Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Braid Monodromy of Algebraic Curves

These are the notes from a one-week course on Braid Monodromy of Algebraic Curves given at the Universite de Pau et des Pays de l'Adour during the Premiere Ecole Franco-Espagnole: Groupes de tresses et topologie en petite dimension in October 2009. This is intended to be an introductory survey through which we hope we can briefly outline the power of the concept monodromy as a common area for group theory, algebraic geometry, and topology of projective curves. The main classical results are stated in §2, where the Zariski-van Kampen method to compute a presentation for the fundamental group of the complement to projective plane curves is presented. In §1 these results are prefaced with a review of basic concepts like fundamental groups, locally trivial fibrations, branched and unbranched coverings and a first peek at monodromy. Descriptions of the main motivations that have lead mathematicians to study these objects are included throughout this first chapter. Finally, additional tools and further results that are direct applications of braid monodromy will be considered in §3. While not all proofs are included, we do provide either originals or simplified versions of those that are relevant in the sense that they exhibit the techniques that are most used in this context and lead to a better understanding of the main concepts discussed in this survey. Nothing here is hence original, other than an attempt to bring together different results and points of view. It goes without saying that this is not the first, and hopefully not the last, survey on the topic. For other approaches to braid monodromy we refer to the following beautifully-written papers [73, 20, 6]. We finally wish to thank the organizers and the referee for their patience and understanding in the process of writing and correcting these notes.
The myth of the Republic : Medusa and Cato in Lucan Pharsalia 9.

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A less expensive toilet: the impact of targeted subsidies on latrine purchases in Cambodia

iDE’s sanitation marketing efforts in Cambodia have resulted in over 250,000 sales of improved pourflush latrines. Despite the overall efficacy of this approach, iDE recognizes that market actors are not necessarily incentivized to reach the poorest segments of the market. iDE and Causal Design utilized a randomized controlled trial, in which poor households in treatment villages were offered partial subsidies, financing and cash-only options, while control-village households were offered only financing or cash-only purchase options, to test which financing mechanism leads to the greatest coverage change among poor households, while having the least distortionary effect on the market. The study finds uptake rates among poor households increased by 14-16 percent compared to the control group, while there was no significant effect on non-poor households. This study provides compelling evidence for the impact, as well as increased cost-effectiveness, of well-targeted subsidies on latrine uptake among lower-income households in a market-based approach.
Temporal comparisons and the perception of posttraumatic growth in early stage cancer patients

iv Chapter One 1 Overview 1 Rationale and Aims 5 Hypotheses 7 Chapter Two 10 Participants 10 Procedure 10 Measures 10 Demographics and medical information form 10 Implicit Theories of Change Scale (ITCS) 10 Personal Meaning Profile (PMP) 11 Personal Attribute Rating Scales (PARS) 11 Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale (RSE) 12 Life Orientation Test-Revised (LOT-R) 12 Post-traumatic Growth Inventory (PTGI) 12 Analyses 13 Chapter Three 15 Participant recruitment and compliance 15 Participant characteristics 15 Descriptive examination of study variables 16 Relationship of demographic and clinical variables to positive attributes, personal meaning and posttraumatic growth 16 Actual change, perceived change, and biased recall in positive attributes and personal meaning 16 Relation of optimism, self-esteem, and implicit theories of cancer-related change to changes in positive attributes, personal meaning, and posttraumatic growth 17 Mediational analyses 18 Chapter Four 20 References 28 Appendices 39 Appendix A: Informed Consent 40 About the Author End Page
When Learning English is Compulsory at School: Fluctuations in L2 Motivational Self System

Research findings highlight the role of motivation in the long-term process of learning a second/foreign language. One’s motivation can change even in a short period of time under the influence of multifarious factors. To enrich our understanding of the attitudinal/motivational basis of foreign language learning this study attempts to investigate L2 motivational fluctuation, and the possibility of predicting EFL learners’ motivated learning behavior in light of Dornyei’s (2005, 2009) theory of L2 motivational self system. To this end, 1670 junior high and high school students studying English as a compulsory subject in Iran filled out L2 motivational self system questionnaire. Independent samples t-test and regression analyses were applied; and the findings indicated a higher motivational disposition for junior high school students in comparison to high school students, except for their attitudes towards L2 community. For both groups, attitudes towards L2 learning was the best predictor of students motivated learning behavior.
Genetic diversity in Egyptian buffalo using microsatellite markers

Three bovine microsatellite markers named: ETH02; CSSM060 and BM1706 were used to study the genetic diversity in six Egyptian buffalo populations. The total number of animals sampled were 92, and collected from Alexandria, Kafr El-Sheikh, Great Cairo, Menofya, Al-Minya and Qina. All markers showed polymorphism with a total number of alleles 12 for each of ETH02, and BM1706 and 13 for CSSM060. Heterozygosity and Wright’s F-statistics (FIS, and FST) were calculated to determine the genetic variation in these populations. High values of observed heterozygosities were noticed in all populations. The lowest heterozygosity was 0.846 observed in Qina for the microsatellite BM1706, in contrast to heterozygosity 1.00 observed in many populations, especially for the microsatellite ETH02. All the FIS values were below zero, indicating the absence of inbreeding within the populations under study. Depending on the genetic distances, a dendrogram showing the genetic relationship among the different populations was prepared. High values of the average gene diversity were noticed, for all markers and all populations, ranging from 0.795 to 0.904 with an overall mean of 0.867. Values of gene flow or migration between populations were high, meaning that migration and admixture could have taken place between these populations. It is concluded that the Egyptian buffaloes belong to one breed.
Factors influencing Household Wellbeing in oil and non-oil Producing Rural Communities of Selected States in Niger Delta , Nigeria

This study investigated the factors that influence household wellbeing in oil and non-oil producing communities of selected states in Niger Delta. A multistage sampling procedure was used to select 454 respondents for the study. Structured interview schedule was used to collect data on respondents’ and the data was analysed using descriptive statistics and multiple linear regressions at α 0.05. The study found out that the factors influencing household wellbeing were similar for both, except for livelihood activities in oil producing communities and access to livelihood resources being implicated in non-oil producing communities. The study recommends the need for government and relevant stakeholders to improve access to livelihood resources by rural households because of the significant and positive impact of these resources on wellbeing of rural households.
Energy Transmission by Barotropic Rossby Waves Revisited

Abstract This article presents a semianalytic method to investigate the properties of energy transmission across bottom topography by barotropic Rossby waves. The method is first used to revisit the analytical estimates derived from wave-matching techniques and Wentzel–Kramers–Brillouin (WKB) approximations. The comparison between the semianalytic method and WKB indicates that the results of the latter are valid for waves with periods longer than a month and ridges taller than ∼1000 m and wider than ∼500 km. For these parameter values both methods predict the passage of low-frequency waves and the reflection of high-frequency waves. The semianalytic method is then used to discuss the energy transmission properties of a cross section of the Mid-Atlantic Ridge. It is shown that the filtering characteristics of realistic bottom topographies depend not only on the spatial scale set by the cross-section envelope, but also on the scales of the individual peaks. This dependence is related to the fact that topogr.
Complete Moment Convergence for Sung’s Type Weighted Sums of -Valued Random Elements

Let and Let be a sequence of independent and identically distributed -valued random elements and let be an array of real numbers satisfying for some We give necessary and sufficient conditions for complete moment convergence of the form , where A strong law of large numbers for weighted sums of independent -valued random elements is also obtained.
Simplified Binaural Measurement Systems for Interior Noise Evaluation of Truck Vehicle Compartments

This Master Thesis was carried out in cooperation with Volvo 3P to design a simple system capable to record, playback and measure levels of noise in truck compartments. The desire was to achieve good enough quality of the output data to replace the currently used binaural recording system. It was requested that the recording system should be able to measure correct absolute levels, be portable as well as provide a binaural recording fidelity comparable to that of the equipment used at the company today. The binaural recording fidelity of five different binaural-similar recording systems has been studied, with commercially produced artificial head and headset as reference. For level measurements, free hanging microphones were used as reference. The binaural recording quality was investigated using spectral analysis, measurement of head related transfer functions, and listening tests. From the head related transfer function we obtained knowledge of the directional properties of the recording systems, while the listening tests provided us with the perceived differences of the recordings. To judge the binaural quality of the recordings in their intended acoustical environment, the final evaluation was performed with in-cab noise measurements. The two systems composed of a spherical smooth head, “Sphere”, and the display head, “Friggo” performed well in the listening test regarding reality of in-cab noise recordings. These two heads were manufactured at the Volvo Trucks. Because of its good binaural recording quality compared to the artificial head and reliable level measurements, Friggo is recommended to be used for recordings of in-cab noise. It performed well in all listening tests. Moreover, Friggo measured in comparison to the artificial head, in-cab noise levels more similar to those of measurements done with free hanging microphones, in comparison to the other systems. Thus, further investigation is recommended to obtain loudness levels in playback corresponding to the real situation.
Promoters and Deterrents of Developing Mechanization of Peanut Cultivation in North of Iran

The increasing cost of peanut production is a major concern in Iran. Therefore, developing the mechanization of peanut production is a necessity. In this regard, a three-phase Delphi study was conducted to identify the promoting and deterring factors affecting peanut cultivation mechanization in Guilan Province, the main peanut-producing region in Iran. After preliminary studies, 26 experts were selected as respondents for the study. Based on the final results, ‘allocating provincial and national funds to develop mechanization’ (with the agreement of 98.07% of respondents), ‘Organizing training programs to increase farmers’ technical knowledge’ (97.12%), and ‘conducting the pilot and model projects’(95.19%) were found to be the most important promoting factors in developing peanut cultivation mechanization in north of Iran. Moreover, ‘the small size and fragmentation of peanut farms’ (with 96.15% of respondents agreeing), ‘problems with the national and provincial programs of peanut mechanization’ (95.19%), and ‘low technical knowledge of farmers and craftsmen about peanut farming mechanization’ (94.23%) were identified as the most important deterring factors in developing peanut cultivation mechanization in north of Iran. Given the small area dedicated to peanut cultivation and the low income levels of peanut farmers in north of Iran, it seems that provincial and national funding allocation and peer-planned programming to import appropriate farm machinery are the most urgent plans to improve the status of mechanization of peanut cultivation in north of Iran.
The novel 22 bp insertion mutation in a promoter region of the PITX2 gene is associated with litter size and growth traits in goats

Abstract. The paired-like homeodomain 2 (PITX2) gene plays a critical role in regulating development, reproduction, and growth traits in ruminants. Hence, the objective of this study was to explore the polymorphisms of this gene and to evaluate their associations with quantitative traits. Herein, a novel insertion in the promoter region of the PITX2 gene was reported in Shaanbei white cashmere (SBWC) goats (n=1012). The genotype distributions between mothers of single-kid and multi-kid groups within SBWC goats were significantly different (P<0.01), implying that this indel mutation might affect the litter size. Furthermore, association analysis found that this indel mutation was significantly associated with litter size (P=0.001). Individuals with genotype DD had a significantly smaller litter size than those with other genotypes (P<0.01). Besides, this indel was significantly associated with the body length (P=0.042) and the chest width (P=0.031). Especially, the individuals with genotype DD had a significantly lower body length than those with genotype II (P<0.05), which was consistent with the trend in litter size. These findings suggested that the new 22 bp indel mutation within the PITX2 gene is significantly associated with litter size and growth traits; this can be utilized as a functional molecular marker in goat breeding.
Empirical Analysis of Money Demand Function in Nigeria: 1986 - 2010

The paper investigates the role of monetary authority in its control of real cash balances through money supply. If money demand in Nigeria is stable the Central Bank of Nigeria can predict the level of money supply and there will be no inflationary pressure in the economy. The empirical analysis of the study involves application of tests for co-integration and vector error correction model. A test of stability was also conducted. The variables of the study are real money demand function (MD), gross capital formation (GCF), interest rate (INT), inflation rate (INF), exchange rate (EXR), government expenditure (GEX) and openness of the economy (OPE)) and cointegration test revealed long run equilibrium relationship. In the long run, it was discovered that interest rate, INF and OPE have negative impact on MD while the impact of GCF, EXR and GEX on the other hand are positive on MD in Nigeria. In the short run, lag values of MD, GCF, INT and EXR have negative relationship with current MD while the impact of INF and OPE are positive. The test of stability shows that real money demand function in Nigeria is stable as neither the CUSUM nor the CUSUMSQ plots cross the 5 percent critical boundaries. The study recommended that there should be a clear cut distinction between short run and long run objectives as the monetary authority, for example, can use inflation to reduce the level of money demand in the long run and increase it in the short run.
Monte Carlo Localization for Robocup 3 D Soccer Simulation League

This paper presents the application of the localization technique known as Monte Carlo Localization for the estimation of the global pose of virtual robots agents in the Robocup 3D Soccer Simulation League. It includes the overall theoretical background concerning this filtering algorithm, the stochastic modeling for this localization problem, an overview of this method’s implementation, simulation results and performance evaluation.
The intermittency of precipitation and the MJO 8 B . 7

There are two distinct schools of MJO theories. One school considers the MJO as a moisture mode, a largescale, low-frequency unstable mode in the tropics. The moisture mode arises from positive feedbacks between convection and the source of moist static energy (MSE) (e.g., Neelin and Yu, 1994; Sobel et al., 2001; Fuchs and Raymond, 2002, 2005, 2007; Bretherton et al., 2005; Maloney, 2009; Raymond and Fuchs, 2009). Part of the evidence comes from the fact that making deep convection sensitive to free troposphere moisture improves the MJO simulations in general circulation models (GCMs) (e.g., Grabowski, 2003; Bechtold et al., 2008; Holloway et al., 2013). Recent studies investigate the MSE budget of the MJO and show that cloudradiation feedback is the leading component of the MSE budget (e.g., Anderson and Kuang, 2012; Arnold et al., 2013). Horizontal advection of moisture are important to the eastward propagation (e.g., Anderson and Kuang, 2012).
The Transiting Exoplanet Community Early Release Science Program for JWST

The James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) presents the opportunity to transform our understanding of planets and the origins of life by revealing the atmospheric compositions, structures, and dynamics of transiting exoplanets in unprecedented detail. However, the high-precision, timeseries observations required for such investigations have unique technical challenges, and prior experience with Hubble, Spitzer, and other facilities indicates that there will be a steep learning curve when JWST becomes operational. In this paper, we describe the science objectives and detailed plans of the Transiting Exoplanet Community Early Release Science (ERS) Program, which is a recently approved program for JWST observations early in Cycle 1. We also describe the simulations used to establish the program. The goal of this project, for which the obtained data will have no exclusive access period, is to accelerate the acquisition and diffusion of technical expertise for transiting exoplanet observations with JWST, while also providing a compelling set of representative data sets that will enable immediate scientific breakthroughs. The Transiting Exoplanet Community ERS Program will exercise the timeseries modes of all four JWST instruments that have been identified as the consensus highest priorities, observe the full suite of transiting planet characterization geometries (transits, eclipses, and phase curves), and target planets with host stars that span an illustrative range of brightnesses. The observations in this program were defined through an inclusive and transparent process that had participation from JWST instrument experts and international leaders in transiting exoplanet studies. The targets have been vetted with previous measurements, will be observable early in the mission, and have exceptional scientific merit. Community engagement in the project will be centered on a two-phase Data Challenge that culminates with the delivery of planetary spectra, timeseries instrument performance reports, and open-source data analysis toolkits in time to inform the agenda for Cycle 2 of the JWST mission.
Austrian Economics as a Basis for a General Marketing Theory

In the field of marketing a number of theories compete for recognition, academic support and theoretical credibility. There are e.g. approaches from such diverse fields as economics, psychology and sociology. All in all, research on marketing is highly fragmented. The work at hand is a study on possibilities and obstacles of promoting “Austrian economics” – which emphasises the coordinating role of information (mostly via price-signals) in dynamic markets – as a general marketing-theory. At first, this thesis describes different concepts and problems toward marketing and marketing-theory. Then, epistemological principles and criteria towards marketing theories are discussed and the properties of Austrian economics in regard to marketing are shown. In the second half the epistemological criteria are applied on Austrian economics. In a Popperian framework Austrian economics suffers from certain weaknesses. Its immunization tendencies are an obstacle to empirical testing of its assumptions. However, Austrian economics offers important insights: Especially the descriptive and explicative properties of Austrian economics that are fruitful for marketingtheory. Without marketing, the market process would come to a halt in a state of disequilibrium. It is the informational role of marketing that improves the choices of alert consumers.
Life-Cycle Theory and Free Cash Flow Hypothesis: Evidence from Dividend Policy in Thailand

This paper examines dividend policy of Thai listed companies over the period 2002-2008. The results show that larger and more profitable firms with higher free cash flows and retained earnings to equity tend to pay higher dividends. In addition, the evidence indicates that firms with higher growth opportunities, proxied by market-to-book ratio, tend to pay lower dividend payout ratio but higher dividend yield. Collectively, the findings from this paper provide much support for the free cash flow and life-cycle hypotheses. Further, it is found that financial leverage is positively related to dividend payouts, a finding which casts doubt whether Thai firms rely on debt to pay dividends.
Can Dendrocalamus stocksii ( Munro . ) be the ideal multipurpose bamboo species for domestication in Peninsular India ?

Dendrocalamus stocksii is a thornless, mid-sized, erect, almost solid bamboo species endemic to the Central Western Ghats of India having considerable commercial importance. Its multifarious uses in agrarian sector is manifested in the way farmers maintain it in field bunds/farm boundaries and in homesteads. Due to the nearly solid nature of culms, it is replacing cane in the furniture industry. Evaluation of growth attributes of 100 clumps of Dendrocalamus stocksii randomly sampled along the Western Ghats showed considerable variation in culm and clump parameters. Analysis also revealed that th certain parameters like culm wall thickness to diameter ratio and 5 internode length and diameter had better heritability estimates. The potential of D. stocksii for exploitation as edible shoots revealed that the macro nutritional composition was on par with three other local bamboo species. The cyanogenic glycosides responsible for the bitterness in shoots are found to be low in D. stocksii. Financial analysis reveal that from a plantation managed for culm and shoot production, a potential revenue of around Rs.4. 5 lakhs (USD 6705)/year/ha from culms in the sixth year onwards and Rs. 1.6 lakhs (USD 2384)/ year from juvenile shoots can be reasonably expected thus indicating the overall usefulness of the species in Central Western Ghats.