Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Learning by Employing Educational Multimedia in Field-Dependent and Field-Independent Cognitive Styles.

Cognitive learning styles are relatively fixed procedures using which individuals receive, process and organize information. This paper aims to examine academic achievement in English for both field dependence and field independence learning styles using educational multimedia. The sample of the study consisted of 40 second-grade female students of secondary school in Kermanshah. The instrument used in the study was The Group Embedded Figures Test (GEFT) and a teacher made English test. Results which were analyzed by t-test indicated that instruction based on field dependence style with using multimedia works were more effective in improving students' creative thinking performance in student than field independence. Also in field dependence style students will have a better memory to memorize verbal information, whereas in field independence one students act analytically toward the main subject materials. Interestingly, in field dependence style students have a higher interest in continuing their study than in field independent style, as a result they are more successful in utilizing what their environment according to their needs.
The seroprevalence of Anaplasma phagocytophilum in humans from two different climatic regions of Turkey and its co-seroprevalence rate with Borrelia burgdorferi*

To investigate the seroprevalence of Anaplasma phagocytophilum in people living in 2 different climatic regions and to evaluate the co-seroprevalence rate of A. phagocytophilum with Borrelia burgdorferi. Sinop and Tokat provinces, both in the middle Black Sea region of Turkey, have distinct climatic features. Materials and methods: In 2006-2007, serum samples were collected from people living in rural areas of Tokat and Sivas, and anti-A. phagocytophilum IgG antibodies were explored by the IFA method. Positive samples were further investigated for the possible presence of B. burgdorferi IgG antibodies. Results: A. phagocytophilum seropositivity was found in 29 (10.62%) out of 273 serum samples in Sinop and 21 (5.77%) out of 364 serum samples in Tokat (P = 0.035). Co-seroprevalence for A. phagocytophilum and B. burgdorferi was found to be 3.30% in Sinop and 0.55% in Tokat (P = 0.012). Conclusion: The current study suggests that A. phagocytophilum infections can be seen in humans from different climatic regions of Turkey. Both the seroprevalence of A. phagocytophilum and the possibility of mixed infections of A. phagocytophilum and B. burgdorferi are higher in places with more suitable habitats for Ixodes ricinus ticks.
Is implementing multiple management system standards a hindrance to innovation?

This paper addresses the question of whether multiple management system standards (MSSs) such as ISO 9001 and ISO 14001 hinder innovation processes. Following a review of the relevant literature, an empirical study of 249 Spanish organisations registered to both ISO 9001 and ISO 14001 is presented. The principal finding of a previous study [Castillo, S.M. , Casadesus, M. , Karapetrovic, S. , Heras, I. , & Martin, I. (2008). Do standardized management systems hinder innovation processes, in Proceedings of the 2nd International Quality Conference – Quality Festival 2008, Kragujevac, Serbia (also appeared in the International Journal of Quality Research, 2(2), 121–127] is a decrease in the importance attached to the statement that MSSs hinder innovation as more of these standards are considered for implementation in the future. The model presented in this paper includes data from organisations that have not just implemented, but have also integrated their standardised management systems (MSs). This model investigates the effects of specific motivators and difficulties of implementing multiple MSSs on the responses of organisations to the statement that MSSs are seen as a barrier to innovation. The model also examines the effect of MSSs as a barrier to innovation on the intention of these organisations to implement MSSs in the future. Results show significant influence for the variables studied.
Influence of temperature and duration of storage on the lipid reserves of entomopathogenic nematodes

Lipids represent the main source of energy in entomopathogenic nematodes. In the infective juvenile (IJ) phase, the level of such reserves can be influenced by storage, and this may affect their infectivity. The aim of this study was to evaluate the percentage of lipids and the associated infectivity in IJs of Steinernema carpocapsae, S. riobrave, Heterorhabditis sp. JPM4, Heterorhabditis sp. CCA and Heterorhabditis sp. PI that had been stored under different temperatures (8-28°C) for various times (0 to 180 days). The amounts of lipids present in IJs were evaluated histologically using a colorimetric method, while infectivity was assayed against Galleria mellonella larvae. Lipid levels diminished with increasing storage time for all nematodes, but the rates of decrease varied according to storage temperature and species. Lipid reserves were conserved for longer storage periods at 8, 16 and 20°C, while at 24 and 28°C the percentage of lipids decreased rapidly. The infectivities of IJs of Heterorhabditis spp. were less tolerant than those of Steinernema spp. to temperatures of 8, 24 and 28°C. Thus, while storage at 8°C was optimal for conserving lipid reserves, infectivity was best preserved at temperatures of 16 and 20°C gave rise to the least reduction in infectivities after 180 days of storage. In this way, lipids and infectivity are influenced by different storage temperatures for the species tested. These data are useful for greater success in using entomopathogenic nematodes as biocontrol agents.
Infant formula as a substrate for bifidogenesis: An in vitro investigation

Six commercially available infant formulas (IF) without added prebiotic, were investigated as substrates for the growth of bifidobacteria isolated from the feces of 3 day old babies. This investigation tracked, during 48 h, the microbiological and biochemical changes in prepared infant formula meals, caused by the action of bifidobacteria, isolated from babies’ feces. Pancreatin digestion preceded inoculation of the bifidobacteria biomass. The reference substrate was mature breast milk. This investigation showed important differences in bifidogenic effect between individual infant formulas and mature breast milk. In relation to dry biomass from the mature breast milk, dry biomass obtained in individual infant formulas ranged from 71.4% (IF-1) to 34.6% (IF-6). The results showed that, with the similar declared nutritive and biological characteristics, there are important differences between individual infant formulas. The results obtained showed that, an in vitro bifidogenic index test which covers tracking of microbiological and biochemical changes should be developed as a usefull tool in determining the suitability of infant formulas and it should be one of the first steps before clinical investigations. Key words : Infant formula, bifidobacteria, prebiotics, bifidogenic effect.
The minimal entropy martingale measure for general Barndorff-Nielsen/Shephard models

We determine the minimal entropy martingale measure for a general class of stochastic volatility models where both price process and volatility process contain jump terms which are correlated. This generalizes previous studies which have treated either the geometric Levy case or continuous price processes with an orthogonal volatility process. We proceed by linking the entropy measure to a certain semi-linear integro-PDE for which we prove the existence of a classical solution.
Soil crusting and infiltration on steep slopes in northern Thailand

Predicting the rate at which rain infiltrates on steep slopes is very uncertain. There is no consistent information in the literature. We have therefore related infiltrability to slope gradient under field conditions by experimenting on a gravelly loamy soil occupying the upper half of a cultivated convex hill in northern Thailand. Fifteen 1 m × 1 m plots with slope gradients ranging from 16 to 63% were established, and simulated rain was allowed to fall on them at controlled rates and for fixed times. We obtained the following results. The surface fell 0.4–7.2 mm due to compaction and soil loss. The proportions of crust (0–40%) and embedded gravel (10–60%), the runoff coefficient (0.05–0.78 mm mm−1), the mean sediment concentrations (0–5.6 g l−1), and soil detachment (10–313 g m−2) were more pronounced on the gentle slopes than on the steep ones. The steady final infiltration rate (1–107 mm hour−1) increased sharply with increasing slope gradient. Microaggregates tended to behave like sand and become tightly packed on gentle slopes (packing crust). These results suggest that the vertical component of kinetic energy, which is greater on gentle slopes, has a dominant role. Nevertheless, the differences in compaction and in sediment concentration could not be ascribed to the vertical component of kinetic energy alone. On steep slopes the horizontal component of the kinetic energy is transformed into shear stress, hampering the development of crusts so that water can still infiltrate. On steeper slopes, the water film was thinner, thereby limiting the role of splash. We conclude that the relationship between slope gradient and infiltrability depends on the nature of the soil and must be examined in the light of surface crusting processes.
Predictors of restenosis in patients treated with angioplasty for subclavian artery occlusive disease Czynniki predykcyjne restenozy u chorych uprzednio leczonych angioplastyk¹ z powodu zwê¿enia têtnicy podobojczykowej

Background: Subclavian angioplasty (PTA) is widely used in the treatment of subclavian (SAS) and innominate (IAS) artery obstruction, however factors influencing long-term outcome are not well determined. Aim: To assess incidences and predictors of restenosis after SAS/IAS PTA. Methods: PTA was attempted in 168 (73 M) patients, aged 61.6 ± 8.3 years with angiographically confirmed SAS/IAS ≥ 50%, and symptoms of cerebral ischemia, upper limb claudication, subclavian-coronary steal or for obtaining blood pressure control. Results: PTA was successful in 159 (94.6%) patients and 164 lesions; including 141 (100%) stenotic lesions and 23 (71.9%) out of 32 occlusions. Mean stenosis grade was reduced from 75.7 ± 15.7% to 12.3 ± 10.9% (p < 0.01). Balloon angioplasty was performed in 11 (6.9%), single stent was implanted in 134 (84,3%), and 2 stents within one lesion in 14 (8,8%) patients. Complete symptom resolution was observed in 90.6% of patients after successful PTA. A 6 months follow-up period was completed by 151 patients (44.7 ± 19.6 months). Twenty-one (13.9%) restenoses ≥ 50% occurred, including 1 (9.1%) out of 11 after balloon angioplasty, 15 (11.8%) out of 127 after one stent implantation, and 5 (38.5%) after 2 stents implantation for one lesion (p = 0.029). Nineteen symptomatic restenoses were successfully treated with repeated angioplasty. Multivariable analysis revealed that independent predictors of restenosis were implantation of 2 stents (p = 0.046), smaller stent diameter (p = 0.029), and increased hs-CRP level (p < 0.001). A trend to association with younger age was observed (p = 0.06). Conclusions: Angioplasty is a safe and effective method for the treatment SAS/IAS and leads to symptom reversal in majority of patients. Hs-CRP level, stent diameter, 2 stents implanted for one lesion are independent predictors of restenosis.
The effects of preconception examinations on birth defects: a population-based cohort study in Dongguan City, China

Abstract Objective: To evaluate the effect of preconception examinations programs on the prevention of birth defects in Dongguan City during 2013–2017. Methods: The data were from preconception examinations system and the birth defects surveillance system during 2013–2017. The study population included 63,175 infants born to mothers accepted preconception examinations during pregnancy (the screening group) and 649,862 infants whose mother did not check (the control group). The infants included for stillbirth, dead fetus, live birth between 28 weeks of gestation and 7 days after birth and legal pregnancy termination. The risk ratios (RRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated to examine for the association between birth defects and preconception examinations. We also conducted a stratified analysis based on infant gender and disease classification, and maternal age and region. Results: The incidence of birth defects in the screening group was 134.55/10,000, while that in the control group was 241.53/10,000. Preconception examinations can effectively reduce the incidence of birth defects (BDs) (RR: 0.557, 95%CI: 0.520–0.597). Bifid spine (RR: 0.076, 95%CI: 0.011–0.545), anencephalia (RR: 0.134, 95%CI: 0.033–0.543) and anorectal atresia or stenosis (RR: 0.151, 95%CI: 0.048–0.471) were controlled best, and Down syndrome (RR: 0.684, 95%CI: 0.435–1.075) was no effect. Young maternal age (14–19 years) and old maternal age will increase the risk of birth defects. Preconception examinations had the best effect for pregnant women under 25 years of age (RR: 0.465, 95%CI: 0.387–0.559), and were relatively poor for women aged 30–34 years (RR: 0.678, 95%CI: 0.593–0.776). The incidence of the urban was significantly higher than that of the rural. The effect of preconception examinations to prevent birth defects was more effective in urban areas (RR: 0.453, 95%CI: 0.391–0.525) than in rural areas (RR: 0.577, 95%CI: 0.533–0.625). The incidence of BDs in males was higher than that in females. Conclusions: By implementing preconception examinations project, birth defects in Dongguan have been well controlled. This can provide reference for other developing countries to prevent birth defects.
Toxicity of 6 Miticides to the Asian Citrus Psyllid, Diaphorina citri (Hemiptera: Liviidae)

ABSTRACT The Asian citrus psyllid (ACP), Diaphorina citri Kuwayama (Hemiptera: Liviidae), is an important pest of citrus. Research into strategies to control ACP is ongoing at many facilities, including at the USDA-ARS U.S. Horticultural Research Laboratory (USHRL) in Fort Pierce, Florida. The USHRL maintains colonies of ACP, but their survival is often threatened by mites which render host plants unsuitable for ACP Our objective was to identify miticides/insecticides that could be used to control mite outbreaks with minimal or no adverse affect on ACP We tested the following 6 miticides in greenhouse trials for their toxicity to each life stage of ACP and also investigated sublethal effects on development and oviposition of ACP: bifenazate (Acramite 50 WS), spirodiclofen (Envidor 2 SC), dicofol (Kelthane MF), pyridaben (Nexter), petroleum oil, and chlorfenapyr (Pylon). The miticides differed in their toxicity when applied directly to ACP Bifenazate was the only miticide that was not toxic to any life stage of ACP, whereas pyridaben and chlorfenapyr, which are also labeled as insecticides, were toxic to all life stages of ACP Petroleum oil and dicofol killed adult and nymphal ACP, but were nontoxic to eggs. Spirodiclofen was nontoxic to adults, but reduced nymphal survivorship and killed eggs. The duration of residual activity against adult ACP also was widely variable: dicofol residues were only toxic for up to 10 days, whereas chlorfenapyr residues were still toxic after 36 days. We recommend using dicofol, pyridaben, petroleum oil, and chlorfenapyr to maintain clean plants prior to colonization by ACP and then rotating bifenazate and spirodiclofen, if maintaining adult ACP, or bifenazate, dicofol, and petroleum oil, if maintaining eggs. Bifenazate is the only product safe for maintaining nymphal ACP Our results are useful for research facilities that wish to maintain colonies of ACP and control mites and may be useful for citrus growers and researchers that wish to kill ACP and mites with a single treatment.
Evaluation of the Educational Environments of Undergraduate Medicine and Pharmacy Programmes at the University of Zambia

Background: Situational factors influence learners’ approaches to learning and determine learning outcomes. The study determined issues in the learning environments of medical and pharmacy students at the University of Zambia with a view to providing information for improvement. Methods: A quantitative observational design based on the Dundee Ready Educational Environment Measurement (DREEM) inventory was used to survey undergraduate students’ perceptions of their learning environments. A total of 270 students – 135 in years 3 to 7 of medical school and 135 in years 3 to 5 of pharmacy school – at the University of Zambia participated. Total, subscale, and single item DREEM scores were analysed and compared. Results: Mean total DREEM score for all participants was 119/200 (±20.4). Scores for the subscales varied from 15/28 (±3.6) for social self-perception to 21/32 (±3.9) for academic self perception.The total and subscale scores were not significantly different between Medicine and Pharmacy at P > 0.05. Six areas of concern were observed in both programmes: lack of a social support system for stressed students, dictatorial staff, overemphasis on factual learning, tense teaching atmosphere, curriculum issues, and unpleasant accommodations. Medical students were particularly about tense classrooms and lack of feedback; pharmacy students were more likely to be concerned about curriculum issues. Conclusion: The study showed that although the educational climates of healthcare programmes in medical schools may be comparable, specific programme concerns can be significantly different. Strategic planning to improve schools should consider both general perceptions and specific issues in individual programmes.
Does cat attachment have an effect on human health? A comparison between owners and volunteers

Cat owners and volunteers from a rehoming centre were given the Lexington Attachment to Pet Scale (LAPS) questionnaire to assess their level of attachment to their own or rescue cats. In addition, heart rate and blood pressure were measured 10 minutes before, during, and after spending time with the cats. Consistent with other studies, the results here show that spending time with a cat can reduce heart rate and both systolic and diastolic blood pressure, and that this reduction is generally more pronounced in the cats’ owners rather than in volunteers from a cat rehoming centre. For owners, levels of attachment as measured by the LAPS scale were positively associated with this reduction in metabolic measurements before and during pet presence; i.e. the difference (B-D) was positively correlated with the level of attachment. This was not observed for volunteers. Interestingly, however, reported levels of attachment were not significantly different between owners and volunteers. For owners, duration of ownership had a positive effect on the level of attachment reported and this effect increased sharply after two plus years of ownership. This contribution to Human Animal Interaction (HAI) research suggests that attachment is an important factor in promoting health benefits to owners.
Marketing of tropical vegetable in Aba area of Abia State, Nigeria

This study was carried out with three purposes. The first purpose included a description of socioeconomic features of vegetable marketers in the study area; the second described the marketing channel; and the third determined their marketing margin. Multi-stage sampling method was adopted for the study. In the first stage, three Local Government Areas (LGAs) were randomly selected from the five LGAs. In the second stage, two communities were selected from each of the LGAs. In the third stage, three markets were randomly selected from a list of major markets which are situated in the communities previously selected. In the fourth stage, twenty tropical vegetable marketers (made up of 40 Ugu marketers and 40 Okra marketers) were randomly selected from each of the markets. This gave a total sample size of 80 respondents for the study. Most of the vegetable wholesalers and retailers interviewed were females indicating that these were doing active marketing of vegetables in Abia State. According to the first purpose of this study, which included a description of socio-economic features of vegetable marketers, eight marketing channels were identified, and the marketing margin analyses showed a higher percentage (93%) for the marketers.
Social capital and economic growth in Polish regions

There is an ongoing debate on social capital resources in Poland, where the density of associational activities and the level of social trust is low when compared to West European countries. Moreover, some researchers claim that Polish economy is developing despite low resources of social capital. This paper examines spatial patterns of various forms of social capital (networks and trust; bonding and bridging social capital; family, friendship, neighbourhood and associational ties) in Poland and determinants of their distribution. It analyses relations between resources of social capital and regional growth.
Solvent effect and catalysis in the synthesis of thiosemicarbazone derivatives from ketones and 4-phenylthiosemicarbazide

In this paper, we performed a series of experiments aiming at establishing the solvent effects in the condensation of 4-phenylthiosemicarbazide with 4-nitroacetophenone to form the expected thiosemicarbazone derivative, reaction which was chosen as pilot reaction, having in mind to set up optimal reaction conditions for the future elaboration of a compound library of thiosemicarbazone derivatives. Methanol was found to be a suitable solvent for this purpose. As a general rule, acid catalysis was found to perform better than base catalysis. General acid-base catalysis performed also in a quite satisfactory manner and in this connection, among the catalytic systems, anilinium chloride performed optimally allowing the reaction to go to completion at room temperature in excellent yield within 24 h at room temperature. A series of six bench mark molecules of increasing steric effect were synthesized in fair to good yields using this method. Key words: Thiosemicarbazone, thiosemicarbazide, solvent effect, acid-base catalysis, alpha-effect, nucleophilic catalysis, anilinium catalysis.
The Persistence of Vortex Structures Between Rotating Cylinders in the 106 Taylor Number Range

The flow in the annular gap d = Ro - Ri between a stationary outer cylinder of radius Ro and a co-axial rotating inner cylinder of radius Ri is characterised at large gap, over the radius ratio (η) range 0.44 ≤ η ≤ 0.53 and aspect ratio (Γ) range 7.81 ≤ Γ ≤ 11.36. These configurations are more representative of turbomachinery bearing chambers and large rotating machinery than the journal bearing geometries of narrow gap commonly reported in the literature. Particle Image Velocimetry measurements are taken across the full meridional plane over the Taylor number (Ta) range 258 × 10 3 ≤ Ta ≤ 10.93 × 10 6 , which is 1000 times higher than the critical Taylor number for the onset of the first axisymmetric Taylor instability. Well-defined azimuthal vortex structures persist over this high Taylor number range, characterised by a constant number of vortices at a given aspect ratio, vortex core axial and radial motion over time, and mixing between neighbour vortices. This regime, with wavy Taylor vortex flow like features, is defined over the range 1.18 × 10 6 ≤ Ta ≤ 6.47 × 10 6 . These results form a body of experimental evidence from which further progress in the understanding of the wavy Taylor vortex dynamics can be sought, through advanced flow dynamic models that reproduce the persistence of the observed flow features.