Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Forest Landscape Restoration: Who Decides? A Governance Approach to Forest Landscape Restoration

Forest landscape restoration is currently gaining momentum as a means of jointly addressing climate change and future agricultural demands. Forest landscape restoration does not aim to ‘just’ restore forests, but to restore them from a broader perspective on the landscape as a whole, allowing simultaneous restoration of the ecological and productive functions of forests. There are many ways in which forested landscapes can be restored, depending on the biophysical characteristics of the landscapes, but also, and even more so on the interests of a landscape’s stakeholders, and the way in which they negotiate, and make landscape decisions. This complex process of decision making between stakeholders operating at various levels and scales is usually referred to as landscape governance. Landscape governance often does not tally with the political-administrative structures of states, because landscapes are usually not incorporated as a formal layer in the political and administrative structures of states. Instead, landscape governance is captured in a messy web of multi-actor networks, institutions and institutional arrangements, (in)formally constructed across levels and scales, more or less embedded in locally existing livelihood strategies and socially embedded institutional frames. Global initiatives on forest landscape restoration are therefore not to be institutionalized along structures of formal (de)centralized structures of states, but ‘bricoled’ though informal networks, multi-stakeholder coalitions, or public-private partnerships engaged in processes of landscape learning, where stakeholders learn to create and share institutional space. In this way, forest landscape restoration can become a catalyst for institutional change, transforming governance into a process of place-bound negotiation and decision making, to collectively make place.
Beyond Supply and Demand: A Feminist-institutionalist Theory of Candidate Selection

Dynamics of candidate selection are central to political representation. The dominant model used to study the case of women focuses on the supply of and demand for female aspirants. This article develops a critique of this approach, by drawing on two sets of theoretical tools: institutionalism and feminism. It subsequently elaborates an alternative perspective on candidate selection based on configurations of three kinds of gendered institutions: systemic, practical, and normative. The utility of this approach is then explored through three paired comparisons of cases in which quota policies have been introduced, disrupting some but not necessarily all aspects of gendered institutional configurations.
How California agricultural producers manage risk

In a statewide survey, California agricultural producers ranked output price and input cost highest among their production and financial risks. Due to poor availability of hedging, forward contracting and crop insurance, less than 25% of the respondents used these tools to reduce risk. Diversification of production or income sources was their most common strategy for managing risk. Until risk tools are better tailored to the needs of California producers, and until producers become better informed about managing income risk, the state's agricultural sector will face unnecessarily high levels of financial stress.
The Financial System Capacities in China and India

In this paper we examine and compare the formal systems of law and finance in China and India and the alternative institutional arrangements and governing mechanisms in the two countries, and the relation between the development of these systems and their economic growth. China differs from most of the countries studied in the law, institutions, finance, and growth literature: Its legal and financial systems as well as institutions are all underdeveloped, but its economy has been growing at a very fast rate. More importantly, the growth in the Private Sector, where applicable legal and financial mechanisms are arguably poorer than those in the State and Listed sectors, is much faster than that of the other sectors. The system of alternative mechanisms and institutions plays an important role in supporting the growth in the Private Sector, and they are good substitutes for standard corporate governance mechanisms and financing channels. Despite its English commonl aw origin and British-style judicial system and democratic government, there is enough documented evidence to suggest that the effective level of investor protection and the quality of legal institutions in India are quite weak as well. Once again, this has evidently not prohibited growth. We find that to a large extent Indian firms conduct business outside the formal legal system and do not rely on formal financing channels from markets and banks for most of their financing needs. Instead, firms across the board, and in particular, small and medium firms, use non-legal methods based on reputation, trust and relationships to settle disputes and enforce contracts, and rely on alternative financing channels such as trade credits to finance their growth. The scope, methodologies, and results of our paper paint a more complete picture of the law-finance-growth nexus and how businesses and investors respond to the limitations of legal system and formal financial system than existing studies.
Effects of selected affective variables on mathematics achievement of freshmen science and engineering students: The case of Hawassa University

This study was conducted mainly to determine the direct and indirect effects of affective variables on mathematics achievement of freshman science and engineering students of Hawassa University. Descriptive survey data were obtained from 245 (201 male, 44 female) students from five departments of science and engineering faculties. Data were acquired through adopted instruments for measuring mathematics self-efficacy and attitudes towards mathematics. Cronbach’s α was obtained for checking reliability of reduced factors. The t-test was employed to compare means; path analysis procedures were used to analyze direct and indirect effects of gender and affective variables on mathematics achievement scores. The results show that the factor structures of self-efficacy and attitude variables were more or less in agreement with the literature; the level of attitudes towards mathematics and mathematics self-efficacy are moderate for the study groups; more specifically, students’ motivation towards mathematics was just below average; both confidence in mathematics and enjoying doing mathematics were marginally high. On the other hand, students have high scores in valuing mathematics and high problem solving self-efficacy and engagement in mathematics self-efficacy. Some attitude subscales and all self-efficacy subscales were highly correlated with mathematics achievement. Results depict that there is significant gender difference in mathematics achievement and only in two of self-efficacy subscales, mathematics capability self-efficacy and engagement in mathematics self-efficacy. Although the amount of variance in mathematics achievement explained by the motivational variables is low, the direct effects of gender and the self-efficacy variables on mathematics achievement were significant at 0.05 level of significance; and confidence in doing mathematics showed significant indirect effect on mathematics achievement. It seems that the self-efficacy variables contribute direct effects on mathematics achievement while the attitude variables have indirect effects through the self-efficacy variables and possibly other predictors not included in the model. Recommendations were forwarded for teaching personnel in the area of mathematics and engineering, academic departments, and the university administration with regard to the necessary supports to girls and marginally performing students.
Effects of the North Atlantic Oscillation on water temperature in southern Baltic coastal lakes

The effects of the North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO) on water temperature (WT) in Lakes Jamno, Gardno, and Łebsko were studied between 1961 and 2000. Both sets of data (NAO and WT) consisted of monthly and seasonal values. Correlation and regression analyses were used and the relationships were tested for statistical significance (Fisher-Snedecor test, coefficients of correlation and determination). Positive and statistically significant (even at α=0.01) relationships were demonstrated for the winter months (December, January, February and March) and in October. The strongest relationships were demonstrated for winter (December–February) in lakes Jamno and Gardno (correlation coefficients of 0.73 and 0.74). Extreme winters, particularly the very mild ones, tended to diminish the strength of the relationships. Very mild winters were characterised by relatively favourable solar (sunshine) conditions as well as high air and water temperatures, while the NAO Index values were relatively low. Relationships for spring (March–May) and summer (June–August) were not significant. In those seasons, the effects of atmospheric circulation (NAO) on WT were thus low, while the influences of solar factors were strong. Asynchronous relationships bear some predictive value, particularly when the predictive variable is the January NAO Index (NAOJan ). These relationships were significant at α=0.01, out to April (NAOJan vs. WTApr ). Attention is also drawn to local factors (air temperature, geostrophic wind, solar conditions, and sea water intrusions into lakes) which affected the strength of the relationships investigated.
The Dynamic Or Testicular Activity Of The Hard-Lipped Barb (Osteochilus Hasselti C.V.) Under Extended Photoperiod

Hormonal manipulation has been widely used in aquaculture to promote fish reproduction. However some concern has been raised in accordance to it effect of human health as well as environmental issues. Therefore alternative approaches in promoting fish reproduction need to be continuously studied. Photoperiod manipulation offers a favorable alternative since it is one of the most crucial environmental cues necessary for fish reproduction. An experimental study has been conducted to evaluate the effect of various photoperiods on testicular activities in the hard-lipped barb ( Osteochilus hasselti C.V.). Four groups of fish were reared under different photoperiod i.e. 14L:10D, 16L:8D, 18L:6D and the control group were reared under natural photoperiod for eight weeks period. Forth nightly three fish of each group were stripped to aspirate milt for measurement of milt volume and sperm concentration, they were decapitated for gonado-somatic index calculation and spermatogenic activities. The results showed that the gonado somatic index (GSI) of the control group, 14L:10D and 18L:6D increased throughout the experimental period, meanwhile GSI of the fish reared under 16L:8D increased up to 4 th week then decreased until the end of the study. The fluctuation of the GSI values was followed by the fluctuation of milt volumes and sperm concentration. This can be concluded that rising daily photoperiod up to 16 hours could improve reproduction in male hard-lipped barb.
Community-Based Assessment to Determine the Seroprevalence of HBsAg , Anti-HBs , Anti-HCV , HIV , and Syphilis for Reproductive-Aged Female Syrian Refugees Living in Sanliurfa , Turkey

Background: Sanliurfa, a city of southeast Turkey hosted to approximately 401,050 Syrian refugees. There are no data about the sexually transmitted infections (STI) of Syrian refugees in literature. Hence, it was aimed to determine the seroprevalence of hepatitis B surface antigens (HBsAg), hepatitis B surface antibodies (anti-HBs), hepatitis C virus antibodies (anti-HCV), human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), and syphilis. Methods: A multi-purpose cross sectional study was conducted between April and May 2015 in different districts of Sanliurfa. This study was supported by United Nations Population Fund with the project titled “Determination of General Health Status and Reproductive Health Problems in Syrian Immigrants”. The sample size was calculated as 460 houses by the probability cluster sampling method. A married Syrian woman was chosen in each house, thus study was successfully carried out in 458 houses. Data included socio-demographic variables; the symptoms of vaginal purulent discharge, bleeding, abdominal pain, and dysuria were collected from each participant. Eight mL of venous blood samples were collected from participants. Sera were analyzed for HBsAg, anti-HBs, anti-HCV, HIV, syphilis. Results: The mean age of the total participants was 30.0 ± 8.9 years. The households of the family ranged from 2 27; the mean household size was 9.9 ± 4.9 persons. The seroprevalence rates of the HB sAg, anti-HBs, anti-HCV seropositivity were 4.1%, 17.7%, 0.4%, respectively. No one had neither HIV nor syphilis antibodies. Conclusions: Screening should be provided for STI for female refugees and they should be educated about the increasing awareness, transmission, control, prevention of STIs, blood-borne diseases.
An optical/NIR survey of globular clusters in early-type galaxies - II. Ages of globular cluster systems and the relation to galaxy morphology

Context. Some photometric studies of extragalactic globular cluster (GC) systems using the optical and near-infrared colour combination have suggested the presence of a large fraction of intermediate-age (2−8Gyr) GCs. Aims. We investigate the age distributions of GC systems in 14 E/S0 galaxies. Methods. We carried out a differential comparison of the (g − z) vs. (g − K) two-colour diagrams for GC systems in the different galaxies in order to see whether there are any indications of age differences. We also compared the different GC systems with a few simple stellar population models. Results. No significant difference is detected in the mean ages of GCs among elliptical galaxies. S0 galaxies, on the other hand, show evidence for younger GCs. Surprisingly, this appears to be driven by the more metal-poor clusters. The age distribution of GCs in NGC 4365 seems to be similar to that of other large ellipticals (e.g. NGC4486, NGC 4649). Padova SSPs with recently released isochrones for old ages (14 Gyr) show less of an offset with respect to the photometry than previously published models. Conclusions. We suggest that E type galaxies assembled most of their GCs in a shorter and earlier period than S0 type galaxies. The latter galaxy type seems to have a more extended period of GC formation/assembly.
Determinants and Contagion in Private Capital Flows: Preliminary Evidence From the 1970s and 1990s

This paper studies the determinants of private capital flows to developing countries during the last two episodes of large inflows, the late 1970searly 1980s and the 1990s. The paper also tests for contagion effects in capital flows among recipient countries, and tries to identify specific channels through which such effects can occur. It tests for neighborhood effects, trade-related effects, and for contagion based on the countries having similar macroeconomic indicators. The results show strong evidence for the first two effects during the 1990s, and indicate that the third effect varies depending on the type of capital flow.
How Mandatory Ifrs Adoption Changes Firms' Opportunistic Behavior: Empirical Evidences from the Earnings Management Perspective

The purpose of this research is to examine the effects of International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS)-based accounting standards on both accrual-based and real earnings management. We utilized modified Jones model as a proxy for accrual based earnings management, while abnormalities found on cash flow from operations, discretionary expenses and production expenses are used as proxies for real earnings management. Using data from Indonesian manufacturing firms from 2009 to 2014, we found that adoption of IFRS limits discretionary behaviour in earnings management while the earnings management from real activities is more prevalent in the post IFRS period.
THE ROLE OF NEOTROPICAL BLACKFLIES (DIPTERA: SIMULIIDAE) AS VECTORS OF THE ONCHOCERCIASIS: A SHORT OVERVIEW OF THE ECOLOGY BEHIND THE DISEASE

The Blackflies (Diptera: Simuliidae) are a cosmopolitan dipteran family, comprising 2102 described species. Although insects of this family are widely distributed, their immatures are restricted to areas where suitable lotic conditions allow their development. While the Onchocerciasis has been largely studied over the years, it still lacks a more integrated approach with the vector ecology. In this paper, we examine the ecological factors that potentially play a role in the disease dynamics. Our aim is to identify the ecological factors that are potentially important in the vector dynamics and the gaps in the current knowledge of blackfly ecology that could lead to a better understanding of the underlying factors behind the disease dynamics.
Sources of Self-Efficacy in Teachers Fuentes de autoeficacia en profesores

Teacher’s self-efficacy is the judgment that teachers make about their own ability and skills in teaching, even in unfavorable conditions. A teacher’s sense of efficacy can be influenced by four sources of information: mastery experience, vicarious experience, verbal or social persuasion, and emotional and physiological factors. This study aims to characterize basic education teachers, considering the indexes of the self-efficacy sources, sociodemographic aspects (like age, sex and education level of teachers), and teaching activity (working time and period of time). A total of 495 basic education teachers, who work in a private confessional network of schools in the states of Pará, Maranhão and Amapá (Brazil) participated in this study, from January to July 2014. As data collection, researchers used the Participant Characterization Survey (Questionário de Caracterização do Participante) and the Teacher Self-Efficacy Sources Scale (Escala de Fontes de Autoeficácia de Docentes). The statistical techniques used were factorial analysis and correspondence analysis. The results indicated that there was a significant association among the four sources of self-efficacy. There was a correlation between verbal persuasion and length of service and function. From the sociodemographic characteristics investigated, only age has been correlated to emotional and physiological factors. There was no association between age and the others sources. Resumen: La autoeficacia docente es la opinión que los profesores tienen sobre su propia capacidad y habilidades de enseñanza, aún en condiciones no favorables. Está constituida a través de cuatro fuentes de información: experiencia de dominio, experiencia vicaria, persuasión verbal o social, y estados afectivos y fisiológicos. Este estudio tuvo como objetivo caracterizar docentes de educación básica, considerando los índices de las fuentes de autoeficacia, los aspectos sociodemográficos (como edad, sexo y el nivel de educación de los profesores) y actividad docente (tiempo de trabajo y periodo de trabajo). Participaron en esta investigación 495 profesores de una red privada de escuelas confesionales de educación básica, en los estados de Pará, Maranhão y Amapá (Brasil), en el periodo de enero a julio del 2014. Para la recolección de los datos, fueron utilizados el Cuestionario de Caracterización del Participante (Questionário de caracterização do Participante) y la Escala de Fuentes de Autoeficacia Docente (Escala de Fontes de Autoeficácia de Docentes). Las técnicas estadísticas utilizadas fueron análisis factorial y análisis de correspondencia. Los resultados indicaron que hubo asociación significativa entre las cuatro fuentes de autoeficacia. Hubo correlación entre la persuasión verbal y la duración del servicio y función. De los aspectos sociodemográficos investigados, solo la edad fue correlacionada a los estados afectivos y fisiológicos. No hubo asociación de la edad con las demás fuentes.
Mexican validation of the decisional balance scale for exercise (Validación mexicana de la escala de balance decisional para el ejercicio)

Decisional balance is a process that allows people to compare perceived benefits and costs of a certain behavior such as exercising. The aims of the present study were: to translate a Decisional Balance Scale for physical exercise (EBD-E); to adapt it to the Mexican context; to examine its factorial structure; and to assess its internal consistency and nomological validity. The sample was composed by 530 individuals from the urban area of Monterrey, Nuevo Leon, Mexico (48.2% males and 51.8% females; average age = 33.22 ± 15.27; age range = 11-76). Results from both exploratory and confirmatory factorial analyses confirmed the structural validity of the Mexican version of EBD-E, as satisfactory values were obtained for the coefficients of internal consistency. The variance of benefits, costs, and decisional balance through the stages of change was in line with the transtheoretical model, thus supporting the nomological validity of the Mexican version of EBD-E. Resumen . El balance decisional es el proceso mediante el cual las personas comparan los beneficios frente a los costos percibidos de realizar un comportamiento, por ejemplo, realizar ejercicio. Los objetivos del presente estudio fueron traducir y adaptar al espanol hablado en Mexico la escala de balance decisional para el ejercicio fisico (EBD-E), examinar su estructura factorial y analizar su consistencia interna y validez nomologica. La muestra estuvo compuesta por 530 personas (48.2% varones y 51.8% mujeres; M edad = 33.22 anos; DT =15.27; Rango= 11-76), que viven en el area metropolitana de la ciudad de Monterrey, Nuevo Leon (Mexico). Los resultados del analisis factorial exploratorio como los del confirmatorio brindan apoyo a la validez factorial de la version mexicana de la EBD-E. Los resultados mostraron coeficientes de consistencia interna satisfactorios. La variacion de los pros, contras y el balance decisional a traves de las etapas de cambio se presento conforme a los postulados establecidos en el modelo transteorico brindando apoyo a la validez nomologica de la version mexicana de la escala de balance decisional para el ejercicio (EBD-E).
A Qualitative Study of Long-term Care Leaders' Experiences of End-of-Life Care Provision at Long-term Care Facilities in Japan

Several studies have highlighted the fact that long-term care facilities and caring staff are not ready for quality endof- life care provision. The present study is aimed at shedding light on how caring staff provide care at the end of life and the emotions they experience in the provision of this care. Study participants were 4 long-term care leaders from different long-term care facilities. The subject for focus group discussion was end-of-life care at long-term care facilities. We used the KJ method (Kawakita Jiro’s initials) as a qualitative research tool, which is widely employed in Japan. The emotions and experiences were organized into 9 groups (including 2 loner labels): 1) Active family involvement is important to successful end-of-life care; 2 Caring staff want to provide end-of-life care with compassion as well as logic; 3 Caring staff would rather avoid facing death or dealing with dying residents; 4 Caring staff are at a loss as to how to behave around the time of a resident’s death; 5) There are language and psychological communication barriers among members of the end-of-life care team; 6) Caring staff get used to death through repetition; 7) End-of-life care for the elderly is challenging work. The loner labels were “A person who can remain calm and collected when facing the death of a resident” and “There are no complete manuals on providing end-of-life care due to the diversity in dying processes of elderly residents”. The present study reveals that long-term care leaders require a person who is able to remain composed in a demanding and emotional end-of-life care environment. Also, they thought that such a cool-headed person is best suited to tend to the needs of caring staff and residents’ family and to promote communication among end-of-life care team.