Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Effect of an educational program for farming mothers to protect their children from pesticide exposure

Pesticides represent a major environmental hazard. The toxic effects of pesticides are a concern among high risk groups, especially children. Aim: To evaluate the effect of an educational program for farming mothers to protect their children from pesticide exposure. Subjects and method: Quiz-experimental design was used for this study. The study was conducted in general pediatric out- patient clinics at Assuit University Children Hospital. The study subjects included a convenient sample of 60 farming mothers. Two tools were developed by the researchers for data collection. Tool I: Socio- economic scale; it was developed by (Abd El-Twaab 2004). Tool II: Structure interview questionnaire: divided into two parts: Part 1 Questions to assess farming mothers' knowledge about pesticides: Part 11: Questions to assess farming mothers' knowledge about their practice regarding pesticides. Results: the mean age of the mothers was 38.8± 9.7 years. 60% were illiterate, 95% were house wife and farmer, and more than half were in the middle social class. Most of the mothers had poor knowledge and unsatisfactory knowledge about practices in the pretest. Statistically significant differences were detected between mothers' total score of knowledge and their knowledge about practice. Conclusions: Most of the mothers had poor level of knowledge and unsatisfactory knowledge about practice regarding pesticide in preprogram and after implementation of program, the level of mothers 'knowledge and their knowledge about practice improved. Recommendation: Medical conveys in the village for the public about pesticides by the directors of rural health units shared with professors in medicine and nursing in the university. Using mass media to disseminate correct information about pesticides and to increasing the mothers' awareness about its harmful effect on health.
Numerical Simulations of Lateral Dispersion by the Relaxation of Diapycnal Mixing Events

Abstract In this second of two companion papers, numerical simulations of lateral dispersion by small-scale geostrophic motions, or vortical modes, generated by the adjustment of mixed patches following diapycnal mixing events are examined. A three-dimensional model was used to solve the Navier–Stokes equations and an advection/diffusion equation for a passive tracer. Model results were compared with theoretical predictions for vortical mode stirring with results from dye release experiments conducted over the New England continental shelf. For “weakly nonlinear” cases in which adjustment events were isolated in space and time, lateral dispersion in the model was consistent to within a constant scale factor with the parameter dependence predicted by Sundermeyer et al., where h and L are the vertical and horizontal scales of the mixed patches, ΔN 2 is the change in stratification associated with the mixed patches, f is the Coriolis parameter, ϕ is the frequency of diapycnal mixing events, and νB is the bac.
SPATIAL CORRELATION BETWEEN PHYSICAL PROPERTIES OF SOIL AND WEEDS IN TWO MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS

The spatial correlation between soil properties and weeds is relevant in agronomic and environmental terms. The analysis of this correlation is crucial for the interpretation of its meaning, for influencing factors such as dispersal mechanisms, seed production and survival, and the range of influence of soil management techniques. This study aimed to evaluate the spatial correlation between the physical properties of soil and weeds in no-tillage (NT) and conventional tillage (CT) systems. The following physical properties of soil and weeds were analyzed: soil bulk density, macroporosity, microporosity, total porosity, aeration capacity of soil matrix, soil water content at field capacity, weed shoot biomass, weed density, Commelina benghalensis density, and Bidens pilosa density. Generally, the ranges of the spatial correlations were higher in NT than in CT. The cross-variograms showed that many variables have a structure of combined spatial variation and can therefore be mapped from one another by co-kriging. This combined variation also allows inferences about the physical and biological meanings of the study variables. Results also showed that soil management systems influence the spatial dependence structure significantly.
CAST: Recent results & future outlook

Cetin, Serkant Ali (Dogus Author) -- Ezer, Cemile (Dogus Author) -- Yildiz, Suleyman Cenk (Dogus Author) -- Conference full title: 6th Patras Workshop on Axions, WIMPs and WISPs, PATRAS 2010; Zurich; Switzerland; 5 July 2010 through 9 July 2010.
Isolation, Structural Characterization, and Valorization of Pectic Substances from Algerian Argan Tree Leaves (Argania spinosa (L.) Skeels)

Pectic polysaccharides were solubilized from Algerian argan tree leaves by sequential extraction with water at 100°C (water-soluble pectin; AL-WSP) and EDTA solution at 80°C (chelating-soluble pectin; AL-CSP). Both AL-WSP and AL-CSP were rich in arabinose (28% and 74.5%, resp.) and had a high content of uronic acid (38.5% and 21.5%, resp.). Pectic substances were deesterified and fractionated by anion exchange chromatography, giving five fractions for each extract. Most of the fractions were characterized by methylation analysis and then analyzed by 13C nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. The results showed that AL-WSP consisted of rhamnogalacturonan type I, with arabinan and galactan branching at the O-4 position of the main rhamnose chain, while AL-CSP consisted of rhamnogalacturonan type I and a block of homogalacturonan. Antioxidant activities of AL-WSP and AL-CSP were evaluated by electronic spin resonance. The results showed that the antioxidant potential of AL-WSP (8.1%) and AL-CSP (−1.2%) was significantly lower than that of vitamin E.
Elemental abundances and temperatures of quiescent solar active region cores from X-ray observations

A brief review of studies of elemental abundances and emission measures in quiescent solar active region cores is presented. Hinode EUV Imaging Spectrometer (EIS) observations of strong iron spectral lines have shown sharply peaked distributions around 3 MK. EIS observations of lines emitted by a range of elements have allowed good estimates of abundances relative to iron. However, X-ray observations are required to measure the plasma emission above 3 MK and the abundances of oxygen and neon. We revisit, using upto-date atomic data, older X-ray observations obtained by a sounding rocket and by the Solar Maximum Mission (SMM) Flat Crystal Spectrometer (FCS). We find that the Fe/ Oa nd Fe/Ne ratios are normally increased by a factor of 3.2, compared to the photospheric values. Similar results are obtained from FCS observations of six quiescent active region cores. The FCS observations also indicate that the emission measure above 3 MK has a very steep negative slope, with very little plasma observed at 5 MK or above.
Ownership Concentration, Financial Leverage and Inefficient Investment-evidence from Chinese A-share Market

This paper analyzes the data from Chinese A-share market during 2 years from 2014 to 2015. Basing on 2297 listed firms, we use theoretical analysis and empirical analysis to explore and validate the relationship between ownership concentration, financial leverage and the company's inefficient investment behavior. The result shows that in Chinese A-share market, financial leverage can effectively inhibit the company's inefficient investment behavior; the concentration of equity will effectively inhibit the company's inefficient investment behavior.
Diet induced weight loss reduces mean platelet volume in people with obesity

Objectives: To investigate is there a relationship between obesity parameters, mean platelet volume (MPV) and neutrophil lymphocyte ratio (NLR), and to examine is there a change in MPV and NLR level with weight loss. Material and Methods: The retrospective study consisted of two groups as the group losing weight after 24 weeks of diet (WLG) and the control group not losing weight (CG). Body mass index (BMI), MPV, NLR and lipid values of each group were recorded at the beginning and at the end of the study. Results: The study consisted of 186 individuals 94 of whom were in WLG and 92 were in CG. There was a statistically significant positive correlation between the initial value of MPV and BMI in WLG (p <0.05). There was a significant difference existed in the initial and final lipid parameters of WLG (p<0.0001). Changes in initial and final MPV values in WLG and CG were different from each other (p <0.01). The difference between the initial and final MPV values and BMI values in WLG was statistically significant (P <0.001). No significant correlation was found between obesity and weight loss with NLR. Conclusions: There was a statistically significant correlation between MPV and BMI. MPV levels decreased in obese individuals with weight loss. No correlation existed between BMI and NLR.
CHARACTERISING DESIGN QUESTIONS THAT INVOLVE REASONING

The engineering design process requires designers to ask numerous design questions. Product reasoning questions are a subset of design questions closely related to problem solving. Establishing what types of product reasoning question designers ask and how they use these questions in the design process has the potential to develop methods to support designers. This paper presents the results of a study to understand the nature of product reasoning questions. The research is based on rich data sets of questions that were collected from designers working in industry. The analysis of the data led to the development of two categories to characterise the objectives of product reasoning questions and to distinguish them depending on the problem type that they intend to progress.
Attributes and Applications of Heroes: A Brief History of Lay and Academic Perspectives

Research on heroism typically seems fascinating to people in everyday life: they ask insightful and interesting questions about the research, offer their personal reflections on heroes, and sometimes share details of significant life events triggered by the conversation. Heroism is an approachable topic that appears to influence individuals and groups in extraordinary ways. Indeed, heroes have been described as “support for all human life and the inspiration of philosophy, poetry, and the arts” and function as “a vehicle for the profoundest moral and metaphysical instruction” (Campbell, 1949, p. 257). Campbell further suggests that the metaphors by which heroes live have been “brooded upon, searched, and discussed for centuries: they have served whole societies, furthermore, as the mainstays of thought and life” (p. 256). Scholars convey similar ideas about the ways that heroes shape and represent culture (Hegel, 1801/1975), and act as source of social control (Klapp, 1954). Other philosophers highlight heroworship as a way to re-establish meaning and idealism (Früchtl, 2009). Not only do heroes help people to survive physical dangers, but also they can evoke eudemonistic questions of “How should I live? What do I really want? ” (Früchtl, 2009). Further still, individuals may seek to achieve symbolic immortality and a meaningful existence by worshiping the lives of their heroes (Becker, 1973). In an essay entitled “What makes a life significant? ” William James wrote:
Surface Nanocrystallization by Surface Mechanical Attrition Treatment

Based on strain-induced grain refinement, a novel surface mechanical attrition treatment (SMAT) technique has been developed to synthesize a nanostructured surface layer on metallic materials in order to upgrade their overall properties and performance without changing their chemical compositions. In recent several years, the microstructures and properties of surface layer were systematically investigated in various SMAT metals and alloys, including b.c.c. , f.c. c. and h.c. p. crystal structures. Different grain refinement approaches and nanocrystalline formation mechanisms were identified in these deformed materials, involving dislocation activities, mechanical twinning and interaction of dislocations with mechanical twins. The properties of the surface layer were measured by means of hardness, tensile, fatigue and wear tests. The enhanced properties of the surface layer are mainly attributed to the strain-induced grain refinement. In this work, we reviewed the microstructures and properties of surface layer in the SMAT materials.
Culture filtrate effect and pathogenic variability of isolates of Fusarium oxysporum on fenugreek

Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum graecum L.) is an important seed spice, originated in South-Eastern Europe belonging to the family Fabaceae. Although many diseases are reported in fenugreek, wilt caused by Fusarium oxysporum is becoming more severe in recent years. Maximum growth of F. oxysporum was attained on 14 day after incubation (393.33 mg) beyond which autolysis occurred. Among 20 isolates, Fo NES (89.50%) showed maximum per cent of seed germination and also root and shoot length which differed significantly with other isolates indicating low quantity of toxin production. Complete failure of seed germination was observed in isolates viz., Fo YAT, Fo GOV, Fo BAN, Fo GAN and Fo SOM with maximum toxin production. Higher seedling vigour index was noticed in Fo NES isolate (1337.91) followed by Fo NAR (1291.78). Whereas, the isolates like Fo YAT, Fo GOV, Fo BAN, Fo GAN and Fo SOM recorded zero vigour index, indicating high quantity of toxin production. With respect to pathogenic variability, cent per cent disease incidence was recorded in all isolates of F. oxysporum. Maximum degree of virulence index was recorded in Fo YAT (3.57) which took less number of days (28) for complete wilting of plant followed by Fo BAN and Fo SOM (3.13) required 32 days for wilting. However, Fo HEB and Fo NES was found to be less virulent with minimum virulence index of 1.67 and took maximum days (60) for complete wilting of plants.
Jus Domicile: In Pursuit of a Citizenship of Equality and Social Justice

Although foreign workers contribute to the economy and society, their lack of citizenship renders them unequal, vulnerable and exploitable. In this article, I suggest that the citizenship principle of jus domicile can address this aspect of inequality and exploitation experienced by migrant labour. In addition, I argue that the jus domicile principle should be combined with open borders. In making this argument, I draw on a dialectical methodology and a diverse literature on social justice and liberal political theory. The model I am developing is not necessarily for immediate policy implementation but rather presents a vision for a future of free mobility and settlement.
Teacher–Child Relationships and Pedagogical Practices: Considering the Teacher's Perspective

Abstract. This study explored the link between teachers' reports of their relationships with individual kindergartners and their self-reported pedagogical practices toward these children. Two samples of kindergarten teachers were examined. They were questioned about, respectively, 117 and 167 children selected as socially inhibited, hyperactive, or average relative to their classmates. Multilevel regression analyses revealed significant associations between relationship characteristics and teachers' practices independent of children's behaviors. Teachers reported more socioemotional support and more behavior regulation for children with whom they reportedly had unfavorable (dependent, conflicted, or distant) relationships. Teachers' appraisals of children's behaviors partly mediated the links between their ratings of the teacher–child relationship and their practice reports. Results qualify the idea that supportive teacher behaviors are a defining characteristic of positive teacher–child relationships, and further underline the need to include teachers' relationship perceptions in practical assessments of children referred for emotional or behavioral problems.
Regime Switches in Japan's Fiscal Policy: Markov‐Switching VAR Approach

This paper empirically investigates the changing dynamics of fiscal policy shocks to the macroeconomy in Japan. By estimating a Markov-switching vector-autoregressive (VAR) model, regime switches in both automatic fiscal responses to output and discretionary fiscal shocks are investigated. The main findings are summarized as follows. First, the best-fit model is a version with four regimes that allows time variation in both coefficients and disturbance variances. Second, the structural changes occurred in the mid-1970s, the early 1990s, and the late 1990s. Third, in contrast to the other regimes, expansionary fiscal shocks depress output and consumption in the third regime. Fourth, fiscal shocks crowd out investment only in the fourth regime. Fifth, the twin-deficit hypothesis holds in all regimes.
Appraisal of the Trend of Soil Infiltration Rate Changes in Flood Spreading Stations of Iran

Flood spreading stations were constructed in Iran with different objectives such as groundwater recharge and vegetation recovery. Accumulation of sediment can be a major problem in flood spreading stations. According to generally accepted theories, floods and salt pollution can reduce gradually the infiltration rate. In order to investigate this issue, 13 flood spreading stations were selected across the country and infiltration rate changes were monitored over five years in the flood spreading areas. Non-parametric tests were used to analyze the abnormally distributed data. Based on the soil properties of the spreading stations, stations were first classified into three groups separately by cluster analysis; next, studies were conducted in three separate groups. Results in stations group 1 showed that, in the first year, the infiltration rate among spreading lines was not significantly different, but data for the second year showed a significant difference at α = 0.05. For stations group 2, in the third year, the difference in the infiltration rate was significant at α = 0.05. In addition, changes in the infiltration rate were significant at α = 0.05 in stations groups 1 and 2 in the second spreading line. For stations group 3, significant changes among lines have been detected. Results also showed that changes in the infiltration rate in different years were somewhat different among the three groups of stations. Although infiltration rate changes were low, there was a general decreasing trend.
UvA-DARE ( Digital Academic Repository ) Institutional Moral Hazard in the Multi-tiered Regulation of Unemployment and Social Assistance Benefits and Activation : A summary of eight country case studies

This paper studies eight countries in which the regulation of unemployment benefits and related benefits and the concomitant activation of unemployed individuals has a multitiered architecture. It assesses their experiences and tries to understand possible problems of ‘institutional moral hazard’ that may emerge in the context of a hypothetical European Unemployment Benefit Scheme.
Embracing the Complexity of Instruction: A Study of the Effects of Teachers' Instruction on Students' Reading Comprehension

The purpose of this study was to determine whether third-grade teachers' instructional actions during reading comprehension lessons contributed to their students' reading comprehension achievement. Our framework focused on teachers' emphasis on three dimensions of instruction (pedagogical structure, teacher-directed instruction, and support for student learning), as observed in comprehension lessons across a year. Third-grade teachers' instruction was analyzed first by measuring their latent propensity to engage in instructional actions in the three dimensions and then by using these latent variables in a multilevel model to examine their students' gains in reading comprehension. Results provided support for the theoretical dimensions, taking into account contextual variables including lesson, student, and teacher characteristics; teachers' engagement in teacher-directed instruction and their support for student learning significantly contributed to their students' reading comprehension. Results suggest that analysis of teachers' instructional actions within and across lessons is a promising approach for the study of effective reading instruction.
Geographical variations in infection by larval Anisakis simplex and Contracaecum osculatum (Nematoda, Anisakidae) in walleye pollock Theragra chalcogramma stocks off Hokkaido, Japan

: Stocks of walleye pollock Theragra chalcogramma collected from: (i) the Sea of Japan (off Rebun Island and Kumaishi); (ii) the Pacific coast (off Shikabe and eastern Hokkaido); and (iii) Nemuro Strait off Hokkaido, northern Japan, were examined for anisakid nematodes during December 1999 to February 2000, and the prevalence and abundance of Anisakis simplex and Contracaecum osculatum larvae were compared among the various sampling sites for fish of the same size and age. Anisakis simplex was generally more abundant than C. osculatum. Infection by A. simplex varied between the aforementioned stocks of walleye pollock as well as within stocks, whereby fish from off Rebun Island and Nemuro Strait were infected the most, followed by those from off the Pacific coast and Kumaishi. Infection by C. osculatum differed between the host stocks, and C. osculatum was the most abundant among the fish from Nemuro Strait. The infection variations seemed to be due to differences in host growth rate, host feeding habit, and the distribution of marine mammal final hosts. The results indicate that these two larval nematodes are useful biological indicators for the population study of walleye pollock in Japanese waters.
Information Asymmetry and Volume -Return Relation

This paper examines the relation between stock returns, order imbalance and volatility within different time regime for a sample of NASDAQ stocks. We develop a regression model which depends on the dynamic return - volume relation of individual stock on Llorente, Michaely, Saar, and Wang (2002). Our results show that the coefficient of order imbalance on the autocorrelation of stock returns almost decrease as the size of the firm increases within the 90 - second regime. The above results are nearly consistent with Llorente, Michaely, Saar, and Wang (2002). But within the 15 - minute regime, the above relations are no clear. Besides, firm sizes influence the stock returns negatively within the 90 - second regime. We find when the time regime is longer, the private information will diffuse to the market and the significance of the private information will be lower. Therefore, the information has almost fully reflected in the contemporaneous price and few reflected in the lag-one price.
Liquidity Risk Management: A comparative study between Conventional and Islamic banks of Pakistan

The banking sector is viewed as an important source of financing for many businesses. In order to appraise and weigh up the soundness and reliability of banking industry, the information on the risk and how the fluctuations are managed are important to consider. Among the financial risks liquidity risk of the bank are crucial to consider. Appalling financial condition of the banks can lead to decreasing the value of bank. Managing the liquidity risk is required to be monitored and managed effectively and cautiously. Liquidity management is part of the larger risk management of the banking sector, whether they are conventional or Islamic. This study investigated the size of the bank, Non-performing loan ratio (NPL), return on assets (ROA), return on equity (ROE), capital adequacy ratio (CAR) with the liquidity risk of conventional and Islamic banks of Pakistan. The study is done on the secondary data for the period 2007-2010. The study found the significant and positive relation of CAR, ROA, ROE and size of the bank with the liquidity risk in both the models, whereas the negative and significant relation of NPL is observed in both the models.