Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Economies of Scale and Cost Efficiency in Small Scale Egusi Melon Production in Bida Local Government Area of Niger State, Nigeria

This study shows empirical findings of economies of scale and cost efficiency of small scale egusi melon production in Niger State, Nigeria, using multi-stage random sampling techniques to elicit data from 125 respondents in the study area. Findings indicates that there is relative presence of economies of scale among the respondents; an average farm in the study area produce at a minimum cost considering the size of the farm which is an indication that they operates in stage II of production surface which is an efficient stage of resource utilization. Findings were further collaborated by mean cost efficiency of 1.165 which shows that an average farm in the study area is about 17% above the frontier cost, indicating that they are relatively efficient in allocating their scarce resources. The significance of the estimated gamma coefficient (0.65) indicate the presence of cost inefficiency effects in egusi melon production
Working Paper Series WEF 0050 Social Learning with Course Inference

We study social learning by boundedly rational agents. Agents take a decision in sequence, after observing their predecessors and a private signal. They are unable to understand their predecessors’ decisions in their finest details: they only understand the relation between the aggregate distribution of actions and the state of nature. We show that, in a continuous action space, compared to the rational case, agents put more weight on early signals. Despite this behavioral bias, beliefs converge to the truth. In a discrete action space, instead, convergence to the truth does not occur even if agents receive signals of unbounded precisions.
Foreign Direct Investment and Regional Trade Agreements: The Market Size Effect Revisited

The paper investigates whether the market size of a regional trade agreement (RTA) is a determinant of foreign direct investment (FDI) received by countries participating in the RTA. This hypothesis is tested on a sample of 71 developing countries during the period 1980-99. Evidence is found that the RTA market size had a positive impact on the FDI received by member countries, even more so in the 1990s when such agreements were revived and became more widespread. The size of domestic population also seemed to matter, possibly because of its effect on the availability of the labor supply. It appears, however, that not all countries in the RTA benefited to the same extent from the RTA: countries with a relatively more educated labor force and/or a relatively more stable financial situation tended to attract a larger share of FDI at the expense of their RTA partners. This evidence suggests it is essential for all RTA countries to improve their business environment to the best available in the region. Finally, a partial negative correlation between the FDI received by RTA countries and that received by non-RTA countries possibly reflects a diversion of FDI from non-RTA to RTA countries. As an illustration, FDI benefits are simulated from the creation of a regional trade agreement between Algeria, Morocco, and Tunisia.
Ecological Footprint Comparison of Biobased Pha Production from Animal Residues

Utilization of waste streams is gaining more and more importance to reduce costs at the input side of a process. This affects not only costs, as environmental impacts can be minimized due to utilization of recovered waste streams too. ANIMPOL is an EU funded research project which is focused on the production of biopolymers from animal residues. This report compares conventional plastic production against fermentation of animal residues to polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA) which constitutes a group of biobased and biodegradable polyesters. Beside PHA high quality biodiesel and meat and bone meal are produced which improves the economic feasibility of the whole process design. Through hydrolysis of specific residues the substitution of inorganic nitrogen can be achieved (Kettl et al., 2011a). For comparison of different production scenarios Ecological Footprint evaluation, according to the Sustainable Process Index methodology (Sandholzer et. al., 2005; Narodoslawsky and Krotscheck, 1995) was applied. Sub-process sharp information is available to figure out ecological hotspots within every process step. Ecological optimization potentials as well as production cost reduction are pointed out to address cleaner production already in the process designing phase.
Impact of FDI in Retailing: An Empirical Analysis on Perception of Unemployed Youth on Employment Opportunities in India

Purpose: In recent years, numerous researches have been conducted on Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) from various perspectives. From a survey on FDI literatures of infrastructure, construction, and service sectors perspective, there are some studies based on the FDI in retailing in single and multi brand made by scholars. However, the perception of unemployed youth on impact of FDI in retailing about employment opportunities in India is yet to be explored. This article is therefore timely and fills the gap in FDI in retailing literature. In a nutshell, the existing organized retailers show a turnover in the range of $15 billion to $18 billion, leading to the creation of about one million direct and indirect jobs. This implies that Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) retailers need to generate $60 billion of turnover in India; it contributes about 14% to India’s gross domestic product (GDP) and is growing at the rate of 15%. The retail sector would guess that in three years it would be a Herculean achievement if FDI leads to the creation of even 0.3 to 0.4 million net additional jobs. In India the pay scales for organized retail shopping mall employees are getting nearly a monthly salary of Rs.5,750 to Rs.6,250 compared to others unorganized retail shopping mall employees, they get a monthly salary of Rs.4,000 to Rs.4,500. It is very interesting to note that the multi-brand retail FDI policy in other countries like China approved 100% limit that reflects employment opportunities rose from 28 million to 54 million from 1992 to 2001. Based on the above backdrop, an attempt has been made in this paper to study the impact of FDI in retailing with the perception of unemployed youth on employment opportunities in India. Design/Methodology/Approach: Primary data using convenient sampling through questionnaire and interview method as well as secondary data from wide range of literature and various journal publications had been utilized. Frequency distribution, percentage analysis and one way ANOVA were used to test the objectives of the study. In order to test the reliability of the scale, the researcher applied Cronbach’s Alpha (CFA) to measure the internal consistency of the variables. Findings: The findings of the study on impact of FDI in retailing emphasized that the educated youth will get more good and decent employment opportunities in India. Originality/Value: Impact of FDI in retailing: An empirical analysis on perception of unemployed youth on employment opportunities in India is the original work of the authors.
Inflorescence rot disease of date palm caused by Fusarium proliferatum in Southern Iraq

Date palm is one of the important income sources for many farmers in different parts of several countries, including Iraq, Iran, Saudi Arabia, North Africa etc. Inflorescence rot is a serious disease of date palm which limits its yield. The identification of the causal organism is a key step to tackling this disease, and such studies are very scanty. The objective of this present study was to identify the causal agent of inflorescence rot disease occurring on date palms prevailing in Southern Iraq. The diseased date palm trees were observed in Shaat-Al-Arab and Al-Deer regions near Basrah in Iraq. The isolates were identified using morphological and molecular parameters. The internal transcribed spacer (ITS)/5.8S regions were amplified by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and sequenced. The PCR method and phylogenetic relationship successfully identified that the causal organism of date palm inflorescence rot disease in southern part of Iraq is Fusarium proliferatum . Pathogenecity test confirmed the disease-causing ability of the fungus, and sequence comparison for similarity of ITS region. Identification of this new causal agent of inflorescence rot may help the plant pathologists to control this disease. Keywords: Fusarium proliferatum , ITS1, ITS4, pathogenecity, PCR, isolates, phylogeny
Demand of Children in Colombia: Guessing or Planning

In this paper, we attempt to analyze the determinants of unintended births among Colombian women aged 40 years old or more using data from the `Encuesta Nacional de Demografia y Salud ENDS- 2005, which is Colombia´s national demographic and health survey. Given the especial characteristics of the variable under analysis, we used count data models in order to test whether certain characteristics of women and their socioeconomic backgrounds such as their level and years of schooling or socioeconomic group, explain the number of unintended births. We found that women´s education and the area of residence are significant determinants of unintended births. The inverse relationship between the level of education of women and the number of unintended births has key implications to social policies. El articulo analiza los determinantes de la presencia de hijos no deseados en Colombia. Se utiliza la informacion de la Encuesta Nacional de Demografia y Salud (ENDS, 2005), especificamente para las mujeres de 40 anos o mas. Dadas las caracteristicas especiales de la variable que se analiza, se utilizan modelos de conteo para verificar si determinadas caracteristicas socioeconomicas como la educacion o el estrato economico explican la presencia de hijos no deseados. Se encuentra que la educacion de la mujer y el area de residencia son determinantes significativos de los nacimientos no planeados. Ademas, la relacion negativa entre el numero de hijos no deseados y la educacion de la mujer arroja implicaciones clave en materia de politica social. "
Web IS Management Problems: Results from a Post-Implemenation Field Study

This paper describes the preliminary results of a multisite field study to document the problems common to post implementation management of web information systems (web IS). This study of web IS managers uses coordination theory as an analytical frame in the identification and analysis of web IS management problems common across traditional manufacturing organizations. The preliminary analysis reported here is a typology of 13 problem types. Results will aid in the planning and evaluation of organizational web
The Effect of Role Play Strategy on Jordanian EFL Tenth Grade Students' Speaking Skill

This study examines the effect of role-play strategy on the Jordanian tenth grade English as a foreign language (EFL) students' speaking skill. It is an attempt to answer if there is a statistical significance difference between the experimental and control groups' scores on the speaking test due to the teaching method (role-play strategy vs. the Teacher's Book instructions). A total of 86 homogeneous participants were selected through a random sampling technique from two sections at Lameece Secondary School for Girls in Amman, Jordan during the second semester of the academic year 2016-2017. The experimental group was 42 students while the control group was 44 students. For data collection, a role-play instructional program based on the speaking activities in Action Pack 10, a speaking test and a rating scale were used. The collected data were analyzed using proper statistical measures such as ANCOVA and MANCOVA. The results revealed that the role-play strategy had a significant effect on the five components of the speaking skill with the students of the experimental group. Further empirical studies on the effect of role-play strategy on developing other language skills are needed.
Behaviour of consumers in EU countries

The paper focuses on development of consumer behavior on the basis of household expenditures in 1996, 1999 and 2002 in individual countries in Europe. As a tool to examine the changes in behavior was used cluster analysis. The results of this analysis are illustrated in dendrograms, which help to estimate the greatest differences in consumer behavior among north-western European countries and new countries joining EU, then also among western European countries and south European countries. For the analysis of factors with influence on consumer behavior is required a research about motives of behavior and consumption of main agricultural commodities.
The Effects of Drug Dependence on Spousal Relationships in Iran

This article reports the findings of a grounded theory study on drug dependence and spousal relationships in Iran. The study is qualitative in nature; data were obtained through semi-structured interviews. Grounded theory method was used to guide the analysis. Interviews were conducted to 41 opium- and heroindependent parents selected from the Self-Referred Drug Addicts’ Treatment Centre in Rasht, Iran. The interviews provided detailed information on the impact of these parents’ drug dependence on their spousal relationships. The study focused on drug dependence and spousal relationships, and explored the links between them. It found that drug dependence could have an effect on various aspects of spousal relationships. In this article, two main aspects of spousal relationships are considered, namely spousal roles and spousal communication. In this study, drug dependence was found to create a number of adverse effects on spousal relationships. Suitable intervention and prevention programs were needed to offer support for drug dependents and their spouses.
The performance of monetary policy: A comparison between civil-law and common-law countries

The objective of this paper is to compare the effectiveness of monetary policy between civillaw countries and common-law countries by investigating the impulse response of monetary policy actions on the level of output. This is to determine whether countries of common-law origin are less sensitive to monetary policy actions compared with civil-law countries. Theoretically, we expected that monetary policy is more effective in civil-law countries where their financial structures are more bank-based as compared to common-law countries where their financial structures are more market-based. The impulse response functions were generated through the estimation of first-differences VAR consisting of five variables. The findings show the impact of monetary policy is relatively stronger, responds more quickly and long lasting in civil-law countries compared with common-law countries.
Pengujian Filter EGR (Exhaust Gas Recirculation) Terhadap Efek Blow By Gas Berbahan Serat Kedelai Edamame Sebagai Upaya Untuk Mengurangi Emisi Gas Buang Mesin Diesel

The growth of diesel-engined vehicles in Indonesia is now increasing as the population grows. Diesel-engine vehicles are in great demand because they have high economic value compared to gasoline-engine vehicles because Diesel-powered vehicles require Solar fuels that cost much less than gasoline-engine vehicles. And also Diesel-engine vehicles have much more power to carry large and large items. However, Diesel-engine vehicles have a negative effect as well as causing large air pollution to the environment. Due to diesel engine exhaust emissions have a high concentration. This high density is caused by the Blow By gas effect of bringing back the remaining oil called soot into the combustion chamber after the combustion process. So in this study the authors modify the Filter EGR (Exhaust Gas Recirculation) from filter made from paper with Filters made from Edamame soybean Fiber Composite. According to Xiaobing Liu Research (2017) that Soybean Fiber can absorb particulate dust with high efficiency level that is between 99.94% and 99.95%. It is expected that this modification may reduce the level of Diesel engine exhaust gas concentration or so-called Opacity Level to the Blow Effect By the gas. From the results of the research, it is found that before the EGR filter (Exhaust Gas recirculation) installed made from Edamame soybean there is an Opacity value of 40% with a value of k-value of 2.58 1 / m. And after EGR filter made from Edamame soybean fiber installed there is a decrease of Opasitas level by 27% with value of K-Value equal to 1,6 1 / m. testing conducted on vehicles at 5000 rpm. Keywords— mesin diesel, tingkat opasitas, serat komposit kedelai, filter EGR
Molecular and phenotypic characterization of shigatoxigenic Escherichia coli (STEC) and enteropathogenic E. coli (EPEC) from piglets and infants associated with diarrhoea in Mizoram, India

Limited information is available on shiga toxin producing Escherichia coli (STEC) in pigs and infants from Aizawl, Mizoram and North Eastern region of India. This cross sectional study was conducted on faecal samples from pigs and infants to detect and characterize of STEC and enteropathogenic E. coli (EPEC). Serogrouping, molecular and phenotypic characterizations were done by standard molecular and cytotoxic assays. Out of 48 E. coli strains isolated from 320 diarrhoeic fecal samples of piglets, 44 belonged to 18 different serogroups, 3 (6.25%) were untypeable (UT) and 1(2.08%) was recorded as rough strain (R). Similarly, out of 17 E. coli strains isolated from 264 diarrhoeic fecal samples of infants, 16 belonged to O60 (94.1%) and 1(5.88%) was untypeable. Virulence genes (stx1, stx2, eaeA and hlyA) were detected by multiplex PCR assay. A total of 1260 E. coli were isolated from piglets (720) and infants (540) from 584 faecal samples. All together, 5.16% (65) E. coli isolates were found to be positive for at least one virulence gene (6.66% piglets and 3.15% infants). Out of the virulent gene positive E. coli 3.17% (32 from piglets and eight from infants) and 1.98% (16 from piglets and nine from infants) were recorded as STEC and EPEC, respectively. On the other hand, from the total 2.14% stx2 positive isolates, 16 and 11 were positive for stx2e and stx2c subtypes, respectively. Similarly, from the 4.04% eaeA positive isolates, 1.19% (15) were positive for bfpA gene, of which 1.67% (12) were piglets and 0.60% (3) were infants. All the isolates were exhibited varying degree of CPE on vero cell lines. In conclusion, STEC and EPEC seem to be associated with diarrhoea in piglets and infants in Mizoram. In piglets STEC strains represent as a major cause of diarrhoea while EPEC strains represent as major cause of diarrhoea in infants in North Eastern region of the India. Key words: Enteropathogenic E. coli (EPEC), infants; piglets, shigatoxigenic E. coli (STEC), vero cell cytotoxicity.
Returns to schooling, ability and cognitive skills in Pakistan

This study investigates the economic outcomes of education for wage earners in Pakistan. This is done by analysing the relationship between schooling, cognitive skills and ability, on the one hand, and economic activity, occupation, sectoral choice and earnings, on the other. In Pakistan, an important question remains largely unaddressed: what does the coefficient on ‘schooling’ in conventional earning function estimates measure? Whereas human capital theory holds that the economic return to an extra year of schooling measures productivity gains acquired through additional schooling, the credentialist view argues that it represents a return to acquired qualifications and credentials, and a third view, the signalling hypothesis, suggests that it captures a return to native ability. This paper seeks to adjudicate between these theories using data from a unique purpose-designed survey of more than 1000 households in Pakistan, collected in 2007. The paper also examines the shape of the education–earnings relationship in Pakistan as a way of testing the poverty-reducing potential of education in Pakistan.
The Influence of Gender Expression on the Internalization of the Thin and Muscular Body Ideals

The Influence of Gender Expression on the Internalization of the Thin and Muscular Body Ideals. (May 2012) Emily C. Stefano Department of Psychology Texas A&M University Research Advisor: Dr. Marisol Perez Department of Psychology Very little is known about the role of gender expression on the internalization of the thin and muscular body ideals, and virtually no research exists regarding the influence of sextype. Using the Bem Sex Role Inventory (BSRI), the present study measured the sextype of roughly 1,200 young adults. In addition, the SATAQ-3 was used to determine the degree of internalization of both the thin and muscular body ideals. The Female SexType showed significantly higher levels of internalization for the thin ideal and the Male Sex-Type showed significantly more internalization of the muscular ideal, regardless of biological gender. The Androgynous Sex-Type showed significant internalization of both the thin and muscular ideal, while the Undifferentiated Sex-Type scored lower on both subscales. Once the relationship between gender expression and body perception is better understood, present treatment programs can be modified in order to better address the internalization of the thin and muscular ideal amongst individuals endorsing nonconforming gender expression.
Asset Prices and Climate Policy

People might reduce carbon emissions to protect themselves, their wealth, or future generations from climate damage. An overlapping generations climate model with endogenous asset price and investment levels disentangles these incentives. Asset markets capitalize the future effects of policy, regardless of people’s concern for future generations. These markets can lead self-interested agents to undertake significant abatement. A small climate policy that raises the price of capital increases old agents’ welfare and also increases welfare of young agents with a high intertemporal elasticity of substitution. Climate policy can also have subtle distributional effects across the currently living generations.
Using PLFA to constrain microbial distribution related to S-cycling in oil-sands composite tailings during reclamation

iii ACKNOWLEDGMENTS . v LIST OF TABLES . vii LIST OF FIGURES . viii CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION TO MICROBIAL LIPIDS AND LIPID ANALYSIS 1.1 Microbes.1 1.2 Microbial Processes.3 1.3 Lipids.3 1.4 Lipid Analysis.4 1.5 Phospholipids . 5 1.6 Phospholipid Fatty Acid (PLFA) Analysis.8 1.7 Conversion factors for PLFA Analysis.9 1.8 Phospholipids fatty acids (PLFAs) as biomarkers . 9 CHAPTER 2: CRUDE OIL AND THE CANADIAN OIL SANDS 2.1 The Canadian Oil Sands.14 2.2 Microbial Communities at the Canadian Oil Sands.14 2.3 Sulfur and Sulfate Reducing Bacteria.17 2.4 Methane and Methanogens.6. 18 2.5 Syncrude Canada Limited.19 2.6 Thesis Structure.21 CHAPTER 3: USING PLFA TO CONSTRAIN MICROBIAL DISTRIBUTION RELATED TO S-CYCLING IN OIL SANDS COMPOSITE TAILINGS DURING RECLAMATION 3.1 Abstract.25 3.2 Introduction to Syncrude’s reclamation project.26 3.3 Site Description.30 3.4 Methods.33 3.5 Results.35 3.6 Discussions.43 3.7 Conclusions.48 MSc. Thesis – N. Ngonadi; McMaster University School of Geography and Earth Sciences ! #""! $%&'()*! +,! CONCLUSION 4.1 Thesis and research conclusion . 50 4.2 Future Research.53 REFERENCES.55 MSc. Thesis – N. Ngonadi; McMaster University School of Geography and Earth Sciences ! #"""! List of Tables