Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Assessment of Forest Resources Dependency for local livelihood around Protected Area: A Case Study in Popa Mountain Park, Central Myanmar

Forest resources play a crucial role for many livelihoods in the rural areas in Myanmar. Households in rural area of Myanmar, especially destitute households, depend on the forest related activities as one of the income diversification activities. This study estimated forest dependency and identified factors influencing dependency for households living around the Popa Mountain Park (PMP) in Myanmar. A sample of 75 households was randomly selected from three villages surrounding the Popa Mountain Park to analyze the significant of forest income in the rural household economy. The data were collected using structured questionnaire interviews, direct observation and group discussion. This study found that forest income contributes 38.82%, and farm income and non-farm income contribute 34.87% and 26.31% to the total household income respectively. Major forest products around PMP include firewood, medicinal plants, bamboo shoot, honey and others. OLS Regression analysis showed that agricultural income and non-farm income are scientifically and negatively correlated with the forest income. The findings go along with that of similar studies that, providing alternative source of income for the livelihood either through employment opportunities or by a source of income from cultivation would greatly reduce the dependence on the forest. The study concluded that consideration to socioeconomic characteristics of households living around PMP is essential in forestry conservation programs. Therefore, the government should consider measures to increase agricultural production and generate off- farm employment opportunities for rural communities in general and enhance conservation around Popa Mountain Park in particular. Also environmental education programmes should be encouraged in order to reduce dependence on the protected forests.
Quantifying the Short-term Impacts of Cover Crops and Grazing on Soil Health Under an Integrated Crop-Livestock System in South Dakota

QUANTIFYING THE SHORT-TERM IMPACTS OF COVER CROPS AND GRAZING ON SOIL HEALTH UNDER AN INTEGRATED CROP-LIVESTOCK SYSTEM IN SOUTH DAKOTA VISHAL SETH 2018 Cover crops and grazing under Integrated Crop-Livestock System (ICLS) can impact the rhizosphere nutrient cycling and may have potential to increase the long-term sustainability and economic profitability of agricultural production system. In South Dakota, crop production practices and livestock husbandry are both common which provide the opportunity for ICLS to be successful in this region. However, little is known about the impacts of the cover crops and grazing under ICLS on soil properties in this region. The present study was conducted at South Dakota State University Research Farm (44°20'34.8"N, 96°48'14.8"W), Brookings, SD, to quantify the impacts of cover crops and grazing on soil bulk density (BD), soil penetration resistance (SPR), soil water retention (SWR), pore size distribution (PSD), total nitrogen (TN), carbon and nitrogen fractions (labile, stable, and inert), microbial biomass carbon/nitrogen, urease and betaglucosidase enzyme activity. Study treatments included grass leaf and broad leaf dominated cover crop mixtures, both with and without grazing, and the cover crop control field with no cover crop or grazing. The experimental site was established on June 2016 by planting of cover crops and soil samples were collected three times i.e., pregrazing, post-grazing and summer phase at 0to 5-cm for bulk density, SPR, SWR and PSD; 5to 15-cm for soil microbial and enzymatic properties.
Time-Varying Disaster Risk Models: An Empirical Assessment of the Rietz-Barro Hypothesis

This paper revisits the fit of disaster risk models where a representative agent has recursive preferences and the probability of a macroeconomic disaster changes over time. We calibrate the model as in Wachter (2013) and perform two sets of tests to assess the empirical performance of the model in long run simulations. The model is solved using a two step projection-based method that allows us to find the equilibrium consumption-wealth ratio and dividend-yield for different values of the intertemporal elasticity of substitution. By fixing the elasticity of substitution to one, the first experiment indicates that the overall fit of the model is adequate. However, we find that the amount of aggregate stock market volatility that the model can generate is sensible to the method used to solve the model. We also find that the model generates near unit root interest rates and a puzzling ranking of volatilities between the risk free rate and the expected return on government bills. We later solve the model for values of the elasticity of substitution that differ from one. This second experiment shows that while a higher elasticity of substitution helps to increase the aggregate stock market volatility and hence to reduce the Sharpe Ratio, a lower elasticity of substitution generates a more reasonable level for the equity risk premium and for the volatility of the government bond returns without compromising the ability of the price-dividend ratio to predict excess returns.
11th Applied Isotope Geochemistry Conference, AIG-11 BRGM Investigation of 36 Cl distribution: towards a new estimation of groundwater residence times in the confined aquifer of the LCB?

Cl measurements in groundwaters of the deep confined aquifer of the Lake Chad Basin (LCB) were performed in order to constrain groundwater geochemical ages and residence times. Twenty-seven wells were sampled in Nigeria, Niger and Chad in the southern parts of the large (700 000 km 2 ) multilayered aquifer of the LCB. 36 Cl/Cl values range between 11±1.10 -15 to 148±8.10 -15 at/at. The highest ratios are observed near the recharge zone of the Nigerian part of the Continental Terminal aquifer, while the lowest ones are found in wells located near the southern fringe of the present-day lake Chad. Chloride concentrations are low (below 100 mg/l) and not correlated to the 36 Cl/Cl values, indicating negligible dissolution of evaporites in most samples. Reliable 36 Cl ages can be calculated along the different flow paths investigated, suggesting residence times of the deep groundwaters larger than 300 000 years. These results are consistent with new AMS- 14 C data below the detection limit but are in contradiction with previous 14 C data obtained in the area.
The Brazilian Business and Growth Cycles

Este artigo utiliza varios metodos para datar e analisar ciclos de negocios e de crescimento no Brasil. Em particular, um modelo de mudancas de Markov e aplicado a dados de producao trimestrais e anuais. As probabilidades suavizadas dos estado markovianos sao utilizadas como regras de previsao para definir as diferentes fases de flutuacoes ciclicas na producao real brasileira. Os resultados sao comparados com diferentes regras nao-parametricas. Todos os metodos implementados geram uma cronologia similar e revelam assimetrias nas diferentes fases dos ciclos de negocio e crescimento do Brasil, nos quais os estados de baixo crescimento e recessao sao de curta duracao e mais abruptos, enquanto os estados de crescimento acelerado e expansao sao mais longos e graduais. As datas dos ciclos obtidas podem ser utilizadas como pontos de referencia para a construcao e avaliacao do poder de previsao de indicadores coincidentes, antecedentes e defasados da atividade economica. Alem disso, as probabilidades filtradas obtidas do modelo de mudanca de estado de Markov permitem um reconhecimento tempestivo da transicao da economia para uma nova fase economica, o que pode ser utilizado, por exemplo, na avaliacao da medida adequada de politicas contraciclicas, na reavaliacao de vendas e lucros projetados por firmas e investidores, ou no monitoramento de pressoes inflacionarias.
microRNA expression and function in virus-associated human cancers

microRNAs (miRNAs) are small non-coding RNAs that play important roles in gene regulation. It is now clear that miRNAs participate in tumor development and progression. Despite many studies have reported specific miRNA expression signatures in various tumor types, the functional roles of these deregulated miRNAs in specific tumor types remain to be determined. The general aim of this thesis work was to investigate the expression and functional roles of miRNAs in cervical carcinoma and Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC). In Paper I, we describe the functional roles and targets of miR-205 in human cervical cancer cells. Using miR-205 over-expression and suppression experiments, we show that miR-205 regulates cell proliferation and migration in cervical cancer cells. Using a CLIP-Chip approach, we identified a set of candidate miR-205 targets functionally associated with cell proliferation and migration. Among them, CTGF and CYR61 were further validated by Western blot and Ago2 CLIP-qRT-PCR analyses. Both genes are also downregulated in human cervical cancer tissues. Our findings suggest that miR-205 and its targets may play important roles in the pathogenesis of cervical carcinoma. In Paper II, we show that miR-944 functions as an oncogene in human cervical cancer by promoting cell proliferation, migration and invasion. We identified a set of novel miR-944 targets using the PAR-CLIP sequencing approach. Among them, HECW2 and S100PBP were further validated as direct targets of miR-944 by luciferase reporter assays. Our findings reveal novel functions and targets of miR-944 in human cervical cancer cells, which may provide new insights of its role in cervical carcinogenesis. In Paper III, we report miRNA expression patterns associated with Merkel cell polyomavirus (MCV) status and clinical outcomes in MCC. In addition, we show that miR-203 overexpression inhibits cell growth and induces cell cycle arrest in MCVnegative MCC cells. We also demonstrate that survivin expression is regulated by miR203 in MCV-negative MCC cells or by MCV T-antigen(s) in MCV-positive MCC cells. In Paper IV, we demonstrate that miR-375 functions as a tumor suppressor by inhibiting cell growth and cell migration, as well as promoting cell cycle arrest and apoptosis in MCV-negative MCC cells. In addition, we show that miR-375 is epigenetically regulated in MCC, and different epigenetic mechanisms may contribute to miR-375 transcription regulation in MCV-positive and -negative MCC cells. Overall, this thesis work illustrate the high value of Ago2 CLIP approach for miRNA target identification, and provides evidence for the role of miRNAs in human cervical cancer and Merkel cell carcinoma. ISBN 978-91-7549-414-2
Community and International Nutrition Alcoholic Beverage Consumption and Lung Cancer Risk among Residents of Los Angeles County 1 – 6

Although studies generally support a positive association between alcohol consumption and lungcancer risk, the relationship between specific alcoholic beverages and lung-cancer risk has been inconsistent. We examined recent and past alcoholic beverage intake among 261 incident cases and 615 population controls enrolled in a lung-cancer case-control study of African Americans and Caucasians in Los Angeles County between 1991 and 1994. An in-person interview elicited information about past alcohol intake from ages 30 to 40 y, smoking, other lung-cancer risk factors, as well as recent intake of alcohol, and recent dietary intake. An association was observed between recent hard-liquor consumption and lung-cancer risk. The odds ratio (OR) for 1 or more drinks (1.5 oz or 0.051 mL) per day of hard liquor compared with infrequent liquor drinking (0–3 drinks per month), adjusted for smoking, the matching factors, saturated fat and other alcoholic beverages was 1.87 [95% confidence interval (CI) Å 1.02–3.42]. No appreciable association was observed for total alcohol, whereas small inverse associations were observed for beer and wine, although confidence intervals were wide. An elevated lung-cancer risk was also observed for past liquor consumption (between ages 30 and 40 y). The adjusted OR for 1 or more drinks per day of liquor compared with infrequent drinkers was 1.83 (95% CI Å 1.06–3.15). Confounding of the association between alcohol and lung cancer by smoking was apparent. Although we devoted considerable efforts to adjusting for smoking in our analyses, residual confounding is still possible because smoking and alcohol are closely associated. In addition, case-control studies including this study should be viewed with caution because of possible selection bias. An increased risk of lung cancer might occur with moderate drinking of hard liquor but confirmation is required in larger studies. J. Nutr. 128: 694–700, 1998.
Predictability of Stock Returns based on the Partial Least Squares Methodology

Empirical evidence on the predictability of aggregate stock returns has shown that many commonly used predictor variables have little power to predict the market out-of-sample. However, a recent paper by Kelly and Pruitt (2013) find that predictors with strong out-of-sample performance can be constructed, using a partial least squares methodology, from the valuation ratios of portfolios. This paper shows that the statistical significance of this out-of-sample predictability is overstated for two reasons. Firstly, the analysis is conducted on gross returns rather than excess returns, and this raises the apparent predictability of the equity premium due to inclusion predictable movements of interest rates. Secondly, the bootstrap statistics used to assess out-of-sample significance do not account for small-sample bias in the estimated coefficients. This bias is well known to affect tests of in-sample significance (Stambaugh (1986)) and I show it is also important for out-of-sample tests of significance. Accounting for both these effects can radically change the conclusions; for example, the recursive out-of-sample R values for the sample period 1965-2010 are insignificant for the prediction of one-year excess returns, and one-month returns, except in the case of the book-to-market ratios of six sizeand value-sorted portfolios, which is significant at the 10% level.
The effect of focused communication tasks on instructed acquisition of English past counterfactual conditionals

One important controversy connected with the effectiveness of grammar teaching seems to have been resolved as there is ample empirical evidence testifying to the positive effect of form-focused instruction on second language acquisition (Nassaji & Fotos, 2004; Norris & Ortega, 2000; Spada, 1997, 2010). Nevertheless, there are still a number of problems open to debate and awaiting concrete solutions, such as how to establish connections between form and meaning and find the best way to teach grammar for implicit knowledge, which, in the opinion of most SLA researchers (Ellis, 2006a, p. 95) and according to numerous theoretical positions, is a key driver of linguistic competence. One of the options available to language educators is to employ focused communication tasks, which “are designed to elicit production of a specific target feature in the context of performing a communicative task” (Ellis, 2001, p. 21). The aim of the study reported in this article was to explore the effect of focused communication tasks on the instructed acquisition of English past counterfactual conditionals when compared with contextualized practice activities. The results of two types of intervention were measured employing a number of data collection instruments with a view to tapping both the explicit and implicit knowledge of the participants of the study. Both types of instructional treatment were equally effective in helping learners develop the explicit knowledge of past unreal conditionals, but when it comes to the implicit knowledge of the aforementioned structure, the group instructed by means of focused communication tasks outperformed the other experimental group and the control group, as evidenced by the results obtained from the individually elicited imitation test and the focused communication task performed in pairs.
The Employment and Earnings of Migrants in Great Britain

Using nationally representative, longitudinal data from the first 14 waves of the British Household Panel Survey we examine the labour market returns to inter-regional migration in Great Britain. Controlling for endogeneity, heterogeneity and self-selection, we find substantial long-run wage premiums associated with migration for both males and females who move for job-related reasons. There is, however, no evidence that moving across regions increases the probability of employment for males and females; in fact, some female movers experience a long-run employment penalty.
Restructuring via Tracking Stocks Issuance: The Hidden Side of Growth: Case of American Listed Companies

The advent of new technologies, accompanied by the obsolete situation which the old economy is confronted with, have paved the way for the appearance of numerous legal and financial instruments constituting a particularly challenging stimulus for reflection for specialists in financial and legal fields. A keen interest has also taken root in financial market trends for greater transparency in managing diversified groups whose financial visibility is often reduced. Such a requirement for clarity is at the centre of the definition of tracking stocks. Having emerged across the Atlantic in the early 80’s, they benefited from the advent of the new economy and a renewed interest with a high issuance level on the American financial markets since the 90’s. The issuance of tracking stock, apart from its hybrid nature, constitutes a rather specific restructuring measure which comes to complete the basis of studies already established around the subject of capital restructuring. This research work aims to highlight an instrument that has been discarded by the French financial system at a time when its expansion continued to grow on the British, German and American market. It will allow expanding the choice of restructuring forms on offer to companies seeking new financing sources, new acquisition means and to reach the fundamental objective which is value creation. As a result, tracking stock issuance faces other rival forms of restructuring (spin-offs and equity carve-outs). Consequently, we will identify the factors that companies have had to take into account when choosing tracking stock restructuring. The obtained results confirm the hypotheses pertaining to the improvement of the internal capital market and company performance. Thus, leading us to deduce that through the actual restructuring, the goal of value creation is achieved by reinforcing an internal capital market weakened by a pointless diversification strategy and also by improving company performance.
Tactical Escape Behavior and Performance of a Small Sceloporine Lizard in Two High Risk Habitats

The negotiation of uneven and complex terrain has implications for many small terrestrial vertebrates. Variation in the running surface due to obstacles like woody debris or vegetation can alter escape paths and running performance. Additionally, these microhabitat features can influence behavioral tactics in complex environments. The ability to negotiate physical barriers in dense environments likely influences survivorship through important ecological tasks, such as finding mates, foraging, and evading predators. The Florida scrub lizard (Sceloporus woodi) is a small, rare species endemic to two distinct and structurally complex environments in Florida, i.e. sand-pine scrub and longleaf pine-wiregrass sand-hills. The differing microhabitats of scrub and longleaf pine factor into the distribution and density of lizard populations throughout the Ocala National Forest in Florida. Understanding strategies to avoid predation between these two habitats can give insight into the likelihood of population persistence, and whether one habitat may harbor a greater lizard density. Additionally, the underlying performance impacts from habitat structure (e.g. multiple obstacles) can shed light on any unique abilities in small terrestrial lizard species. In the first chapter I focus on how multiple obstacles influence running behavior and locomotor posture. Bipedal running was more efficient for crossing obstacles via faster sprint speeds and minimal foot contact with an obstacle. The second chapter investigates the populations of scrub lizards in both the scrub and longleaf habitats. I determine how risk
VALUES, SIGNIFICANCE AND MOTIVATION AT WORK OF PRISON OFFICERS OF TWO DETENTION CENTERS IN BRAZIL

The constructs values, significance of work and motivation represent key aspects to be considered in the career of any professional. In this study, the researchers’ interest was focused on detention officers working in prisons in the state of Santa Catarina, Brazil. Chiefly, the study aimed to investigate the prison officers’ values, motivation, significance of work based on their viewpoints. The study had 137 participants, of which 36 were female officers and 101 male officers. The methodological design of this research characterizes it as an applied, cross-sectional, descriptive, and quantitative survey. The instruments for data collection were the following: a sociodemographic questionnaire developed by the researchers for characterization of the sample; the Work Values Scale (WVS), validated in Brazil by Porto and Tamayo (2003), and the Inventory of Work Motivation and Meaning (IWMM), validated in Brazil by Borges and Alves Filho (2003). For data analysis, resources of descriptive statistics were used. Thus, this study took up the challenge of being a dialectical approach to the phenomenon in focus, based on the conception of work in a prison setting. The results show that to achieve professional stability, earn fair economic rewards and take up responsibilities are aspects of vital importance for the majority of the prison officers. The significance of work is directly associated with personal and family survival and the responsibility that they have both in the work and family contexts. Their motivation is associated with security and dignity. The main work-related aspect valued by prison officers is stability and the less important is prestige. At the end of the process of researching and producing knowledge, it is important to emphasize that important aspects about the prison officers’ work relations emerged, an activity that is intertwined by social stigmas that can affect all their living environments.
Cutting Corners with a New Crane Concept

Abstract It is only possible to pivot (horizontally rotate) conventional harvester cranes at the crane pillar. A new type of harvester crane has an extra pivoting point on the outer boom, which makes it possible to reach behind residual trees and thus probably ease thinning work. This paper quantifies differences in harvester time consumption in thinning between a conventional crane and a pivoting outer boom (POB) crane by the use of a simulation study and a field study. Simulations were made in two mapped stands. A harvester equipped with a POB crane was used in the field study. The work of a conventional crane was performed with the same machine by not using the pivoting function. Six blocks were created with densities ranging from 1,230 to 3,100 trees per hectare and tree choice was restricted. The POB crane required 4 to 8 percent less time compared to the conventional crane in the simulation study and 7 to 15 percent less time in the field study. In the field study, the mean time consumption of the POB crane was significantly lower for the work elements machine movement backwards and crane out. The number of machine movements backwards was significantly lower for the POB crane, and 17 percent more trees could be cut per machine position by the POB crane. The pivoting function was used on 29 percent of the cut trees. Based on the consistent results from the simulation and the field study, it was concluded that the pivoting function significantly increased productivity in thinning.