Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Viruses and virus-like diseases affecting sweet potato subsistence farming in southern Tanzania

A survey for sweet potato viruses was conducted in 32 farmer’s fields in Mbinga (20 fields) and Songea (12 fields) districts of the Ruvuma region in Southern Tanzania. Plants showing virus-like symptoms were observed in 25 (78%) out of 32 fields examined. Sweet potato virus disease (SPVD) incidence was low in Mbinga district (16.7%) on average and ranged from 3 to 50% while in Songea district incidence averaged 33% and ranged from 3 to 100%. SPVD incidence difference between the two districts was not statistically significant (P > 0.05) except among sweet potato cultivars (P< 0.05). Sweet potato virus disease severity significantly (P < 0.001) varied between the district with Mbinga having the lowest (2.38 ± 0.2) and Songea the highest (3.26 ± 0.12) mean severity score. SPVD severity score also significantly varied among sweet potato cultivars (P < 0.001) with cultivar ‘‘Jeshi’’ displaying the most severe symptoms (4.2 ± 0.37 severity score) and ‘Wino’ and ‘Madaresalama expressing the mildest symptoms (2.0 ± 0.00). Twenty foliar samples from infected plants were tested serologically for
Genetic and maternal variation in early growth in the Atlantic silverside Menidia menidia

In the early life histories of many fish species, larger individuals have lower mortality rates and, as a consequence, growth is thought to be a primary determinant of recruitment. Although much is known about environmental influences on growth in the early life history, far less is known about genetic and maternal contributions. As the relative contributions of maternal, genetic, and environmental effects determine how populations respond to selective harvest, evaluating their magnitudes is an important step in constructing evolutionarily sustainable harvest strategies. Using Atlantic silversides Menidia menidia as a model organism, we conducted a fullfactorial breeding study to measure maternal and genetic contributions to size at age through the first 2 wk of life. A total of 418 fulland half-sib families were raised in a common environment, and body lengths were recorded at 1, 5, 10, and 15 d post-hatch. Maximum likelihood was used to estimate the genetic and maternal variance components. Heritability for size at age was between 0.10 and 0.25, and increased with age. At hatch, non-genetic maternal contributions were ~7 times greater than the genetic contributions to size, but decreased with age. These significant genetic and maternal contributions to size at age indicate substantial potential to respond to selection, with subsequent population dynamic consequences.
Evidence of the Anisotropic Nature of the Mechanical Properties of Breast Tissue

This paper presents evidence of a newly discovered mechanical property of breast tissue that might be important in breast cancer detection. Breast cancer remains the most commonly detected cancer in women. Magnetic resonance (MR) elastography, a recent innovation in magnetic resonance imaging, is being developed by several groups of researchers worldwide to help diagnose breast cancer earlier and more accurately in the effort to reduce the mortality and morbidity from this disease. Elastography measures the stiffness of tissue in vivo. Breast cancer appears to be stiffer than normal tissue in MR elastography just as cancer feels harder to a woman or physician in the physical examination except that MR elastography is quantitative and more sensitive than the physical examination.
The Impact of Internal Control and Risk Management on Banks in Palestine

The purpose of the study attempts to analyze the impact of internal control and risk management on banks in Palestine. The investigation helped in identifying the impacts of new banking reformations and rules on the risk assessment, identification, and mitigation in banks. It was also assessed that whether frauds and errors are reduced, different types of risk are controlled, duties are segregated and practices are aligned with international standards in banks due to reformed internal control procedures. A qualitative close-ended survey was carried out for collecting data from managers of 10 banks in Palestine. The responses of 22 statements were collected in five different categories. The findings showed that overall internal control and risk management systems in Palestine have positively affected the banks in terms of quantitative as well as qualitative performance.
BEHAVIORS OF L-SHAPE SHEAR CONNECTOR SUBJECTED TO STRUT COMPRESSIVE FORCE IN BEAM TYPE TEST SPECIMENS

This study investigates the behaviors of L-shape shear connector subjected to strut compressive force in steel-concrete composite structure. It was found that splitting crack in the concrete in front of the shear connector controlled the maximum shear force on the shear connector. After crack occurred in the concrete starting from the head of the shear connector, the shear connector started to have large displacements until occurrence of splitting crack. Moreover, occurrence of splitting crack was found to reverse the direction of the slip between concrete and steel plate in front of the shear connector.
The study of university students' motivation

The goal of the paper is to define and discuss the problem of increasing quantity of university students and graduates and the impact of the university students' motivation on their attitudes to learning and studying at university. The paper is based on the analysis of available scientific literature and the comparison of the results of the authors' survey conducted among students of the Czech Technical university in Prague in the first decade of the twenty-first century and the authors' survey conducted among students of the College of Regional Development in Prague, the Masaryk Institute of Advanced Studies of the Czech Technical University in Prague and the School Management Centre of the Faculty of Education of Charles University in Prague in 2016. The new data were obtained from 415 students. The results show some interesting tendencies in students' attitudes to learning and studying at university in the Czech Republic.
A Study on Family-School Cooperation Based on an Analysis of School Documentation.

Family-school cooperation is a very complex process that can be studied at different levels in a number of different ways. This study has covered only some aspects of cooperation between parents and teachers, based on school documentation of a Belgrade elementary school. The study covered analyses of 60 Attendance Registers pertaining to 60 classes with 1289 students from Grade 1 through Grade 8 during an academic year. The unit of analysis included: parents attendance at PTA meetings and individual meetings between parents and teachers. In addition to the frequency of parents’ visits to school, the relationship between such registered parents' visits and overall academic performance, grades in conduct, excused and unexcused absence from classes were also considered. The research findings indicated interference between development factors (attitude change in parent-child relationship and growing-up) and parents’ informal "theory of critical grades" i.e. transitional processes in schooling. The findings confirmed that parents’ individual visits to school were mainly meant to offer an excuse for the student’s absence from school, while attendance at PTA meetings was linked to poor grades in conduct and missed classes (both excused and unexcused). The findings also showed that parents pursued visiting strategies which were pragmatic, less time-consuming and less emotionally draining ones. The closing part refers to discussions on practical use of the study and possible further research.
Do the best companies to work for provide better customer satisfaction

Using data from both the American Customer Satisfaction Index (ACSI) and Fortune Magazine's lists of Best Companies, we examine the relationship between making the '100 Best' list and customer satisfaction. Based on a subset of the 100 Best in each year from 1994 to 2002, we find strong evidence that firms on the list earn higher customer satisfaction ratings than firms not on the list. This result is stronger for firms in the service sector than for those in the manufacturing sector. Our analysis also suggests that the increase in customer satisfaction resulting from Best Company status yields about a 1.6 percent increase in return on assets. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Concentration And Market Power In Canadian Agribusiness

A long-held belief in industrial economics is that extending the size of the market reduces concentration and diminishes the ability of firms to exercise market power. At its simplest, this proposition stems from the idea that larger markets will be able to support a greater numbers of firms, and that the presence of more firms leads to more competitive pricing. This belief has had particular application in the area of trade. Trade economists have a long history of assuming that open borders help discipline monopolistic type behavior in domestic markets (Bhagwati, 1965). For instance, in a country with import restrictions, a non-competitive industry will be able raise prices without fear of foreign competition. In small countries the problem may be made worse by the fact that the size of the domestic market is such that only a small number of firms operate, often at less than minimum efficient scale. Open borders, however, provide disciplines on the domestic firms’ pricing behavior and increase the size of the market, both of which should serve to reduce concentration and decrease firms’ abilities to exercise market power1 .
16-(119-130) Myung-Soo Bae 외.hwp

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study is to determine, by conducting a 10 week hippotherapy, the effects on the physical, cognitive and psychological factors of children with intellectual disabilities. METHODS: As an intervention method, intervention was based on a program from the American Hippotherapy Association and was modified and enhanced. 16 children with intellectual disabilities was conducted horse riding intervention program and Intervention was conducted once a week for a total of 10 weeks with each session lasting 30 minutes. A doctor of rehabilitation medical treatment of D rehabilitation center, physical therapist and occupational therapist evaluated the upper limbs test, balance, gait function, Korea-mini mental state examination (MMSE) before and after hippotherapy intervention. Self-esteem scale and aggression scale was evaluated by Psychology Counseling of C psychological clinic before and after hippotherapy intervention.
Summer Rainfall Variability in Low-Latitude Highlands of China and Subtropical Indian Ocean Dipole

AbstractBased on reanalysis and observational datasets, this study proposes a reasonable mechanism for summer rainfall variations over the low-latitude highlands (LLH) of China, in which a subtropical Indian Ocean dipole (SIOD)-like pattern is the key external thermal forcing. In summers with a positive SIOD-like pattern, sea surface temperature (SST) anomalies may lead to lower-tropospheric divergence over the tropical Indian Ocean and convergence over the subtropical southwestern Indian Ocean and Arabian Sea. The convergence over the Arabian Sea can induce easterly anomalies of the divergent wind component off the eastern coast of the Bay of Bengal (BOB), while the divergence over the tropical Indian Ocean can change the interhemispheric vertical circulation and produce a descending motion over the same area and cyclonic anomalies in the rotational wind component over the Indian peninsula. The combined effect of the divergent and rotational wind anomalies and enhanced interhemispheric vertical circulati.
Caregiver Burden In Dementia: A Study In The Turkish Population

Caring for someone with dementia is associated with a high level of stress. The term "caregiver burden" is used to describe the physical, emotional and financial cost of providing care. The Zarit Caregiver Burden Scale (ZCBS) is one of the most widely used scales in order to determine the degree of burden in caregivers. Up to this date there is no consensus regarding the predictors of high levels of burden. The objective of this study was to determine the degree of burden in informal caregivers of dementia patients in a Turkish population and to evaluate the possible risk factors associated with higher burden. Fifty two dementia patients and their caregivers were analyzed. The affects of different factors including the patients and caregivers age, gender, years of education, relationship between the patient and caregiver as well as the patients symptom duration, duration of care giving and degree of cognitive impairment and independence of the patient were investigated. Overall 90 % of the caregivers had some degree of burden. There was no significant difference for most of the analyzed factors but the mean ZCBS score was higher in the spouse or adult child, compared to other relatives as the caregiver. The closer the caregiver is to the patient, the care giving emotionally gets harder and the burden is high. The only significant correlation was found for patients age, which was negatively correlated with the degree of burden. This finding might reflect the easy acceptance of dementia for the elderly in the Turkish population, which is related to the fact that there are very few institutions and the aged family members (demented or not) are commonly a part of normal living in many households. As a conclusion low patient age and close relationship between the caregiver and the patient seems to be risk factors correlated with a high degree of caregiver burden.
The phenolic composition and antioxidant activity of tea with different parts of Sideritis condensate at different steeping conditions

Tea with different parts (flower, leaf, seed) of Sideritis condensate infused at different temperatures (60 and 100°C) and times (5, 10 and 30 minutes) were assessed for their phenolic composition and antioxidant activities. Leaf tea had the highest total phenolic content where as seed tea had the lowest.Leaves soaked at 100°C for 10 minutes had the highest total phenolic content. Total phenolic content of flower tea increased with increase in extraction temperature and time. Radical scavenging activities of leaves infused at 60°C for 5, 10 and 30 minutes were statistically in the same group but lower than those of leaves soaked at 100°C for 5, 10 and 30 min. The major phenolic compound identified from almost all aqueous infusions was the p-coumaric acid. The conditions of tea prepared from leaves of the Sideritis condensata at 100°C for 5, 10 and 30 minutes are the most appropriate conditions in regard to extraction of the highest total phenolics and the strongest antioxidant activity.
Effects of buildings aspect ratio, wind speed and wind direction on flow structure and pollutant dispersion in symmetric street canyons: a review

The issue of air quality conditions has become a major indicator to the quality of life in many urban areas around the world. It was affected by the air pollution in urban street canyons mainly contributed by the vehicle emitted source. Different street canyon geometry and meteorological conditions may cause pollutant accumulation inside street canyon due to lack of ventilation leading to the air quality deterioration. In the last two decades, numerous researches have been conducted through various research approaches to understand the impact of street canyon configurations and wind flow condition on wind flow structure and pollutant dispersion inside street canyons. This paper intends to review state of the art findings of available research approaches with special intentions been given to the effects of street canyon geometry, wind speed and wind direction on wind flow structure as well as pollutant dispersion in symmetric street canyons.
Effect of a dragonfly ( Bradinopyga strachani Kirby, 1900) on the density of mosquito larvae in a field experiment using mesocosms

Abstract. Laboratory experiments with food-deprived larvae of odonates suggested that these predators may have the potential to control mosquito populations. However, it remains unclear whether larvae of odonates co-occur with mosquito larvae in the field and whether larvae of odonates reduce the density of mosquito larvae in the field. We exposed 35 water-filled concrete containers in the field in shady and sunny conditions. Some of these containers were partially covered (for simplicity called closed containers, allowing only mosquitoes to lay eggs), whereas others remained open. The density of mosquito larvae was higher in shaded containers and in closed containers. The multivoltine odonate Bradinopyga strachani colonized open containers and the occurrence of these predators resulted in a clear reduction of the mosquito population. Our results indicate that increasing the colonization of water bodies by Bradinopyga strachani is a promising strategy for controlling populations of mosquitoes.
Effects of Cultural Knowledge and Language Proficiency on Listening Comprehension of Iranian EFL Learners

The present study tried to find solutions for some of the problems EFL listeners encounter in listening comprehension. The 37 participants of this study came from two classes in one of the language institutes in Ardabil, Iran and according to the officials of the institute were at the intermediate level. However, to divide the students in each class to two groups of high and low, the Oxford Placement Test (OPT) was given to them. After that, they were exposed to two audio files one about mosques and the other about cathedrals. The presentation orders of the audio files in the classes were not the same, that is, in one class the audio about mosques was played first, while in the other it was played last. After listening to each audio, the participants answered the listening comprehension questions that followed. The collected data were finally fed into the SPSS program and the two hypotheses of the study were examined. The first hypothesis was accepted. It meant that topic familiarity does not have any significant effect on the listening comprehension of the low-level learners. The second hypothesis was rejected. This meant that language proficiency can override topic unfamiliarity in listening comprehension of the high-level students.
Sense of coherence and job characteristics in predicting burnout in a South African sample

Orientation: Research that considers the effects of individual characteristics and job characteristics jointly in burnout is necessary, especially when one considers the possibility of curvilinear relationships between job characteristics and burnout. Research purpose: This study examines the contribution of sense of coherence (SOC) and job characteristics to predicting burnout by considering direct and moderating effects. Motivation for this study: Understanding the relationships of individual and job characteristics with burnout is necessary for preventing burnout. It also informs the design of interventions. Research design, approach and method: The participants were 632 working adults (57% female) in South Africa. The measures included the Job Content Questionnaire, the Sense of Coherence Questionnaire and the Maslach Burnout Inventory. The authors analysed the data using hierarchical multiple regression with the enter method. Main findings: Job characteristics and SOC show the expected direct effects on burnout. SOC has a direct negative effect on burnout. Job demands and supervisor social support show nonlinear relationships with burnout. SOC moderates the effect of demands on burnout and has a protective function so that the demands-burnout relationship differs for those with high and low SOC. Practical/managerial implications: The types of effects, the shape of the stressor-strain relationship and the different contributions of individual and job characteristics have implications for designing interventions. Contribution/value add: SOC functions differently when combined with demands, control and support. These different effects suggest that it is not merely the presence or absence of a job characteristic that is important for well-being outcomes but how people respond to its presence or absence.
Efficacy of Separate and Premix Formulation of Metsulfuron-Methyl and Carfentrazone-Ethyl on Weeds in Wheat: A Review

Wheat is an important crop in worldwide and in India, its production increased from a mere 11 MT during 1960-61 to 97.4 MT during 2016-17 (Singh et al., 2017a). This more than 8-fold increase in wheat production was mainly due to adoption of short stature HYVs, use of fertilizers, irrigation and herbicides (Singh et al., 2017b). High nutrient and water requirement along with less competitive nature of these HYVs have provided conducive environment for increased weed infestation. Weeds are regarded as most the disdain to crop production and account for ~1/3 rd of total losses caused by all pests (Chhokar et al., 2012).
Solar 27-day rotational period detected in wide-area lightning activity in Japan

Abstract. A signal of the 27-day solar rotational period is often observed in cloud and lightning activities over the globe. Here we provide evidence of the 27-day periodicity of lightning activity in Japan using daily observational records of lightning for AD 1989–2015. The 27-day period is detected with 4.2 standard deviations, but only in wide-area lightning activity covering more than a 105 km2. The 27-day signal is more prominent around the maxima of solar decadal cycles.
Efficacy of botanicals in improving the seeds and seedling quality charactristics of cluster bean

Studies on botanical seed fortification treatments with prosopis ( Prosopis juliflora ), tamarind ( Tamarindus indica ), moringa ( Moringa olifera ), Hibiscus ( Hibiscus sabdarifa ), pungam ( Pongamia pinnata ) and arappu ( Albizia amara ) in two different concentrations (1and 2%) and two durations of soaking (3h and 6h) expressed that fortification with prosopis, pungam and arappu at one and two per cent concentrations were superior than the control in terms of germination, vigour and field emergence. The optimum duration for seed fortification was 3h. Seed fortification with tamarind, moringa and hibiscus were not effective for germination enhancement in cluster bean.
A Tale of Germs, Storms, and Bombs: Geomorphology and Coral Assemblage Structure at Vieques (Puerto Rico) Compared to St. Croix (U.S. Virgin Islands)

Abstract The former U.S. Navy range at Vieques Island (Puerto Rico, United States) is now the largest national wildlife refuge in the Caribbean. We investigated the geomorphology and benthic assemblage structure to understand the status of the coral reefs. Coral assemblages were quantified at 24 sites at Vieques and at 6 sites at St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands. These sites were chosen to represent the major zones of reef geomorphology. Sites consisted of two or three 21-m-long photo-quadrate belt transects. The results revealed surprisingly little differentiation in the coral assemblages within and between reefs of comparable geomorphological and oceanographic setting at Vieques and St. Croix. At Vieques, the Acropora palmata zone was almost completely lost, and it was severely reduced at St. Croix, presumably primarily due to diseases and hurricane impacts since the 1970s. Subtle, but nonsignificant, differences with respect to the nature of the shelf margin (north adjacent to the bank, south adjacent to the open sea) and depth zone were observed at Vieques. At St. Croix, benthic assemblages differed more between depth zones but not between north and south. Effects of natural disturbances were severe at Vieques, outweighing impacts of past military activity—which were present but not quantitatively discernible at our scale of sampling. Germs and storms, rather than bombs (and associated naval activities), primarily seem to have taken the worst toll on corals at both Vieques and St. Croix.