Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
WWF’s Green Business Model in Protected Area Conservation and Livelihoods Sustenance in Cameroon: The Need for a Shift in Approach?

Rising interests to support green development through targeted conservation approaches in the developing world attracted international NGO attention especially in the 1990s. One of such NGOs, the World-Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) has been backstopping many African nations in the process of realizing the twin objectives of livelihood sustenance and protected area conservation. In the case of Cameroon, one of her key areas of intervention has been the introduction of green business initiatives as a way of strengthening the link between livelihood support and conservation in protected areas. With a focus on Cameroon, we review the green business model (Note 1) as a WWF intervention approach in Africa. We undertake a random survey of household representatives drawn from 7 WWF conservation cooperatives in Cameroon on their perceptions and preferences with regards to the green business initiative. This was complemented by interviews to 8 WWF and partner CSO representatives, and field observations. The results are discussed to include a schema of the green business approach in Africa with a focus on Cameroon, cooperative members’ knowledge levels of the initiative, impact of the initiative and clarity of benefit sharing schemes in place, among others. The pairwise correlation shows a strong positive relationship between knowledge/experience levels and a number of elements including shortcomings of the initiative, the need for strategy improvement, and the tendency for outside influence on the green business choices. This aspect equally showed a strong positive correlation with the need to switch to other green business options and unclear benefit sharing. In conclusion, we argue for a shift in the green business approach to capture issues of improvement in knowledge levels, diversification, technical and institutional capacity building, clarity of benefit sharing, and value chain development. We further advocate for a green business approach in tandem with the aspirations of local populations around protected areas on the one hand, and the need for a conservation cooperative alliance on the other hand. The results contribute to the “green economy” discourse which has significantly gained grounds in all spheres of conservation and development interventions.
Raise the Debt

Governments frequently borrow money. It is often assumed that it is creditors, and creditors alone, who determine what loans developing countries obtain. Yet this is only partially true: the data show that countries with the same credit rating, income levels, and degree of democracy exhibit a remarkable diversity in the types of creditors used. Some borrow from China, while others turn to the United States; some borrow from private investors, while others rely on multilateral institutions. Apparently, developing countries have some choice. Developing countries are not merely passive recipients gobbling up whatever loans they can get, but active agents. This book systematically explains how governments choose among competing loan offers. The argument focuses on societal interest groups in recipient countries and the distributional consequences of external loans. For example, China and the International Monetary Fund might both offer the same loan volume, but the strings attached to the loans differ. As a result, domestic interest groups would benefit from one loan but not the other. Governments then cater to whichever domestic interest group coalition dominates by borrowing from that coalition’s preferred creditor. Interviews with decision-makers in Ecuador, Peru, and Colombia provide strong evidence that domestic politics shape borrowing decisions. A Statistical analyses confirms that borrowing portfolios around the world reflect the relative strength of societal interest groups. Understanding why certain loans are chosen is critical for gaining insights into the effects these loans might have on growth and democracy.
Mitochondrial DNA polymorphisms in Carib people of Belize

Analysis of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) control region polymorphisms in 28 Carib people of Belize, former British Honduras, revealed high levels of genetic admixture with West African populations. A previously characterized length mutation consisting of a deletion of nine base pairs in an intergenic mtDNA region was observed in two of the individuals. Phylogenetic analysis of mtDNA control region sequences associated with the mutation suggested that it arose independently in different geographical locations. Whereas in one individual the deletion reflects the Amerindian ancestry of the Caribs, in the second case it seems to be of African origin, as it occurred in conjunction with an mtDNA type found in sub–Saharan Africa. Our results agree with historical accounts on the origins of the Caribs of Belize.
Green Product Innovation Strategies for Environmental Sustainability in the Construction Sector

Environmental Sustainability and ecological benefits through green products innovations has recently gained significance due to increase in issues such as global warming, CO2 emissions, increase in waste and other ecological hazards. In the construction sector, green products innovations emphasize upon waste reduction or material recycling, energy conservation and control of pollution. Despite international certifications and LEED ratings, there are still barriers that retard the growth of green product innovation projects. This study investigated green product innovation through a multiple case study analysis of several building projects in three construction firms in the industrial towns of Jubail and Yanbu, Saudi Arabia. The study was carried out around three variables, viz. energy conservation, materials reduction, and pollution control in the project life cycle. In-depth interviews and a study of documentation revealed such dimensions of green product innovation that are essential for a construction company to adhere to. The study also found out barriers that need to be addressed to in order to achieve green Saudi Arabia. Finally, the study suggested developing skills of company personnel and reviewing of the regulations in order to motivate companies to involve themselves more in green projects.
Using IT Education to Reveal New Horizons - A Large Scale Case Study on Digital and Social Inclusion

The development and the economical growth of a State in the sectors of Industry, Commerce (and eCommerce), and services are directly influenced by the investments on Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs). Emergent countries like Brazil have an extremely large deficit in qualified ICTs employees. Furthermore, despite being the 6th economy in the world, Brazil currently still presents a large number of citizens below the poverty line even after a considerable improvement in recent years. In 2006, the Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte (UFRN), developed the Digital Metropolis project, whose main objective is to provide means for the creation of a ICT Development Environment in Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil. Currently, the project’s main supporting activity is the Technical Course on Information Technology. In this paper, we describe the activities involving this course, its results and difficulties so far, and the future challenges we aim to face in a very near future.
Efficient Data Center Architectures Using Non-Volatile Memory and Reliability Techniques

The cost of running a data center is increasingly dominated by energy consumption, contributed by power provisioning, cooling and server components such as processors, memories and disk drives. Meanwhile, emerging classes of complex data center workloads place a heavier burden on processing and storage hardware, involving accesses to huge datasets for each operation. Fortunately, emerging technologies promise better performance and efficiency. Non-volatile (NV) memories for applications such as disk caches [7, 4, 2, 8] are proven ways to save energy, and in recent developments, byte-addressable persistent storage such as phase-change memory (PCM) or Memristors can serve as both main memory and permanent storage, reducing data transfers between layers of hierarchy. Further, 3D die-stacking provides a low-energy high-bandwidth means of connecting storage with computation hardware. The challenge lies in how to optimally combine and balance system elements when data-center workload demands vary significantly. Once combined, new, inherent drawbacks such as limited memory write endurance need to be countered. Further, as processors often dominate system power consumption, they become a critical target for energy optimization. Unfortunately, current CPU architectures cannot fully exploit voltage scaling due to the need for safety margins [9] as well as having large caches that fail at higher voltages than the logic circuits [10]. In this thesis, we address these challenges via the following novel techniques; We propose a distributed, energy-efficient data center architecture [11, 12], replacing hard disk drives and DRAM main memory with non-volatile Memristors or PCM. The system is composed of a network of uniform building blocks called Nanostores that combine processors with a permanent data store. To reduce unnecessary data movement, DRAM and disk layers are eliminated, resulting in a flattened memory hierarchy. Because NV memories wear out with the number of data writes, we propose novel wear-leveling solutions. First we propose distributed data center wear-leveling [13] to address SSD-based and future Nanostore based storage, with a 3.9x improvement in lifetime. Second, we propose server-level reliability improvements for Flash memory based disk caches [4] that provide 20x improvements in lifetime on average. We propose a novel on-chip cache fault tolerance scheme that allows more than a 30% improvement in energy efficiency [14, 15, 16]. *Please refer to dissertation for footnotes.
The Mediating Role of Workload on the Relationship between Leader Member Exchange (LMX) and Job Satisfaction

The goal of this study is to analyze the mediating role of workload on the relationship between leader member exchange (LMX) and job satisfaction. Another objective of this study is to examine the relationship between LMX, workload, job satisfaction and demographic variables. Additionally, the differences of LMX, workload and job satisfaction according to demographic variables are investigated . The major aim is to reflect the issues that lead to job dissatisfaction. It is indicated that LMX and workload can be two of the most fundamental determinants for understanding this issue. In order to clarify this assumption, the research was conducted with one of the largest municipality inIstanbul,Turkey, with 255 participants. The result of this research suggests that workload is a partial mediator in the relationship between LMX and job satisfaction. Meanwhile, no differences were found in LMX, job satisfaction or workload according to gender, education and status, but were found according to age, job seniority and organizational seniority.
An Investigation of Finite Size Scaling

Resume De nombreux calculs sur les systemes finis (ou partiellement infinis), les simulations numeriques par la methode de Monte-Carlo par exemple ou bien la diagonalisation de matrices de transfert finies, sont extrapoles a la limite thermodynamique a l'aide d'hypotheses ou les dimensions finies L du systeme sont incorporees dans des lois d'echelle. Nous montrons ici que ces relations de similitude ou apparait L sont la consequence des deux faits suivants: (i) dans les equations de groupe de renormalisation la longueur L n'est pas renormalisee; (ii) il n'y a pas de singularite au point fixe du groupe de renormalisation. Or un examen plus attentif montre que cette deuxieme propriete est en defaut a quatre (et au-dessus de quatre) dimensions, et qu'en consequence les relations de similitude n'y sont pas verifiees. Pour illustrer le phenomene nous presentons des calculs detailles relatifs a un modele de vecteurs classiques a N composantes resolu dans la limite ou N tend vers l'infini. Nous montrons egalement qu'en dessous de quatre dimensions le developpement en e = 4 − d , des fonctions qui apparaissent dans les lois d'echelle est singulier.
Genomic relationships of Actinobacillus pleuropnewmoniae serotype 2 strains evaluated by ribotyping, sequence analysis of ribosomal intergenic regions, and pulsed‐field gel electrophoresis

The aim of the present study was to examine the genomic relationship among 112 Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae serotype 2 strains obtained throughout Europe and North America. HindIII ribotyping of the strains resulted in five ribotypes of high similarity (87–98%). Sequence analysis of the ribosomal intergenic region of strains representing each ribotype and each country showed no differences. A common ribotype was further characterized by PFGE of 12 strains representing all countries. The resultant five PFGE patterns of European strains showed a similarity of more than 91%, to which the two PFGE patterns of the Canadian strains showed a similarity of 84–86%. In conclusion, strains of A. pleuropneumoniae serotype 2 seem to be clonally related.
EmoGram: An Open-Source Time Sequence-Based Emotion Tracker and Its Innovative Applications

In this paper, we present an open-source emotion tracker and its innovative applications. Our tracker, EmoGram, tracks emotion changes for a sequence of textual units. It is versatile in terms of the textual unit (tweets, sentences in discourse, etc.) and also what constitutes the time sequence (timestamps of tweets, discourse nature of text, etc.). We demonstrate the utility of our system through our applications: a sequence of commentaries in cricket matches, a sequence of dialogues in a play, and a sequence of tweets related to the Maggi controversy in India in 2015. That one system can be used for these applications is the merit of EmoGram.
PU.1, Interferon Regulatory Factor 1, and Interferon Consensus Sequence-binding Protein Cooperate to Increase gp91 phox Expression*

gp91 phox is a subunit of the phagocyte respiratory burst oxidase catalytic unit. Transcription ofCYBB, the gene encoding gp91 phox , is restricted to terminally differentiated phagocytic cells. An element in the proximalCYBB promoter binds a protein complex, referred to as hematopoiesis-associated factor (HAF1), that is necessary for interferon-γ (IFNγ)-induced gp91 phox expression. In these investigations, we determined that HAF1 was a multiprotein complex, cross-immunoreactive with the transcription factors PU.1, interferon regulatory factor 1 (IRF-1), and interferon consensus sequence-binding protein (ICSBP). In electrophoretic mobility shift assay, the HAF1 complex was reconstituted by either in vitro translated PU.1 with IRF-1 or PU.1 with ICSBP, but not by IRF-1 with ICSBP. HAF1a, a slower mobility complex with the same binding site specificity as HAF1, was also investigated. Similar to the HAF1 complex, the HAF1a complex was cross-immunoreactive with PU.1, IRF-1, and ICSBP. Unlike the HAF1 complex, reconstitution of the HAF1a complex required in vitro translated PU.1 with both IRF-1 and ICSBP. An artificial promoter construct containing the HAF1/HAF1a binding site was modestly activated in the myelomonocytic cell line U937 by co-transfection either with PU.1 and IRF-1 or with PU.1 and ICSBP, but it was strongly activated by co-transfection with PU.1, IRF-1, and ICSBP. This activation required serine 148-phosphorylated PU.1. These studies describe a novel mechanism for PU.1 transcriptional activation via interaction with both IRF-1 and ICSBP, a target gene for the interaction of IRF-1 with ICSBP, and a novel activation function for ICSBP as a component of a multiprotein complex.
Do Foreign Direct Investment Inflows Impinge Gross Domestic Product? A Venture Out for ASEAN

Foreign Direct Investment, since decades, has taken over other sources of debt flows both in developed as well as emerging economies of the world. The reason that support this overly attachment to revered flows of FDI does not seem to benign the economies by smidgens but in amass. Back to 1990s, the economies over the world witnessed huge opening of their foreign policies with an avarice objective of luring more and more foreign capital, more advancely, foreign investment. The globalisation phenomenon that also gauges back to the late 80s and early 90s saw in the opening up of economies a plethora of opportunities to integrate economies across the globe. One major instance of the speeding globalisation was seen in the form of bilateral and multilateral agreements among nations to enhance cooperation on mutual fronts. ASEAN, one such conglomeration, saw its inception back in 1967 and with the steering of global identity, the participating members extended from five founding members to other countries of Southeast Asia as well. The ameliorating figure of Foreign Direct Investment Inflows in the ASEAN region has stirred a need for quantifying the overall effect of FDI Inflows on Gross Domestic Product of the region. The present research note intends to capture this impingement of Foreign Direct Investment Inflows on Gross Domestic Product of the Ten Southeast Asian member nations which together constitute ASEAN. The data is fetched from UNCTAD Statistics database for a time range of 1980-2015. Panel regression technique is deployed to meet ends. The results of the econometric approach of Random Effects Panel Regression indicate a significant and positive impingement of Foreign Direct Investment Inflows on Gross Domestic Product of ASEAN member states. The outcome of the analysis thus throws light on how Foreign Direct investment Inflows has contributed to the Gross Domestic product of ASEAN and further exploration in the area will blossom the relationship. Keywords: Foreign Direct Investment Inflows, ASEAN, UNCTAD . JEL Classification: F10, F21
Teaching and learning the physician manager role: Psychiatry residents’ perspectives

Background: Despite widespread consensus that additional training in administration is needed to prepare physicians for practice, little is known about how best to teach managerial competencies and how to integrate teaching into existing postgraduate curricula. Aim: This study aimed to elicit resident perspectives on administrative curriculum development following exposure to a pilot physician manager curriculum at the University of Toronto. Methods: The authors held five focus groups of psychiatry residents at the University of Toronto during 2008, engaging 40 trainees. Resident perspectives on barriers to teaching and learning administrative skills, preferred curriculum content and format and suggestions for integration of administrative training into the residency programme were elicited. Results: Identified barriers to learning include lack of physician manager role clarity, dearth of learning opportunities and multiple competing demands on residents’ time. Residents value a formal administrative curriculum and propose additional opportunities for experiential learning such as elective rotations and mentorship opportunities. Suggested strategies for integrating administrative teaching into residency include faculty development, rotation-specific administrative objectives and end of rotation resident evaluations. Conclusion: Our findings provide valuable learner input into an emerging educational framework aiming to address barriers to teaching administrative skills during residency and facilitate longitudinal reinforcement of learning.
Racial differences in psychotic symptoms among combat veterans with PTSD

We tested the hypothesis that race may influence clinical presentation and symptomatology in combat veterans with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). African‐American and Caucasian veterans were administered the Psychotic Screen Module of the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM, Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory‐2 (MMPI‐2), and other psychometric measures at a Veterans Affairs outpatient PTSD clinic. Subjects were consecutive referrals who were not matched for level of combat trauma or preexisting trauma; however, there were no group differences in other relevant demographic or diagnostic variables. Significant racial differences, with modest effect sizes, were found on clinician ratings of psychotic symptoms, MMPI‐2 scale 6 (“paranoia”), and a measure of dissociation. No significant differences were found for the MMPI‐2 scale 8 (“schizophrenia”), or on measures that might suggest comorbid depression or anxiety. African‐Americans with PTSD endorsed more items suggesting positive symptoms of psychosis, without higher rates of primary psychosis, depression, or anxiety than Caucasians. Depression and Anxiety 16:157–161, 2002. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Which spinal levels are identified by palpation of the iliac crests and the posterior superior iliac spines?

The line joining the superior aspect of the iliac crests posteriorly (the intercristal line) is commonly stated to cross the midline at the L4 or L4–5 spinal level on imaging. This study aimed to assess the spinal level identified through palpation of surface anatomy (iliac crests and posterior superior iliac spines) in adults and the level of agreement compared with the intercristal line identified through imaging. The study participants included consecutive adult patients undergoing prone fluoroscopically guided spinal injections for chronic low back pain at the Royal Orthopaedic Hospital, Birmingham, between April and July 2004. Prior to fluoroscopic imaging, each patient's surface anatomy was palpated by two examiners and lines created to form the palpated intercristal line and the posterior superior iliac spine line. Following imaging, the mid‐line spinal levels identified by these palpated lines were recorded and the level of agreement (kappa coefficient) with the intercristal line formed by imaging of the iliac crests was assessed. The results showed that although the L4 or L4–5 spinal levels were identified on imaging of the intercristal line in 86.7% of 75 patients (49 female), the intercristal line formed through palpation tended to identify higher levels; the L3 or L3–4 spinal levels in 77.3% of cases and more commonly in females than in males (85.7 vs. 61.5%) and in patients with higher body mass indices. The level of agreement between the two lines was poor (κ = 0.05). The posterior superior iliac spine line identified the S2 spinous process in 51% and the S1 in 44% of 60 (45 female) patients. The results suggest that formation of the intercristal line by palpation of the iliac crests identifies different spinal levels to those identified by imaging and that both methods should be regarded as different instruments. In the clinical situation, it may be more appropriate to consider that palpation of the intercristal line is a guide for identifying the L3 or L3–4 spinal levels rather than the L4 or L4–5 levels, particularly in females and patients with higher body mass indices.