Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Preservice Teachers Are Creating a College Culture for At-Risk Middle School Students

Abstract This mid-point report from a seven-year study about building a college culture investigates how a multifaceted approach including mentoring, technology, campus visits, parent involvement, and tutoring impacts at-risk middle school students’ college aspirations and eventual success gaining college acceptance. Based on NAEP report data, many young adolescents may not be adequately prepared for postsecondary education and workforce success. This longitudinal study follows a student cohort (n = 50) starting in their sixth grade year, uses a quasi-experimental design including three comparison groups, and collects data from surveys, interviews, written reflective statements, and student academic measures to evaluate efforts and outcomes of building a college culture. Midpoint findings suggest that experiencing college life through campus visits and vicariously through mentoring experiences with preservice teachers may be linked to improvements in at-risk middle school students’ perceptions of college. Digital story-writing projects and on-campus writing marathons helped these students gain insight on their academic and career futures. Different strategies have been implemented to increase parental participation in building a college culture. Because many of these students need higher grades, the project shifts emphasis during year three to academic tutoring by preservice teachers as the students enter eighth grade.
Seismic Fault Analysis Using Seismic Attributes and CNN

Seismic fault analysis is one of the most critical aspects of the oil and natural gas industries. Many crucial decisions like borehole drilling and exploration are taken based on the presence of a seismic fault. Manually identifying faults is an old and time taking method. However, many new methods have been developed in the recent past that automate seismic fault detection. Convolutional neural network (CNN) is the most used method among them. In this paper, we propose an approach for training CNNs using seismic attributes and data augmentation. A mixture of synthetic and real seismic data is used to create the training and testing datasets. Additionally, we augment training data to increase diversity. We consider three seismic attributes: gradient structure tensor (GST) based coherence, semblance based coherence, and local discontinuity. Then we extract 2D patches, which act as input to CNN.
JIMMA UNIVERSITY SCHOOL OF GRADUATE STUDIES DETERMINANTS OF INCOME VELOCITY IN ETHIOPIA: 1970/71- 2010111 BY: TIBEBU ALEMU

One of the most closely watched variables in order to design effective monetary policy is income velocity. Income velocity relates monetary aggregates to economic activity. In line with this, the present study has examined the determinants of income velocity of both narrow and broad money definition in Ethiopia between the period 1970171up to 2010111using multivariate co-integration analysis. To achieve the objective of the study: unit root test, co-integration test and stability test are carried out. The result of unit root test shows that the series are stationary at first difference. The study suggest the existence of a unique and statistically significant relationship between the variables under consideration and income velocity of both money definitions. The stability test shows that the relationship is stable for both definitions of income velocity. The result of Johansen co-integration test indicates economic growth and inflation has significant positive effect on income velocity of both money definition. The result implies that money issuing authorities cannot obtain additional power by issuing more money without generating high pressure on inflation. The result also shown that proxy offinancial development has negative effect on both models which supports the hypothesis that the country economy might be operating at earlier stage offinancial development. Finally, real effective exchange rate found to have positive effect on velocity of broad money definition. So, it is better to take in to account the stage of financial development and level of exchange rate inforecasting income velocity in Ethiopia. Key-words: income velocity, financial development Johansen co-integration test, monetary policy
Preprints of the Max Planck Institute for Research on Collective Goods Bonn 2010 / 02 Public-Good Provision in a Large Economy

We propose a new approach to the normative analysis of public-good provision in a large economy. Our analysis is based on a mechanism design approach that involves a requirement of coalition-proofness, as well as a requirement of robustness, so that the mechanism must not depend on specific assumptions about individual beliefs. Our main result shows that such a mechanism can condition only on the population shares of people with valuations above and below the per capita provision costs. This suggests an intriguing link between mechanism design for large economies and voting.
Grain Sorghum as a Trap Crop for Corn Earworm (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) in Cotton

Abstract This 2-yr on-farm study was designed to evaluate the ability of grain sorghum, Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench, to serve as a trap crop for the corn earworm, Helicoverpa zea (Boddie), by attracting corn earworm females into the sorghum as they emerged from cornfields. Three plots of sorghum trap crops and three equally sized plots of cotton, Gossypium hirsutum L. , trap crops were planted in a strip between a commercial cornfield and a commercial cotton field. The cotton field adjacent to the trap crop plots was divided into field cotton plots associated with the sorghum trap crop plots and field cotton plots associated with the cotton trap crop plots. Three commercial cotton fields adjacent to corn, but without trap crops, also were sampled. The number of corn earworm eggs per plant and the percentage of plants with corn earworm eggs was higher in the sorghum trap crop plots than in the cotton trap crop plots for both years, demonstrating that corn earworm females preferred to oviposit in the grain sorghum over cotton. A higher percentage of plants with corn earworm eggs was found in cotton in control fields compared with fields with trap crops, indicating that the grain sorghum trap crop was not the source of corn earworm. An economic threshold of 5% corn earworm young (first and second instars) was exceeded more times for cotton in control fields compared with cotton in fields with trap crops. Thus, for two seasons the grain sorghum trap crops helped reduce the need for insecticide applications for this pest. Percentage of parasitization by the egg parasitoid Trichogramma pretiosum Riley and the number per plant of the predator Orius insidiosus (Say) were higher in the sorghum trap crop plots than the cotton plots. However, the grain sorghum trap crop plots were not sinks for these natural enemies. We conclude that grain sorghum could serve as an effective trap crop for corn earworm in cotton.
Patterns and determinants of poverty transitions among poor urban households in Nairobi, Kenya

We examine the patterns and determinants of household transitions into and out of poverty among the urban poor in two Nairobi informal settlements in Kenya between 2006 and 2009. We find worsening household poverty over time, with the proportion of poor households increasing from 51.2 percent in 2006 to 54.9 percent by the end of 2009. Over the period, 34.5 percent of households remained in chronic poverty, 20.4 percent fell into poverty, 16.7 percent successfully escaped poverty and 28.4 percent fully remained out of poverty. We identify slum of residence, gender and marital status of household head, attainment of at least secondary education by household head, consistent engagement in formal employment, household size and the incidence of births within a household, among key determinants of household poverty transitions. Our results underscore the need for anti-poverty policy options around provision of economic opportunities, addressing disadvantages of female-headed households, promoting access to at least secondary education, smaller household norms and birth control among the urban poor. While the outcomes are consistent with some national trends, the need for the design and implementation of slum and sub-group specific anti-poverty policies are significantly evident.
Statistical Analysis of Electromagnetic Radiation for Stroke Patients and Non-Stroke Participants

This paper calculates the statistical analysis of electromagnetic radiation (EMR) for the stroke patients and non-stroke participants. The EMR is collected from 199 subjects undergoing post-stroke treatment and 100 non-stroke participants at 17 points around their body, namely left side, right side and chakra points. The body frequency (in MHz) is captured using frequency detector by taking the reading of the frequency 5 times at each point at the same location; hence, the average value is calculated. Data analyses were evaluated using exploratory and descriptive statistics. In conclusion, the statistical results presented in this study indicate that the data have certain pattern and behaviour. By observing the Kolmogorov-Smirnov’s p-values, skewness and kurtosis, it shows that all variables were well-modelled by a normal distribution. Using Welch ANOVA, the finding shows that there are significant differences between the stroke and non-stroke in relation to frequency reading at most of the measurement points as their p-values were < 0.05.
Contribution of basal and aerial tillers to forage production dynamics in Tifton-85 bermudagrass irrigated with fishpond wastewater and fertilized with NPK

This paper aims to assess the contribution of basal and aerial tillers to structural and productive characteristics of Tifton 85 bermudagrass, irrigated with fish tank wastewaters and fertilized with NPK. The experiment was conducted in the city of Petrolina-PE, Northeastern Brazil. The evaluated area had 960 m2 subdivided into five treatments and ten replicates, in a completely randomized design. Treatments consisted of different fertilization rates of NPK (0, 33, 67, 100, and 150%) as recommended by the Handbook of Fertilization Recommendations for the State of Pernambuco, and based on a prior soil analysis. Irrigation water came from fishponds with Nile Tilapia fingerlings. The experiment was divided into four intervals of 27, 29, 18, and 21 days respective to the first, second, third, and fourth cuts. Both tiller types were analyzed for number of individuals, culm length and diameter, fully- and partially-expanded leaves, leaf length and width (fully or partially expanded), dry mass of leaves (fully and partially expanded and total), culm, dead tissue, and total tiller, and the ratio of leaf and culm. Both structural and productive characteristics showed a linear growth trend for both types, with emphasis on the basal tillers. Thus, a suitable supply of nutrients is crucial for grasses, mainly NPK, as these are macronutrients of vital importance in physiological processes. In addition to the nutrients supplied via fish farming wastewater, fertilization with 150% of the recommended amount of NPK promoted a greater structural development of the tillers, increasing their productivity levels.
The Effect of Rollover Risk on Default Risk: Evidence from Bank Financing

We study the effect of rollover risk on the risk of default using a comprehensive database of U.S. industrial firms during 1986–2013. Dependence on bank financing is the key driver of the impact of rollover risk on default risk. Default risk and rollover risk present a significant positive relation in firms dependent on bank financing. In contrast, rollover risk is uncorrelated with default probability in the case of firms that do not rely on bank financing. Our measure of rollover risk is the amount of long-term debt maturing in one year, weighted by total assets. In the case of a firm that depends on bank financing, an increase of one standard deviation in this measure leads to a significant increase of 3.2% in its default probability within one year. Other drivers affecting the interaction between rollover risk and default risk are whether a firm suffers from declining profitability and has poor credit. Additionally, rollover risk's impact on default probability is stronger during periods when credit market conditions are tighter.
Effect of rural infrastructure on profitability and productivity of cassava-based farms in Odogbolu local government area, Ogun State, Nigeria.

Infrastructural development in Nigeria has been historically linked to the development of agriculture, exploitation of natural resources and public policies. This study examined the effect of rural infrastructures on profitability and productivity of cassava-based farms in Odogbolu local government area of Ogun state, Nigeria. The study was based on a cross-sectional survey of 120 cassava farmers selected with a multistage random sampling technique from 10 villages. Descriptive statistics were used to generate the composite rural infrastructure index which revealed that 5 out of the 10 sampled villages were under-developed. Economic efficiency in the developed and under-developed areas shows that farmers in the developed areas are better off compared to their counterparts in the under-developed areas. Farm size, years of farming experience and infrastructural development index (INF) were statistically significant with negative influence on productivity of cassava-based farmers. The significance and indirect relationship of the years of farming experience and infrastructural development index at p<0.05 and farm size (p<0.01) regarding the total factor productivity (TFP) implied that these variables decrease TFP. Similarly, the negative sign of the coefficient of INF of -0.742 at p<0.05 shows that the under-development of infrastructural facilities observed in the study area is capable of jeopardizing efforts at improving the productivity of cassava-based farmers. Therefore, farmer in the developed areas can generally produce more output at lower cost if there is an improvement in infrastructural facilities in the study area.
The effect of substrate stiffness on uropathogenic E. coli infection

By JULIA T. KEKLAK A thesis submitted to the Graduate School-Camden Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey In partial fulfillment of the requirements For the degree of Master of Science Graduate Program in Biology Written under the direction of Eric A. Klein And approved by _________________________________________ Dr. Eric Klein ______________________________________ Dr. Nir Yakoby _______________________________________ Dr. Jongmin Nam
Composition and quantities of dust produced by AGB-stars and returned to the interstellar medium

The composition of the dust mixture and the amounts of dust returned into the interstellar medium during the evolution of low and intermediate mass stars on the AGB is calculated by simple models for dust-forming stellar winds with M-, S-, and C-star chemistry. These models consider the most abundant dust species formed in circumstellar dust shells, i.e. olivine- and pyroxene-type silicate grains and iron grains in the case of M-stars, iron grains in the case of S-stars, and carbon, SiC, and iron grains in the case of C-stars. The wind models are combined with calculations of synthetic AGB-evolution to consistently determine the variation of the dust injection rate into the interstellar medium from AGB-stars with initial mass and metallicity as the stars evolve along the AGB and change their chemical surface compositions due to repeated “dredge-up” episodes. Numerical results are presented for initial stellar masses from 1 to 7 $M_{\odot}$ and for metallicities between $Z=0.001$ and $Z=0.04$, which can then be used to calculate chemical evolution models for the dust content of galaxies.
Congregations as providers of social service and HIV/AIDS care.

The article argues that the missional identity of the church compels it in a context of poverty and HIV/AIDS to partake in social service ministries. It describes and illustrates the methodology of a multi-disciplinary, participatory action, praxis-oriented research project. The church (and other NGOs) took the lead and addressed poverty related issues in collaboration with the government and business sectors. The different faces of poverty were mapped in the Paarl community highlighting the HIV/AIDS situation and describing the preliminary results of the project
Selfie Sign Language Recognition with Convolutional Neural Networks

Extraction of complex head and hand movements along with their constantly changing shapes for recognition of sign language is considered a difficult problem in computer vision. This paper proposes the recognition of Indian sign language gestures using a powerful artificial intelligence tool, convolutional neural networks (CNN). Selfie mode continuous sign language video is the capture method used in this work, where a hearing-impaired person can operate the Sign language recognition (SLR) mobile application independently. Due to non-availability of datasets on mobile selfie sign language, we initiated to create the dataset with five different subjects performing 200 signs in 5 different viewing angles under various background environments. Each sign occupied for 60 frames or images in a video. CNN training is performed with 3 different sample sizes, each consisting of multiple sets of subjects and viewing angles. The remaining 2 samples are used for testing the trained CNN. Different CNN architectures were designed and tested with our selfie sign language data to obtain better accuracy in recognition. We achieved 92.88 % recognition rate compared to other classifier models reported on the same dataset.
Potential of AM Fungi in Phytoremediation of Heavy Metals and Effect on Yield of Wheat Crop

A pot experiment was conducted to determine the potential of AM fungi in phytoremediation of heavy metals and its effect on yield of wheat crop. The experiment was conducted in CR Design with four replications during rabi 2012-13. Data showed no increase in grain and shoot yields by AMF inoculation with Zn, Cu, Fe, Mn at different levels but increased root yield, plant height, spike length and hundred grains weight of wheat as compared with uninoculated crop. Post-harvest soil Zn, Cu, Fe and Mn contents of 2, 4.4, 2.8 and 2.9 mg·kg-1, respectively were maximum in uninoculated plants treated with Zn, Cu, Fe, Mn at triple of recommended level. No increases in plant P, N, Zn, Cu, Fe and Mn uptakes were observed by the inoculation of AMF when compared with uninoculated crop. Maximum plant Zn, Cu, Fe and Mn uptakes of 160.5, 206, 1914.6 and 2653 g·ha-1, respectively were recorded in uninoculated plants applied with Zn, Cu, Fe, Mn at triple of recommended levels. Wheat roots infection intensity by AMF increased with higher AMF soil spores density. Results suggest the potential of phytoremediation of contaminated soil to be improved by the inoculation of crops with AMF.
The FDI location decision: does liberalization matter?

* Antonio Majocchi is Associate Professor of International Business at the Faculty of Economics, University of Pavia, Italy (tel.: +39 0382 98646, e-mail: antonio.majocchi@unipv.it). Roger Strange is Senior Lecturer at King’s College London, United Kingdom (tel.: + 44 20 7848 4423, e-mail: roger.strange@kcl.ac.uk). The corresponding author is Antonio Majocchi. The authors gratefully acknowledge financial support from MIUR (FIRB 2003, DM2PMI). In this article, we address the question of whether market, trade and financial liberalization has an impact upon FDI location decisions. We use a sample of Italian firms which have made investments in seven Central and East European countries (i.e. Bulgaria, the Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland, Romania, Slovakia and Slovenia). The results confirm that market size and growth, the availability of labour, the quality of infrastructure, and agglomeration economies are all important determinants of FDI location. However, we also show that the choice of FDI location is positively influenced by the extent of trade, financial and (weakly) market liberalization, and negatively related to the openness to foreign banks. This study improves upon the previous studies in a number of aspects: it uses firm-level data from the very start of transition process in 1990; it includes various dimensions of liberalization, notably financial liberalization and openness to foreign banks, which have not previously been considered; and finally, it provides elasticity estimates that show the changes in the probability of FDI location in each country arising from further liberalization in each of the other countries in the region.
An Examination of Perceived Quality, Satisfaction, and Loyalty Relationship: Applicability of Comparative and Noncomparative Evaluation

This paper evaluates alternative measurement approaches to investigating the relationship amongst perceived quality, customer satisfaction, and loyalty. The authors define and measure the constructs within a relative attitudinal framework and compare these results to a noncomparative or individual evaluation of brands. In addition, loyalty is measured by and defined as a behavioral and attitudinal loyalty. The object of this research is teh botol whilst the subjects are undergraduate students in Surabaya and Yogyakarta. The proposed model, with satisfaction as a mediator between quality and loyalty, is found to be an acceptable representation of data across three brands of teh botol and for both comparative and noncomparative evaluation. The use of relative attitude, however, indicates a much stronger relationship amongst perceived quality, satisfaction, and loyalty than the attitude towards a brand when they are performed in individual evaluation. With respect to predictive ability, this study’s findings suggest that comparative evaluation has higher degree of applicability than does noncomparative evaluation.
New insights in the taxonomy of Trichobranchidae (Polychaeta) with description of a new Terebellides species from Australia

During taxonomic studies on the Trichobranchidae housed at the Australian Museum, Sydney morphological characters of specimens were found to serve taxonomists on four taxonomic levels – family, genus, species and specimen level. The number of neuropodial uncini per torus and abdominal segments, long considered holding information for species determination, proved to be highly variable within species. Characters found to be consistent within species were e.g., the position of nephridial papillae, shape of branchiae and chaetae, and the development of anterior segments and lateral lappets. Also, staining in methyl green resulted in a clear pattern without intraspecific variability in most cases and is since considered a helpful tool for identification of Trichobranchidae. In this study an overview of morphological characters of Trichobranchidae and their information for taxonomy is given based on the trichobranchid collection of the Australian Museum. Additionally, description of a new species Terebellides jitu sp. nov., formerly treated as a variation of Terebellides narribri, is given. The description of T. narribri is revised.