Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Effect of different mulching materials on weeds and yield of Chili cultivars

To evaluate the effect of different mulching materials on the weeds and yield of chili cultivars, an experiment was conducted at Horticulture Research Farm at University of Agriculture, Peshawar, during the year 2014. The experiment was carried out in Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with three replication. There were two factors i.e. mulching materials (Wheat straw, Saw dust, Transparent plastic, Black plastic, Unmulched) and chili cultivars (PusaJawala, Sky Star, Hot Green, Green Star). Minimum weed density m -2 (19), maximum yield tons ha -1 (3.07) were found when black plastic was used, while maximum weed density m -2 (209), were found, when transparent plastic was used. Highest soil moisture content (%) was found under black and transparent plastic mulch. Wheat straw and saw dust also increase growth and yield components of chili as compare to Unmulched plots. Lowest soil moisture content (16.1 %) and minimum yield tons ha -1 (0.70) were recorded from Unmulched plots. In case of cultivars maximum yield tons ha -1 (2.33) were noted in cultivar Sky Star. It is concluded from the results that cultivar Sky star along with black plastic mulch proved better with respect to weed control and yield and should be used for higher production of chili under the agro climatic conditions of Peshawar.
The Influence of Nonpublic Audit Concentration on Public Client Audit Outcomes

Nonpublic clients make up a substantial portion of audit firm client portfolios and the demands they place on the audit firm differ from those of public clients. As such, I investigate the influence of nonpublic audit concentration (NPAC) on the quality, timeliness, and cost effectiveness of public client audits. I find that NPAC is unrelated to audit quality and negatively related to the likelihood of late filing financial statements and audit fees for public clients. My study contributes to audit literature that investigates the effect of audit firm portfolio characteristics on audit outcomes by 1) providing a new measure that allows researchers to proxy for nonpublic audit influence and 2) investigating the potential impact of NPAC on public client audit outcomes. My findings are important because they suggest that timely and cost-effective audits of similar quality are available from providers that do not concentrate on public client audits.
Controlling for Observed and Unobserved Site Characteristics in Rum Models of Recreation Demand

Random Utility Maximization (RUM) models of recreation demand are typically plagued by limited information on environmental and other attributes characterizing the available sites in the choice set. To the extent that these unobserved site attributes are correlated with the observed characteristics and/or the key travel cost variable, the resulting parameter estimates and subsequent welfare calculations are likely to be biased. In this paper we develop a Bayesian approach to estimating a RUM model that incorporates a full set of alternative specific constants, insulating the key travel cost parameter from the influence of the unobserved site attributes. In contrast to estimation procedures recently outlined in Murdock (2006), the posterior simulator we propose (combining data augmentation and Gibbs sampling techniques) can be used in the more general mixed logit framework in which some parameters of the conditional utility function are random. Following a series of generated data experiments to illustrate the performance of the simulator, we apply the estimation procedures to data from the Iowa Lakes Project. In contrast to an earlier study using the same data (Egan \textit{et al.} \cite{eganetal}), we find that, with the addition of a full set of alternative specific constants, water quality attributes no longer appear to influence the choice of where to recreate.
The maximum stellar surface density due to the failure of stellar feedback

A maximum stellar surface density Σ_(max) ∼ 3×10^5M⊙ pc^(−2) is observed across all classes of dense stellar systems (e.g. star clusters, galactic nuclei, etc.), spanning ∼8 orders of magnitude in mass. It has been proposed that this characteristic scale is set by some dynamical feedback mechanism preventing collapse beyond a certain surface density. However, simple analytic models and detailed simulations of star formation moderated by feedback from massive stars argue that feedback becomes less efficient at higher surface densities (with the star formation efficiency increasing as ∼Σ/Σ_(crit)). We therefore propose an alternative model wherein stellar feedback becomes ineffective at moderating star formation above some Σ_(crit), so the supply of star-forming gas is rapidly converted to stars before the system can contract to higher surface density. We show that such a model – with Σ_(crit) taken directly from the theory – naturally predicts the observed Σ_(max). We find Σ_(max) ∼ 100Σ_(crit) because the gas consumption time is longer than the global free-fall time even when feedback is ineffective. Moreover, the predicted Σ_(max) is robust to spatial scale and metallicity, and is preserved even if multiple episodes of star formation/gas inflow occur. In this context, the observed Σ_(max) directly tells us where feedback fails.
Development of a Standard E-Mail Methodology: Results of an Experiment

Review of past E-mail surveys indicates that a method- ology to achieve consistently high response rates similar to those that can be obtained by traditional mail has not been developed. In addition, researchers have tended to use E-mail surveys only for populations with universal E-mail access. This study utilizes knowl- edge from past mail-survey research to develop an E-mail proce- dure. Further, an experiment is conducted to assess the potential for using a multimode strategy to obtain responses from individuals unreachable through E-mail. The multimode approach proved to be successful and techniques shown to be effective in standard mail surveys were also found to be appropriate for an E-mail survey.
Automatic speaker recognition of spanish siblings: (monozygotic and dizygotic) twins and non-twin brothers

The performance of the automatic speaker recognition (ASR) system Batvox TM (Version 4.1) has been tested with a male population of 24 monozygotic (MZ) twins, 10 dizygotic (DZ) twins, 8 non-twin siblings and 12 unrelated speakers (aged 18–52 with Standard Peninsular Spanish as their mother tongue). Since the cepstral features in which this ASR system is based depend largely on anatomical–physiological foundations, we hypothesized that such features ought to be gene-dependent. Therefore, higher similarity values should be found in MZ twins (100% shared genes) than in DZ twins, in brothers (B) or in a reference population of unrelated speakers (US). Results corroborated the expected decreasing scale MZ > DZ > B > US since the similarity coefficients yielded by the automatic system for these speakers decreased exactly in the same direction as the kinship degree of the four speaker groups diminishes. This suggests that the system features are to a great extent genetically conditioned and that they are hence useful and robust for comparing speech samples of known and unknown origin, as found in legal cases. Furthermore, the 9.9% EER (Equal Error Rate) obtained when testing MZ pairs lies around the same value (11% EER) found in Kunzel (2010) with German twins.
Abell 2744 : too much substructure for ΛCDM?

The massive substructures found in Abell 2744 by Jauzac et al. present a challenge to the cold dark matter paradigm due to their number and proximity to the cluster centre. We use one of the biggest N-body simulations, the Millennium XXL, to investigate the substructure in a large sample of massive dark matter haloes. A range of effects that influence the comparison with the observations is considered, extending the preliminary evaluation carried out by Jauzac et al. There are many tens of haloes in the simulation with a total mass comparable with or larger than that of Abell 2744. However, we find no haloes with a number and distribution of massive substructures (> 5 x 10(13) M-circle dot) that is close to that inferred from the observations of Abell 2744. The application of extreme value statistics suggests that we would need a simulation of at least 10 times the volume of the Millennium XXL to find a single dark matter halo with a similar internal structure to Abell 2744. Explaining the distribution of massive substructures in clusters is a new hurdle for hierarchical models to negotiate, which is not weakened by appeals to baryonic physics or uncertainty over the nature of the dark matter particle.
Dependence of the low-mass X-ray binary population on stellar age

Aims. We investigate the dependence of the low-mass X-ray binary (LMXB) population in early-type galaxies on stellar age. Methods. We selected 20 massive nearby early-type galaxies from the Chandra archive occupying a relatively narrow range of masses and spanning a broad range of ages, from 1.6 Gyr to more than 10 Gyr, with the median value of 6 Gyr. With the ∼2000 X-ray point sources detected in total, we correlated the specific number of LMXBs in each galaxy with its stellar age and globular cluster (GC) content. Results. We found a correlation between the LMXB population and stellar age: older galaxies tend to possess about ≈50% more LMXBs (per unit stellar mass) than the younger ones. The interpretation of this dependence is complicated by large scatter and a rather strong correlation between stellar age and GC content of galaxies in our sample. We present evidence suggesting that the more important factor may be the evolution of the LMXB population with time. Its effect is further amplified by the larger GC content of older galaxies and correspondingly, the larger numbers of dynamically formed binaries in them. We also found clear evolution of the X-ray luminosity function (XLF) with age, i.e., that younger galaxies have more bright sources and fewer faint sources per unit stellar mass. The XLF of LMXBs in younger galaxies appears to extend significantly beyond 10 39 erg/s. Such bright sources seem to be less frequent in older galaxies. We found that 6 out of ≈12 (ultra-) luminous sources are located in GCs.
Feeding activity and seasonal changes in prey composition of urban Peregrine

Despite the increasing populations of Peregrine Falcons in European cities, detailed quantitative studies of their diet composition and feeding activity in urban environments are rare. The results from observations in Warsaw have added to the knowledge of the feeding ecology of urban raptors. In 2000 and 2001 the same pair of Peregrines bred successfully in nest boxes situated on two different buildings in the city centre, rearing three and four chicks in the respective years. During the breeding seasons from hatching to fledging, the nests were monitored with a video camera. Only diurnal observations were used in the detailed analysis of feeding activity — 428 h in 2000 (33 days) and 384 h (24 days) in 2001. Two peaks of parental activity were noted: in the morning and in the afternoon. Additional data collected in 2000 showed that the falcons also fed their young at night. In 1998–2001 486 prey remains were collected on the buildings occupied by the Peregrines. In Warsaw these falcons preyed most often on Feral Pigeons (32%), and also on various thrush species (23.5%), Skylarks (8%) and Corncrakes (5.6%). Seasonal variations in prey composition were identified. During the spring and autumn migrations, the proportion of pigeons in the falcons’ diet was 10–19%, while in summer and winter it was over 40%. The trend was reversed with regard to migrant species, which were prevalent in the diet in spring and autumn, but less numerous in summer and winter.
Creative Construction Conference 2018 , CCC 2018 , 30 June-3 July 2018 , Ljubljana , Slovenia Identification factors influencing accessibility of credit for small and medium contractors in the construction industry

Small and medium enterprises (SMEs) have an important role in the economic development in South Africa. (SMEs) caused competition becomes increasingly fierce. This made construction (SMEs) experiencing more challenge to be able to access credit from financial institution. This paper aims to propose a conceptual framework for credit accessibility among construction SMEs. Several factors are preventing SMEs contractors in accessing credit from financial institutions such as: lack of collateral, high interest rate and bank changes, lack of owner’s contribution, lack of good business plan development, lack of excellent managerial skills, lack of business skill and lack of binding building contact agreements. The survey method and self-administered questionnaires were used for data collection. 179 respondents took part in the survey. Data was analysed with binary logistic regression. The results indicate that Age of the firms, ownership structure, company tax number, and location of the business, current position, managerial competencies, and incorporation are significant determinants of credit accessibility for construction SMEs. These findings could be useful to others SMEs sectors in identifying credit approval in credit application from the financial institution in South Africa.
Toward a theory of learner-centered training design: An integrative framework of active learning.

Excerpt] The goal of this chapter, therefore, is to develop an integrative conceptual framework of active learning, and we do this by focusing on three primary issues. First, we define the active learning approach and contrast it to more traditional, passive instructional approaches. We argue that the active learning approach can be distinguished from not only more passive approaches to instruction but also other forms of experiential learning based on its use of formal training components to systematically influence trainees' cognitive, motivational, and emotion self-regulatory processes. Second, we examine how specific training components can be used to influence each of these process domains. Through a review of prior research, we extract core training components that cut across different active learning interventions, map these components onto specific process domains, and consider the role of individual differences in shaping the effects of these components (aptitude-treatment interactions [ATIs]). A final issue examined in this chapter concerns the outcomes associated with the active learning approach. Despite its considerable versatility, the active learning approach is not the most efficient or effective means of responding to all training needs. Thus, we discuss the impact of the active learning approach on different types of learning outcomes in order to identify the situations under which it is likely to demonstrate the greatest utility. We conclude the chapter by highlighting research and practical implications of our integrated framework, and we outline an agenda for future research on active learning.
Investigating the interaction between gender, age, and emotional intelligence: Results for the situational judgement paradigms

Emotional intelligence (EI), a concept with roots in social and multiple intelligence theories (Petrides, 2011), reflects the capability of using emotions to aid reasoning, and reasoning accurately about emotions (Mayer, Roberts, & Barsade, 2008). Incorporating four central abilities: perceiving, using, understanding, and managing emotions (Mayer & Salovey, 1997), it can be measured as an ability or trait (Petrides & Furnham, 2006). The Situational Tests of Emotional Understanding and Emotion Management (STEU, STEM; MacCann & Roberts, 2008) are the most promising ability EI measures, possessing theoretical bases. Many researchers have sought to investigate the relation of demographic characteristics to EI, with inconsistent results. The present study consisted of 159 participants (67 male, 92 female) and used STEU and STEM short-forms to assess the interaction between gender, age and EI. A 2x4 Factorial ANOVA was conducted for both of the instruments. Results showed no significant gender difference in EI on either the STEU or STEM, as well as no significant interaction effect. A significant effect of age on EI was found on both measures, with EI scores highest among 36-45 year olds. The STEU and STEM instruments held acceptable levels of internal reliability. Results did not comply with the popular assumption that women are more emotionally intelligent. Findings illustrate a developmental trajectory of EI, similar to that of other intelligences. Further research should be conducted to determine whether gender, age, and EI significantly interact.
PLANETESIMAL ACCRETION IN BINARY SYSTEMS: COULD PLANETS FORM AROUND α CENTAURI B?

Stellar perturbations affect planet formation in binary systems. Recent studies show that the planet-formation stage of mutual accretion of km-sized planetesimals is most sensitive to binary effects. In this paper, the condition for planetesimal accretion is investigated around α CenB, which is believed to be an ideal candidate for detection of an Earth-like planet in or near its habitable zone (0.5–0.9 AU). A simplified scaling method is developed to estimate the accretion timescale of the planetesimals embedded in a protoplanetary disk. Twenty-four cases with different binary inclinations (iB = 0, 0.°1, 1.°0, and 10°), gas densities (0.3, 1, and 3 times of the Minimum Mass of Solar Nebula, MMSN hereafter), and with and without gas depletion, are simulated. We find that (1) re-phasing of planetesimals orbits is independent of gas depletion in α CenB, and it is significantly reached at 1–2 AU, leading to accretion-favorable conditions after the first ∼ 105 yr; (2) the planetesimal collision timescale at 1–2 AU is estimated as: TBcol ∼ (1 + 100iB) × 103 yr, where 0° < iB < 10°; (3) disks with gas densities of 0.3–1.0 MMSN and inclinations of 1°–10° with respect to the binary orbit are found to be the favorable conditions in which planetesimals are likely to survive and grow up to planetary embryos; and (4) even for the accretion-favorable conditions, accretion is significantly less efficient as compared to the single-star case, and the time taken by accretion of km-sized planetesimals into planetary embryos or cores would be at least several times of TBcol, which is probably longer than the timescale of gas depletion in such a close binary system. In other words, our results suggest that formation of Earth-like planets through accretion of km-sized planetesimals is possible in α CenB, while formation of gaseous giant planets is not favorable.
Overdressed and underexposed or underdressed and overexposed?

Judges and public policy makers have transmitted conflicting messages in relation to women's bodies and have made normative judgements about how women are to appear in public. Women who have been judged to be wearing too much are called to undress as they are seen as interfering with the rights of others or being oppressed. Women judged to be wearing too little are urged to clothe themselves to avoid being seen as inviting sexual assault or dressing like always sexually available prostitutes. Juxtaposing these two situations, the oddness of judicial and public regulation of women's clothing becomes more starkly exposed. This paper examines the shifting nature of equality discourse and the naming of women's oppression; the near-disappearance of patriarchy as an explanatory framework; and the quagmire of women's agency. The concluding section proposes shifting the focus from differences between women's experiences to similarity in order to facilitate critical inquiry, dialogue and strategic action that might reconstitute women's equality in new ways.
Coal Consumption, Industrial Production and CO2 Emissions in China and India

The present study explores the relationship between coal consumption, industrial production and CO2 emissions in case of China and India for the period of 1971-2011. The structural break unit root test and cointegrating approach have been applied. The direction of causal relationship between the variables is investigated by applying the VECM Granger causality test. Our results validate the presence of cointegration among the series in both countries. We also find the existence of inverted U-shaped curve between industrial production and CO2 emissions for India but for China it is U-shaped relationship. Coal consumption adds in CO2 emission. The causality analysis reveals that industrial production and coal consumption Granger cause CO2 emission in India. In case of China, the feedback effect exists between coal consumption and CO2 emissions.
The effect of education on nutrition style and Body Mass Index (BMI) on employed women in Iran University of Medical Sciences

Background : Much effort regarding practices for promoting health is underway nowadays. Health professions, previously being therapy-oriented, are now focused on prevention and providing health via improving lifestyles and eliminating factors that have adverse effects on public health. The aim of study is determining the effect of education on nutrition style and body mass index in employed women in Iran University of Medical Sciences (IUMS). Methods : As a semi-experimental and interventional study, 200 volunteers were with recruited. The data collecting tool was the life style questionnaire. To analyze the inputs using SPSS software, we were used difference means, Chi-Square test and the paired t-test for forward method. Results: The results showed that more than 51.4% of women were obese and overweight before the educational intervention that decreased to 48.5% after education. Education improved nutrition style in 72% of women. Conclusion : The results showed education had a beneficial effect on nutrition style. Regarding the fact that education entails a national intention and a detailed program that could only be implemented by the contribution and the support of the ministry's administrators, we draw the attention of the administrators and planners of IUMS towards planning and policy making in this direction.
Evolving Wage Cyclicality in Latin America

This paper examines the evolution of the cyclicality of real wages and employment in four Latin American economies (Brazil, Chile, Colombia and Mexico) during the period 1980-2010. Wages are highly pro-cyclical during the 1980s and early 1990s, a period characterized by high inflation. As inflation declined wages became less pro-cyclical, a feature that is consistent with emerging downward wage rigidities in a low-inflation environment. Compositional effects associated with changes in labor participation along the business cycle appear to matter less for estimates of wage cyclicality than in developed economies.
Impact Characteristics Describing Concussive Injury in Youth

ii ACKNOWLEDGMENTS: iii LIST OF FIGURES: iv LIST OF TABLES: v LIST OF EQUATIONS: vi CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION 1 1.1 OVERVIEW 1 1.2 RESEARCH QUESTION 5 1.3 OBJECTIVES 5 1.4 VARIABLES 5 1.4. 1 Independent Variables 5 1.4. 2 Dependent Variables 5 1.5 EXPERIMENTAL HYPOTHESIS 6 1.6 NULL HYPOTHESIS 6 1.7 SIGNIFICANCE 6 1.8 LIMITATIONS 6 1.9 DELIMITATIONS 7 CHAPTER 2: LITERATURE REVIEW 8 2.1 EPIDEMIOLOGY 8 2.2 BIOLOGICAL DIFFERENCES BETWEEN YOUTH AND ADULTS 9 2.2.1 Biomechanical/ Anatomical Differences 10 2.2.2 Physiological Differences 11 2.2.3 Influences of Developmental Stage 12 2.3 MECHANISM OF INJURY 13 2.3. 1 Falls 13 2.3. 2 Location of Impact 13 2.4 PREDICTORS OF CONCUSSION 14 2.4. 1 Linear Acceleration 14 2.4. 2 Rotational Acceleration 15