Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Economic Analysis of Maize Production in Osun State: A Case Study of Ilesa East and West of Osun State

The study examined the performance of maize production in Osun state and the factors affecting maize production in Ilesa East and Ilesa west Local Government areas. Data were collected with the aid of structured questionnaires from 100 respondents selected through random sampling technique. Data was analysed using multiple regression and budgetary technique.The result the profitability analysis revealed a profit per naira incurred to be N1.022k. Findings from the regression analysis shows that land used in hectares, labour in man-days, quantity of fertilizer and level of education were positive and significant factors affecting output of maize while quantity of maize seeds, herbicides and insecticides were negative and significant factors affecting maize output in the study area. Therefore, maize production will improve in the study area if there is input support like fertilizers, land, credit facility and improved education from the government, private investors or Non Governmental Organisations.
Testing Effects Of Changes In Earning To Dividend Actions Of Listing Firms On Vietnamese Stock Exchanges Using The Multinomial Logistic Regression Model

This paper aims to fill the gap in dividend policy research of listed companies in Vietnam. Effects of changes in earnings to changes in dividend actions of selected listed firms are tested in order to figure out their relationships. The multinomial logistic regression model is employed with the data from a balanced panel of 310 listed firms on Vietnamese Stock Exchanges during the period 2008-2016. The study has estimated odds and odds ratios of four dividend change cases in response to each of three cases of earnings changes. The results show that the dividend actions of firms are very sensitive to earnings changes. When earnings decrease, the odds that firms remain dividend action higher than odds that increase dividend, lower than odds that decrease dividend. When earnings negative, the odds that firms remain dividend action lower than odds that firms move to zero dividend. In addition, in 26% of the cases there was no change to dividends when earnings increased and in 27% no change when earnings decreased. The results are supportive of the hypothesis that dividend actions are strongly affected by firms’ earnings and past dividend actions. The research results are meaningful to dividend income investors in formulating their investment strategies and for management of firms in designing firms’ dividend policies.
Turbulent microstructures and formation of folds in auroral breakup arc

[1] We conducted a ground-based optical measurement pointing at local magnetic zenith with a narrow field of view of 9.3° by 9.3°, using a high-speed electron multiplier charge-coupled device camera at Poker Flat Research Range. We show evidence that auroral folds were periodically formed in a breakup arc and the luminosity is exponentially increased for about 10 s before an auroral breakup onset. The evolution of turbulent microstructures and the formation of folds may be interpreted by the nonlinear evolution of inertial Alfven wave (IAW) turbulence in the thin current sheet. On the basis of these optical observations, we discuss a possible role of the ionosphere for modulating the triggering process of the onset via the self-organization of the IAW turbulence associated with Kelvin-Helmholtz and tearing instabilities of the thin current sheet.
Probabilistic theory of multi-models

The paper presents the mathematical theory of probabilistic multi-models composition set together by predefined probabilistic model components selected by designer. Each probabilistic component is composedd of phase parameter that characterizes the composition rules of multi-models assemble and the mixture parameter that characterizes component significance to capture the features of studied system. The presented approach results in introduction of complex probabilities being represented in spectral area with similar attributes like e.g. Fourier series. Presented theory is exemplified on numerical example to demonstrate its practical use.
Graphs with few paths of prescribed length between any two vertices

We use a variant of Bukh's random algebraic method to show that for every natural number k⩾2 there exists a natural number ℓ such that, for every n , there is a graph with n vertices and Ωk(n1+1/k) edges with at most ℓ paths of length k between any two vertices. A result of Faudree and Simonovits shows that the bound on the number of edges is tight up to the implied constant.
Dietary Xylopia Aethiopica Reduces Fertility Capacity of Male Wistar Rats

The study assessed the effect of dietary intake of whole fruits of Xylopia aethiopica on the gonads of male Wistar rats. Ten (10) mature male Wistar rats, weighing 220-240g, were used in this study. Five (5) rats received the 5 % w/w dietary dosage of Xylopia aethiopica, and 5 others received the control diet, with clean drinking water, ad libitum, for 21 days. Thereafter, the rats were weighed, sacrificed and the gonads were isolated for use in determining testicular weight, semen parameters and histology of the testes. Xylopia aethiopica caused significant decreases in ratio of testicular weight to body weight, sperm motility, sperm count, and alterations in the histology of the testes. High intake of whole fruits of Xylopia aethiopica has adverse effects on semen quality parameters and gonadal histology, and may compromise male fertility. Keywords: Xylopia aethiopica, fertility capacity, Wistar rats.
The Linguistic Realization of Disagreements by EFL Egyptian Speakers

Due to the lack of sociolinguistic knowledge of the L2, non-native speakers may transfer their linguistic and sociocultural L1 pragmatic norms into the L2. Hence, this could lead to pragmatic failure and intercultural misunderstandings. Thomas (1983: 96-7) argued that grammatical errors may impede communication. Nevertheless, they can be clearly recognized as errors. On the other hand, she added that pragmatic failure, particularly if the speaker has an advanced L2 level, is not easily identified, and the non-native speaker could be stereotyped as impolite or unfriendly. Thus, pragmatic failure is more damaging than grammatical errors. Even though some studies report the positive correlation between L2 pragmatic proficiency and linguistic proficiency (Scarcella, 1979; Trosborg, 1987; Beebe and Takahashi, 1989), other studies demonstrated that high levels of L2 proficiency may not entail high pragmatic competence (Kasper and Blum-Kulka, 1993; Kreutel, 2007). In order to reach a better understanding of native-speaker L1 production, a variety of speech acts have been extensively studied. Nevertheless, the speech act of disagreement has received little attention in the literature, particularly in relation to computer-mediated communication. More specifically, no studies have investigated the speech act of disagreement in social network sites like Facebook or in relation to Egyptian participants. Thus, this paper aims at analyzing naturally occurring disagreements by Egyptian participants with an advanced level of English, in the social networking site Facebook. In addition, it intends to distinguish between the strategies employed depending on the method of data collection, namely the naturally occurring instances in Facebook versus a Discourse Completion Test (DCT). Even though DCTs have been criticized for being “unnatural”, they allow the collection of “the prototype of the variants occurring in the individual‟s actual speech” (Hill et al, 1986: 353). A third objective of the paper is to investigate the differences between American and Egyptian production of disagreement strategies in a DCT. Finally, the present work briefly explores the role of topicin the employment of disagreement strategies.
The Impact of Human Capital on Economic Growth: The Case of Selected Arab Countries

Abstract The overall objective of this article is to investigate the impact of human capital on the economic growth of selected Arab countries, including Sudan, during the period of 1990 to 2010. The study makes use of panel data, and estimates an aggregate production function using a fixed effects model. The basic macroeconomic variables of concern derived from the literature review include the real gross domestic product, capital stock, the labor force, and gross enrolment in primary, secondary and tertiary education levels. The results reveal that human capital development – secondary and tertiary education levels – has a significant impact on the economic growth of Arab countries. Keywords: Education, Human capital, Economic growth. Abstrak Objektif umum makalah ini ialah untuk mengkaji impak modal insan ke atas pertumbuhan ekonomi dalam kalangan negara Arab terpilih, termasuk Sudan dalam tempoh tahun antara 1990 hingga 2010. Kajian ini menggunakan data panel, dan penganggaran dibuat melalui fungsi pengeluaran agregat menggunakan model fixed effects. Pemboleh ubah asas makroekonomi yang menjadi tumpuan kajian diperolehi daripada kajian lepas, iaitu keluaran dalam Negara kasar benar, stok modal, buruh, enrolmen kasar pendidikan peringkat rendah, menengah dan tertiari. Hasil kajian menunjukkan bahawa pembangunan modal insan iaitu melalui pendidikan peringkat menengah dan tetiari – mempunyai kesan yang signifikan terhadap pertumbuhan ekonomi dalam kalangan negara Arab. Kata kunci: pendidikan, modal insan, pertumbuhan ekonomi
Linear Stochastic Approximation Algorithms and Group Consensus Over Random Signed Networks

This paper studies linear stochastic approximation (SA) algorithms and their application to multiagent systems in engineering and sociology. As main contribution, we provide necessary and sufficient conditions for convergence of linear SA algorithms to a deterministic or random final vector. We also characterize the system convergence rate, when the system is convergent. Moreover, differing from non-negative gain functions in traditional SA algorithms, this paper considers also the case when the gain functions are allowed to take arbitrary real numbers. Using our general treatment, we provide necessary and sufficient conditions to reach consensus and group consensus for first-order discrete-time multiagent system over random signed networks and with state-dependent noise. Finally, we extend our results to the setting of multidimensional linear SA algorithms and characterize the behavior of the multidimensional Friedkin–Johnsen model over random interaction networks.
The impact of online visual on users’ motivation and behavioural intention - A comparison between persuasive and non-persuasive visuals

Research related to the first impression has highlighted the importance of visual appeal in influencing the favourable attitude towards a website. In the perspective of impression formation, it is proposed that the users are actually attracted to certain characteristics or aspects of the visual properties of a website, while ignoring the rests. Therefore, this study aims to investigate which visual strongly appeals to the users by comparing the impact of common visuals with the persuasive visuals. The principles of social influence are proposed as the added value to the persuasiveness of the web visuals. An experimental study is conducted and the PLS-SEM method is employed to analyse the obtained data. The result of the exploratory analyses demonstrated that the structural model has better quality when tested with persuasive data sample compared to non-persuasive data sample, evident with stronger coefficient of determination and path coefficients. Thus, it is concluded that persuasive visual provides better impact towards users’ attitude and behavioural intention of a website.
Industry Dynamics and Indeterminacy in an OLG Economy with Endogenous Occupational Choice

We model an oligopolistic industry that supplies intermediate goods in an overlapping generations economy. Agents can choose whether to provide labour or to become entrepreneurs and compete in the industry. The idea that entry is determined through occupational choice has major implications for the industry’s dynamics. We find that the industry’s convergence to the steady state equilibrium occurs through cyclical fluctuations. Furthermore, dynamic the path of convergence is not uniquely determined, as it is partially determined by self-fulfilling expectations. These results imply that differences in economic performance may not necessarily reflect differences in either structural characteristics or initial conditions.
Cephalofacial Indices of the Ibo and Yoruba Ethnic groups in Southern Nigeria

Cephalofacial analysis is an important parameter useful anthropologically to ascertain racial, ethnical and sexual differences. This work aimed at determining cephalic and facial indices and the anatomical types of head and face found among the Ibo and Yoruba tribes. Study was cited in two geographical locations in southern Nigeria depending on the ethnic group. Five hundred human subjects were randomly selected, comprising 300 and 200 subjects of the Ibo and Yoruba ethnic groups respectively with age range of 18-35 years. Results obtained showed that Ibo males and females had mean cephalic indices of 81.79±0.43 and 81.68±0.52 respectively and facial (prosopic) indices of 75.49±0.50 and 73.76±0.54 respectively while the Yoruba males and females had mean cephalic indices of 80.40±0.49 and 78.47±0.66 respectively and facial indices of 77.60 ± 2.82 and 73.72±1.05 respectively. Based on the Cephalic Index, the dominant head form found among the Ibo ethnic group was brachycephaly while the Yoruba ethnic group had a head form ranging from brachycephaly to mesocephaly. Facial indices showed dominant hypereuriprosopic face type for the two ethnic groups. The cephalic index only showed sexual dimorphism in the Yoruba ethnic group but the facial index showed significant gender difference in the two ethnic groups studied.Data got from this research could be useful in forensic medicine and reconstructive surgeries.
The seasonal cycle amplitude of total column CO2: Factors behind the model‐observation mismatch

[1] CO2 surface fluxes that are statistically consistent with surface layer measurements of CO2, when propagated forward in time by atmospheric transport models, underestimate the seasonal cycle amplitude of total column CO2 in the northern temperate latitudes by 1–2 ppm. In this paper we verify the systematic nature of this underestimation at a number of Total Carbon Column Observation Network (TCCON) stations by comparing their measurements with a number of transport models. In particular, at Park Falls, Wisconsin (United States), we estimate this mismatch to be 1.4 ppm and try to attribute portions of this mismatch to different factors affecting the total column. We find that errors due to (1) the averaging kernel and prior profile used in forward models, (2) water vapor in the model atmosphere, (3) incorrect vertical transport by transport models in the free troposphere, (4) incorrect aging of air in transport models in the stratosphere, and (5) air mass dependence in TCCON data can explain up to 1 ppm of this mismatch. The remaining 0.4 ppm mismatch is at the edge of the ≤0.4 ppm accuracy requirement on satellite measurements to improve on our current estimate of surface fluxes. Uncertainties in the biosphere fluxes driving the transport models could explain a part of the remaining 0.4 ppm mismatch, implying that with corrections to the factors behind the accounted-for 1 ppm underestimation, present inverse modeling frameworks could effectively assimilate satellite CO2 measurements.
Existence and uniqueness of solution for Caginalp hyperbolic phase field system with polynomial growth potential

Our aim in this article is to study the existence and the uniqueness of solution for Caginalp hyperbolic phase-field system, with initial conditions, homogenous Dirichlet boundary conditions and polynomial growth potential in bounded and smooth domain. Mathematics Subject Classification: Primary: 35D05, 35D10, 35D20, 35D25, 35D30, Secondary: 46F30
Upregulation of Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Expression in the Kidney Could Be Reversed Following Treadmill Exercise Training in Type I Diabetic Rats

Background: Nephropathy is a significant complication of diabetes mellitus, which is associated with high morbidity and mortality. Exercise training has been shown to have renoprotective effects in diabetes. Unregulated vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) has been demonstrated in the diabetic kidney. Thus, the aim of our study is to illustrate the impact of endurance exercise training on the renal VEGF expression in type I diabetic rats. Methods: Forty normal Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into the following equal groups: sedentary control (SC), exercised control (EC), sedentary diabetic (SD) rats and exercised diabetic (ED) rats. Then, diabetes mellitus was induced by streptozotocin in the rats in the two diabetic groups. The expression of VEGF in the renal tissue in each of the four different groups was assessed by immunohistochemistry. Results: Renal VEGF expression was significantly (P < 0.01) higher in SD compared with that in SC. However, exercise training significantly (P < 0.01) reduced VEGF expression in the renal tissue in ED compared with that in SD. Conclusion: Our present data suggest that treadmill exercise training suppressed diabetes-induced upregulation in the renal VEGF expression. World J Nephrol Urol. 2014;3(1):25-29 doi: http://dx.doi. org/ 10.14740 / wjnu153e
Studying coopetition in a wine industry context: directions for future research

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to highlight the theoretical and methodological value of studying coopetition (the interplay between cooperation and competition) in a wine industry context. Design/methodology/approach Key publications surrounding wine industries across multiple countries were reviewed to understand how the wine industry is a highly appropriate empirical context to investigate coopetition. Findings The findings revealed that the wine industry is a highly suitable empirical context for researchers to explore coopetition. Specifically, being a highly cooperative and competitive market, the wine industry provides a unique outlook into how coopetition is managed. Originality/value This paper helps scholars to appreciate the theoretical and methodological benefits of using a wine industry context to evaluate coopetition. Hence, scholars should use the wine industry to obtain rich empirical data surrounding coopetition. The paper ends with a set of recommendations for future research.
Improving teacher recruitment and retention: the importance of workload and pupil behaviour

Background The shortage of teachers in England and Wales continues to be a high profile area of scrutiny. Particular subjects (including mathematics, science and English) are categorized by the Training and Development Agency (TDA) for schools as priority or shortage subjects, and London especially has experienced particular shortages in teacher numbers over recent years. Purpose This paper reports on the findings from a telephone survey with teachers, examining the issues of teacher recruitment and retention. The paper highlights the important factors, as perceived by teachers, that impact on why teachers enter the profession, and also why they choose to leave. Sample The survey involved 246 teachers in England and Wales, teaching the shortage subjects of English, maths and science. The sample was chosen such that 25% of the teachers taking part in the study would be working in London. Our intention was to have sample numbers for teachers inside and outside London from which meaningful comparisons could be made regarding their views, and so highlight particular issues that were important for teachers in London. The 75% sample not from London was geographically representative of the rest of England and Wales. Design and methods Prior to the survey, a provisional examination of recent research findings was carried out, leading us to categorize relevant issues into three areas: (1) reasons for wanting to enter teaching; (2) reasons for not wanting to enter teaching; and (3) reasons for wanting to leave teaching. The telephone survey with teachers therefore looked at these three broad areas. A pilot study was carried out with 22 teachers, trialling the survey questions to be used in the telephone interviews. With the agreement of the teachers, the telephone interviews were recorded to aid the data gathering process. Copies of the interview script were sent out beforehand to the teachers being interviewed, in order to try to reassure teachers that no ‘unexpected’ questions would be asked of them, and also to give teachers the opportunity to provide considered responses during the interviews. Results The survey found that although more ‘intrinsic’ and ‘altruistic’ reasons were given by teachers for going into teaching, the issues of workload and pupil behaviour were found to be most important in dissuading teachers from entering the profession or possibly causing them to leave teaching. Conclusions The study concluded that in order to have an impact on teacher numbers, the two issues regarding workload and pupil behaviour should be seen to be tackled from the perspectives of teachers.
Snakes and Ladders in Educational Systems: Access to Higher Education for Second-Generation Turks in Europe

Based on the first international standardised survey on the second generation in Europe, I compare the school trajectories of youth from the same origin group (parents born in Turkey), with the same starting position (born in Europe) and the same socio-economic status (parents with only modest educational credentials) in six European countries. The differences between countries are substantial. The opportunity to enter higher education is seven times greater in the highest-performing country than in the lowest. These differences can be explained by the institutional arrangements in education in interaction with the available family resources. The article highlights the importance of the oft-neglected national school context.
Invariance of Fr\'echet Frames under Perturbation

Motivating the perturbations of frames in Hilbert and Banach spaces, in this paper we introduce the invariance of Fr\'echet frames under perturbation. Also we show that for any Fr\'echet spaces, there is a Fr\'echet frame and any element has a series expansion.
Comparative Toxicity of Acetamiprid and Azadirachta indica Leave Extract on Biochemical Components of Blood of Labeo rohita

Labeo rohita was exposed to different concentrations of acetamiprid (10, 11, 12, 13, 14 and 15mg/L) and Azadirachta indica leaves extract (250, 500, 750, 1000and 1050mg/L) to determine their LC50. The LC50 of A. indica leaves extract and acetamiprid were 785.4 and 11.62 mg/L, respectively. Fish were exposed to 20% of LC50 of acetamiprid and A. indica leaves extract for 28 days to evaluate changes in the biochemical component of fish blood. A significant decrease in serum calcium, phosphate and albumin, and a significant increase in urea was recorded when fish were exposed to acetamiprid. In contrast, no significant alterations were observed in blood parameters of fish revealed to A. indica leaves extract. The results, therefore, suggest that A. indica leaves extract can be used safely for aquatic pests since it is non-toxic to non-target organisms.