Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The Influence of Objective and Perceived Adaptive Capacity on Midwestern Farmers’ Use of Cover Crops

Cover crops are grown between periods of regular crop production or planted into crops with the primary purpose of protecting and improving soil health. These crops possess several resilience-enhancing properties that are well suited to help farmers adapt to climate change. Through an “adaptive capacities framework,” we examine how farmers’ adaptive capacities—contextualized within institutional and environmental conditions—can influence their decision to use cover crops. We use generalized linear mixed models (GLMMs) to examine the relative importance of (i) “internal” variables—farmers’ perceived capacity to act; (ii) “external” or “objective” resources—assets and entitlements; and (iii) contextual variables—the institutional and environmental context within which adaptation occurs, as predictors of farmers’ use of cover crops. Our results suggest that several objective and perceived adaptive capacities are positively associated with farmers’ decisions to use cover crops, and formal institutions such as risk management subsidies are correlated with lower use of cover crops.
Feature interpretability in L2 acquisition and SLI: Greek clitics and determiners

In recent research in language development, several attempts have been made to compare performance data from different populations (L1 or L2 learners, SLI, agrammatics) in order to provide an analysis that would account for the patterns observed, in a way that would minimize differences and maximize similarities (see, e.g., the phenomenon of Optional Infinitives in SLI grammars and L1 acquisition in Genesee, Paradis, & Crago, 2004, Rice & Wexler 1996). The aim of this chapter is to evaluate a theory of learnability based on differences in the interpretability status of formal features. This theory has been proposed for SLI children by Tsimpli and Stavrakaki (1999) and Tsimpli (2001), for L1 and L2 acquisition by Tsimpli (2003), and for L1 attrition by Sorace (2000) and Tsimpli, Sorace, Heycock and Filiaci (in press). The theory is based on the following premises: (a) a Minimalist distinction between interpretable and uninterpretable features as these are read off by each of the two interfaces, LF (Logical Form) and PF (Phonetic Form); (b) developmental differences based on the accessibility of uninterpretable features in a comparison between L1 and L2 learners as well as between normal and SLI children, and (c) compensatory strategies implemented in the case of uninterpretable features that fail to be analyzed by the developing grammar. In the following section, each of these assumptions will be articulated in more detail. The present study investigates the status of pronominal clitics and determiners in Greek SLI and in
Does Emotional Needs Satisfaction Effect Levels of Workplace Absenteeism in a Public Healthcare Setting

Empirical research has shown that poorer mental wellbeing and general job dissatisfaction are associated with higher rates of absenteeism. There is a lack of research examining the relationship between emotional needs satisfaction and workplace absenteeism. The primary aim of this study sought to investigate whether a relationship existed between emotional needs satisfaction and workplace absenteeism. A secondary aim sought to examine the predictive ability of the emotional needs scores in explaining workplace absenteeism rates. A final aim of this research was to investigate whether management were different from other staff in rates of absenteeism. The opportunistic sample consisted of 156 employees from a hospital in Ireland. The Emotional Needs Audit and the World Health Organization Health and Work Performance Questionnaire (HPQ) pertaining to absenteeism were used as measures. Surveys were distributed and collected over two weeks. Data analysis used Spearman’s p correlation, hierarchical multiple regression and between-groups ANOVA. Results showed that emotional needs were significantly negatively related to rates of workplace absenteeism. Emotional needs scores was not a significant predictor of absenteeism, while members of management were not found to be significantly different than other types of employees on absenteeism. In conclusion, employees with lower levels of need satisfaction are more likely to have higher rates of absenteeism. Future research should be conducted with more objective measures of absenteeism.
Embedding ecological public health in the hospital foodservice system: a case study in Wales

Literature suggests that the public sector has a unique responsibility to promote sustainable practice from within. Food systems impact on planetary, social, economic and human health, and Ecological Public Health (EPH) is making these holistic connections explicit. This study developed a new methodological approach based on the principles of EPH, which for the first time are used to empirically investigate a complex foodservice system, the hospital foodservice system. In addition, Street Level Bureaucrat theory is used at the ward level for the first time deepening understanding of workers’ practices, particularly on the theme of choice. Using a case study based within one Welsh Health Board, this research considered the translation of a new Welsh policy into practice through an exploration of two key elements within the foodservice system: menu planning and food service at ward level. Following the systemic and interdisciplinary thinking promoted by EPH, a multi-methods approach was taken using documents and formal interviews with 28 key stakeholders in the case study Health Board. Ward based studies took place in three Health Board hospitals: lunch service on a total of nine wards was explored through observation, 33 informal interviews, 104 patient experience questionnaires, waste data and an in-depth study of one meal (lasagne) with 48 participants. The study showed mixed findings in the translation of policy into practice: aspirations to improve sustainability through procurement and waste reduction did not materialise in practice, and the individualised approaches of workers led to high levels of food waste and inconsistent approaches to choice. Patient satisfaction with choice increased under new menus, but a drop in satisfaction around menu changeability was found, particularly for longer stay patients. Finally, the lasagne study showed that patients had diverse responses to the same dish, and that liking the dish did not mean enough was eaten to meet nutritional needs. Such findings, in drawing the fields of nutrition and sustainability together, have multi-disciplinary impact, particularly for nutrition, environmental and hospitality management studies. In turn the findings demonstrate the value of research that draws on the principles of EPH.
Oral counselling on dispensed medication: a survey of its extent and associated factors in a random sample of community pharmacies

To establish the current rate of oral counselling on dispensed medications, a random sample of 50 community pharmacists from the greater London area was selected. A non‐participant observational method was used to obtain the required information. It was found that most pharmacist characteristics, including age, experience and employment status (proprietor, manager or locum) did not affect the rate of provision of oral counselling. However, the rate varied according to sex, with female pharmacists advising more patients. The rate of counselling was also influenced by the patient's age, the type of prescription (National Health Service or private), whether the prescription was a repeat or for new medication and the therapeutic category of the medicine. During the study, the collection of 1,472 prescription items was observed. Overall, counselling was provided for 39 per cent of patients. Counselling was given for around 70 per cent of new prescription items and for 20 per cent of repeat items.
Types of associations and motivations to join: a study with young people in Spain.

Although voluntary associations are known to play a very important role in the civic integration of young people, fi gures of participation in Europe are considerably lower than those registered in countries like the United States. By using a Spanish sample, this paper seeks to analyze the factors that motivate young people to get involved in diff erent types of associations and the benefi ts they obtain from membership. A survey study was conducted to analyze the relationship between expressive, instrumental and career-related motivations, belonging to several types of associations and non-members’ intentions to join in a sample of 223 young people. Th e data was analyzed by means of descriptive analysis, principal components factor analysis and a series of logistic and multiple regression analyses. In line with the offi cial statistics, the results point to a poor involvement of Spanish young people in associations, with sports and leisure clubs as the most frequent forms of youth organizing. Similarly, participants reported sociability and other expressive reasons as their main motivation to join associations. Furthermore, the research fi ndings suggest a connection between motivations and participation in diff erent types of associations. Particularly, expressive motivation predicted belonging and intention to join sociocultural, sports and leisure associations, whereas instrumental motivation was related to participation in environmental, pacifi st and health associations. Career-related motivation did not appear as an important driver to explain associational involvement. Th ese results point to the suggestion of considering the diversity of functions performed by associations and using specifi c motivational appeals in recruitment campaigns.
Unexplained dyspnea could be ascribable to postural changes

Here we present the cases of 3 females referred to our outpatient clinic complaining dyspnea during daily activity, in particular during walking. A careful history enabled us to determine that dyspnea was significantly reduced when they walked with upper-limb support. Subjects underwent respiratory function tests (FEV1, FVC, DLCO), chest X-ray, echocardiogram with non-invasive PAPs measurement, blood sample testing and ventilatory evaluation by means of portable respiratory inductive plethysmography (LifeShirt System, LS). LS accurately estimates ventilation, ventilatory pattern and the synchrony of rib cage-abdominal motion (phase angle, PhA) at rest and during exercise both in patients and in healthy subjects. Subjects performed six-minute walking tests (6MWT) with and without a rollator while equipped with LS. All exams were normal. LS evaluation during 6MWT showed an higher PhA during 6MWT without rollator: 26±11° and 17±3° without and with rollator respectively. During 6MWT without upper-limb support an evident increase in PhA was observed. This is an indicator of rib cage-abdominal motion asynchrony, which in turn could induce dyspnea. We suggest that postural change during walking without upper-limb support may occur in otherwise elderly subjects and this could explain the dyspnea.
The effects of frequency, distribution, mode of presentation, and first language on learning an artificial language

vi List of Tables . xii List of Figures . xv Chapter 1: Introduction . 1 1.0 Background to the dissertation . 1 1.1 Learning second language morphology is difficult . 2 1.2 Challenges of morphology for SLA theory . 9 1.3 The roles of frequency, frequency distribution, and input modification in acquisition . 12 1.4 Organization of the dissertation . 16 Chapter 2: The learning object: Nouns, noun classes, and nominal morphology . 18 2.0 Introduction . 18 2.1 English noun classes . 20 2.1.1 Aggregation and unitization . 24 2.1.2 Dual membership and meaning conversion . 26 2.2 Japanese nouns . 28 2.2.1 Numeral classifiers . 29 2.2.2 Suffixation . 32 2.2.3 Reduplication . 33 2.3 Cross-linguistic analysis of nominal morphology and related phenomena . 34 2.3. 1 The nominal mapping parameter hypothesis . 39
Enhancing Student Comprehension with Video Grading

Engineering students, like other students, have different learning styles. Many techniques have been developed in the classroom setting to address these differences, and these approaches have been well documented. One of the more interesting approaches is the inverted classroom, in which students view short videos prior to lecture. However, when it comes to providing feedback to students on submitted assignments, the main method employed is the written comment. This method continues to be used because it is simple to do, can be performed offline, and is domain agnostic. However, written feedback is often highly ineffective. This paper presents an alternative method for providing feedback to students that represents a natural extension to the inverted classroom: video feedback. In lieu of written feedback, students are provided feedback for computer programming exercises through the use of a short video made via video capture and incorporating oral commentary by the instructor as the assignment is graded. The article describes the technique used, student perceptions of the technique, a comparison of faculty effort, and assessment from two private 4-year institutions in the Midwest.
Emergence of antibodies as biomarkers in multiple sclerosis

Rather than being a homogenous disease entity, multiple sclerosis (MS) represents a family of heterogenous inflammatory-demyelinating CNS diseases. The heterogeneity is demonstrated by various well known clinical disease courses and, more importantly, by inhomogenous and unpredictable therapeutic effects. Recent neuropathological evidence has initiated a process of re-evaluation of the immunopathogenetic concepts in MS. The heterogeneity of MS claims to subtype our patients more distinctively in the future by genetic, clinical, neuroradiological and neuroimmunological parameters. Therefore, the importance of identifiying biological markers in MS has evolved over the past few years. This review discusses the current status and potential applicability of antibodies as biological markers for the diagnosis, classification, disease activity and prediction of clinical courses in MS. Antibodies serving as biomarkers will create the future path for establishing a differential therapeutic concept in MS, which will.
Inequality, macroeconomic performance and political polarization: An empirical analysis

This paper investigates the macroeconomic and social determinants of voting behavior, and especially of political polarization, for 20 advanced countries using annual data ranging from 1970 to 2016 and covering 291 parliamentary elections. Using a panel estimation approach and rolling regressions we find empirical evidence supporting that a) traditionally established mainstream parties (center-left, center, and center-right) are penalized for poor economic performance; b) far-left (populist and radical parties) parties benefit from increasing unemployment rates; c) greater income inequality has increased the electoral support for far-right parties, particularly in recent times. Further, we do not find empirical support for the notion that social and economic globalization has led to an increase of popularity of far-right parties. These results have wide reaching implications for the current political situation in the Western world.
Epidemiologic survey of blindness and visual impairment in diabetic patients

Objective To access the prevalence of blindness and visual impairment in Beixinjing District,and to evaluate the risk factors. Methods 535 diabetic patients were examed,digital non-mydriasis fundus camera were used for Diabetic Retinopathy (DR) diagnosis. Results The prevalence of blindness was 1.12% and of low vision was 9.91%,the leading causes of blindness were DR ,cataract and other retinal diseases,the leading causes of low vision were cataract,refractive error and DR. Conclusion The leading cause of visual impairment in Beixinjing District were DR, cataract and refractive error.
Women's Perception of Health Promotion Behaviors in Rural Andhra Pradesh India

Problem Statement: Throughout the world, the infant mortality rate (IMR) is considered a measure of a country’s overall health status and public health achievements. In rural southern India, despite high rates of antenatal visits and delivery within healthcare institutions, infant mortality remains an issue of public health significance at 38 deaths per 1,000 live births. Methods: In order to understand social, financial, and environmental factors contributing to infant mortality, SHARE INDIA staff facilitated focus groups with sixty-one mothers (ages 18-35) in seven villages of Medchal Mandal, in the state of Andhra Pradesh, India. Discussions explored mothers’ home health and sanitation practices such as bathing, toileting, waste disposal, handwashing, breastfeeding, menstrual health, cosleeping, and laundering. Research Questions: Researchers wanted to understand if infant mortality is attributed to lack of clean water access and other sanitation resources such as latrines, showers, sinks, and waste disposal services. In addition, SHARE INDIA wanted to understand if infant mortality is related to lack of awareness among the priority population concerning benefits, consequences, and proper completion of hygienic behaviors. Results: Emerging themes included lack of accessibility of health promotion resources such as clean water and disinfectants, and varying levels of awareness of sanitary behaviors. Women demonstrated commitment to preserving infant health, but were not always connected to resources or aware of their proper use. Participant responses indicated normalization of infrastructural barriers to promoting health, such as inadequate availability of water and trash disposal services, and the influence of sociocultural norms on health. Participants discussed the impact of geographic isolation and affordability on providing health resources. Social support was an asset cited by women, who received informational support and support completing household chores from family members and others. Discussion: When possible, women took precautions to protect children’s health. However, health-related decision-making and mothers’ conception of appropriate situations to perform health promotion behaviors was influenced by environmental and cultural barriers prohibiting routine performance of evidence-based behaviors. Conclusions and Implications for Global Health: Future research and interventions should target education regarding health promotion behaviors such as handwashing in the home to address appropriate completion of routine hygienic behaviors.
Multifactorial pathways contributing to the development and impact of foot problems in systemic sclerosis (scleroderma)

Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a heterogeneous connective tissue disease characterised by vasculopathy, immune activation and fibrosis [1-3]. The multisystem nature of the disease has a wide-ranging impact on the patient’s overall health on physical, psychological and psychosocial levels [4] [5-7]. While foot problems in patients with SSc have been previously described and that their presence is associated with disability [8-10], the impact of such problems and its major contributors has yet to be determined. The underpinning hypothesis of this thesis was that the development and impact of foot problems on the Quality of Life (QoL) of patients with SSc is multifactorial; involving a complex inter-relationship between disease, functional impairment, personal factors, environmental factors and psychosocial factors. In order to explore this hypothesis, a multiple methodological approach was employed. First, a literature review and a consultation with clinical experts was undertaken to identify the potential candidate factors that may contribute to foot problems. Second, a case-control, cross-sectional study of 121 patients with SSc and 51 healthy participants was undertaken in order to investigate the impact of factors that contribute to foot problems. Finally, the pathway by which the candidate factors that were identified as contributing to foot pathology impacted on the overall quality of life in people with SSc was explored. Using data from the same 121 patients with SSc, structural equation modelling (SEM) was used to explore the inter-relationships between multifactorial pathways associated with foot pathology and its impact on patients with SSc. The results from this thesis can be summarised as follows: i) patients with SSc have significant foot problems; ii) SSc has both a physical and psychological impact; iii) foot problems are affected by complex interrelations between multiple factors; and iv) foot problems are a significant contributor to the impact on the quality of life of patients with SSc.
Seminarian Sentiments About Catholic Schools

Three hundred sixty-one seminarians from the 48 diocesan seminaries in the United States and the North American College in Rome, Italy responded to a survey regarding their sentiments about the value of Catholic schools, their effectiveness, and the importance of financially supporting them. The results suggest that while diocesan seminarians are generally supportive of Catholic schools, they are more positive about the value of Catholic schools and the importance of providing financial support than they are about the effectiveness of Catholic schools, especially their religious effectiveness. The seminarians’ sentiments toward value and financial support are comparable to those of previous studies of priests. The seminarians’ own backgrounds in Catholic schools, selection of the most important purpose of Catholic schools, age, Hispanic ethnicity, and whether the seminary provided academic instruction about Catholic schools are factors that influenced their sentiments, particularly of effectiveness. The study did not include seminarians from religious congregations.
Dangers and Opportunities: A Conceptual Map of Information Literacy Assessment Approaches

The culture of assessment in higher education requires academic librarians to demonstrate the impact of information literacy instruction on student learning. As a result, many librarians seek to gain knowledge about the information literacy assessment approaches available to them. This article identifies three major assessment approaches: (1) fixed-choice tests, (2) performance assessments, and (3) rubrics. It maps the theoretical and educational assumptions on which these options are grounded and charts the dangers and opportunities of each assessment approach.