Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Changes in climate, catchment vegetation and hydrogeology as the causes of dramatic lake-level fluctuations in the Kurtna Lake District, NE Estonia

Numerous lakes in the world serve as sensitive indicators of climate change. Water levels for lakes Ahnejärv and Martiska, two vulnerable oligotrophic closed-basin lakes on sandy plains in northeastern Estonia, fell more than 3 m in 1946 1987 and rose up to 2 m by 2009. Earlier studies indicated that changes in rates of groundwater abstraction were primarily responsible for the changes, but scientifically sound explanations for water-level fluctuations were still lacking. Despite the inconsistent water-level dataset, we were able to assess the importance of changing climate, catchment vegetation and hydrogeology in water-level fluctuations in these lakes. Our results from water-balance simulations indicate that before the initiation of groundwater abstraction in 1972 a change in the vegetation composition on the catchments triggered the lake-level decrease. The water-level rise in 19902009 was caused, in addition to the reduction of groundwater abstraction rates, by increased precipitation and decreased evaporation. The results stress that climate, catchment vegetation and hydrogeology must all be considered while evaluating the causes of modern water-level changes in lakes.
Auditor Choice and Corporate Bond Ratings: International Evidence

Using a sample of 823 firms from 35 countries, we examine the impact of auditor’s choice on bonds ratings. An Ordered Probit Regression Model was used to identify how the auditor choice affects the probability of bond ratings. We find strong evidence that the auditor’s choice significantly affects the bond ratings. The model also shows that the quality of legal and extra-legal institutions plays an important role in improving debt ratings. More specifically, we find that the existence and the enforcement of creditor laws are associated with higher bond rating.
Constraints on the long‐term colluvial erosion law by analyzing slope‐area relationships at various tectonic uplift rates in the Siwaliks Hills (Nepal)

[1] The large database of topographic form and uplift rates that exists for the Siwaliks Hills (central Nepal) makes possible a thorough analysis of the long-term erosion model. The study especially focuses on drainage areas larger than 5.10−3 km2, fixed by the database resolution, and smaller than 1 km2 above which a fluvial signature is recorded. This area range corresponds to colluvial valleys in which the dominant erosion process is likely debris flow. We evaluate a phenomenological model wherein erosion is considered to depend on drainage area and slope. We test this model by assuming that the uplift rate is in approximate equilibrium with erosion. The stream power law model, formulated by analogy to river incision and transport problems, is found to be consistent with data since an inverse power law relationship between slope and drainage area is systematically observed between 7.10−3 and ∼1 km2, with little variability on the exponent ∼−0.24. Thanks to the range of uplift rates, we obtain constraints on the slope dependency of erosion law, which appears linear and which predicts a significant erosion threshold. The linear dependence on slope in the debris-flow zone is consistent with findings by Kirby and Whipple [2001] in the fluvial downstream zone and with the linear relationship between local relief and uplift rate documented by Hurtrez et al. [1999]. The transition between this colluvial-channel regime and the fluvial regime appears quite sharp in contrast with recent studies, but the latter regime is not sufficiently documented to derive definite conclusions.
The standard of proof at adjudication of abuse or neglect

We measure the extent to which the standard of proof the CPS must meet at trial in a child abuse or neglect case influences the outcomes in the case. In the United States, the government of each of the 50 states and the District of Columbia sets its own standard of proof. We measure the influence of the standards of proof using survey data. We find that a higher standard of proof – one requiring the government to present clear and convincing evidence of abuse or neglect rather than only requiring a preponderance of the evidence of abuse or neglect—decreases the probability that the judge rules in favor of CPS. A clear and convincing standard also affects decisions before trial: it increases the number of visits made by CPS during an investigation; it lowers the odds that CPS substantiates the case; and it lowers the odds that a case reaches trial. After trial, it increases the probability of an out-of-home placement.
A geometrical approach to front propagation problems in bounded domains with Neumann-type boundary conditions

We are interested in the asymptotic behavior of the solutions of scaled reaction-diffusion equations in bounded domains, associated with Neumann type boundary conditions, and more precisely in cases when such behavior is described in terms of moving interfaces. A typical example is the case of the Allen–Cahn equation associated with an oblique derivative boundary condition, where the generation of a front moving by mean curvature with an angle boundary condition is shown. In order to establish such results rigourously, we modify and adapt the “geometrical approach” introduced by P. E. Souganidis and the first author for solving problems in RN : we provide a new definition of weak solution for the global-in-time motion of fronts with curvature-dependent velocities and with angle boundary conditions, which turns out to be equivalent to the level-set approach when there is no fattening phenomenon. We use this definition to obtain the asymptotic behavior of the solutions of a large class of reaction-diffusion equations, including the case of quasilinear ones and (x, t)dependent reaction terms, but also with any, possibly nonlinear, Neumann boundary conditions.
Consumption rate, food preferences and transit time of captive giant otters Pteronura brasiliensis: Implications for the study of wild populations

Food consumption, food preferences and transit time of digesta were determined in captive giant otters, Pteronura brasiliensis, at the National Institute of Amazon Research (INPA), Manaus, Brazil. Food consumption of an adult female was 0.0997 kg 1 day 1 . Giant otters showed significant and varied preferences for the single Siluriformes (catfish) and various Characiformes species offered. The adult female preferred Anostomidae and Hypophthalmus (catfish), followed by Triportheus. Myleinae (pacu) were the least preferred, and other species of Characiformes offered were intermediate between Triportheus and Myleinae but not different from one another. The subadult male preferred Psectrogaster, Potamorhina and Semaprochilodus, followed by Hypophthalmus and finally Hemiodontidae. Within species, larger fish are chosen significantly more often than smaller fish (78.7% of trials, P=0.002). Species, size and individual otter significantly affected the percentage of times fish offered were consumed completely (P<0.016). Overall, most fish were consumed completely beginning with the anterior end. Characoids were consumed completely more often than siluroids (77.8% vs. 38.6% of trials, P<0.0001), but the percentage of times different characoids were consumed completely varied (range 0–100%). Small fish (5–15 cm) are more likely to be consumed completely than medium (15–25 cm) fish (84.9% vs. 80.2% of trials, P<0.02). Transit time of particulate markers averaged 3.13 h. Captive preferences are compared to diets of wild otters in the region (central Amazonia), and implications of study results for determination of food habits in wild otters using scat analysis are discussed.
The 10 μm band in amorphous MgSiO3: the influence of medium-range structure, defects and thermal processing

Context. Variations in the 10 μm amorphous silicate band profile between different environments have been variously attributed to differences in composition, grain processing or macroscopic constitution (e.g. compact versus aggregate grains). However the relationship with mineralogical structure has remained poorly defined. Aims. The relationship between the 10 μm band and medium-range (∼2‐20 A) structure is investigated. Methods. Synchrotron X-ray scattering, Fourier transform infrared and Raman spectroscopy are used to relate changes in mediumrange structure to changes in the 10 μm band profile for amorphous MgSiO3 annealed at temperatures leading up to crystallisation. Results. Raman and X-ray data show a build up of strain within the silicate network, which is released between ∼400‐550 ◦ C, causing a relaxation of both the Si-O-Si bond angle and Si-O bond length. Decomposing the 10 μm band at each temperature step shows SiO3 is the initially dominant component and increases in proportion as other species become incorporated into the silicate structure. However at ∼400 ◦ C the proportion of SiO3 decreases as species with greater numbers of non-bridging oxygens form. The coincidence with strain release implies a breakup of larger tetrahedral structures. Conclusions. We identify a correspondence between the spectral response at 10 μm of amorphous MgSiO3 and the evolution of its structural state at medium-range distances. The dependence of the 10 μm band on medium-range structure may account for the hitherto poor correlation between composition and band behaviour, variations in the 10 μm band observed in other silicates of similar compositions, or, between observed bands in different astronomical settings.
Managing coral reef fish community biomass is a priority for biodiversity conservation in Madagascar

Elucidating factors that influence natural resources and diversity can assist managing species and their ecological functions. Key management options include protecting unique locations or implementing restrictions that more broadly protect ecological attributes and their services. To evaluate these 2 options, we examined 23 fish families in 152 unique sites in the Western and Northern Madagascar Ecoregion to test for spatial aggregation, environmental, habitat, and human influences on the fish communities. We found that there were 10 distinct communities of fish and that they were widely distributed in the region. Biomass and diversity were closely associated with the community types and showed weak spatial aggregation and environmental and market influences. Further, fishable biomass was only weakly positively associated with habitat characteristics of depth and soft coral cover and negatively associated with erect algae (R2 = 0.06). Biomass was the strongest predictor of number of species whereas associations with light and hard coral cover were weak and median sea surface temperature (SST) and water depth had the weakest influences (all variable R2 = 0.41). Given the weak spatial aggregation, environmental influences, high spatial and species variability, we suggest that there are few conservation priority locations. Consequently, for ecological representation and function there is a need for broad-scale spatial management that captures this heterogeneity and maintains reef fish biomass. The status of reefs in this ecoregion was fair with ~65% of the study sites having biomass >600 kg ha−1.
Measurement of plane vibrations of orthotropic rotating element in a folding machine

An important problem in the design of printing equipment is measurement of vibrations of rollers and also of their segments in the designed folding machines. Such measurements were carried out in the process of this investigation. Laser displacement head “Microtrack LTC 200-100” was applied during the process of performed measurements. Results from the experiment were obtained and analyzed at the pre-selected positions of the investigated rollers and also of their segments. Vibrational displacements were determined (they have the form of beatings) of the investigated rollers and also of their segments, which originate during the process of rotation. They influence the quality of resulting printing products. Plane stress problem by taking into account orthotropic properties of material is analyzed. Supplementary stiffness, which takes place because of the static loading as a result of action of centrifugal forces, is used in the analyzed model. Eigenmodes are calculated and analyzed.
Desarrollo de un arrecife coralino en el Pleistoceno tardío en Isla Coronados, Golfo de California Late Pleistocene coral-reef development on Isla Coronados, Gulf of California

Part of an extensive fossil reef composed of corals attributed to Porites panamensis is exposed in cross section along the walls of Canada Coronados on the south side of Isla Cononados in the Gulf of California, near Loreto, Baja California Sur (Mexico). Based on laboratory analysis of uranium/thorium isotope ratios derived from a coral sample, the reef developed sometime between 121,000 and 127,000 years ago during a highstand in sea level correlative with marine isotope substage 5e. Densely packed bouquet-shaped colonies with multiple branches reach a maximum height of 1.1 m and maximum diameter of 1.1 m. Colony size diminishes markedly in the landward direction. About 60% of the corals show growth from an attachment point on andesite cobbles or small boulders. These clasts formed a debris apron on the floor of a large lagoon that effectively stabilized carbonate sand derived from crushed rhodoliths. Associated with the cobbled surface is a transitional intertidal biota that includes clast-encrusting coralline red algae, fixed bivalves such as Pseudochama janus, Modiolus capax, Barbatia reevseana, and Arca pacifica, in addition to gastropods such as Turbo fluctuosus, Acanthina tuberculata, and Nerita bernhardi. The succeeding reef body covered a minimum area of 1.3 ha. Using a conservative estimate of one coral colony per square meter, the reef deposit at Canada Coronados represents the coalescence of 13,000 colonies. Not strictly coeval in ecological age, additional reef structures may have occupied up to 50 ha around the Canada Coronados site on Isla Coronados. The southern exposure of fossil reefs on Isla Coronados is a pattern commonly found on other islands and sheltered bays on the peninsular coast in the lower Gulf of California.
Measuring Potential Output and Output Gap and Macroeconomic Policy: The Case of Kenya

Measuring the level of an economy.s potential output and output gap are essential in identifying a sustainable non-inflationary growth and assessing appropriate macroeconomic policies. The estimation of potential output helps to determine the pace of sustainable growth while output gap estimates provide a key benchmark against which to assess inflationary or disinflationary pressures suggesting when to tighten or ease monetary policies. These measures also help to provide a gauge in the determining the structural fiscal position of the government. This paper attempts to measure Kenya.s potential output and output gap using alternative statistical techniques and structural methods. Estimation of potential output and output gap using these techniques shows varied results. The estimated potential output growth using different methods gave a range of . 2.9 to 2.4 percent for 2000 and a range of . 0.8 to 4.6 for 2001. Although various methods produce varied results, they however provided a broad consensus on the over-all trend and performance of the Kenyan economy. This study found that firstly, potential output growth is declining over the recent time and secondly, the Kenyan economy is contracting in the recent years.
Relationship of leadership, strategy and business environment of the Ecuadorian SME competitiveness

This research aims to determine the factors linked to the need for survival and success in SMEs. The elements of Leadership, Competitive Environment and Business Strategy regarding the relationship with the Business Competitiveness of the Ecuadorian SMEs were considered. The results of the analysis were obtained through a model of structural equations of type PLS-SEM. The results determined that the factor of the Business Strategy is the one with the most significant direct influence on Competitiveness.
Attitudes of Turkish EFL Students towards Learning English.

The study investigated the attitudes of Turkish undergraduate EFL students’ attitudes toward learning English. The study was carried out with 60 foreign students studying at Bartin University the School of Foreign Languages in the 2018-2019 academic year by conducting a questionnaire designed on a five-point Likert scale. The scales examined in the questionnaire were “integrativeness, attitudes to L2 community, cultural interest, attitudes to learning Turkish, criterion measures, ideal L2 self, ought-to L2 self, family influence, instrumentality (promotion and prevention), and fear of assimilation”. The data were analyzed by using SPSS program. The results revealed that undergraduate EFL students had positive attitudes towards learning a foreign language since they need it in their lives.
Use of Blended Learning for Effective Implementation of English-Medium Instruction in a Non-English Higher Education Context

Although researchers agree with the strengths of an English-medium instruction (EMI) in addressing internationalization of a non-English higher education (HE) context, its implementation in classrooms has been widely criticized, mostly because of ineffective delivery of course content and a lack of evidence of English improvement. Grounded upon a critical review of the current state of internationalization of Korean HE and the subsequent examination of supplementary interview data from 15 college students who have taken EMI courses, this study proposes a model which integrates critical factors of EMI into one framework. This model aims at guiding the EMI policy from initiation to implementation. A major feature of this model is blended learning as a strategy to address the shortcomings of current EMI in this context and to facilitate the allocation of diverse online materials to scaffold EMI instruction. The benefits of the approach are presented from the perspectives both of policy-makers and of classroom participants.
The effect of interviewer experience, attitudes, personality and skills on respondent co-operation with face-to-face surveys

This paper examines the role of interviewers' experience, attitudes, personality traits and inter-personal skills in determining survey co-operation, conditional on contact. We take the perspective that these characteristics influence interviewers' behaviour and hence influence the doorstep interaction between interviewer and sample member. Previous studies of the association between doorstep behaviour and co-operation have not directly addressed the role of personality traits and inter-personal skills and most have been based on small samples of interviewers. We use a large sample of 842 face-to-face interviewers working for a major survey institute and analyse co-operation outcomes for over 100,000 cases contacted by those interviewers over a 13-month period. We find evidence of effects of experience, attitudes, personality traits and inter-personal skills on co-operation rates. Several of the effects of attitudes and inter-personal skills are explained by differences in experience, though some independent effects remain. The role of attitudes, personality and skills seems to be greatest for the least experienced interviewers.
The Aid-Migration Trade-Off

This paper brings out an empirically significant tradeoff between the aid flows delivered by donor countries and the inflow of migrants that they get from developing countries. It draws its implications for aid policy from a simple game-theoretic model, after reviewing the recent literature on the effects and motivations of foreign aid to developing countries. It is part of the recent effort made by economists for uncovering the hidden agenda behind foreign aid that was triggered by the dead end in which the "aid-ineffectiveness" literature has cornered itself.
ADOPTION AND FARM-LEVEL IMPACT OF GENETICALLY IMPROVED FARMED TILAPIA (GIFT) IN THE PHILIPPINES

Over the last four decades, the aquaculture sector especially in developing countries has experienced dramatic growth. The increase in aquaculture production is a combination of area expansion and technological change (enhanced strains, input of feed and fertilizer, and improved management). One example of such technological change is the selective breeding efforts on tilapia that were initiated in 1988 by the WorldFish Center (then ICLARM) together with (inter-)national partners. The outcome of the selective breeding effort was a tilapia strain called ”GIFT” (genetically improved farmed tilapia) which was first made available in 1993 and which showed significantly higher growth rates in on-farm trials. The strain was first adopted in the Philippines but has since been disseminated in 11 Asian countries. Ex-ante studies had shown the potential of the GIFT strain and concluded that substantial impact from GIFT and GIFT-derived strains can be expected. Our study is an ex-post assessment of the farm-level impact of GIFT and the way the technology has been disseminated and taken up. The study is based on a survey of 780 tilapia producers conducted in 2006/2007 in three different regions in Luzon, the Philippines. We analyze adoption rates of the GIFT strain and compare the performance of GIFT vs. nonGIFT strains and the impact of different factors on tilapia yields. Lastly, we evaluate the profitability of the production of GIFT vs. non-GIFT strains. Our major findings are that based on farmers’ reporting the adoption of pure GIFT strains is very low (6%), while almost half of the farmers reported to use GIFTderived strains. There is uncertainty about the genetic origin of the strains in at least 27% of the cases, and even for the GIFT and GIFT-derived strains questions remain with regard to the purity of the breed. Based on farmers’ ratings and the reported production information, the GIFT and GIFT-derived strains did not perform any better compared to other strains. This is likely to be a result of the poor management of improved strains over the last 15 years rather than a shortcoming of the original GIFT technology.
International Migration, Kinship Networks and Social Capital in Southwestern Nigeria

ABSTRACT International migration attracts global concern as international migration and its remittances are highly important mechanisms with profound implications for family, community, and national and international sustainability across borderlines. The demand for workers in most industrialized countries in order to sustain national economies and aspiration of migrants from less industrialized nations for better job opportunities and better ways of life have continued to foster migration and challenge constructions of social capital. As well as various push and pull factors, kinship networks and familial social relations serve as major drivers of migration. Consequently, various social structures and development projectiles in the giving and receiving nations are implicated. Thus, this study delved into interrogating the contours of how remittances in terms of patterns and perceptions embedded in migrations and social relations of migrants and their kin in selected locations in Ibadan. This study utilized a purely qualitative method of research because the subject matter focuses on making sense of meanings people attach to migration, remittance and supports as social capital towards understanding migration dynamics. Data were purposively collected through in-depth interviews in Ibadan metropolis, Nigeria. A total of 40 interviews were conducted. This article makes an important contribution to the data and literature on motivations to migrate.