Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Comoros and Mauritius: Analyzing the Economic Impact of Colonial Development and Initial Endowment Factors

This research studies the colonial history of two African island nations, Comoros and Mauritius, in order to determine the root cause for the heterogeneity of growth rates between these countries. Both Comoros and Mauritius, during colonial times, were dependent on their agricultural sector for growth. Laborers in these countries were primarily slaves and/or low-cost laborers. Their colonial rulers, France and Britain, respectively, utilized the islands for sugar production as well as exporting other natural resources. The British used revenue from sugar production and aid form the mother country to develop Mauritius’ economy in order to meet the developing world’s growing demand for sugar. This led to the development of banks, insurance agencies, and research to increase production. Conversely, France repatriated the majority of profits generated from Comoros exports, resulting in poor infrastructure development both physical and institutional. The differences in development can be explained by natural factor endowments. Comoros, with an existing native population, fostered the development of small special interest groups comprised of French elite that faced little incentive to develop the economy and society. Mauritius lacked a large native population, thus fostering the development of homogenous, encompassing special interest groups. These encompassing groups faced a different set of incentives that spurred growth and development in the Mauritian economy and society.
Seasonal Variability of Climatic Conditions for Tourism and Recreation Along the Southern Coast of the Baltic Sea

Abstract This paper aims to indicate the periods within the year that are most and least suited to outdoor recreation along the southern coast of the Baltic Sea. The author indicates these periods based on the analysis of annual variability of several meteorological and bioclimatic parameters from the years 1981-2010 in Greifswald and Świnoujście, and from 1985 to 2010 in Hel and Gdynia. Passive recreation is favoured in July and the first half of August. The whole of the summer season has the most favourable conditions for active recreation. Good conditions frequently occur in May, and to a lesser degree in September. The advantages of May are that it has the highest sunshine duration and the lowest frequency of precipitation.
Issues on E-health Adoption in Nigeria

E-health is the application of information technology for health care management. It includes all applications of information communication technologies to promote healthcare services support, delivery and education for improving efficiency in health care delivery to the citizens. Many factors contribute to the poor state of the medical sector of Nigeria, and in fact many developing countries, two of the most important being record keeping and accessibility. Nigeria still operates a paper based healthcare delivery system; meeting demands of citizens have been increasingly difficult due to her huge population, understaffed hospitals, apathy towards embracing ICTs and other issues. On the other hand, ICT applications have been used successfully in developed countries to address most of these problems. This paper presents an in-depth analysis of the healthcare system in Nigeria while highlighting confronting issues with a view to proposing a viable solution.
Resources allocated to reproduction decrease at the range edge of an expanding population of an invasive amphibian

Predicting the magnitude and nature of changes in a species’ range is becoming ever more important as an increas- ing number of species are faced with habitat changes or are introduced to areas outside of the species’ native range. An organism’s investment in life-history traits is expected to change during range shifts or range expansion because populations encounter new ecological conditions. While simulation studies predict that dispersal and reproductive allocation should increase at the range edge, we suggest that reproductive allocation might decrease at the range edge due to energy allocation trade-offs. We studied the reproductive investment of an invasive amphibian, Xenopus laevis, and measured reproductive allocation in three clusters of populations distributed from the centre to the edge of the colonized range of X. laevis in France. Resource allocation was estimated with the scaled mass index of gonads of both sexes during the local period of reproduction of the species. The level of resources allocated to reproduction was lower at the periphery of the colonized range compared to the centre and may be the result of changes in trade- offs between life-history traits. Such a pattern could be explained by interspecific competition or enhanced invest- ment in dispersal capacity.
Some Economic Implications of Public Labeling

This article discusses economic issues related to public labeling. The main contributions in both the empirical and theoretical literatures are presented in order to motivate responses to the questions, when should a regulator promote public labeling, and what are the limits to and the possible market distortions from public labeling? Although the issues are complicated, there is already much economic guidance that can be given to inform the policy debate over food labeling.
Decoding Resilience Status of Dairy Farmers against Extreme Weather Events: A Demographic Perspective

Extreme weather events like prolonged dry spells or prolonged phase of rainfall adversely affect dairy farming. Resilience status against extreme weather events varies in different demographic groups. A study has been conducted by taking the responses from 100 respondents who participated in the training programme organized by Eastern Regional Station of ICARNational Dairy Research Institute. Responses were collected from 4 demographic groups namely; tribal male, tribal female, non-tribal male and non-tribal female. One resilience scale was developed to measure resilience status of the respondents. From the study, it was found that the resilience trait of the respondents were associated with social support (chi-square value 105.42) and stress status (chi-square value 88.19) of the respondents. Highest mean score of 65.20±. 17 with respect to resilience was obtained by the female tribal respondents, whereas, they got the lowest stress score of . 18±. 004. In general tribal respondents were having highest resilience score with higher social support score with lower stress score than non-tribal respondents. From, the study it can be concluded that, higher social support and lesser stress scores attributed to higher resilience of respondents against extreme weather events.
Exploring critical aspects of information technologies integration in Singapore schools

This paper reports the key findings of a questionnaire survey aimed at exploring the critical aspects of information technology (IT) integration in Singapore schools. The survey is the first part (Phase 1) of a larger study funded by the Ministry of Education (MOE), Singapore, to analyse where and how IT mediates pupils’ higher order thinking skills in schools. 328 schools (87.2% of the target population of 376 schools) responded to the questionnaire. Based on the findings, three recommendations are made concerning: IT-integration models for Singapore schools; Exploring new strategies for pupil IT competency development in selected government and government aided schools; and IT competency standards for teachers and pupils.
Uniqueness results for homeomorphism groups

Let X be a separable metric manifold and let W(X) be the homeomorphism group of X. Then W(X) has a unique topology in which it is a complete separable metric group. Similar results are demonstrated for a much wider class of spaces, X, and for many subgroups of the homeomorphism group.
GENERALIZED 3-MANIFOLDS WHOSE NONMANIFOLD SET HAS NEIGHBORHOODS BOUNDED BY TORI

We show that all compact, ANR, generalized 3-manifolds whose nonmanifold set is O-dimensional and has a neighborhood system bounded by tori are cell-like images of compact 3-manifolds if and only if the Poincaré conjecture is true. We also discuss to what extent the assumption of the Poincaré conjecture can be replaced by other hypotheses.
Use of a mobile laboratory to evaluate changes in on-road air pollutants during the Beijing 2008 Summer Olympics

Abstract. China implemented systematic air pollution control measures during the 2008 Beijing Summer Olympics and Paralympics to improve air quality. This study used a versatile mobile laboratory to conduct in situ monitoring of on-road air pollutants along Beijing's Fourth Ring Road on 31 selected days before, during, and after the Olympics air pollution control period. A suite of instruments with response times of less than 30 s was used to measure temporal and spatial variations in traffic-related air pollutants, including NOx, CO, PM1.0 surface area (S(PM1)), black carbon (BC), and benzene, toluene, the sum of ethylbenzene, and m-, p-, and o-xylene (BTEX). During the Olympics (8–23 August, 2008), on-road air pollutant concentrations decreased significantly, by up to 54% for CO, 41% for NOx, 70% for SO2, 66% for BTEX, 12% for BC, and 18% for SPM1, compared with the pre-control period (before 20 July). Concentrations increased again after the control period ended (after 20 September), with average increases of 33% for CO, 42% for NOx, 60% for SO2, 40% for BTEX, 26% for BC, and 37% for S(PM1), relative to the control period. Variations in pollutants concentrations were correlated with changes in traffic speed and the number and types of vehicles on the road. Throughout the measurement periods, the concentrations of NOx, CO, and BTEX varied markedly with the numbers of light- and medium-duty vehicles (LDVs and MDVs, respectively) on the road. Only after 8 August was a noticeable relationship found between BC and S(PM1) and the number of heavy-duty vehicles (HDVs). Additionally, BC and S(PM1) showed a strong correlation with SO2 before the Olympics, indicating possible industrial sources from local emissions as well as regional transport activities in the Beijing area. Such factors were identified in measurements conducted on 6 August in an area southwest of Beijing. The ratio of benzene to toluene, a good indicator of traffic emissions, shifted suddenly from about 0.26 before the Olympics to approximately 0.48 after the Olympics began. This finding suggests that regulations on traffic volume and restrictions on the use of painting solvents were effective after the Olympics began. This study demonstrated the effectiveness of air pollution control measures and identified local and regional pollution sources within and surrounding the city of Beijing. The findings will be invaluable for emission inventory evaluations and model verifications.
Genetic Variability, Heritability and Genetic Advances of Soybean (Glycinemax (L.) Merrill) Varieties Grown at Bako Tibe in Western Ethiopia

Sixteen soybean genotypes were evaluated in randomized complete block design with three replication in 2015/2016. Data were collected on Days to50% flowering, Days to pod setting, Days to 95% maturity, plant height and number of branch per plant, number of pods per plant, number of seeds per pod, pod length, Leaf Area Index, Biological yield, hundred seed weight, Grain yield and Harvest index. Computed mean values were used to estimate characters Genotypic and Phenotypic Variance, Genotypic coefficient of variation (GCV), Phenotypic Coefficient of Variation (PCV), heritability and genetic advance percent of mean were estimated for each trait. All characters show significant variation and the coefficient of variation were relatively low. Heritability was greater than 70% for all characters studied except number of branch per plant, leaf area index, harvest index and days to flowering whereas expected genetic advance percent of mean ranged from low (1,98%) in Harvest index to high (42.2%) in biological yield in ton/ha. High heritability and high genetic advance percent of mean for biological yield followed by pod length and plant height indicates the presence of additive genes in the trait and suggests reliable soybean improvement through selection of the trait. In this studies high heritability with high genetic advance as percent of mean were found for plant height (84.59%, 21.3), pod length (89.2%, 35.3) and biomass yield (94.46%, 42.2), respectively. Whereas high heritability was associated with moderate genetic advance were found for number of pod/plant (89.8%, 11.43%) and days to 95% maturity (91.46 %, 9.96), respectively.
Osmo- and hydropriming enhance germination rate and reduce thermal time requirement of pea (Pisum sativum L. cv. Winner) seeds

The effects of various seed priming treatments and seed soaking durations on germination performance of pea (Pisum sativum L. cv. Winner) seeds were examined. Seeds were osmoprimed in polyethylene glycol (PEG 6000) (-0.5, -1.0 and -1.5 bar) or in mannitol (1%, 2% and 3%) and hydroprimed with water for 12 or 24 h at 25 ± 0.5 °C in darkness. Primed seeds were subjected to germination tests at ten different constant temperatures ranging from 5 to 32 ± 0.5 °C. Priming treatments had no significant effect on germination percentage. But, osmo- and hydroprimig treatments improved germination rate and decreased thermal time requirements significantly and induced more synchronous germination at some of the temperatures tested. Reductions in thermal time requirements ranged between 3.4 °C d and 11.3 °C d, 6.6 °C d and 17.4 °C d, and 11.6 °C d and 27.5 °C d for 10%, 50% and 90% germination, respectively. As compared with the priming duration of 12 h, priming duration of 24 h had generally negative effect on the 50% germination time and thermal time requirement. Among the osmopriming treatments, seeds treated with -0.5 bar solution of PEG and 1% solution of mannitol, and also hyropriming gave the best results. Consequently, above osmo- and hydropriming treatments for 12 h might be recommended for better germination of pea.
Type of Trust and Political Participation in Five Countries : Results of Social Quality Survey

This article classifies types of trust by combining general trust, interpersonal trust, and institutional trust based on the hypothesis that individuals have different types of trust. The results of this article show different shapes of types of trust distribution in South Korea, Germany, Italy, Greece, and Turkey. Also, multinomial logit analysis reveals that each type of trust is influenced by certain conditions. Four types (△distrust, △institution-oriented trust, △person-oriented trust, and △full trust) are drawn from latent class analysis. Age, monthly income, network, financial crisis experience, and participation in private association are proven to have a critical impact on types of trust. Analysis shows that South Korea, Germany, Italy, Greece, and Turkey have different distribution of types of trust. Institution-oriented trust, personoriented trust, and full trust type respectively account for about 25% in Germany. Turkey has a relatively higher percentage of institution-oriented trust type. In contrast, distrust type accounts for more than two-thirds in South Korea, Italy, and Greece. Finally, logit analysis was conducted to figure out the role of types of trust in four kinds of political participation (△online expression, △expressing one’s opinion toward governments or media, △participating in activities such as political campaigns, demonstrations, and strikes, and △voting) as dependent variables. The result shows that institution-oriented trust type people are more likely to participate in expressing their opinions toward governments or media and voting than distrust type. Also, personoriented trust type people are more likely to express their opinions toward governments or media and participate in political campaigns, demonstrations, and strikes than distrust type. Finally, full trust type people show higher presence in three non-institutional political participations.
Comparative Study of Physical Properties of Polymer Composites Reinforced with Uncarbonised and Carbonised Coir

This study involved the use of uncarbonised and carbonised coir in preparing composites of a given polymer. In this case natural rubber (NR) was used. Uncarbonised coir (UC) and carbonised coir (CC) were separately used to prepare the polymer composites. Carbon black (CB) was also used differently and the filler loadings for all varied between 0 and 50 phr. Before using the uncarbonised coir and carbonised coir, they were characterised on the basis of moisture content, pH, particles size and surface area. The properties of the various composite samples prepared were then investigated. The results of the tests obtained for the NR-UC composites were compared with those of NR-CC and also with those of NR-CB composites. It was observed that for hardness, the results obtained from composites of UC and CC fillers showed similar trends with those of carbon black (CB) reinforced composites, increasing with increase in filler volume. For the tensile strength and modulus a trend of slight rise was observed. There were no sharp rises in values as filler volumes were increased. UC and CC fillers were observed to impart very poorly on the tensile strength and modulus relative to the CB reinforced composites. The results from test for elongation, compression set and flex fatigue showed a falling trend for all the fillers to a comparable level with CB. It was generally observed that the uncarbonised coir presented better potentials for reinforcement than the carbonised coir.
Identifying the Key Sociocultural Influences on Drinking Behavior in High and Moderate Binge-Drinking Countries and the Public Policy Implications

Despite considerable state investment and initiatives, binge drinking is still a major behavioral problem for policy makers and communities in many parts of the world. Furthermore, the practice of bingeing on alcohol seems to be spreading to young people in countries traditionally considered to have moderate drinking behaviors. Using a sociocultural lens and a framework of sociocultural themes from previous literature to develop propositions from their empirical study, the authors examine binge-drinking attitudes and behaviors among young people from high and moderate binge-drinking countries. The authors then make proposals regarding how policy makers can use social marketing more effectively to contribute to behavior change. Qualitative interviews were conducted with 91 respondents from 22 countries who were studying in two high binge-drinking countries at the time. The results show support for three contrasting sociocultural propositions that identify influences on binge drinking across these countries.
An Empirical Review of Psychometric Evidence for the Dynamic Indicators of Basic Early Literacy Skills

Abstract. The Dynamic Indicators of Basic Early Literacy Skills (DIBELS) are brief measures of early literacy skills for students in Grades K-6 (University of Oregon, 2009; see Kaminski & Good, 1996). School psychologists and other educational professionals use DIBELS to identify students who are in need of early intervention. The purpose of this review was to synthesize the current psychometric evidence for each DIBELS indicator. Strong reliability and validity evidence was observed for DIBELS Oral Reading Fluency; however, evidence for the remaining DIBELS indicators demonstrated greater variability. Although the majority of evidence focused on individual score reliability and validity for single-point decisions, further studies are needed to determine effective practices for progress monitoring.
Comparison Of Two Sampling Methods For Estimating Urban Tree Density

Sampling can be used as a method for urban tree inventory estimation. There are several sampling methods available, and choices for urban tree inventory methods vary according to the place to be studied and the urban tree conditions. This study compared the results of simple and stratified random sampling methods with those of a total district tree census. The simple random sampling error was 17%, and the coefficient of variation was 47%. The stratified random sampling errors varied from 19% to 60%, and their coefficients of variation ranged from 32% to 70%, depending on the stratum. The Shannon diversity index (SDI) was low in the census (3.07), as in the simple random sampling (1.27). The total number of trees and the number of trees per kilometer of sidewalk calculated by the simple random sampling were similar to those obtained by the census. Because the sampling error obtained by stratified random sampling was higher than for that obtained by simple random sampling, the use of stratified random sampling was not advantageous when compared with simple random sampling. Furthermore, the stratified random sampling procedure was more complex.
Automatic Analysis of Dreams

In a scientific study of dream content, artificial intelligence has been utilized to automatically score dream content. An initial attempt focused on scoring for emotional tone of dream reports. The contribution of this thesis demonstrates methods by which accuracy of such a system can be improved beyond text-mining. It was hypothesized that data extraction based on psychological processes will provide significant information that would produce an accurate model. In our first article, the significance of words expressed in dream reports, along with their associated words was explored. Extraction and inclusion of these associations provided detailed information that improved automatic scoring of positive and negative affect even though these associations exhibited skewed distribution. The second article demonstrated how normalization of the data was possible and how it could result in a more accurate model. Our last article was able to demonstrate that the model can differentiate between male and female dreams.
FUJI Dome: A large detachment fault near 64°E on the very slow‐spreading southwest Indian Ridge

A continuous, domed detachment surface (FUJI Dome) has been imaged on the very slow‐spreading southwest Indian Ridge using deep‐towed side‐scan sonar, and has been investigated by manned submersible and sea‐surface geophysics. The Dome is morphologically similar to other oceanic detachments, core complexes or mega‐mullions. In addition to bathymetric mullions observed in ship‐borne bathymetry, finer scale spreading‐parallel striations were imaged with the side scan. On the detachment surface, metabasalt crops out near the termination, probably as part of a thin fault sliver. Gabbro and troctolite probably crop out near the summit of the dome. The rest of the detachment surface is covered with sediment and rubble which is basaltic except for a single sample of serpentinite. Most of the detachment surface dips toward the ridge axis at 10°–20°, but near the breakaway it is strongly rotated outward, and dips away from the axis at up to 40°. Normal, undeformed volcanic seafloor crops out adjacent to the detachment. Modeling of sea surface magnetic data suggest the detachment was active from 1.95 Ma for about 1 Ma during a period of reduced and asymmetric magmatic accretion. Modeling of sea surface and seafloor gravity requires laterally fairly uniform but high density material under the Dome, and precludes steeply dipping contacts between bodies with large density contrasts at shallow levels under the Dome.