IMF normalizations in a few massive lensing ETGs.
Key comparison BIPM.RI(I)-K2 of the air-kerma standards of the NRC, Canada, and the BIPM in low-energy x-rays

A key comparison has been made between the air-kerma standards of the NRC and the BIPM in the low-energy x-ray range. The results show the standards to be in agreement at the level of the combined standard uncertainty of 3.4 parts in 103. The results are analysed and presented in terms of degrees of equivalence, suitable for entry in the BIPM key comparison database. KEY WORDS FOR SEARCH Radiation dosimetry, key comparison, low-energy x-rays Main text To reach the main text of this paper, click on Final Report. Note that this text is that which appears in Appendix B of the BIPM key comparison database kcdb.bipm. org/. The final report has been peer-reviewed and approved for publication by the CCRI, according to the provisions of the CIPM Mutual Recognition Arrangement (CIPM MRA).
Bouncing back to move forward: resilience of students in the built environment

Development of resilience is considered a critical competency related to work readiness for students of the built environment, given that workers of the construction industry are known to experience high levels of stress, burnout, and work-life conflict. While resilience-based research has been undertaken in university settings, this has excluded students undertaking studies in the built environment. To address this gap, research was undertaken to: (1) develop and validate a measure of student resilience; (2) measure the resilience of students undertaking studies in the built environment; and (3) explore the relationship between resilience and wellbeing. Data was collected from undergraduate students based in Melbourne, Australia. Results identified a student profile of resilience and wellbeing-related measures of subjective happiness, depression, anxiety, and stress. Findings have practical implications for educators within the built environment. Universities can actively support student wellbeing by fostering resilience. It is possible that resilience can be developed by identifying initiatives which can be embedded within course structures, learning activities and assessment tasks. Building on these findings, further research is underway to explore the definition of resilience within an educational context; identify learning and teaching strategies which support development of student resilience; and explore resilience in the context of graduate work readiness.
Inhibiting electro-thermal breakdown of acrylic dielectric elastomer actuators by dielectric gel coating

Electrical breakdown of dielectric elastomer actuators (DEA) is very localized; a spark and a pinhole (puncture) in dielectric ends up with short-circuit. This letter shows that prevention of electrothermal breakdown helps defer failure of DEAs even with conductive-grease electrodes. Dielectric gel encapsulation or coating (Dow Corning 3-4170) helps protect acrylic elastomer (VHB 4905), making it thermally more stable and delaying its thermal oxidation (burn) from 218 °C to 300 °C. Dielectric-gel-coated acrylic DEAs can withstand higher local leak-induced heating and thus achieve higher dielectric strengths than non-coated DEAs do.
Teachers’ Perception of Social Justice in Mathematics Classrooms

The purpose of this study was to explore mathematics teachers’ perception of social justice in mathematics classrooms. We applied interpretive qualitative method for data collection, analysis, and interpretation through iterative process. We administered in-depth semi-structured interviews to capture the perceptions of three mathematics teachers about social justice in mathematics classroom at three public secondary schools in Kathmandu. We carried out multiple layers of thematic analysis and interpretation of the narratives from the interview data. Altogether five themes on perception of social justice emerged from the analysis of the data. These themes were associated with - equality, equity, fairness, social process, and caring students. Implications of the study have been discussed at the end.
Rituals, social sharing, silence, emotions and collective memory claims in the case of the Guatemalan genocide

In this article we will review both theory and data pertaining to the emotional effects of collective remembering by means of social sharing and funeral rituals. Data is based on the experience of Guatemalan Mayas, who were victims of a genocide during the nineteen eighties. Results show that that Mayan subjects did not report lower levels of subjective and emotional reactions compared to the Latino community. A finding which contradicts the idea that this is a less expressive and emotional culture. Rituals had a more important buffer effect for Mayas in comparison to Ladino communities. Material losses did not imply, and affect, both groups in the same way. Commemoration activities were most important for those subjects who had been affected by collecti ve massacres. Silence was an adaptive form of coping in the past, although that may not be the case at the present moment.
Toxicity and Mode of Action of the Pharmaceutical Fungicides Fluconazole and Terbinafine to Freshwater Algae

Several antimycotics (pharmaceutical fungicides) are currently registered for use in Sweden, and are used to treat human and veterinary fungal infections perorally or topically. Fluconazole, which is an antimycotic from the imidazole group, and terbinafine, which is an allylamine antimycotic, are among the compounds currently registered. The toxicity of both terbinafine and fluconazole were studied first by conducting a single-species algal assay with the green algae, Pseudokirchneriella subcapitata. Terbinafine was highly toxic to the algae, with an EC50 (concentration required to lower growth rate by 50%) of 90 nM. The highest concentration at which there was no statistical difference from the controls (NOEC) was 10 nM, and the lowest concentration at which a statistically significant difference was observed (LOEC) was 20 nM. Fluconazole was much less toxic to the algae compared to terbinafine. The LOEC for fluconazole was 64 μM, and even at such a high concentration, the growth rate was inhibited by less than 10%. The NOEC for fluconazole was 50 μM. At the highest concentration tested, 100 μM, the percent inhibition of growth rate was approximately 12%. Both terbinafine and fluconazole inhibit fungal growth by blocking enzymes necessary for sterol biosynthesis. Terbinafine inhibits squalene epoxidase, and fluconazole inhibits cytochrome P-450-dependent 14α demethylase (P-450DM). To determine whether the growth inhibition observed in the assay was a result of inhibition of sterol biosynthesis, sterols were extracted and analyzed using GC-MS. For terbinafine, an accumulation of squalene was observed, starting at approximately 50 nM. For fluconazole, an accumulation of 14α-sterols was observed, starting at approximately 10 μM, indicating that these drugs also influence sterol biosynthesis in algae. The toxicity of the two pharmaceuticals to natural algal communities was also assessed. Terbinafine was highly toxic to the green algae in the communities, with an EC50 of 20 nM. The diatoms were less sensitive to terbinafine and no effects on this algal class could be noted, even in the highest treatment, of 100 nM. Due to its toxicity to both Pseudokirchneriella subcapitata and green algal communities, terbinafine should be labeled as „very toxic to aquatic life. ‟ Both the green algae and the diatoms did not appear to be sensitive to the fluconazole treatments, even at the highest tested concentration, 100 μM. However, due to the lack of replicates associated with this data, little can be said concerning whether any trends were observed.
Dynamic Contracts with Worker Mobility Via Directed On‐The‐Job Search

This article proposes a model with dynamic incentive contracts and on‐the‐job search in a frictional labor market. The optimal long‐term contract exhibits an increasing wage–tenure profile. With increasing wages, worker effort also increases with tenure. These two features imply that the probabilities of both voluntary and involuntary job separation decrease with both job tenure and the duration of employment. Given these results, workers experience differing labor market transitions—between employment, unemployment, and across different employers—and the equilibrium generates endogenous heterogeneity among ex ante homogeneous workers.
UCLA Adaptive Optics for Extremely Large Telescopes 4 – Conference Proceedings Title Implementation of SLODAR atmospheric turbulence profiling to the ARGOS system

ARGOS is the Ground Layer Adaptive Optics system of the Large Binocular Telescope, on each side it uses three Laser Guide Stars, generated by Rayleigh backscattered light of pulsed lasers. Three Shack-Hartmann WFS are used to measure the wavefront distortion in the Ground Layer. The SLOpe Detection And Ranging (SLODAR) is a technique used to measure the atmospheric turbulence profiles. Cross correlation of wavefronts gradients from multiple stars are used to estimate the relative strength of turbulent layers at different altitudes. We present here the first results obteined on sky of appling the SLODAR technique to ARGOS comparing then with a previous study based on end-to-end simulations.
Coccidia of genus Caryospora (Apicomplexa: Eimeriidae) from the long nosed vine snake, Ahaetulla nasuta (Serpentes: Colubridae: Boiginae) from southern India, with a description of C. veselyi sp. n.

Faecal examination of the long nosed vine snake Ahaetulla nasuta Lacepede, 1789 revealed two species of caryosporan coccidia. The morphology of one species fits well with a description of Caryospora ahaetullae Modrý et Koudela, 1994, the second is a previously undescribed species. Oocysts of Caryospora veselyi sp. n. were spherical, 18.9 (16.5-21.5) µm in diameter, with pitted and brownish oocyst wall about 1.5 µm thick. An irregular polar granule about 2.0 × 1.0 µm was observed in 35% of the oocysts examined. Sporocysts were octozoic, ovoidal to ellipsoidal, 13.7 (13.0-15.5) × 10.3 (9.0-11.0) µm with a shape index 1.3 (1.2-1.4). Stieda and substieda bodies were present. Sporocyst residuum was present as small granules of irregular size scattered among sporozoites. Both species sporulated within 72 hours. The infected snake did not show clinical signs of disease.