Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Small-world network models and their average path length

Small-World Network Models and Their Average Path Length Samah Taha Department of Mathematical Sciences, University of Stellenbosch, Private Bag X1, Matieland 7602, South Africa. Thesis: April 2014 Socially-based networks are of particular interest amongst the variety of communication networks arising in reality. They are distinguished by having small average path length and high clustering coefficient, and so are examples of small-world networks. This thesis studies both real examples and theoretical models of small-world networks, with particular attention to average path length. Existing models of small-world networks, due to Watts and Strogatz (1998) and Newman and Watts (1999a), impose boundary conditions on a one dimensional lattice, and rewire links locally and probabilistically in the former or probabilistically adding extra links in the latter. These models are investigated and compared with real-world networks. We consider a model in which randomness is provided by the Erdős-Renyi random network models superposed on a deterministic one dimensional structured network. We reason about this model using tools and results from random graph theory. Given a disordered network C(n, p) formed by adding links randomly with probability p to a one dimensional network C(n). We improve the analytical result regarding the average path length by showing that the onset of smallworld behaviour occurs if pn is bounded away from zero. Furthermore, we show that when pn tends to zero, C(n, p) is no longer small-world. We display that the average path length in this case approaches infinity with the network order. We deduce that at least en (where e is a constant bigger than zero) random links should be added to a one dimensional lattice to ensure average path length of order log n. iii Stellenbosch University http://scholar.sun.ac.za
An Empirical Assessment of Financial Sector Development and Economic Growth in Nigeria

The objective of this paper has been is to examine empirically, the implications of financial development for economic growth in Nigeria. Time series data covering the period between 1990 and 2011 from Nigeria. The cointegration technique with its implied Error Correction Mechanism (ECM) was applied. This commenced with the ADF unit root test, followed by the Johansen cointegration test. The Overparameterize and Parsimonious ECM was next and this was followed by the Vector Error Correction, diagnostic tests and Cholesky variance decomposition. The variables included Real Gross Domestic Product, Financial deepening which is a ratio of money supply to Gross Domestic Product, liquidity ratio, interest rate and credit to the private sector. Financial sector development has not significantly improved private sector development. The minimum capital base and liquidity ratio has improved the level of economic growth in Nigeria. The Johansen cointegration test suggests a long run relationship among the variables and the significant ECM which is negatively signed supports the long run relation among the variables and indicates a satisfactory speed of adjustment. Although financial sector development has on the aggregate significantly improved the level of economic performance, the credit to the private sector did not play significant role. The result recommends, amongst others, that further development of the financial sector should be oriented towards the development of the private sector.
Relationship between Developmental Ability and Cell Number of Day 2 Porcine Embryos Produced by Parthenogenesis or Somatic Cell Nuclear Transfer

In vitro produced porcine embryos have potential application in reproductive biotechnology. However, their development potential has been very low. This study evaluated the in vitro developmental ability and quality of cloned and parthenogenetic porcine embryos having 2-4 cells or 5-8 cells on Day 2 of in vitro culture. Analysis of results showed that 2 to 4 cell embryos had higher ability to form blastocysts than 5 to 8 cell embryos (p<0.05). Blastocysts produced from culture of 2 to 4 cell embryos also contained higher cell numbers and had lower BAX:BCLxL transcript ratio than those produced from 5 to 8 cell embryos (p<0.05), thereby suggesting 2 to 4 cell embryos have higher development potential. Further investigation revealed that 5 to 8 cell embryos had higher incidence (100±0.0%) of blastomeric fragmentation than 2 to 4 cell embryos (15.2±5.5% for parthenogenetic and 27.7±7.1% for cloned embryos). This suggests that low development potential of 5 to 8 cell embryos was associated with blastomeric fragmentation. In conclusion, we have shown that morphological selection of embryos based on cell number on Day 2 of in vitro culture could offer a practical and valuable non-invasive means to select good quality porcine embryos.
Gas seepage and seismogenic structures along the North Anatolian Fault in the eastern Sea of Marmara

We carried out a combined geophysical and gas‐geochemical survey on an active fault strand along the North Anatolian Fault (NAF) system in the Gulf of İzmit (eastern Sea of Marmara), providing for the first time in this area data on the distribution of methane (CH4) and other gases dissolved in the bottom seawater, as well as the CH4isotopic composition. Based on high‐resolution morphobathymetric data and chirp‐sonar seismic reflection profiles we selected three areas with different tectonic features associated to the NAF system, where we performed visual and instrumental seafloor inspections, including in situ measurements of dissolved CH4, and sampling of the bottom water. Starting from background values of 2–10 nM, methane concentration in the bottom seawater increases abruptly up to 20 nM over the main NAF trace. CH4 concentration peaks up to ∼120 nM were detected above mounds related probably to gas and fluids expulsion. Methane is microbial (δ13CCH4: −67.3 and −76‰ versus VPDB), and was found mainly associated with pre‐Holocene deposits topped by a 10–20 m thick draping of marine mud. The correlation between tectonic structures and gas‐seepages at the seafloor suggests that the NAF in the Gulf of İzmit could represent a key site for long‐term combined monitoring of fluid exhalations and seismicity to assess their potential as earthquake precursors.
The Effect of Impulsivity vs. Reflectivity on Reading Comprehension of Iranian EFL Learners

In recent years attention has been accorded to language learners’ affective factors and learning styles. Two of the significant learning styles are impulsivity and reflectivity which have not been studied as much as other styles such as introversion and extroversion. This study endeavored to find out whether or not impulsivity and reflectivity have any effect on reading comprehension of Iranian English as a Foreign Language (EFL) learners. Seventy two language learners were selected from 4 intact classes out of 112 learners. Nelson proficiency test was given to the participants as homogeneity test. Next, Barrat’s (1995) impulsiveness questionnaire was given to the participants. Based on the results of the questionnaire, the participants formed 3 different groups, i.e., a reflective group (n=25), impulsive group (n=25) and a control group (n=22). The control group consisted of less impulsive and less reflective learners based on Barrat’s scale. An IELTS reading test (general module) was administered to the participants. Based on the results of independent samples t-test, it was found that impulsivity and reflectivity do not have any effect on reading comprehension of Iranian EFL learners. Pedagogical implications are discussed.
Characterizing supraglacial lake drainage and freezing on the Greenland Ice Sheet

Abstract. The behaviour of supraglacial lakes on the Greenland Ice Sheet has attracted a great deal of focus, specifically with regard to their fast drainage through hydrofracturing to the ice sheet base. However, a previous study has shown that this mode of drainage accounts for only 13% of the lakes on the Greenland Ice Sheet. No published work to date has studied what happens to those lakes that do not drain suddenly. We present here three possible modes by which lakes can disappear from the ice sheet, which will have strongly contrasting effects on glacial dynamics and the ice sheet water budget. Around half of all supraglacial lakes observed persisted through the melt season and froze at the end of summer. A third drained slowly, which we interpret to be a result of incision of the supraglacial lake exit-channel. The fate of 7% of lakes could not be observed due to cloud cover, and the remainder drained suddenly. Both fast and slow lake drainage types are absent at higher elevations where lakes tend to freeze despite having similar or longer life spans to lakes at lower elevations, suggesting the mechanisms of drainage are inhibited. Groups of neighbouring lakes were observed to drain suddenly on the same day suggesting a common trigger mechanism for drainage initiation. We find that great care must be taken when interpreting remotely sensed observations of lake drainage, as fast and slow lake drainage can easily be confused if the temporal resolution used is too coarse.
Gibrat's Law for (All) Cities: Reply

This reply refutes the objection raised by Levy (2009) about the fit of the upper tail of the city size distribution in Eeckhout (2004). I show that the method on which his conclusion is based is unsubstantiated. The visual interpretation of the fit on log-log plots is misleading. In addition, the methodology used to estimate a truncated subsample of the distribution while testing its significance against a distribution with prespecified parameters is ill-founded. The main conclusion is that Gibrat's law holds: city sizes follow proportionate growth, thus giving rise to a lognormal size distribution, tail included. (JEL R11, R12, R23)
Summer climatic data for Geneva: average and extreme conditions

In the field of summer cooling by ventilation and/or evaporation, a good knowledge of the dry and wet bulb temperatures represents the basis of any simulation processes. The summer of the city of Geneva was analysed based on extracted from a large amount of climatic data obtained in downtown and its surroundings. The data study over the three summer months of the last decade shows that if the climate varies only very little from one summer to the other, there is nevertheless a considerable difference according to whether one is in urban or rural zones. In addition, summer 2003 is far apart from the average statistics. This study aims to establish a representative database on average summer temperature conditions, downtown and in rural sites, as well as extreme conditions like in summer 2003. A comparative study is also made with the Meteonorm software, which is the commonly used tool to generate data when no station is available.
THE PERCEPTION OF CHROMATIC STIMULI IN THE PERIPHERAL HUMAN RETINA

Like many other aspects of visual perception, human colour vision has been shown to vary across the visual field. Numerous studies have demonstrated that when coloured stimuli are viewed at eccentric retinal locations away from the fovea, there are changes in both the perceived hue and saturation of such stimuli (Moreland & Cruz, 1959; Abramov et al., 1991; Nerger et al., 1995; Ayama & Sakurai, 2003; Parry et al., 2006; McKeefry et al., 2007). These changes in colour perception have been variously attributed to changes in the cone photoreceptor density with increasing retinal eccentricity (Gordon & Abramov, 1977) or to the increasing influence of rods (Stabell B. , & ISSN 1392–0359. PSICHOLOGIJA 2008 38
Classical T Tauri stars with VPHAS+ – I. H α and u-band accretion rates in the Lagoon Nebula M8

We estimate the accretion rates of 235 Classical T Tauri star (CTTS) candidates in the Lagoon Nebula using $ugri$H$\alpha$ photometry from the VPHAS+ survey. Our sample consists of stars displaying H$\alpha$-excess, the intensity of which is used to derive accretion rates. For a subset of 87 stars, the intensity of the $u$-band excess is also used to estimate accretion rates. We find the mean variation in accretion rates measured using H$\alpha$ and $u$-band intensities to be $\sim$ 0.17 dex, agreeing with previous estimates (0.04-0.4 dex) but for a much larger sample. The spatial distribution of CTTS align with the location of protostars and molecular gas suggesting that they retain an imprint of the natal gas fragmentation process. Strong accretors are concentrated spatially, while weak accretors are more distributed. Our results do not support the sequential star forming processes suggested in the literature.
Limited Stock Market Participation Among Renters and Home Owners

The stock market participation rate among homeowners is twice as high as among renters. This paper builds a life-cycle portfolio choice model with endogenous housing tenure choice. A stylized form of preference heterogeneity generates a substantial difference in participation rates. A majority of households have a large savings motive and choose to be homeowners and participate. A minority of households have a small savings motive and find it less worthwhile to participate. Fewer of these households become homeowners. Difference-in-difference regressions on panel data do not find evidence of a crowding-out effect of homeownership on participation, supporting the message that preference heterogeneity matters. Received January 25, 2017; editorial decision March 21, 2018 by Editor Wei Jiang. Authors have furnished an Online Appendix, which is available on the Oxford University Press Web site next to the link to the final published paper online.
On the kernel estimation of a multivariate distribution function under positive dependence

In this paper, we consider the kernel estimator of the p-dimensional marginal distribution function of a stationary, positively associated sequence of random variables. For this setting, we state results concerning the asymptotic behaviour of this estimator extending some characterizations available in the literature. In addition, we present a simulation study about the empirical process constructed from such a estimator illustrating its asymptotic normality.
Alternate Nostril Breathing and Autonomic Function in Healthy Young Adults

Yoga balances Autonomic nervous system: Autonomic nervous system consists of two limbs; sympathetic nervous system and parasympathetic nervous system. Although individual asan and pranayam practices can selectively affect sympathetic or parasympathetic nervous system, the overall effect of yoga practice is to bring a state of parasympathetic dominance. In present study effect of alternate nostril breathing (Nadishuddhi pranayama) for 12-weeks were studied in 60 healthy volunteers (both males and females). Alternate Nostril Breathing had beneficial effect on autonomic functions. There was no change in parasympathetic reactivity indicated by non-significant change in Valsalva ratio. Change in sympathetic reactivity was observed due to change in blood pressure response to hand grip test. Overall there is tilt towards parasympathetic dominance after practice of alternate nostril breathing. Considering the facts, it can be suggested that regular practice of type alternate nostril breathing can be prescribed to hypertensive patients (with proper monitoring) along with the medical therapy. Keyword: Valsalva ratio, Alternate nostril breathing, Hand grip test, Blood pressure.
Academic Insights into Promoting Indigenous Knowledge and Culture

Indigenous knowledge is multi-dimensional encompassing the beliefs, practices, arts, spirituality, and other forms of traditional and cultural experiences that belong to indigenous communities globally. A university in Fiji has established a special Centre for iTaukei Studies (CIS) to preserve and recognize the knowledge of the indigenous people of Fiji commonly known as the iTaukei. The Centre apart from its cultural dimension principally in the form of songs, proverbs, stories, folklore, practices and rituals has adopted the western system of disseminating knowledge through publications, text books and teacher education programs. This paper presents a scholarly analysis of the historical origin of the Centre and the programs offered by it in promoting equal opportunity for the iTaukei students’ access to formal as well as conservative education. While maintaining the importance of preserving the originality of the indigenous cultural identity and practices the paper will also highlight how the infusion of the cultures of the indigenous people and that of the Indo-Fijians, who have co-existed together for over 100 years have shaped the unique multicultural landscape in Fiji. (Indigenous, iTaukei, cultural identity, multicultural and traditions)
A Review of Flood Risk Analysis in Nigeria

Nigeria has witnessed diverse flood events in the past years and due to the high level of vulnerability and lack of coping capacity of the people, with the fast occurrence of extreme events resulting from climate change, many lives and properties are at risk of its impacts. This paper reviews the recent past and present efforts in assessing the flood impacts in Nigeria. We concentrate this study on the recent works (methods and results) in assessing flood impacts in the country under basic components of flood risk analysis: The hazards mapping and modeling, exposure and vulnerability assessment, with the aim of suggesting possible urgent needs and further development. Based on our review, we conclude that, there is need to explore more effectively the use of state of the art flood models, which integrates all hydrological processes for more accurate prediction and mapping of flood and its associated risks. Also, as one of the steps to plan for adaptation and mitigation of future flood risk and climate change, there is a serious need of detailed research in the development of regional or national flood damage functions for pre-disaster flood damage estimation. The study also suggests further study on the environmental and health impact of flood in the country.
Sugarcane Biochar as an Amendment for Greenhouse Growing Media for the Production of Cucurbit Seedlings

Louisiana sugarcane farmers in 2016 harvested 11.7 million Mg millable sugarcane from 163,000 ha, producing 1.47 million Mg of raw sugar and an estimated 3.5 million Mg of bagasse. Even though Louisiana sugar mills use 80 to 90% of the bagasse for fuel production, another 350,000 to 700,000 Mg of bagasse accumulates each year. The conversion of the excess bagasse into biochar is an excellent option with numerous uses. Research was conducted to determine the impact of sugarcane biochar as an amendment to soilless planting media for the production of cucurbit seedlings. Two biochars were combined by volume with a commercial certified organic soilless growing media into 5 combinations (0%:100%, 25%:75%, 50%:50%, 75%:25%, and 100%:0%, biochars and growing media, respectively). Squash ( Cucurbita pepo L.) var. ‘Enterprise’ and cantaloupe ( Cucumis melo L.) var. ‘Magnum . 45’ were planted in each of the 5 different planting mixtures. The higher heating value (HHV), lower heating value (LHV), and fixed carbon (FixC) were greater for the standard bagasse biochar (SBB), therefore, making it more valuable as a potential fuel source than the pneumatic bagasse biochar (PBB). All of the biochar mixture combinations compared favorably to the commercial media with low bulk densities (0.11 to 0.14 g cm -3 ) and high water holding capacities (80-87%). In respect to seedling production, the biochars (SBB and PBB) performed well, especially at the 25 and 50% levels for both plant species. The squash seedlings responded better at the 75% level than the cantaloupe seedlings, which reflect differences in nutrient requirements. The 100% biochar growing media are not recommended because both plant species often had a decrease in organic matter. These results indicate that the volume of a standard soilless greenhouse growing media can be successfully extended by adding 25 to 50% sugarcane biochar without a reduction in squash and cantaloupe seedling production. Future research should investigate the impact of additional plant species, as well as different biochar sources on seedling production.
Length variation and repetitive sequences of Internal Transcribed Spacer of ribosomal RNA gene, diagnostics and relationships of populations of potato rot nematode, Ditylenchus destructor Thorne, 1945 (Tylenchida: Anguinidae)

Seventy-eight ITS rRNA gene sequences obtained from the potato rot nematode, Ditylenchus destructor, collected across the world from different hosts were compared and analysed. The ITS rRNA gene sequences showed significant length variation between populations. The differences in this rRNA fragment length were due to the presence of repetitive elements in the ITS1, which were characterised by relatively higher rates of substitution changes. Reconstruction of secondary structure for the ITS1 revealed that these minisatellites formed a stem structure. Phylogenetic analyses of ITS rRNA and D2-D3 expansion segments of 28S rRNA gene sequences showed that all studied populations clustered in two major clades: a group of populations having the ITS sequences with the repetitive elements and a group of populations without the repetitive elements in the ITS. We propose to distinguish seven ITS rRNA haplotypes within potato rot nematode populations. PCR-ITS-RFLP diagnostic profiles are presented for these ITS haplotypes and usefulness of recently developed PCR methods with species-specific primers for D. destructor are analysed and discussed.
Reproduction, growth and connectivity among populations of Girella tricuspidata (Pisces: Girellidae)

Girella tricuspidata is widely distributed and harvested by recreational and commer- cial fishers along the coastline of eastern Australia. The present study examined variability in the reproductive biology and growth of individuals within populations of G. tricuspidata across 3 estu- aries (Clarence, Tuggerah and Tuross) and assessed population connectivity via a large-scale tag- recapture study in which fish were tagged across 9 estuaries. Spawning occurred predominantly between June and September in the Clarence River and between October and January in the Tuross River, suggesting that spawning occurs later in the year at higher latitudes. The recruit- ment of young to nursery grounds was spatially and temporally variable. G. tricuspidata are group-synchronous spawners, and the estimated batch fecundity was positively correlated with fish length. The estimated length and age at which 50% of G. tricuspidata attained reproductive maturity was similar for both sexes: ~286 mm fork length (FL) and 4.1 yr for males and 295 mm FL and 4.5 yr for females. G. tricuspidata were aged using otoliths to >26 yr, whereas the reading of scales consistently underestimated the age of fish older than 5 yr. Growth was flexible but varied significantly between sexes and among estuaries; females grew faster than males and attained a larger asymptotic length in the Clarence and Tuross Rivers but not in Tuggerah Lake. Growth was rapid for both sexes until 4 to 5 yr of age, after which it slowed. Of the 6871 G. tricuspidata tagged, 15% were recaptured, with 96% of these fish recaptured in the estuary in which they were ini- tially tagged. The recaptured individuals that migrated between estuaries predominantly dis- played a northward movement into the prevailing coastal current, which is probably a life-history tactic to facilitate wide dispersal of eggs and larvae along eastern Australia.