Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
CRITICAL ASSESSMENT OF THE EFFECTIVENESS OF PROJECT IMPLEMENTATION THROUGH DONORS' SUPPORT: A CASE STUDY OF THE PAN-AFRICAN PARLIAMENT (PAP) Kritička procena efikasnosti sprovođenja projekata kroz donatorsku podršku: Studija slučaja Pan-afričkog Parlamenta

The study seeks to analyse the effectiveness of pro ject implementation through Donors’ support using the PAP as a case study. Using quanti tative analysis as a method of inquiry, the researchers felt that it was important to deter mine the correlations between the scores of various variables for an in-depth understanding of the study. These variables are (donors’ support, performance management, and team work, coordination and follow-up). Pearson’s coefficient correlation (r) was therefore chosen to calculate and use to measure the degree of association between the variables.
Benford's Law and why the integers are not what we think they are: A critical numeracy of Benford's law

When we examine numbers in the newspaper or magazines we might expect that their first digits are just as likely to be 8 or 9 as a 1 or a 2 and we might assume that each of the nine digits (zero is not used as a first digit of course) will occur 1/9 of the time. Unexpectedly this turns out to be untrue in many situations.
Improving decision making for drug candidates: A computational approach for benzthiazoles as antifungal

To improve the decision making for selecting a molecule for synthesis from a set of virtually designed antifungal compounds, four in silico approaches are discussed and their optimization have been confirmed by in vitro methods. First, a set of compounds was designed over QSAR analysis and selected over predicted activities by best QSAR equation (r>0.9) to increase the probability of finding new chemical entities. To reduce the burden of synthetic chemistry, Rule of Five was applied for screening druggable compounds. Second, OSIRIS was used to predict toxicity, mutagenicity and carcinogenicity. Third approach was prediction of biological activity spectra for substances (PASS) and fourth was molecular docking to analyze the actual interaction involved after binding with the target receptor. All compounds of the series passed rule of five. On the basis of OSIRIS prediction results, nine compounds were selected. PASS predictions have resulted into suitability of only one compound (test 30) as antifungal. Molecular docking at BioMed CAChe workstation was then performed for this compound. Comparison of active site residues at receptor binding and dock score with fluconazole has further confirmed the compound for synthesis. The synthesized compound has given MIC 16 μg/mL at antifungal assay against Candida albicans by potato dextrose agar method. It confirmed that in silico approaches are useful to find out a new drug with more accuracy.
Modeling Financial Time Series Based on a Market Microstructure Model with Leverage Effect

The basic market microstructure model specifies that the price/return innovation and the volatility innovation are independent Gaussian white noise processes. However, the financial leverage effect has been found to be statistically significant in many financial time series. In this paper, a novel market microstructure model with leverage effects is proposed. The model specification assumed a negative correlation in the errors between the price/return innovation and the volatility innovation. With the new representations, a theoretical explanation of leverage effect is provided. Simulated data and daily stock market indices (Shanghai composite index, Shenzhen component index, and Standard and Poor’s 500 Composite index) via Bayesian Markov Chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) method are used to estimate the leverage market microstructure model. The results verify the effectiveness of the model and its estimation approach proposed in the paper and also indicate that the stock markets have strong leverage effects. Compared with the classical leverage stochastic volatility (SV) model in terms of DIC (Deviance Information Criterion), the leverage market microstructure model fits the data better.
Capacitive antenna sensor for user proximity recognition

Users of mobile devices induce detrimental electrical effects on the antenna when devices are operated in close proximity to either the head, hand or fingers. A totally covered antenna can suffer over 10 dB gain loss and force an increase in the output power of the device, which additionally causes shorter battery life and higher emissions in terms of the specific absorption rate (SAR) and hearing aid compatibility (HAC). The user effect can be minimized with compensation methods such as active antenna tuning or a spatial antenna selection. In this thesis, capacitive proximity sensors are investigated in order to provide new characteristics for user effect compensation. The thesis has three parts. In the first, hand positions along the device chassis are measured with the antenna integrated capacitive sensor. The results are in proportion to the induced hand loss in the antenna. Secondly, discrete electrode sensors are studied as hand and single finger proximity recognition and are found to have a good performance in applications. Thirdly, weaknesses of integrated and discrete sensors are evaluated. The discrete sensor had an induced low antenna loss of 0.05–0.20 dB in the 1–2 GHz bands. In contrast, the integrated sensor caused radio interference in proper GSM channels, decreasing the sensitivity of the radio receiver. The capacitive sensor is able to sense the user proximity effect regardless of antenna matching, which may be changed in a complex manner when more than one electrical resonance is used in the same frequency band or when the matching is modified mainly by the resistive component. In multiple-antenna applications, capacitive sensors are able to maintain up-dated information of user loads of all antennas. Combining the results, the discrete electrode sensors fulfilled the technical and operational objectives of this thesis. They are able to detect a single finger or other user objects, they have low losses and they can be located in such a way that will not consume extra room in mobile devices.
The Interfacial Nature of TiO2 and ZnO Nanoparticles Modified by Gold Nanoparticles

The surfaces of Ti O z and ZnO nanoparticles have been modified by gold (Au) nanoparticles by a reduction method in solution. Their interfacial electronic structures and optical absorptions have been studied by depth-profiling X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and UV-vis absorption spectroscopy, respectively. Upon Au-modification, UV-vis absorption spectra reveal a broad surface plasmon peak at around 500 nm. For the as-prepared Au-modified TiO 2 and ZnO, the Au 4f 7/2 XPS peaks exhibit at 83.7 and 83.9 eV, respectively. These are due to a charge transfer effect from the metal oxide support to the Au. For TiO 2 , the larger binding energy shift from that (84.0 eV) of bulk Au could indicate that Au-modification site of TiO 2 is different from that of ZnO. On the basis of the XPS data with sputtering depth, we conclude that cationic (1+ and 3+) Au species, plausibly Au(OH) x (x = 1-3), commonly form mainly at the Au-TiO 2 and Au-ZnO interfaces. With Ar + ion sputtering, the oxidation state of Ti dramatically changes from 4+ to 3+ and 2+ while that (2+) ofZn shows no discernible change based on the binding energy position and the full-width at half maximum (FWHM).
The forensic analysis of soil by FTIR with multivariate analysis

Soil has been utilised in criminal investigations for some time because of its prevalence and transferability. It is usually the physical characteristics that are studied, however the research carried out here aims to make use of the chemical profile of soil samples. It is thought that the land type a soil sample comes from can lead to a particular chemical profile being present, which may make it possible to identify which land type a sample of evidential soil may have come from such as woodland or river sites. This would limit the possibilities significantly and so narrow down the scope for comparison. It could also be used to limit the areas required to be searched in certain cases. The ideal scenario would be that there was a general profile found for each land type and a characteristic profile for each land type location that could be used to identify each specific type of soil and its location specifically. The research we are presenting in this work used sieved (2mm) soil samples taken from the top soil layer (about 10cm) that were then analysed using Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. The spectra obtained were used as raw data in Principal Component Analysis (PCA). Results showed that it was possible to discriminate between soil samples with different soil type and different origins and, with some degree of error, between samples with similar soil type and different origins.
The Book of Imaginary Beings

Few readers will want, or be able, to resist this modern bestiary. Here you will find the familiar - Gryphons, Minotaurs and Unicorns - as well as the Monkey of the inkpot and other undeniably curious beasts. Borges' cunning and humorous commentary is sheer delight.
Chemical tuning of adsorption properties of titanate nanotubes

A conventional hydrothermal method widely used for the preparation of titania-based nanotubes still generates many unsolved questions. One of them is definitely connected with the influence of a posthydrothermal treatment of titania nanotubes on their micromorphology, structure, and adsorption characteristics. Here, it was analyzed systematically by a group of methods including nitrogen adsorption and temperature-programmed desorption of ammonia and carbon dioxide. It is proved that adsorption characteristics and the surface state of titania nanotubes correlate with a sodium content, since sodium ions act as Lewis acid sites and shield Ti4+ acid sites of the nanotubes. To obey a balance between chemical and heat treatments of the nanotubes to design their functional properties has been suggested.
Potential of Vetiver Grass for Wastewater Treatment

Vetiver (Chrysopogonzizanioides) is a perennial bunch grass of the Poaceae family which is popularly known as Kush, and which are suitable for the disposal of leachate and effluents generated from landfill and wastewater treatment with super absorbent characteristics. This experimental study was carried out to assess the efficiency of Vetiver plants in the water of Bagmati River, close to Kirtipur's Laboratory School. Data for design parameters- pH, Temperature, Conductivity, BOD5, Chloride, Nitrate, Phosphate, Hardness and Alkalinity- were collected regularly for a month. Vetiver plants were planted in three buckets with 7.5 liters of sampled water, while another bucket was kept as a control. In each of the three buckets, nine Vetiver plants were planted and physico-chemical parameters analyzed for one month at ten-day intervals. The result showed that on the one month, the overall concentration of BOD5, Chloride, Nitrate, Phosphate, Hardness and Alkalinity reduced by 71.03%, 42.90%, 93.93%, 88.4%, 46.4% and 22.2% respectively. pH and temperature of wastewater showed slight change while electronic conductivity lowered to normal levels after treatment in the bucket. Vetiver plant seems very effective in treating polluted water having high phosphate and nitrate levels.
An Empirical Analysis of the Monetary Transmission Mechanism of Developing Economies: Evidence from Ghana

Policymakers need a clear understanding of their monetary transmission mechanisms for effective implementation of monetary policy. The aim of this study is to carry out an econometric analysis of the channels of monetary transmission mechanism in less developed economies so as to determine their effectiveness. The study uses Ghana macroeconomic data and finds the money supply channel to be the strongest in the long run while the exchange rate channel seems the strongest in transmitting monetary impulses in the short run. The interest rate and the bank credit to private sector channels emerge as very weak channels of monetary transmission.
Evaluation of the Effect of Platelet Rich Fibrin on Alveolar Socket Healing in Glucocorticoids-Induced Osteoporosis in Rabbits (Histological and Immuno-histomorphometric study)

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of platelet rich fibrin on the healing of osteoporotic alveolar socket after tooth extraction in experimentally induced osteoporosis in rabbits. Materials and Methods: Thirty six adult female rabbits were used in this study. Rabbits were divided into 3 groups (group1, group2 &group 3: 12 for each group) then each group was divided into 3 subgroups (4 for each subgroups) according to the date of scarification at 7, 20, 30 days postoperatively. Group 1: (12 rabbits), alveolar socket was left empty after first molar extraction (didn’t receive Platelet Rich Fibrin (PRF)). For the remaining 24 female rabbits: osteoporosis was experimentally induced by receiving 1.56 mg/kg dexamethasone (Dex) intraperitoneal injection daily for 2 months to induce osteoporosis like condition. Group 2: (12 rabbits), osteoporotic alveolar sockets were left empty after first molar extraction (didn’t receive PRF). Group 3: (12 rabbits), osteoporotic alveolar socket received PRF after first molar extraction. The specimens were collected, prepared and examined by routine haematoxylin &eosin and immunostained by Osteoprotogrin (OPG) marker. Results: at 7, 20 and 30 days, the greatest mean value was recorded in group 1, followed by group 3, with the least value recorded in group 2. Both group 1and 3 revealed a decrease in area percent of OPG throughout the study, whereas in group 2 revealed an increase. Conclusions: The study offers a clear evidence that topical application of PRF in osteoporotic alveolar socket after tooth extraction accelerates and increases the rate of bone formation and maturation than in osteoporotic alveolar socket without PRF.
Entrepreneurship heterogeneity and Internationalization of Firms: the case of Italy

We analyze the relation between entrepreneurship and firm performance, emphasizing the role of firms mode of internationalization. We stress the multidimensionality of the concept of entrepreneurship, accounting not only for entrepreneur’s specific characteristics (age, family firm), but also for her decisions on firm’s strategies and her organizational capabilities. To estimate firm performance, we match and merge three different datasets, the Capitalia survey, ICE-Reprint and AIDA for the period 2001-2003, and run a log log quadratic specification, where sales is our dependent variable. The specific characteristics of the entrepreneur do not seem to significantly affect sales, while internationalization plays a role. We find evidence of some important non linearities when we assess the effect of the share of employees with degree and share of managers in determining firm’s performance. In summary, firms with a different international involvement seem to need different typologies of entrepreneurs to compete successfully.
Strategic Impact of Knowledge Management and Organizational Learning on the Percieved Performance of Selected Banks in Oyo State of Nigeria.

This study investigated the impact of knowledge management and organizational learning on the perceived performance of selected banks in Oyo State of Nigeria. The study aimed at determining the main and interactive effect of knowledge acquisition, knowledge distribution, knowledge interpretation, organizational memory, system orientation strategy and human orientation strategy on organizational performance. It also looked at the nexus between knowledge management variables as well as organizational learning variables and organizational performance. Four hypotheses were formulated and tested using Multiple Analysis of Variance (MANOVA), Canonical Correlation and Multiple Regression. The findings showed that the independent variables (knowledge acquisition, knowledge distribution, knowledge interpretation, organizational memory, system orientation strategy and human orientation strategy) were predictors of organizational performance. The study also established a significant positive relationship between knowledge management variables as well as organizational learning variables and organizational performance. Based on the findings, it was recommended that there is a need for organizations especially banks to efficiently and effectively manage knowledge and embrace individual and group learning in order to improve organizational performance and gain sustainable competitive advantage.
Food Waste Produced through End-Users - A Communication Strategy to reduce Household Bakery Waste

There is an enormous amount of food waste that is thrown away each day. Mainly the end-consumer plays a large factor in this wasting behaviour. Evidence shows that there is a lack of knowledge over the consequences and that lifestyle is another reason for wasting food. The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of an information strategy on consumers attitude, subjective norm, perceived behavioural control and intention to reduce bakery waste. Furthermore, the moderating effect of past attention towards reducing bakery waste was examined. This was done within an in-between group experiment that was spread via the online platform ‘Qualtric’. In November 2015, 162 participants attended the treatment group, which saw an information sheet as manipulation, and a further 179 participants attended the control group. Results indicated that there was no effect on the participants attitude, subjective norm, perceived behavioural control and intention to reduce bakery waste. Furthermore, no moderator effect of past attention towards reducing bakery waste was found. But correlations confirmed a positive relation between all measured variables. The result shows that a single measure does not work to make consumers change their food wasting behaviour. This study can help to get insights in the strategies to design information in a more effective way.
To Control or Not Control: A Coordination Perspective to Scaling

The question of how social initiatives can effectively scale their impact to reach individuals and communities that benefit from their innovations has received increasing attention over the past few years. A number of scholars adopt a strategic perspective and investigate the mechanisms to scale social organizations (Bradach, 2003; Oster, 1996), while others argue that scaling organizations is not necessarily sufficient to scale impact (Uvin, 1995; Wei-Skillern and Anderson, 2003). The latter group of authors argues that scale is not a particularly good proxy for the effectiveness of the programs (Frumkin, 2007), and that becoming large is only one of the many other possible ways of expanding impact in terms of the number of beneficiaries served (Edwards and Hulme, 1992; Uvin et al., 2000). These authors emphasize that instead of focusing on growing organizations, we need to turn attention to more effective and inclusive ways to address social problems.
A Multifractality Measure of Stock Market Efficiency in Asean Region

This paper investigates the presence of multifractality property of the daily composite stock price index of the six countries in the Association of Southeast Asian Nation (ASEAN) region using the multifractal detrended fluctuation analysis (MFDFA). Covering the period from January 2, 2006 to June 28, 2013, the countries under study are the following: Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam. If multifractality is present, then the traditional time series models of fractional Brownian motion and GARCH processes are inadequate to capture the stylized facts observed in financial time series which include long-range correlations and broad fat-tail distributions. The study also employs a sliding window MFDFA to obtain the dynamics of the local Hurst exponents which can be used as a measure of market efficiency. The findings suggest that the stock price indices of the six countries under study have the properties of multifractality. These suggest that the traditional time series models of fractional Brownian motion and GARCH processes are not appropriate and a call for a better model which incorporates multifractality and non-Gaussian distributions is made. Moreover, an efficiency ranking of stock markets of the six countries under study is provided. This result is important to guide investors seeking profit opportunity which is dependent upon market efficiency. It is also important to help policy makers decide to implement institutional reforms aimed at increasing market efficiency. Keywords: Efficiency, Financial Markets, Multifractality, Hurst Exponent
Patterns of transition from plan to market

Patterns of transition from plan to market. Martha de Melo, Cevdet Denizer, and Alan Gelb Hungary's bankruptcy experience, 1992-1993. Cheryl W. Gray, Sabine Schlorke, and Miklos Szanyi Why and when do governments initiate public enterprise reform? Jose Edgardo Campos and Hadi Salehi Esfahani Roads, land use, and deforestation: a spatial model applied to Belize. Kenneth M. Chomitz and David A. Gray Industrial centralization in Indonesia. J. Vernon Henderson and Ari Kuncoro Guidlines on searching for a Dalton-improving tax reform: an illustration with data from Indonesia. Shlomo Yitzhaki and Jeffrey D. Lewis A new data set measuring income inequality. Klaus Deininger and Lyn Squire
The development of a toxic 1080 bait, Pro-bait, for fox (Vulpes vulpes) control in Western Australia

The Western Shield fauna recovery program delivers fox (Vulpes vulpes) baits containing 1080 (sodium fluoroacetate) to approximately 3.4 million ha at least four times each year. Originally dried meat baits (DMB) produced by the Department of Agriculture and Food Western Australia (DAFWA) were used but in 1998 the Department of Parks and Wildlife (then Conservation and Land Management (CALM)) developed a new fox bait, Pro-bait, to reduce baiting costs. Pro-baits needed to have similar uptake by foxes and field longevity to DMBs if they were to achieve comparable levels of control. These characteristics were tested between 1999 and 2004 in an experiment that had four phases. In the first phase, uptake of Pro-baits and DMBs by foxes was compared in a field trial and foxes were observed to be 11% less likely to ingest Pro-baits than DMBs (n = 178). This was postulated to be due either to bait damage by invertebrates or to lower Pro-bait acceptability. In Phase 2, invertebrate damage to six bait types (standard Pro-baits, a Pro-bait with added invertebrate repellent Coopex ® , a hard Pro-bait, a hard Pro-bait with added Coopex ® , DMBs and Foxoff baits) was compared at four sites, and DMBs suffered the most damage. To increase the acceptability of Pro-baits, fox uptake of six flavour enhancers (hexylamine, ethyl caproate, monosodium glutamate or commercial beef, chicken and honey flavours) was examined during Phase 3, and the chicken flavour was most favoured. Accordingly, in Phase 4, the chicken flavour was added to the Pro-bait recipe and field uptake by foxes of DMBs and reformulated Pro-baits was compared. The uptake of both bait types was 87% (n = 104). Collectively, these trials demonstrated that Pro-baits are as efficacious as DMBs in controlling foxes in Western Australia. Pro-baits were registered for use in Western Australia by the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority (APVMA) in 2002. In late 2005, the Department's Corporate Executive officially endorsed the use of Pro-baits for use in Western Shield fox control operations.