Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Cover-Crop Systems Affect Weed Communities in a California Vineyard

Abstract Vineyard weed communities were examined under four dormant-season cover-crop systems representative of those used in the north-coastal grape-growing region of California: no-till annuals (ANoT) (rose clover, soft brome, zorro fescue), no-till perennials (PNoT) (blue wildrye, California brome, meadow barley, red fescue, yarrow), tilled annual (AT) (triticale), and a no-cover-crop tilled control (NoCT). Treatments were carried out for 3 yr in the interrows of a wine grape vineyard. Glyphosate was used to control weeds directly beneath the vines, in the intrarows. Treatments significantly impacted weed biomass, community structure, and species diversity in the interrows. Orthogonal contrasts showed that tillage, and not the presence of a cover crop, impacted interrow weed biomass. Distance-based redundancy analyses (db-RDA) revealed significant effects of the cover-crop systems and of tillage on weed community structure in the interrows. For scarlet pimpernel and spiny sowthistle, the combination of ANOVA and orthogonal contrasts confirmed their association with the tilled treatments, as revealed by db-RDA. This same approach identified the association between California burclover and the no-till treatments. Our findings of no significant effects of the cover-crop systems on weed biomass, community structure, or diversity in the intrarows demonstrate that the impacts the cover-crop management systems had on the interrows did not carry over to adjacent intrarows. In addition, the fact that the cover crops did not affect vine yield, growth, or nutrition relative to the no-cover-crop control suggests that cover crops are likely to minimize soil erosion from winter rains, which is the primary purpose of vineyard cover cropping in northern California, without adversely affecting vine health or weed control. Nomenclature: Glyphosate; blue wildrye, Elymus glaucus Buckley ELYGL; California brome, Bromus carinatus Hook. & Arn. BROCN; California burclover, Medicago polymorpha L. MEDPO; meadow barley, Hordeum brachyantherum Nevski HORBR; red fescue, Festuca rubra L. FESRU; rose clover, Trifolium hirtum All. TRH14; scarlet pimpernel, Anagallis arvensis L. ANGAR; soft brome, Bromus hordeaceus L. BROMO; spiny sowthistle, Sonchus asper (L.) Hill SONAS; triticale, X Triticosecale rimpaui Wittm. TRITI; yarrow, Achillea millefolium L. AMARE; zorro fescue, Vulpia myuros (L.) K. C. Gmel. VLPMY; wine grape, Vitis vinifera L. ‘Merlot’.
Using computer adaptive testing to assess physics proficiency and improve exam performance in an introductory physics course

Prior research has established that students often underprepare for midterm examinations yet remain overconfident in their proficiency. Research concerning the testing effect has demonstrated that utilizing testing as a study strategy leads to higher performance and more accurate confidence compared to more common study strategies such as rereading or reviewing homework problems. We report on three experiments that explore the viability of using computer adaptive testing (CAT) for assessing students’ physics proficiency, for preparing students for midterm exams by diagnosing their weaknesses, and for predicting scores in midterm exams in an introductory calculus-based mechanics course for science and engineering majors. The first two experiments evaluated the reliability and validity of the CAT algorithm. In addition, we investigated the ability of the CAT test to predict performance on the midterm exam. The third experiment explored whether completing two CAT tests in the days before a midterm exam would facilitate performance on the midterm exam. Scores on the CAT tests and the midterm exams were significantly correlated and, on average, were not statistically different from each other. This provides evidence for moderate parallel-forms reliability and criterion-related validity of the CAT algorithm. In addition, when used as a diagnostic tool, CAT showed promise in helping students perform better on midterm exams. Finally, we found that the CAT tests predicted the average performance on the midterm exams reasonably well, however, the CAT tests were not as accurate as desired at predicting the performance of individual students. While CAT shows promise for practice testing, more research is needed to refine testing algorithms to increase reliability before implementing CAT for summative evaluations. In light of these findings, we believe that more research is needed comparing CAT to traditional paper-and-pencil practice tests in order to determine whether the effort needed to create a CAT system is worthwhile.
e in uence of social disclosure on the relationship between Corporate Financial Performance and Corporate Social Performance*

is study’s general objective is to investigate the moderating e ect of Corporate Social Performance Disclosure (D-CSP) on the relationship between Corporate Social Performance (CSP) and Corporate Financial Performance (CFP). Based on this objective, the study presented a model in which D-CSP acts as a moderator in relation to primary stakeholders (employees, community, and suppliers). D-CSP is a mechanism through which the various social aspects involved in discretionary policies, actions, and activities identi ed in the management for stakeholders process can be evaluated. A sample of 1,147 companies belonging to 10 di erent sectors and ve continents was used to test the model. Data were collected from the Bloomberg database, totaling 5,735 observations, from 2010 to 2014. e relationship was tested using the multiple linear regression model involving panel data with xed e ects, and the Newey-West robust standard errors correction. ree constructs, D-CSP, CSP, and CFP, were used to perform the tests. As a CSP measure, the CSP of the employee, supplier, and community stakeholders was used. As a D-CSP measure, the CSP disclosure scores available from the database were used, and return on assets (ROA) was used as a CFP measure. e tests carried out indicated the existence of a positive moderating e ect of disclosure on the relationship between the CSP of primary stakeholders and CFP. Besides presenting a positive CSP in relation to the primary stakeholders the results enable it to be inferred that these results need to be disclosed, thus contributing to higher corporate nancial performance.
Growing Faults in the Lab: Insights Into the Scale Dependence of the Fault Zone Evolution Process

Analog sandbox experiments are a widely used method to investigate tectonic processes that cannot be resolved from natural data alone, such as strain localization and the formation of fault zones. Despite this, it is still unclear to which extent the dynamics of strain localization and fault zone formation seen in sandbox experiments can be extrapolated to a natural prototype. Of paramount importance for dynamic similarity is the proper scaling of the work required to create the fault system, Wprop. Using analog sandbox experiments of strike‐slip deformation, we show Wprop to scale approximately with the square of the fault system length, l, which is consistent with the theory of fault growth in nature. Through quantitative measurements of both Wprop and strain distribution we are able to show that Wprop is mainly spent on diffuse deformation prior to localization, which we therefore regard as analogous to distributed deformation on small‐scale faults below seismic resolution in natural fault networks. Finally, we compare our data to estimates of the work consumed by natural fault zones to verify that analog sandbox experiments scale properly with respect to energy, that is, that they scale truly dynamically.
Ownership structure of protected areas influences the patterns of seed removal by mammals

In Mexico, nature reserves vary greatly in the size of the property, administration, financial budget and measures to protect against land use change and illegal hunting. We compared two private and two public reserves and observed an influence between the ownership structure and the patterns of removal of large and small seeds from the forest floor by medium-sized mammals and rodents. We hypothesized that removal of all seeds, of large seeds only, and the removal of seeds by the medium-sized mammals would be higher in the private than in the public reserves as a consequence of better conserved populations in the private reserves. We also expected a direct effect of seed removal on seed germination. Medium-sized mammals removed more large-seeds in the private than in the public reserves, whereas removal of small seeds by rodents was lower in the private than in the public reserves, indicating an absence of larger-sized mammals in the latter. Seed germination was higher in control plots where seed removal was prevented by excluding all mammals. We conclude that patterns on seed removal by mammals in reserves can be strongly influenced by the type of ownership and hence the extent of their conservation. Key words: Animal conservation, land-property, medium-sized mammals, protected areas, rodents, seed predation.
Vegetation Composition, Biomass Production, Carrying Capacity and Grassland Types in Odolla Area of Shinile Zone, Eastern Ethiopia

A study was conducted to characterize vegetation composition and grassland types as well as to estimate biomass production and carrying capacity of the rangeland in Ordolla areas of Shinile zone, eastern Ethiopia in October 2004. The Ordolla grasslands covered 22,621ha on alluvial plain composed of sand and silt texture and clay in minor cases in small hydromorophic depressions. Seventeen vegetation types are identified in Orodolla areas based on soil types, vegetation structure and density, and drainage pattern described using LANDSAT image and geographical map of the area. The dominant grass species were Cynodon dactylon, Cynodon nlemfuensis, Eragrostis cilianensis, Cenchrus ciliaris, Andropogon greenwayii, Brachiaria leersiodes, Setaria pumila and Sorghum arundinaceum. Acacia tortilis, Acacia nilotica, Acacia mellifera and Acacia seyal were the most dominant shrubs with scattered Caddaba rotundifolia, Caddaba furmisa, Seddera bagshawei, Tamarix nilotica, Dobera glabra and abundant Parthenium hysterophorus, Cissus rotundifolia and C. quadrangularis . The grass biomass estimated in enclosed site near Ordolla village was 4.5 t DM/ha/yr and the total grass biomass produced in Ordolla rangeland was estimated around 27 534 t DM/year. The theoretical, dry and wet seasons carrying capacities were 0.16, 0.06 and 0.09 TLU/ha, respectively. There were good grazing lands in hydromorphic depression and well drained facets in Ordolla areas but the palatable grasses, trees and shrubs are decreasing due to overgrazing, runoff and drought and replaced by Parthenium, Calotropis, Solanum and Xanthium species, which are invader category of the plant community, indicating overgrazing and rangeland degradation. Keywords : Biomass Production; Carrying Capacity; Grassland Types; Grazing Lands; Vegetation Composition East African Journal of Sciences Vol. 1 (2) 2007: pp. 148-159
A Pragmatic Analysis of Speech Acts Used by English Lecturers in Languange Teaching at STKIP YDB Lubuk Alung

The research was intended to describe types of speech acts performed by English lecturers in learning process at STKIP YDB Lubuk Alung. This research was descriptive qualitative. The data of this research were the English utterances performed by English lecturers. The researcher obtained the data by means of note-taking technique. First, the researcher recorded the English teaching in the class using a video camera. Next, the researcher made transcripts of the dialogues. Then, the transcribed dialogues were recorded into the data sheet. Finally the data were classified according to Searle’s classification of speech acts. In the data analysis the researcher applied interactive qualitative method and applied coding system. The research findings show that there were four types of speech acts performed by the English lecturers, namely representatives, directives, expressive and commissives, whereas declarations were not utilized by the English lecturer. The most frequently used illocutionary acts were directives (53%), while the least frequent illocutionary acts went to commissives (5%). The frequent use of directives indicates that the lecturer seemed to be aware of their status as a lecturer which was believed to be more powerful than her students. In such restricted context like classroom setting, it is common that the lecturer status is higher than her students since the relation between them is inherently asymmetrical. It was through directives the lecturers exerted her power over the students
Awareness of Obstetric Danger Signs and its Associated Factors among Pregnant Women in Public Health Institutions, Mekelle City, Tigray,Ethiopia 2014

Background: Pregnancy is a normal process that results in a series of both physiological and psychological changes in expectant mothers. However, normal pregnancy may be accompanied by some problems and complications which are potentially life threatening to the mother and / or the fetus. Awareness of obstetric danger sign in pregnant women is the essential first step in accepting appropriate and timely health care service. However, there is high maternal death in developing country due to low awareness of obstetric danger sign during pregnancy and delivery. Yet its associated factors are not well known in Ethiopia, where maternal morbidity and mortality is high. Objective: This study was intended to assess awareness of obstetric danger signs and its associated factors among pregnant women who visit ante-natal care in mekelle city 2014. Methods: Institutional based cross-sectional study was conducted from December 2013 to June 2014 and data was collected from January to February 2014. A total of 359 pregnant women, selected using systematic random sampling method, respondents were interviewed from two hospitals and two Health centers by 8 nurses. Structured pre-tested questionnaire was used to collect data. Data was entered into SPSS version 20 and cleaned before analysis. Bivariate and multi variable logistic regression analysis were carried out to see the association of each independent variables with the dependent variable. At 95% CI, variables having p value < 0.05 in the multi-variable logistic regression model was considered as associated factors. Result: Out of the total study participants 171(47.6%) were in the age group of 25-30, 140(39%) were in the age group of 18-24 and the rest were in the age group 37 and above. Regarding their religion majority 300(83.6%) of the study participants were orthodox, 56(15.6%) were Muslim and the remaining 3(0.8%) were catholic and protestant. Of all participants about 82.5% knew at least two danger sign . The odds of women who have 4-6 pregnancies were 2.976 times (AOR; 2.976 95% CI,( 1.203-7.365) more likely to have awareness of obstetric danger signs compared to those women who have 1-3 pregnancies. Conclusion and recommendation: The associated factors of awareness towards obstetric danger sign were age, number of pregnancies, Partner educational status and occupation. Male based health education on obstetric danger signs should be introduced in all health institutions and the community should be mobilized through mass media by Mekelle city health office. This study indicated that the awareness of pregnant women about obstetric danger signs (during pregnancy, delivery and postnatal period) was high for one danger sign but low two danger and above and affected by Antenatal follow up. Therefore, the identified deficiencies in awareness should be addressed through maternal and child health services by designing and this study indicated that the awareness of pregnant women about obstetric danger.
SMALL-SCALE AND GLOBAL DYNAMOS AND THE AREA AND FLUX DISTRIBUTIONS OF ACTIVE REGIONS, SUNSPOT GROUPS, AND SUNSPOTS: A MULTI-DATABASE STUDY

In this work, we take advantage of 11 different sunspot group, sunspot, and active region databases to characterize the area and flux distributions of photospheric magnetic structures. We find that, when taken separately, different databases are better fitted by different distributions (as has been reported previously in the literature). However, we find that all our databases can be reconciled by the simple application of a proportionality constant, and that, in reality, different databases are sampling different parts of a composite distribution. This composite distribution is made up by linear combination of Weibull and log-normal distributions—where a pure Weibull (log-normal) characterizes the distribution of structures with fluxes below (above) 1021Mx (1022Mx). Additionally, we demonstrate that the Weibull distribution shows the expected linear behavior of a power-law distribution (when extended to smaller fluxes), making our results compatible with the results of Parnell et al. We propose that this is evidence of two separate mechanisms giving rise to visible structures on the photosphere: one directly connected to the global component of the dynamo (and the generation of bipolar active regions), and the other with the small-scale component of the dynamo (and the fragmentation of magnetic structures due to their interaction with turbulent convection).
Inferring Default Correlation from Equity Return Correlation

This paper presents a new approach for estimating default correlation by linking default correlation to equity return correlation while preserving the fundamental relation between default and asset correlations in the structural framework. Our hybrid model thus overcomes a long‐standing empirical difficulty that default correlation estimation relies on the unobservable asset process. The empirical analysis shows that our hybrid model demonstrates a considerable improvement over the existing structural model of Zhou (2001) for the sample periods of 1970‐1993 and 1990‐2010. We also illustrate the difference between the two models in predicting default correlations over the period of the 2008 financial crisis.
Financial Valuation and Risk Management Working Paper No . 315 International Stock-Bond Correlations in a Simple Affine Asset Pricing Model

We use an affine asset pricing model to jointly value stocks and bonds. This enables us to derive endogenous correlations and to explain how economic fundamentals influence the correlation between stock and bond returns. The presented model is implemented for G7 post-war economies and its in-sample and out-of-sample performance is assessed by comparing the correlations generated by the model with conventional statistical measures. The affine framework developed in this paper is found to generate stock-bond correlations that are in line with empirically observed figures.
Interactive comment on “Boundary conditions for the Middle Miocene Climate Transition (MMCT v1.0)” by Amanda Frigola et al

The presented paper describes and provides a set of boundary conditions to be used to force Middle Miocene global climate model simulations. This work focuses on two periods before and after the Middle Miocene Climate Transition (MMCT), the Middle Miocene Climatic Optimum (MMCO) and Middle Miocene Glaciation (MMG). A review of topography, bathymetry, sea-level, Antarctic ice-sheet configuration, atmospheric CO2 concentration, palaeovegetation for the two periods is also presented. The boundary conditions for the MMCO and MMG periods are tested with the Community Climate System Model version 3 (CCSM3). The results of two CCSM3 simulations, for the MMCO and MMG respectively, are briefly presented.
Effectiveness of the MPSO algorithm in optimization of the coil arrangement

One of the most important problems in designing of various constructions is optimization of technical facilities. The optimization process leads to find the best solution of a considered problem, and the solution should meet established criteria. Evolutionary algorithms have been found to be effective in solving such optimization problems. In the following paper, a modification of the PSO algorithm has been proposed in order to determine an optimal geometry of the coil arrangement evoking, in a defined active area, magnetic field of the largest possible gradient, and simultaneously keep this gradient relatively stable. The computations confirmed high efficiency of the proposed method. The results were also compared with the achievements of other evolutionary algorithms.
TEACHING ECONOMICS USING COOPERATIVE LEARNING APPROACH: ACCOUNTING STUDENTS’ PERFORMANCE AND ATTITUDE

Using experimental and post experimental setting, this study examines whether different learning approach influence students’ behaviour. Specifically, this study examines whether using cooperative learning approach could improve students’ performance in economics course better than the conventional approach. This study also examines the students’ attitude towards economics subject, communication skill and social skill upon reliance on the learning approach used in the experiment. Sixty one undergraduate accounting students in a public university in Malaysia participated in this study. The results show that although there is a difference in performance between students using cooperative learning approach and students using conventional approach, the result is not significant. However, the students’ attitude toward economic subject, communication skill and social skill is more positive among the cooperation learning approach group compared to the conventional approach group. The findings of this study provide some understanding to academics and universities on the use of different learning approaches in teaching economics subject to accounting students. Keywords: economics; undergraduate students; cooperative learning approach
Multidrug resistant and Extensively drug resistant TB: A Nuisance to Medical Science

Tuberculosis is the topic of discussion for researchers due to the indocile nature of its causative micro-organism, Mycobacterium tuberculosis H37Rv (MTB). MTB escapes the human immune system by employing different strategies to render the drugs used for treatment ineffective, due to ultimate alterations in genes such as gyr 90, 91 and 94 which make it resistant to different drugs. Different techniques and methodologies are being developed and used to diagnose, treat and prevent the spread of the disease caused due to drug-resistant MTB. Drug resistance is reported from all over the world. Although very less treatment options are available in case of MDR and XDR-TB but still they are curable. HIV co-infection is also a big hurdle in the way of successful treatment of drug resistant TB as drug-drug interaction is an issue. It is better to improve the community medicine system to battle the TB in a better way. Highest percent of people is showing the resistant against INH so one should be careful about this fact while using the INH in regimen.
Tailoring the FeRh magnetostructural response with Au diffusion

Factors which contribute to magnetostructural transition control have been demonstrated by study of the effects of Au incorporation on the magnetic and structural character of CsCl-structured equiatomic FeRh thin films. Sputtered films were capped with 2 nm of Au deposited at 873 K and at 323 K and subsequently characterized with magnetometry and synchrotron-based structural probes. Diffusion of Au into the FeRh film layer at 873 K is confirmed by a reduction in the Au capping layer thickness relative to the film capped at 323 K. The impact of Au diffusion on the FeRh magnetostructural character is noted by a decrease in the onset of the transition temperature, a thermally broadened first-order transition and an increased sensitivity of the transition to applied magnetic field. Additionally, magnetization data indicate that Au diffusion causes retention of the ferromagnetic phase well below the normal magnetostructural transition temperature. These results are attributed to a multiphase FeRh film layer cr.