Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The Economic Analysis of Tariff Reform in Egypt

The study examines key trade policy and customs reform issues that need to be addressed as part of the Government of Egypt's comprehensive Economic Reform and Structural Adjustment Program. The initial findings of this study point to the need for additional reforms in areas related to the tariff structure, customs regulations and procedures, export promotion, competitiveness, adjustments to the new WTO agreement, and working capital access. The internal consistency of these trade policy and customs reforms required consideration of the linkage to macroeconomic policy and the liberalization of the domestic market. The effectiveness of reforms in Egypt are shown to depend on their impact on the economic efficiency at the firm level, and on the degree to which they introduce greater international competitiveness. USAID/Egypt and Ministry of Economy and Foreign Trade of the Government of Egypt.
Dimensions of politics in the European Parliament

We investigate the dimensionality of politics in the European Parliament by applying a scaling method to all roll-call votes between 1979 and 2001 in the European Parliament. Contrary to most existing studies using these methods, we are able to interpret the substantive content of the observed dimensions using exogenous measures of national party policy positions. We find that the main dimension of politics in the European Union's only elected institution is the classic left-right dimension found in domestic politics. A second dimension is also present, although to a lesser extent, which captures government-opposition conflicts as well as national and European party positions on European integration. ©2006, Midwest Political Science Association.
Carbon Stock Assessment at a Regional Level, on Pure and Mixed Stands, Based on Inventory Data: A Case Study

Following Kyoto protocol considerable research efforts have been made on carbon sequestration assessment of forest stands. The aim of the present study was to test the adequacy of two documented methodologies to obtain stand level dry biomass and carbon estimates, considering its application at regional scale, for pure and mixed stands. The procedures refer to: 1) the estimation of dry biomass through the use of tree biomass models and 2) the use of biomass conversion and expansion factors (BCEF) to convert stem volume raw data into aboveground dry biomass. Using the dry biomass values, carbon stock is easily estimated using conversion factors, being 0.50 a generally accepted value. Case study reports to a pilot zone with pure and mixed stands of Eucalyptus globulus Labill and Pinus pinaster Ait. in Portugal. Procedure 1) gives the most reliable results when the database includes detailed information at tree level, both for pure or mixed stands. When individual tree data is not accessible, option 2) is an interesting option to consider for pure stands. The use of BCEF-based procedure in mixed stands is not advocated at least when considering the direct use of a single conversion factor, as the value of the factor strongly depends on the forest composition.
Composition Dependence of Perpendicular Magnetic Anisotropy in Ta/CoxFe80-xB20/MgO/Ta (x=0, 10, 60) Multilayers

The perpendicular magnetic anisotropy of sputtered CoFeB thin films covered by MgO was investigated by vibrating sample magnetometry. Three different CoxFe80-xB20 alloys were studied. Under out-of plane magnetic field, the saturation field was found to increase with increasing the Co content. The magnetization and interface anisotropy energy were obtained for all samples. Both showed a marked dependence on the MgO overlayer thickness. In addition, their variations were found to be non-monotonous as a function of the Co concentration.
Burden of Aortic Dissection in Minorities: The Way Forward

Aortic dissection (AD) is a catastrophic but potentially preventable medical emergency. Delay in diagnosis and treatment of AD contributes to its high morbidity and mortality, especially in this population. We conducted a review of articles that describe the risk factors, gaps in management, and outcomes of AD in U.S. minority populations. Very few data exist on prospective, population-based AD, especially in underserved minority populations. AD confers significant burden on both the patient and the health system. From the economic and public health standpoint, disparities in access to health disproportionately affect minorities and can give rise to needless costs. Most of the risk factors for AD in minorities are modifiable and addressing them in a timely manner using a bidirectional approach ("Upstream" and "Downstream") could be cost-effective in reducing the burden of AD. Community health Workers (CHWs) have been shown to be effective in coordinating care for other emergency medical conditions in minorities but not for AD. We propose the integration of the CHWs and patientcentered medical home (PCMH) models into the care coordination effort for preventive and follow-up care of AD patients. Our main objective is to draw the attention of clinicians, researchers and policy makers to the current challenges of AD in minorities and sensitize them to our proposed evidence-based patient-centered, multidisciplinary community-based framework for addressing the burden of AD, in addition to conducting more prospective, population-based AD research in underserved minority populations.
Impact of site classification on deriving empirical ground-motion prediction equations: Application

Dans ce travail, nous avons classifie les sites en utilisant la periode dominante a partir du rapport spectral moyen (H/V) des spectres de reponse et nous avons examine l'impact de cette classification sur le calcul des modeles empiriques de prediction du mouvement sismique. Cette procedure a ete appliquee a la base de donnees compilee par Fukushima et al. (2003) dont les sites ont ete classes comme etant au rocher ou au sediment. En appliquant cette technique, les sites sur des sols mous ont clairement ete identifies. Avec cette nouvelle classification nous avons calcule des equations de prediction empirique du mouvement sismique. La variabilite aleatoire de ces equations (mesuree par leur ecart type) est legerement inferieure a celle obtenue en utilisant une classification au rocher et au sediment seulement. Cependant, l'effet le plus important est sur le spectre de reponse predit, qui est tres different de celui calcule avec les deux classes rocher/sediment. Les spectres predits avec cette nouvelle classification montrent une difference importante entre sites mous, raides et rocheux. ABSTRACT. We classify sites based on their predominant period computed using average horizontal-to-vertical (H/V) response spectral ratios and examine the impact of this classification scheme on empirical ground-motion models. We apply this classification scheme to the database of Fukushima et al. (2003), for which stations were originally classified as simply rock or soil. The calculation of average H/V response spectral ratios permits the majority of sites in the database to be unambiguously classified. Soft soil conditions are clearly apparent using this technique. Ground-motion prediction equations are then computed using this alternative classification scheme. The aleatoric variability of these equations (measured by their standard deviations) is slightly lower than those derived using only soil and rock classes. However, perhaps more importantly, predicted response spectra are radically different to those predicted using the soil/rock classification. In addition, since the H/V response spectral ratios were used to classify stations the predicted spectra for different sites show clear separation.
The Dependencies of X-Ray Conductivity and X-Ray Luminescence of ZnSe Crystals on the Excitation Intensity

This work studies the conductivity and luminescence of ZnSe single crystals under X-ray irradiation. The experimentally derived lux-ampere characteristics of the X-ray conductivity for ZnSe crystals have a sublinear behavior within the temperature range from 8 to 420 K. The theoretical analysis of the conductivity kinetics at X-ray excitation showed that the value of maximum accumulated lightsum at deep traps does not depend on radiation intensity. However, regarding shallow and phosphorescent traps, the strength of accumulated lightsum depends on the intensity of exciting irradiation. Specifically, these shallow traps and phosphorescent traps cause the sublinear behavior of lux-ampere characteristics in the semiconductor material.
Head Teachers' Leadership Styles' and Teachers Job Satisfaction in Primary Schools in Ekiti State, Nigeria

This paper investigated headteachers’ leadership style and teachers’ job satisfaction in primary schools in Ekiti State, Nigeria. As a correlational research, the study population comprised all the 694 primary schools in the State. Out of these, 350 primary schools were selected through the simple random sampling technique. Out of the 7,562 teachers in the schools, 1,260 teachers were selected for the study through the stratified random sampling technique. Two instruments were used to collect data for the study. The data collected were analysed using frequency count, percentages and the mean while the hypotheses were tested using the Pearson Product Moment Correlation. It was found that there was a significant relationship between headteachers’ democratic leadership style and teachers’ job satisfaction in the schools. In this regard, it was recommended that the democratic leadership style should be used by all headteachers’ of primary schools in the State in a bit to enhance better job satisfaction among teachers.
The importance of sand albedo for the thermal conditions on sea turtle nesting beaches

At Ascension Island and Cyprus, major nesting areas for green turtles (Chelonia mydas) in the Atlantic and Mediterranean, respectively, visual inspection shows some beaches are light in colour while others are darker. We objectively measured the albedo of the sand on different beaches, i.e. the percentage of the incident solar radiation that was reflected from the sand surface. At sites where albedo was recorded, we also measured the temperature of the sand at nest depths. At both rookeries, the sand temperature was markedly higher on darker beaches due to greater absorption of the incident solar radiation over the diurnal cycle. Temperature loggers buried at nest depths revealed seasonal changes in temperature on both islands, but showed that the lowest temperatures found on the darker beaches rarely dropped below the highest temperatures on the lighter beaches. Sea turtles exhibit temperature-dependent sex determination. Since sand albedo is a major avenue for the production of a range of incubation temperatures on both islands, it will also have profound implications for hatchling sex ratios. In comparison with both Ascension Island and Cyprus, for samples collected from sea turtle rookeries around the world there was an even greater range in sand albedo values. This suggests that sand albedo, a factor that has previously received little consideration, will have profound implications for nest temperatures, and hence hatchling sex ratios, for other populations and species.
A study of mastitis in two small experimental dairy herds managed either organically or conventionally during one year

Mastitis infection status of two small herds located at the Dairy Cattle Research Unit of Massey University was assessed. Single quarter milk samples from 45 cows under organic production (first and second year of organic certification) and 50 cows under a conventional system were taken on four occasions: mid lactation (these samples were frozen); prior to the last milking before dry-off (season 2003/2004); before the first milking after calving and 14 days post calving (season 2004/2005). Milk samples were cultured for bacterial analysis. Somatic cell counts (SCC) from monthly herd tests, and clinical mastitis cases were recorded and analyzed. The percentages of quarters with positive bacterial growth, and SCC, were generally higher in the organic herd, but differences were only significant for Staphylococcus aureus in all four sample periods, and for Streptococcus spp. 14 days post calving. The results suggest that in organic herds Staphylococcus aureus infections could become an important concern, because of constraints on the use of antibiotic treatments. Effective prevention of infections by this organism will be essential, in order to prevent high culling rates.
PRACTICABILITY ANALYSIS AND APPLICATION OF PBG STRUCTURES ON CYLINDRICAL CONFORMAL MICROSTRIP ANTENNA AND ARRAY

An antenna and an array with photonic bandgap (PBG) structures, which are cylindrical conformal microstrip antennas, both operating in X-band (10.2GHz) are proposed. As shown in the simulation, PBG structures could suppress the surface wave propagating on substrate and balance the in∞uence of cylindrical curvature at resonance frequency on antennas. The simulation results indicate that they have a higher gain and better directivity over the conventional antenna without PBG structure. Both of the antenna and the array are designed and manufactured, and the measurement results agree well with the simulations.
Assessment of financial condition of companies using neural networks

The paper presents the new automatic method of assessment of the financial condition of companies using neural networks. The aim of this assessment is to determine the insolvency risk of company. This information is important for worldwide transactions at which the insurance institution must assess the level of insurance risk of the import-export transaction. On the basis of this assessment the insurer can determine the insolvency of each side of transaction and decide of the height of the insurance. The paper will present an automatic method of such assessment by applying neural networks as the classifiers. The important part of this task is the optimal selection of the diagnostic features, on the basis of which the neural network will undertake the final decision and final classification of the company to the proper group. This is done by the neural classifiers. Streszczenie. Praca poświecona jest opracowaniu metody oceniającej w sposob automatyczny kondycje finansową firmy za pomocą sieci neuronowych. Szacowanie kondycji finansowej firm pozwala na określenie ryzyka niewyplacalności firmy (jedna ze stron transakcji) czy tez na decyzje ubezpieczyciela transakcji, czy taka transakcja warta jest ubezpieczenia oraz na jaką kwote (instytucja ubezpieczająca transakcje miedzynarodowe import-eksport). Istotny zatem jest przydzial ryzyka niewyplacalności firmy do jednej z kilku klas, określającej stopien aktualnej kondycji finansowej firmy. W pracy zaproponowano system komputerowy, w ktorym na podstawie wielu cech diagnostycznych (nie tylko finansowych) klasyfikator neuronowy ocenia automatycznie poziom ryzyka związany z klasą. (Szacowanie kondycji finansowej przedsiebiorstw przy pomocy sieci neuronowych)
A novel technique to neutralize the Yawing moment due to asymmetric thrust in a hybrid buoyant aircraft

Dorsal fin is used in swimming animals like shark for the generation of thrust as well as to meet the requirement of the lateral stability. In the case of aircraft, rudders are normally used for the said requirement. In the present work, this nature inspired idea is explored for its application to neutralize the unavoidable asymmetric thrust produced by the twin engines of a hybrid buoyant aircraft. First, the estimation of asymmetric thrust is obtained with the help of analytical techniques for maximum thrust condition at 4 degree angle of attack. The moment generated by it is utilized for the sizing of a dorsal fin which looks similar to a tapered wing and is placed aft of the center of gravity. Wind tunnel testing at subsonic speed is carried out to explore the design features of this rotatable dorsal fin. It is found that a small rotation of 5 degree can generate the required moment. However, such rotation requires a complete pneumatic/electro-mechanical system and an alternative of it is to use a cambered airfoil for the dorsal fin installed at fixed location. Such a flow controlling device can also be used as an antenna mast, which is commonly installed out the fuselage of the aircraft for communication purposes. Moreover, by incorporating this technique, a pilot doesn’t have to put an extra effort to make the aircraft stable in the presence of side wind.
Political Economy of Fertilizer Subsidy Implementation Process in Nigeria

Fertilizer subsidy in Nigeria is staged towards making fertilizer available to small farmers at affordable prices. Unfortunately, the trend of leadership in the country has led to inconsistencies and instability. The gains are also not widely spread among the targeted beneficiaries hence, a negative implication on the increased food production programme. The objective of the study was to reveal the issues associated with defectiveness in fertilizer subsidy implementation in Nigeria. Secondary data on annual budgetary allocations to fertilizer subsidy, quantity imported and consumed, quantity requested and supplied to the36 States over years were utilized. Key informant interviews were also conducted among selected stakeholders as complementary data. Budgetary allocated to fertilizer subsidy had declined over years. A very few states had more than 50% of the total subsidy between 2001 and 2010. Fifteen and 21 States had less than the National average of 18.86kg/ha and 14.72Kg/farmer respectively for the same period. Quantity of fertilizer received in previous year and area planted determined the quantity of subsidized fertilizer that a state received. The farmers emphasized the existence of parallel Elite {urban} farmers group and other competitors that denied them of adequate access to the subsidized fertilizer. The farmers also submitted that members of ruling party gained more access to subsidized fertilizers. Government involvement in procurement and distribution of fertilizer should be redefined.
Perpendicular magnetic anisotropy at the 
Fe/MgAl2O4
 interface: Comparative first-principles study with Fe/MgO

We present a theoretical study on interfacial magnetocrystalline anisotropy for Fe/MgAl$_2$O$_4$. This system has a very small lattice mismatch at the interface and therefore is suitable for realizing a fully coherent ferromagnet/oxide interface for magnetic tunnel junctions. On the basis of density functional theory, we calculate the interfacial anisotropy constant $K_{\rm i}$ and show that this system has interfacial perpendicular magnetic anisotropy (PMA) with $K_{\rm i} \approx 1.2\,{\rm mJ/m^2}$, which is a little bit smaller than that of Fe/MgO ($K_{\rm i} \approx$ 1.5--1.7$\,{\rm mJ/m^2}$). Second-order perturbation analysis with respect to the spin-orbit interaction clarifies that the difference in $K_{\rm i}$ between Fe/MgAl$_2$O$_4$ and Fe/MgO originates from the difference in contributions from spin-flip scattering terms at the interface. We propose that the insertion of tungsten layers into the interface of Fe/MgAl$_2$O$_4$ is a promising way to obtain huge interfacial PMA with $K_{\rm i} \gtrsim 3\,{\rm mJ/m^2}$.
SOLIST : Structure multi-couche pair-à-pair à faible consommation pour les réseaux de capteurs sans-ﬁl

Les reseaux de capteurs sans-ﬁl (RCsF) connaissent depuis quelques annees un interet croissant, tant dans la re- cherche qu dans l'industrie. Ceux-ci ouvrent une nouvelle voie aux applications reparties dans des milieux jus- qu'alors impraticables, les capteurs s'auto-organisant eux-meme aﬁn de fournir des fonctionnalites telles que la collecte ou la dissemination d'information sur et dans le reseau, le routage de messages a des capteurs speciﬁques, etc. En raison de leur petite taille, les ressources disponibles sur un capteur sont tres limitees, et la gestion d'energie devient donc une preoccupation de premier ordre. Le cœur des systemes de gestion de donnees dans les systemes repartis repose sur certaines fonctionnalites de bases telles que la diffusion ou la recherche de capteurs particuliers. Dans cet article, nous proposons la mise en œuvre decentralisee d'une collection de primitive appelees *-cast (anycast, k-cast et broadcast). Pour cela, nous presentons et evaluons SOLIST, une structure multi-couche, largement inspiree des reseaux pair-a-pair structures, limitant la consommation d'energie dans le cadre des RCsF. Un type est associe a chaque capteur, et les primitives de *-cast sont mises en œuvre a la granularite des types, sans pour autant necessiter une connaissance de ces types a priori, ni de leur repartition dans le reseau. Nous avons evalue SOLIST par simulation et montre que cette structure fournit les primitives de *-cast en atteignant un bon compromis entre performance et consommation d'energie.
Conception de Machines Polyphasées à Aimants et Bobinage Concentré à Pas Fractionnaire avec Large Plage de Vitesse

L'objectif de la these est la conception d'une machine electrique dediee a des applications Mild-Hybrid. En assurant certaines fonctionnalites, cette machine permet de reduire la consommation de carburant dans le vehicule et par consequent reduire la quantite des gaz rejetes. Les contraintes exigees par un tel domaine a la fois pour le couple et la puissance nous amene a etudier les machines synchrone polyphasee a aimants avec un bobinage concentre autour des dents. Cette technologie de bobinage permet d'obtenir des machines de rendement eleve qui sont faciles a fabriquer, reparer et recycler, mais avec un certain niveau d'effets parasites. Afin de trouver un compromis entre ces effets et la capacite a fournir de couple, la these concerne l'etude des topologies de bobinage a pas dentaire avec differentes combinaisons Encoches/Poles. Un modele analytique constituant un outil permettant de comparer les pertes d'aimants entre les differentes combinaisons est developpe. De nombreuses configurations sont comparees afin de faire le choix le plus adequat pour minimiser les effets parasites. Les topologies rotoriques qui permettent a la machine de presenter une large plage de vitesse sont examinees, mais en tenant compte egalement de la necessite de proteger leurs aimants contre des harmoniques nocifs de FMM. Enfin, l'exploitation du degre de liberte offert par une structure a 5 phases est abordee montrant que, le couple peut etre significativement booste en modifiant la structure de rotor. La coherence de toutes les etudes analytiques menees dans la these est corroboree par des modeles en elements finis et des mesures effectuees sur un prototype.