Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Electricity consumption and information and communication technology in the next eleven emerging economies

In this study, the impact of information communication technologies (ICT) on electricity consumption in the next eleven (N-11) emerging economies over the period 1990-2014 is examined. This period coincides with high economic growth rates in those countries and associated rapidly increasing electricity consumption as well as the ICT revolution that saw the rapid uptake of new ICT by its peoples. Little has been published on the relationship between ICT and electricity consumption in the N-11 emerging economies. This paper examines the hypothesis that increased use of ICT increases electricity consumption. Secondly, how different measures of ICT affect electricity consumption and finally, what are the short-run and long run elasticities of electricity demand with respect to ICT in N-11 countries? The methods used included dynamic panel data models (mean group [MG], pool mean group [PMG], system generalized methods of moments) and show a positive and statistically significant relationship between ICT and electricity consumption where ICT is measured using internet connections, mobile phones or the import percentage of ICT goods of total imports. Long run ICT elasticities are smaller than income elasticities but because ICT growth rates are so much higher than economic growth rates, the impact of ICT on electricity consumption is greater than the impact of income on electricity consumption. Electricity demand projections in emerging economies, which do not include ICT as an explanatory variable, may underestimate actual electricity demand. This can lead to unplanned electricity shortages if actual electricity demand exceeds planned electricity demand. Thus, the paper gives policy recommendations based on the empirical results for the N-11 countries to address this problem
Testing random forest classification for identification 1 and aging of lava flows from a single Landsat 8 image 2

13 Mapping lava flows using satellite images is an important application of remote sensing in 14 volcanology. Several volcanoes have been mapped through remote sensing using a wide range of 15 data, from optical to thermal infrared and radar images, using techniques such as manual 16 mapping, supervised/unsupervised classification, and elevation subtraction. So far, spectral17 based mapping applications mainly focus on the use of traditional pixel-based classifiers, without 18 much investigation into the added value of object-based approaches and into advantages of using 19 machine learning algorithms. In this study, Nyamuragira, characterized by a series of more than 20 20 overlapping lava flows erupted over the last century, was used as a case study. The random 21 forest classifier was tested to map lava flows based on pixels and objects. Image classification 22 was conducted for the 20 individual flows and for 8 groups of flows of similar age using Landsat 23 8 imagery and a DEM of the volcano, both at 30-meter spatial resolution. Results show that 24 object-based classification produces maps with continuous and homogeneous lava surfaces, in 25 agreement with the physical characteristics of lava flows, while lava flows mapped through the 26 pixel-based classification are heterogeneous and fragmented including much “salt and pepper 27
Anionic peroxidase isoform profiles from calli and barks of pear cultivars and of the quince rootstock EM A

The anionic peroxidases (E.C. 1.11.1.7.) of three pear (Pyrus communis L.) cultivars, representing an increasing scale of graft incompatibility with quince (Cydonia oblonga Mill.), and of the quince rootstock EM A, were analyzed by discontinuous non-denaturing polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. Clear qualitative variations were detected among the electrophoretic patterns of the pear cultivars. These variations were observed at peroxidase isoforms that were slow migrating in the gels and were predominant in the callus extracts instead of the bark extracts. The roles of the electrophoretic methods and of the anionic peroxidase isoforms in the prediction of graft incompatibility are discussed.
A Validated Procedure for Teaching Prefixes and Its Effect on Students' Ability to Assign Meaning to Novel Words.

A study of 190 seventh grade students was conducted to discover the -relative value of teaching vocabulary by teaching whole words contrasted with teaching prefixes. Two experimental groups and a control group were formed of equal numbers of high, •middle, and low'ability students based on their scores on the Nelson Reading test. One experimental group was taught prefixes, whole words, and their meanings. The other experimental group was taught only whole words and their meanings. The control group did free reading during the instruction time of the experimental groups. Each group was given a pretest, a posttest, and a delayed posttest. Both experimental groups did better on the posttest and the delayed posttest than did the control group. The prefix treatment, which took no longer to administer than the whole word treatment, resulted in students learning more prefixes and in-their being able to use their knowledge of the prefixes to unlock the meaning of novel words. (TJ) \ *********************************************************************** •* Reproductions supplied by EDFS are the best that, can be Hade * "* • • from the original 'document. * ' ' ' "
Notes on the Marine Algae of the Bermudas. 8. Further Additions to the Flora, Including Griffithsia aestivana sp. nov. (Ceramiaceae, Rhodophyta) and an Update on the Alien Cystoseira compressa (Sargassaceae, Heterokontophyta)

Griffithsia aestivana sp. nov. is described as an endemic from Bermuda. Vegetatively, it is most similar to G. capitata from the eastern Atlantic Ocean, but the two differ in overall size and in the tetrasporic state. Eleven other marine algal taxa are reported from Bermuda for the first time: Anadyomene howei, Struvea elegans, Cladophoropsis macromeres, Derbesia turbinata, Caulerpa racemosa var. lamourouxii, Halimeda discoidea, Chrysymenia nodulosa, Gloiocladia iyoensis, Dasya caraibica, Chondrophycus iridescens and Polysiphonia scopulorum. All except D. turbinata represent new northern limits of distribution in the North Atlantic Ocean. In addition, recent Bermuda collections of the alien Mediterranean Cystoseira compressa and the rarely found Womersleyella setacea are detailed.
The Dynamics of Tightly-packed Planetary Systems in the Presence of an Outer Planet: Case Studies Using Kepler-11 and Kepler-90

We explore the effects of an undetected outer giant planet on the dynamics, observability, and stability of Systems with Tightly-packed Inner Planets (STIPs). We use direct numerical simulations along with secular theory and synthetic secular frequency spectra to analyze how analogues of Kepler-11 and Kepler-90 behave in the presence of a nearly co-planar, Jupiter-like outer perturber with semimajor axes between 1 and 5.2 au. Most locations of the outer perturber do not affect the evolution of the inner planetary systems, apart from altering precession frequencies. However, there are locations at which an outer planet causes system instability due to, in part, secular eccentricity resonances. In Kepler-90, there is a range of orbital distances for which the outer perturber drives planets b and c, through secular interactions, onto orbits with inclinations that are ∼16° away from the rest of the planets. Kepler-90 is stable in this configuration. Such secular resonances can thus affect the observed multiplicity of transiting systems. We also compare the synthetic apsidal and nodal precession frequencies with the secular theory and find some misalignment between principal frequencies, indicative of strong interactions between the planets (consistent with the system showing TTVs). First-order libration angles are calculated to identify MMRs in the systems, for which two near-MMRs are shown in Kepler-90, with a 5:4 between b and c, as well as a 3:2 between g and h.
THE IMPACT OF BIOACTIVE PHYTOSTEROL, STIGMASTEROL, ON CHOLESTEROL ELIMINATION PATHWAYS IN MICE

OF THESIS THE IMPACT OF BIOACTIVE PHYTOSTEROL, STIGMASTEROL, ON CHOLESTEROL ELIMINATION PATHWAYS IN MICE Despite advances in healthcare, cardiovascular disease (CVD) remains the leading cause of death in the United States. Elevated levels of plasma cholesterol are highly predictive of CVD and stroke and are the principal driver of atherosclerosis. Unfortunately, current cholesterol lowering agents, such as statins, are not known to reverse atherosclerotic disease once it has been established. In preclinical models, agonists of nuclear receptor, LXR, have been shown to reduce and reverse atherosclerosis. Phytosterols are bioactive non-cholesterol sterols that act as LXR agonists and regulate cholesterol metabolism and transport. We hypothesize that stigmasterol would act as an LXR agonist and alter intestinal cholesterol secretion to promote cholesterol elimination. Mice were fed a control diet, or a diet supplemented with stigmasterol (0.3% w/w) or T0901317 (0.015% w/w), a known LXR agonist. In this experiment we analyzed the sterol content of bile, intestinal perfusate, plasma, and feces. Additionally, the liver and small intestine were analyzed for relative levels of transcripts known to be regulated by LXR. We observed that T0901317 robustly promoted cholesterol elimination and acted as a strong LXR agonist. Stigmasterol also promoted cholesterol elimination but did not alter LXR-dependent gene expression. Stigmasterol promoted transintestinal cholesterol secretion through an LXR-independent pathway.
Efficient market hypothesis in emerging markets: Panel data evidence with multiple breaks and cross sectional dependence

The purpose of this paper is to re-examine whether mean reversion property hold for 15 emerging stock markets for the period 1985 to 2006. Utilizing a panel stationarity test that is able to account for multiple structural breaks and cross sectional dependence, we find that the emerging stock markets follow a random walk process. However, further analysis on individual series show that the majority of stock prices in emerging markets are governed by a mean reverting process. This result, which is inconsistent with efficient market hypothesis, suggests that past information is useful in predicting future prices in most of the markets.
When Claiming to Teach for Social Justice is Not Enough: Majoritarian Stories of Race, Difference, and Meritocracy

To understand how dominant messages about race and effective pedagogy impact teacherbeliefs and practice, this study employs critical race theory (CRT) in a case study analysis ofRebecca Rosenberg, a mid-career entrant into the teaching profession who was terminated fromher first job before the end of her district’s probationary period. Despite believing she wasteaching for social justice, being prepared in a program oriented toward social justice, and beinghired in a school with a comparable mission, Rebecca’s beliefs and practices affirmed uncriticalperspectives of the status quo regarding race, schooling, and social ascendance. This researchunderscores the substantial work to be done in preparing teachers to be reflective of theoverarching cultural myths and majoritarian stories that may guide their practice.
Modeling Acoustically Driven Microbubbles by Macroscopic Discrete-Mechanical Analogues

The dynamics of continuous systems that exhibit circular or spherical symmetry like drops, bubbles or some macromolecules, under the influence of some external excitation, develop surface patters that are hard to predict in most practical situations. In the particular case of acoustically driven microbubbles (ultrasound contrast agent), the study of the behavior of the bubble shell requires complex modeling even for describe the most simple oscillation patterns. Furthermore, due to the smallness of the spatio-temporal scale of the problem, an experimental approach requires expensive hardware setup. Despite the complexity of the particular physical problem, the basic dynamical features of some continuous physical systems can be captured by simple models of coupled oscillators. In this work we consider an analogy between a shelled-gas bubble cavitating under the action of an acoustic field and a discrete mechanical system. Thus, we present a theoretical and experimental study of the spatial instabilities of a circular ring of coupled pendulums parametrically driven by a vertical harmonic force. The system is capable of wave propagation and exhibit nonlinearities and dispersion, so manifest rich dynamics: normal oscillation modes (breathing, dipole, quadrupole.) and localized patterns of different types (breathers and kinks) witch are predicted by finite-differences numerical solutions and observed experimentally. On the basis of this analogy, the oscillation patterns and localized modes observed experimentally in acoustically driven bubbles are interpreted and discussed.
The Effectiveness and Perception of ICT Program Implementation in Enhancing Maternal and Newborn Survival Among Pregnant Women in Indonesian Society

In an effort to reduce maternal mortality, the Indonesian government launched the Expanding Maternal and Neonatal Survival (EMAS) program. One of its main objectives is to strengthen the referral system that can help in emergency situation and healthcare during pregnancy by using information and communication technology (ICT). It is implemented through such sub-programs as SIJARIEMAS, SIGAPKU, SIPPP, and SMSBunda. Brebes has the highest rate of maternal mortality in Central Java, which is included in the EMAS program. This paper aims to identify the effectiveness of SMSBunda in communicating with pregnant women in Brebes. From focus group discussion with pregnant women, the result showed that SMSBunda has not been taken seriously and people still rely more on their community for information related to their pregnancy.
The Gregoriev Ice Cap evolution according to the 2-D ice flowline model for various climatic scenarios in the future

Abstract. Different flowline thickness distributions and flowline length changes of the Gregoriev Ice Cap were obtained for some surface mass balance histories which can be considered as possible surface mass balances in the future. The ice cap modeling was performed by solving full Stokes equations in the form of one mechanical equilibrium equation in terms of stress deviator components in couple with continuity equation for incompressible substance. The numerical solution was obtained by the finite-difference method. The problem of diagnostic equations stability was overcome by a~compound approximation of the ice surface boundary condition based on the extending of the mechanical equilibrium equation to ice surface points. The problem of stability in the prognostic equation can arise at relatively small grid size in horizontal direction in the case of steep velocity decreasing closely to the ice front and was overcome by introducing the artificial viscosity into the prognostic equation. The basal sliding can arise in the glacier tongue at certain climatic conditions and was introduced through the linear friction law. The correlations between glacier length changes and annual air temperature histories were investigated within the simplified equation in the form of linear dependence of annual air temperature versus the glacier length and time derivation of the length.
Quality Management from a Company Development Perspective - The complexity of a change process

This paper examines the development of quality management in a company setting and in the perspective of on-going company development processes. Presenting a longitudinal perspective, a discussion of different dilemmas and matters of importance in understanding the QM development in a company and its implications, leads to a conclusion; in order to better understand and develop QM in a company a processual perspective applying a more profound process view than often prevailing is needed.
Occurrence of Alternaria toxins in fibre flax, linseed, and peas grown in organic and conventional farms: monitoring pilot study

KRALOVA J., HAJSLOVA J., POUSTKA J., HOCHMAN M. , BJELKOV A M. , ODSTR CILOVA L. (2006): Occurrence of Alternaria toxins in fibre flax, linseed, and peas grown in organic and conventional farms: Monitoring pilot study. Czech J. Food Sci., 24: 288–296. Fungi representing Alternaria spp. are ubiquitous pathogens that may under certain conditions cause spoilage of various food crops. Several Alternaria species are known producers of toxic secondary metabolites in some fruits and vegetables, nevertheless, only limited knowledge is available on the occurrence of these mycotoxins in legumes and/or oilseeds used for human nutrition. In the first part of the presented study, the analytical method employing reversed phase high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) coupled with fluorescence detection (FLD) was implemented to enable the examination of these food commodities for the presence of altenuene (AE), alternariol (AOH), and alter nariol monomethyl ether (AME) ; the limits of detection were 1, 3 and 2 µg/kg for AE, AOH, and AME, respectively. Altogether 122 flax and 84 pea seed samples grown under organic and/or conventional farming conditions were analysed in the years 2002–2003. AME was detected in 20 flax seed samples; AE and AOH were present in only 2 and 4 samples, respectively. More frequent incidence of Alternaria toxins was recognised in fibre flax seeds as compared to linseed samples. Compared to the crops from the conventional farming, the concentrations of these mycotoxins found in positive organic samples were higher. No Alternaria mycotoxins were detected in the pea samples, probably due to the presence of antifungal compounds in the respective crop.
Evaluation of PBL Parameterizations for Modeling Surface Wind Speed during Storms in the Northeast United States

AbstractThis study identifies conditions that determine errors in numerical simulations of 10-m wind speed over moderately complex terrain, emphasizing winds that lead to overhead power-line damage over a subregion of the northeast United States. Simulations with the Mellor–Yamada–Janjic (MYJ) scheme, the Yonsei University (YSU) scheme, and a subgrid-scale topographic drag correction (Topo) applied to YSU are used to investigate error components. The wind speed distribution is dominated by low speeds, which are well depicted by Topo, but are underestimated by the MYJ and YSU schemes. Conversely, moderate and high speeds are underestimated by Topo, and MYJ and YSU perform better across specific ranges. Verification samples are conditioned by season, diurnal cycle, topography, and spatial patterns obtained with a clustering analysis. The systematic error is characterized by a positive bias in low speeds, and as speed increases the biases become more negative. Quantile comparisons, along with systematic and .
An image based dynamic window approach for local navigation of an autonomous vehicle in urban environments

This paper presents a local navigation strategy for autonomous vehicles in urban environments with an Image Based Dynamic Window Approach (IDWA). Differently from the global navigation techniques, which requires the vehicle localization to perform its movement, the focus here was to solve the navigation problem in local navigation steps. For that, the environment features will be used, performing the road lane following e.g. The DWA performs a reactive obstacle avoidance while trying to reach a goal destination. In this case, reach the goal destination is based on the Image Based Visual Servoing equations for road lane following, which were incorporated into the DWA. The final solution takes into account the car kinematics/dynamics constraints to allow the vehicle to follow the road lane while avoiding obstacles. The results show the viability of the proposed methodology.
Co-Teaching in Secondary Schools: Teacher Reports of Developments in Australian and American Classrooms

Interviews with, and classroom observations of, 17 teachers were used to investigate co-teaching approaches that provide support to students with disabilities in inclusive secondary classrooms. Data collected in Queensland (Australia) and Pennsylvania (United States) public schools allowed comparisons of teacher roles and responsibilities under 2 systems of education. The data were analyzed for themes and validated by reference to the participants. Co-teaching partnerships in both countries were characterized by a domination by content subject teachers and assignment of special educators to "monitoring" or "helping" duties within the class. Teachers stressed the importance of schoolwide commitment to inclusive principles as a key factor in the success of co-teaching. Most respondents saw professional and personal compatibility between co-teaching partners as critical for success. Barriers to the introduction of co-teaching in secondary schools were reported to be entrenched attitudes rejecting inclusion a.
Measuring Bank Performance of Nepali Banks: A Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) Perspective

The aim of this study is to develop a performance model for measuring relative efficiency and potential improvement capabilities of Nepali banks by scrutinizing intermediation aspects. For measuring the efficiency and performance, this paper uses a relatively new frontier approach known as Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA). The paper uses two basic DEA models to fulfill its objectives. This paper seeks to measure and analyze the efficiency levels of banks in Nepal during 2007-08 to 2010-11. The study reveals that efficiency level is relatively stable and has increased on overall. Additionally, it also breaks down the overall efficiency of banks into technical and scale efficiency. This study found no significant relationship with efficiency level and ownership structure of banks and there were no notable differences in the efficiency levels of banks according to their asset size.
Understanding performance measurement in public organization under pragmatic constructivism

The aim of this paper is twofold. Firstly to explore how a constructivist pragmatic approach may be applied to understand critical aspects of performance measurement in a public organization. And secondly, to contribute in proposing some effective characteristics of the potential PMS in the same setting. To this aims we analyze how different topoi may cohabit in a Regional Authority. This topic is particular important because the convergence of different topoi is crucial for the achievement of common organizational visions and to achieve organizational goals. The investigation of topoi was supported by interviews and focus groups that involved two organizational positions of an Italian Regional Authority: Top Managers and Middle Managers. These two organizational positions were chosen because they perform different types of activities and hence we can expect different topoi. The aim of interviews and focus group was to trace values, facts, logic and communication that form the topos driving the perception of performance. Interviews involved 7 Top Managers in charge of the 7 divisions of the Region and 15 Middle Managers in charge of departments. 17 focus groups involved 90 Middle Managers in charge of responsibility areas under each department. Results underline that Top Managers and Middle Managers are driven by different topoi and have a different concept of performance at the base of their efforts: Top Managers require flexibility and professionalisms in their work, while Middle Managers require precise plans and rules. The result is that different topoi have different concepts of performance and that the performance of the Regional Authority and the contribution of organizational actors to the achievement of organizational goals result unclear and confused. Findings underline that the alignment of topoi is of utmost importance to the design of an effective PMS in the organization: increasing the communication between these two organizational levels may favor the convergence of the two topoi and increase the clarity of the Regional Authority performance goals and measures.