Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Intensity of and factors affecting land and water management practices among smallholder maize farmers in Ghana

Using count models, this paper assesses the intensity of land and water management practices among smallholder maize farmers in Ghana and the factors driving the number of practices adopted. Farmers’ use of fertiliser, non-burning of farmland and ploughing-in of vegetative cover are the practices adopted the most. The paper cautiously notes that the farmers who combine three of the land and water management practices have the highest average productivity. Access to extension contact, credit and farmers’ experiences of food shocks are important driving factors. The findings have implications for a comprehensive land and water management policy within which different strategies are articulated to increase the productivity of the farmers. Fertiliser application, no burning, zero tillage and ploughing-in of the vegetative cover are important. However, the regression results for maize yields suggest that the adoption of a high number of the technologies might not necessarily result in better yields.
Provincial Business Cycles and Fiscal Policy in China

This paper begins by documenting considerable asynchronization in business cycle fluctuations across China’s 31 provinces. Given that monetary policy is more or less centralized, this asynchronization points to potential benefits from provinces being able to exercise a degree of fiscal autonomy. The extent to which provinces have this autonomy in practice is discussed. Provincial fiscal policy is then analysed to assess whether it has had the effect of smoothing provincial business cycles. A key finding is that, if anything, provincial fiscal policy has amplified provincial business cycles, not smoothed them.
Financial accountability at schools: challenges and implications

Financial accountability is the cornerstone of ensuring that schools disburse funds allocated to them for the sole purpose of advancing the best interests of the learners. The prescriptions of the South African Schools Act clearly locate financial accountability on school governing bodies and, as such, make financial accountability a legal requirement. We examined the challenges experienced by school governing bodies in executing their financial accountability responsibilities. It emerged from the findings that schools do experience challenges in this regard. The main contributory factor seems to be largely attributed to the lack of capacity to execute financial accountability functions as manifested in budgeting, accounting and reporting functions. While there could be reasons for this, including the supposed illiteracy of the parent-governors, the implications seem to relate to the very core of legislation concerned with school governance. In essence, this implies a review of the Schools Act in terms of functions that are specialised and that require expertise.
Empoasca papayae Oman, 1937 (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae) the simultaneous vector of phytoplasmas and rickettsia associated with “Bunchy Top Symptom” in Cuba

espanolEnsayos de transmision mostraron desarrollo de sintomas tipicos de BTS en todas las plantas de papaya despues de tres meses de post-inoculadas con Empoasca papayae. El fitoplasma identificado en 28 de 45 las plantas inoculadas, presento, en secuencia de ADN ribosomal 16S, un 99,9% igual al identificado en plantas de campo y con las detectadas previamente en E. papayae en Cuba. Todos son miembros del subgrupo de fitoplasma 16SrI-B. Una rickettsia se identifico en 41 de las 45 plantas inoculadas. Su secuencia parcial del gen sdhA mostro un 100% de identidad con la rickettsia identificada en plantas de campo, E. papayae y las previamente publicadas. Los resultados confirmaron la habilidad de E. papayae para transmitir simultaneamente el fitoplasma y la rickettsia. EnglishTransmission trials showed typical BTS symptoms developed in all papaya plants after three months post-inoculated with Empoasca papayae. The BTS phytoplasma was identified in 28 out of 45 inoculated papayas, whose partial 16S rDNA sequence was 99.9% identical to those of the phytoplasma identified in the field-collected papayas, and that previously detected in E. papayae in Cuba. These are all members of the phytoplasma subgroup 16SrI-B. A rickettsia was identified in 41 out of 45 inoculated papayas. It showed a 100% of identity of its partial sdhA sequence to those from the field-collected papayas, E. papayae and the rickettsia previously identified. Results confirmed the ability of E. papayae to simultaneously transmit the BTS phytoplasma and the rickettsia pathogen.
Effects of larval competition on the performance of fed and non-fed populations of Callosobruchus maculatus (F.) (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae)

Experiments were conducted to evaluate the effects of larval competition on the performance of fed and non-fed populations of Callosobruchus maculatus (F.) at the Pest Management Laboratory of the Department of Crop, Soil and Pest Management, the Federal University of Technology Akure (FUTA), Ondo State, Nigeria at conditions of 28±20C temperature and 55±10% relative humidity. Twenty (20) seeds of Ife brown cowpea were infested with 3 pairs of fed and non-fed populations of C. maculatus in petri dishes with three replications to test for the effects of feeding and larval competition on C. maculatus. Results indicated that fed population of C. maculatus lived longer (13days) and had shorter development period (23days) compared with 10 and 29 days in the unfed population. Fed insects showed significant differences (p<0.05) in the number of eggs laid (12.46), emerged adults (4.53) and weight loss (0.95) in seeds with higher value compared with the unfed insects. Larval competition significantly affected emergence of F1 adults, subsequent oviposition and emerged F2 adults in both fed and unfed C. maculatus.
Should Bank Supervisors Disclose Information about Their Banks?

Bank supervisors spend a great deal of resources collecting information on banks, information that would be useful to investors and other market participants. Given that duplicating these efforts is expensive, why not require bank supervisors to disclose this information? In this article, the author argues that this type of disclosure makes it more expensive for supervisors to collect the information in the first place. Furthermore, existing regulatory rules forbid banks from releasing the results of their supervisory exam. The author shows that there are good reasons for these rules because allowing banks to voluntarily disclose their examination reports is effectively the same as requiring supervisors to disclose this information.
Visual Takes on Dance in Java

This article addresses the questions of how performances have been represented in physical form (as verbal and visual texts) and of the role of indigenous concepts of performance. Rather than discuss historical examples of texts/products as others have done, I present some of my own "physical" forms of dance from my film and video work in Java. I argue that film is a valuable research tool as well as a mode of representing performance, with reference to the literature on the contribution of film/video to the development of cross-cultural understanding, in particular the writings of filmmaker David MacDougall (1995, 1997, and 1998).
Cortisol in Correlation to Other Indicators of Fish Welfare

Cortisol is the major corticosteroid in teleost fish, secreted and released by interrenal cells of the head kidney during activation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-interrenal (HPI) axis. Although cortisol is universally recognized as a key mediator of stress-associated responses, other hormones are also involved in the stress response, e.g., arginine vasotocin (AVT), isotocin (IT), urotensins, dopamine, serotonin or β-endorphin. Cortisol affects AVT and IT secretion from nerve endings in gilthead sea bream (Sparus aurata) and round goby (Neogobius melanostomus). Moreover, it is pointed out that different mechanisms are involved in the regulation of AVT and IT release from the hypothalamic-pituitary complex in round goby. In the case of AVT, both genomic and nongenomic pathways are mediating the effect of cortisol while in the case of IT, it is only the nongenomic pathway. In turn, urotensin I instead of corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) may contribute to the regulation of HPI axis and regulate AVT in Sparus aurata. In this species, urotensin II together with AVT and IT may control stress response to different salinities. Therefore, AVT, IT and urotensins, and their interactions with cortisol, seem to be significant in response to stress in fish.
Schooling and domestic transitions: shifting gender relations and female agency in rural Ghana and India

Transitions to adulthood are usually defined by markers such as leaving school, starting a first job, leaving the parental home, forming a first union, marrying and having a first child. Youth policy remains strongly influenced by these linear transitions, and by the metaphor of a ‘pathway’ from school to work and adulthood, taking little account of poverty, and the significance of micro-social changes within personal relations, which in many rural cultures have considerable importance in transitions to adulthood. This paper utilises data on social and human outcomes of schooling, collected under the RECOUP programme of research in the north of Ghana and India. Micro-reconstructions of gender roles/relations associated with communication, autonomy and decision-making are shown to have subtle implications for the transformation of young people's lives. The findings suggest that education may have unexpected and often complicating effects on ‘domestic transitions’, particularly on the private/intimate spheres of gender relations. Transition studies need to reconsider how independent action is framed within strong patriarchal cultures.
The third Pallas Cloud Experiment: Consistency between the aerosol hygroscopic growth and CCN activity

Measurements of aerosol chemical and hygroscopic properties and cloud condensation nuclei were carried out as a part of the third Pallas Cloud Experiment. In this study, the aerosol hygroscopicity parameter, k, was determined using data from instruments operating in the sub-saturated and supersaturated water vapour regimes, as well as from measurements of aerosol chemical composition. During the campaign, k varied from ~0.01 to ~0.37 as derived by Cloud Condensation Nuclei counter and Hygroscopic Tandem Differential Mobility analyser data, and from ~0.13 to ~0.60 as derived from Aerosol Mass Spectrometer data, the average values being 0.11 and 0.29, respectively. CCN closure calculations showed that the sub-saturated growth factor retrieved CCN concentration is lower than the measured one. Overall, at the Pallas site, aerosol hygroscopicity was size dependent with hygroscopicity increasing with size. Hence, size dependent information on composition is needed to predict CCN concentrations relevant to cloud droplet formation.
The impact of IFRS-based accounting standards on earnings management: evidence from Malaysia

This study aims to examine the consequences of International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) convergence in an emerging market. More specifically, we investigate whether the adoption of the new set of accounting standards in Malaysia is associated with lower earnings management. Using a sample of 3,340 firm-year observations across three reporting periods with different levels of IFRS adoption, we provide evidence that IFRS convergence improves earning quality. In particular, we find a significant decrease in the absolute value of discretionary acccruals in the partial IFRS-convergence period (2007-2011), whereas this effect is restrictive after the complete IFRS- implementation.
Performance Indices and Physiological Changes in Pearl Guinea Fowls (Numida Meleagris) Supplemented with Molasses through Drinking Water

Abstract. The study was aimed at evaluating the performance indices and physiologic changes in pearl guinea fowls (Numida meleagris) supplemented with molasses through drinking water. A total of thirty-two (n=32) day-old pearl guinea fowls raised to 12-week-old were used for the study. The fowls were randomly allocated to two groups (control and experimental) of 16 fowls each, with each having two replicates. Experimental fowls were given 5 mL molasses per litre of drinking water for 8 weeks, while control fowls were given only drinking water. Performance indices which include: feed consumption, water intake and percentage weight gain were measured. Rectal temperature was measured and blood samples were collected to evaluate the changes in haematological parameters, serum triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4) concentrations. Results revealed that the molasses-treated fowls had significantly (P<0.05) higher percentage weight gain, blood total protein, packed cell volume and mean corpuscular volume compared to control. However, the feed consumptionwas significantly lower (P<0.05) in the molasses-treated fowls compared to control. In both groups, rectal temperature increased significantly (P<0.05) during the afternoon hours and was lower (P<0.05) in molasses-treated fowls than control during the evening hours. There was no significant difference in other haematological parameters, serum glucose, T4 and T3 betweengroups. In conclusion, molasses supplementation decreased feed consumption, improved body weight gain and enhanced nutritional status and erythropoiesis in guinea fowls.
The Impact Of Physical Exercise On Junior Secondary School Students’ Performance In Mathematics: Implication For Scientific And Technological Advancement In Nigeria

In schools across Nigeria, physical exercise has been substantially reduced and in some cases completely eliminated. The potential for physical activity and fitness to improve cognitive function, learning and academic achievement in students has received attention by researchers and policy makers. The purpose of this research was to determine the effect of physical exercise (PE) on Junior Secondary students‟ academic performance in mathematics. Participants were 100 students, purposefully sampled among Junior Secondary two (JSSII) students of Government Science Secondary School Musawa, Katsina in Nigeria. Data collection occurred before and after performing morning Exercises. The activity (exercises) was exercised on Mondays, and Thursdays, 50 minutes per week, in 10 weeks. Two research questions and one research hypotheses were formulated to guide this study. The statistical analysis showed there was a significant difference before and after the exercises in students Performance in Mathematics (p≤ 0.05). Based on the findings, it was recommended among the other things that morning physical exercise should be adopted in our school system particularly at junior secondary schools in Nigeria as it will improve students‟ performance in Mathematic towards sustainable development in Nigeria.
Soy isoflavones reduce adiposity via increasing estrogen receptor beta expression in ovariectomized female rats.

Soy phytoestrogens have estrogenic activity and are used as a natural substitute for estrogen as a replacement therapy in case of estrogen deficiency. They have many useful activities in vitro and in vivo. However, Evidence is emerging that dietary phytoestrogens play a beneficial role in obesity and metabolic syndrome. The objectives of this study was to determine the effect of soy phytoestrogens on some metabolic parameters including energetic status (weekly food intake and body weight gain), abdominal and brown fat masses, adipocyte size, estradiol receptor beta (ERβ) expression in adipocytes, liver fatty changes, plasma high density lipoproteins (HDL), low density lipoproteins (LDL), triglycerides (TG), total cholesterol (TC) and oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT), insulin tolerance test (ITT), plasma leptin and adiponectin levels. A total of 30 ovariectomized female Albino rats were divided into two groups (15 females / group). Control group (C) received phytoestrogen-free casein-based diet and high soy phytoestrogens (HF) group received high phytoestrogens diet containing (27% soybeans) for 7 weeks. The results revealed that high phytoestrogens in diet decreased food intake and body weight gain significantly (P<0.05) than control group starting from 4 th week and 5 th week, respectively. Abdominal fat mass, brown fat masses and adipocytes size were significantly (P<0.05) lower in HF group than control. Adipocytes ERβ expression of in HF group was significantly (P<0.05) higher than control. The histopathological studies showed fatty infiltration in control group. The expression values of ERβ in adipocytes was significantly higher (P<0.05) in HF group than control. Levels of HDL was significantly (P<0.05) increased in HF group while LDL, TC and TG were significantly (p<0.05) decreased than control. Oral glucose tolerance showed non significant change while insulin sensitivity was significantly improved in HF group. Plasma leptin levels were significantly (P<0.05) decreased, while adiponectin levels were increase in HF group than control group. These findings show the high dietary phytoestrogens interfere with adiposity and metabolic syndrome via increasing adipose ERβ expression with consequent reduction in leptin production and increase in adiponectin level that improves insulin sensitivity in ovariectomized female rats.
Organizational Reform And The Expansion Of The South’S Voice At The Fund

What organizational reforms might increase the influence of developing member countries within the International Monetary Fund? In this paper we argue that a variety of organizational changes are both feasible and could substantially increase the ability of developing countries to articulate policy alternatives and advance change. We focus particularly on changes in the recruitment, training, career paths and deployment of the Fund’s staff. Our recommendations address two general issues. First, we explore ways to diversify the “intellectual portfolio” of the staff by drawing more effectively on hands-on knowledge of the concrete circumstances that shape policy outcomes in the South. More mid-career hiring of staff with practical experience inside developing country institutions could increase the degree to which the distinctive institutional circumstances of developing members are taken into account in formulating Fund policies and implementing them. Allocating a larger share of the Fund’s resources to research consulting contracts for researchers and institutions based in developing countries could also expand input of ideas that reflect the experience of member countries from the South. Second, large asymmetries in workload currently make it difficult for those working on the needs of developing members to formulate and advocate alternative policies. We suggest a number of ways in which even modest reallocation and addition of staff resources might create breathing space that would allow Executive Directors from developing countries to play a larger role in shaping the Fund’s policies.
The role of the global cryosphere in the fate of organic contaminants

The cryosphere is an important component of global organic contaminant cycles. Snow is an efficient scav- enger of atmospheric organic pollutants while a seasonal snowpack, sea ice, glaciers and ice caps are contaminant reservoirs on time scales ranging from days to millennia. Im- portant physical and chemical processes occurring in the var- ious cryospheric compartments impact contaminant cycling and fate. A variety of interactions and feedbacks also occur within the cryospheric system, most of which are suscepti- ble to perturbations due to climate change. In this article, we review the current state of knowledge regarding the trans- port and processing of organic contaminants in the global cryosphere with an emphasis on the role of a changing cli- mate. Given the complexity of contaminant interactions with the cryosphere and limitations on resources and research ca- pacity, interdisciplinary research and extended collaborations are essential to close identified knowledge gaps and to im- prove our understanding of contaminant fate under a chang- ing climate.
Effect of sage extract (Salvia officinalis) on growth performance, blood parameters, oxidative stress and DNA damage in partridges

This study was performed to evaluate the effect of different doses of sage extract on the growth and blood parameters, oxidative stress and DNA damage in partridges. In total, 252 day-old partridges (Alectoris chukar) were used. The birds were divided into four groups: 0.1% flavomycin was included in the diet of the control group (I) while 2.5, 5.0 and 7.5 mL sage extract/kg were included in the diets of treatment groups II, III and IV, respectively. At the end of the experiment no significant differences between treatments were observed in live weight, live weight gain, feed consumption, feed conversion ratio, carcass weight and survival rate. In addition, blood analyses indicated that the differences between groups in the amounts of plasma cholesterol, triglyceride high density lipoprotein (HDL), very low density lipoprotein (VLDL) and alkaline phosphates (ALP) were not significantly different. Furthermore, treatments did not affect total sulphydryl (SH) and lipid hydroperoxide (LOOH) concentrations, total antioxidant response or the total oxidant status (TOS). However, sage extract significantly decreased DNA damage in a linear, dosedependent manner whilst the antibiotic, flavomycin, elevated the oxidative stress index (OSI) and resulted in DNA damage. It was concluded that supplementing sage extract in the partridge diet at the doses studied does not lead to a negative effect on the growth performance of these birds.