Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A survey of management and economic impact of weeds in dryland cotton cropping systems of subtropical Australia

In dryland cotton cropping systems, the main weeds and effectiveness of management practices were identified, and the economic impact of weeds was estimated using information collected in a postal and a field survey of Southern Queensland and northern New South Wales. Forty-eight completed questionnaires were returned, and 32 paddocks were monitored in early and late summer for weed species and density. The main problem weeds were bladder ketmia (Hibiscus trionum), common sowthistle (Sonchus oleraceus), barnyard grasses (Echinochloa spp.), liverseed grass (Urochloa panicoides) and black bindweed (Fallopia convolvulus), but the relative importance of these differed with crops, fallows and crop rotations. The weed flora was diverse with 54 genera identified in the field survey. Control of weed growth in rotational crops and fallows depended largely on herbicides, particularly glyphosate in fallow and atrazine in sorghum, although effective control was not consistently achieved. Weed control in dryland cotton involved numerous combinations of selective herbicides, several non-selective herbicides, inter-row cultivation and some manual chipping. Despite this, residual weeds were found at 38–59% of initial densities in about 3-quarters of the survey paddocks. The on-farm financial costs of weeds ranged from $148 to 224/ha.year depending on the rotation, resulting in an estimated annual economic cost of $19.6 million. The approach of managing weed populations across the whole cropping system needs wider adoption to reduce the weed pressure in dryland cotton and the economic impact of weeds in the long term. Strategies that optimise herbicide performance and minimise return of weed seed to the soil are needed. Data from the surveys provide direction for research to improve weed management in this cropping system. The economic framework provides a valuable measure of evaluating likely future returns from technologies or weed management improvements.
Internet, adjustment of firms and the spatial division of labour

The rise of the Internet has been heralded as the 'death of distance' that may eventually entail a 'decline of the city'. Whether or not these futuristic visions will materialize will depend upon how firms and industries react to the Internet as a general-purpose technology. Besides the locational choice of New Economy firms themselves it is the adoption of E-commerce in industries of the 'old' economy which has the potential for re-shaping the economic geography of regions, and which may, in many instances radically so, change the way to manage the internal organization of firms as well as relationships with business partners (B2B) and with consumers (B2C). The paper aims at discussing elements of a conceptual approach for evaluating these spatial effects of E-commerce activities on locational patterns in the old economy by identifying suitable proxy indicators from existing evidence, such as connectivity to IT-infrastructures, sectoral differences in B2B solutions, market (de-)concentration processes, or changes of functional employment structures of cities. Key words: Internet, E-commerce, Organizational Change, Firm Location, Spatial Division of Labour
The Effects of Prices and Policies on the Demand for Marijuana: Evidence from the National Household Surveys on Drug Abuse

Recent studies have shown that efforts to curb alcohol use by increasing the price of alcohol and limiting youth's access have succeeded, but they may have had the unintended consequencce of increasing marijuana use. This possibility is troubling in light of a recent government report that shows that marijuana use among teens more than doubled between 1990 and 1997. What impact will the proposed large increase in cigarette prices have on the demand for other substances such as marijuana? To better understand how the demand for marijuana responds to changes in the policies and prices that affect its use, we explore the National Household Survy on Drug Abuse (NHSDA). Overall, we find that marijuana, alcohol, and tobacco are complements, sot that increasing the price of any one will decrease the demand for marijuana. The results of this paper will help guide the creation of comprehensive policies that curb the use of marijuana in two ways: first, they quantify the effects of policies aimed at curbing the use of each substance, allowing policymakers to evaluate alternative policy options; and second, they clarify the dynamics and interactions between alcohol, tobacco, and marijuana use in response to government policies.
Diurnal population trends of Megalurothrips sjostedti and Frankliniella occidentalis (Thysanoptera: Thripidae) and their natural enemies on French bean Phaseolus vulgaris (Fabaceae)

A field experiment was conducted to track the daily population trends and occurrence of the flower thrips Megalurothrips sjostedti Trybom and Frankliniella occidentalis (Pergande), and their indigenous natural enemies Orius spp. and Ceranisus menes (Walker), infesting French beans. French beans in monocrop or interplanted with six companion crops (Zea mays L., Coriandrum sativum L., Tagetes erecta L., Brassica oleracea var. acephala L., Daucus carota L. and Capsicum annuum L.), and two chemical insecticides, methiocarb (Mesurol 500SC) and L-cyhalothrin (Karate 1.75% EC), were evaluated for their effects on the abundance of flower thrips, throughout the day, at 1-h intervals. The average population peak of thrips was found to occur at around 1300 h, but each species had different peak periods. Adult F. occidentalis populations peaked at midday and adult M. sjostedti populations at 1500 h, while the larvae of the two thrips species peaked at around 1300 h. Orius spp. were the most abundant natural enemies and their populations peaked at around 1400 h. Ceranisus menes population also peaked at around 1400 h. RésuméUne expérimentation de terrain a été conduite afin de déterminer la dynamique des populations des trips de fleurs Megalurothrips sjostedti Trybom et Frankliniella occidentalis (Pergande), et de leurs ennemis naturels indigènes Orius spp. et Ceranisus menes (Walker) sur haricot vert au cours de la journée. L’abondance des trips a été évaluée sur des haricots verts cultivés en monoculture ou en culture associée avec six autres plantes (Zea mays L., Coriandrum sativum L., Tagetes erecta L., Brassica oleracea var. acephala L., Daucus carota L. et Capsicum annuum L.) et avec deux insecicides methiocarb (Mesurol 500SC) et L-cyhalothrin (Karate 1.75% EC), pendant toute la journée, à 1 heure d’intervalle. Le pic d’infestation des trips a été observé vers 1300 h, avec toutefois une période différente pour chaque espèce. Le pic de population des adultes de F. occidentalis est observé à la mie journée et celui de M. sjostedti à 1500 h, alors que le pic de populations des larves des deux espèces est observé à 1300 h. Les espèces du genre Orius sont les ennemis naturels les plus abondants avec un pic de population vers 1400 h. La population de Ceranisus menes est maximum vers 1400 h.
An overview of drought events in the Carpathian Region in 1961–2010

Abstract. The Carpathians and their rich biosphere are considered to be highly vulnerable to climate change. Drought is one of the major climate-related damaging natural phenomena and in Europe it has been occurring with increasing frequency, intensity, and duration in the last decades. Due to climate change, land cover changes, and intensive land use, the Carpathian Region is one of the areas at highest drought risk in Europe. In order to analyze the drought events over the last 50 yr in the area, we used a 1961–2010 daily gridded temperature and precipitation dataset. From this, monthly 0.1° × 0.1° grids of four drought indicators (Standardized Precipitation-Evapotranspiration Index (SPEI), Standardized Precipitation Index (SPI), Reconnaissance Drought Indicator (RDI), and Palfai Aridity/Drought Index (PADI)) have been calculated. SPI, SPEI, and RDI have been computed at different time scales (3, 6, and 12 months), whilst PADI has been computed on an annual basis. The dataset used in this paper has been constructed in the framework of the CARPATCLIM project, run by a consortium of institutions from 9 countries (Austria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland, Romania, Serbia, Slovakia, and Ukraine) with scientific support by the Joint Research Centre (JRC) of the European Commission. Temperature and precipitation station data have been collected, quality-checked, completed, homogenized, and interpolated on the 0.1° × 0.1° grid, and drought indicators have been consequently calculated on the grid itself. Monthly and annual series of the cited indicators are presented, together with high-resolution maps and statistical analysis of their correlation. A list of drought events between 1961 and 2010, based on the agreement of the indicators, is presented. We also discuss three case studies: drought in 1990, 2000, and 2003. The drought indicators have been compared both on spatial and temporal scales: it resulted that SPI, SPEI, and RDI are highly comparable, especially over a 12-month accumulation period. SPEI, which includes PET (Potential Evapo-Transpiration) as RDI does, proved to perform best if drought is caused by heat waves, whilst SPI performed best if drought is mainly driven by a rainfall deficit, because SPEI and RDI can be extreme in dry periods. According to PADI, the Carpathian Region has a sufficient natural water supply on average, with some spots that fall into the ''mild dry'' class, and this is also confirmed by the FAO-UNEP aridity index and the Koppen-Geiger climate classification.
Combinations of Interleukin-10 Gene Promoter Polymorphisms with -1082A, -819T, -592A Minor Allele are Associated with Sinonasal Polyposis

Sinonasal polyposis (SP) is an inflammatory disease involving multiple etiologies and pathogenesis. The disarray of Interleukin (IL)-10 is associated with a raised immunopathological response during the progression of many autoimmune diseases as well as the response to infection. We studied the possible role of the single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in IL-10 gene and their genotypic combinations in the SP pathogenesis. The IL-10’s promoter was genotyped in 200 participants (100 patients and 100 controls). The sites that were encompassed -1082, -819, and -592 SNP regions of extracted DNAs were analyzed by sequencing for polymorphisms. The IL-10 gene promoter polymorphisms with -1082A, -819T, -592A minor alleles, their heterozygotes and homozygotes mutant genotypes had significantly higher risks for SP (P˂ 0.05). Also, haplotype analysis demonstrated that the GTC, ACC, and GCA haplotypes in IL-10 were high-risk of SP but ATA was only in controls (P= 0.007). Also, the multifactor dimensionality reduction (MDR) analysis indicated that the IL-10-1082_-819 and -1082_-819_-592 were the best predictive models for SP with 66.6% and 69% accuracy, respectively. IL-10 genotypic variations and their combinations are linked with a high-risk for the SP development in the Turkish population. The IL-10 genetic polymorphisms may lend to SP by altering the arrangement of the gene expression, affecting the severity of the inflammatory response.
Working against the odds: How probation practitioners can support desistance in young adult offenders

This article seeks to explore how probation practitioners may work with young adult offenders (YAOs) to assist them in moving away from crime, by considering how a more desistance and relational focused approach may provide a number of alternative practices that could benefit YAOs. This discussion is formulated on both theoretical and applied grounds, with both authors having experience of working with YAOs, within a probation context in England. Whilst acknowledging that there are numerous ways in which a practitioner can assist an individual with their journey away from crime, this article considers some of these ways, outlining potential challenges.
Technological capabilities, resilience capabilities and organizational effectiveness

Abstract Previous research has defined resilience as a desirable characteristic for an organization and its members to possess when circumstances adversely change. Resilience is analysed through different perspectives as organizational responses to external threats, organizational reliability or employee strengths. However, the role of resilience in enhancing organizational effectiveness is not fully understood. Grounded in organizational ambidexterity, the current research tests the value of resilience capabilities developed through specific Human Resource Practices (HRPs) in the context of ever-changing market conditions. This paper argues that as well as technological capabilities, HRPs that build resilience within an organization are needed to successfully implement technological change. Resilience capabilities are a mediating factor between technological capabilities and organizational effectiveness, whilst environment dynamism and competitive intensity are moderators of this relationship. Using a primary sample of 205 manufacturing firms, a model is presented and tested using Structural Equation Modelling. The results reinforce the importance of HRPs in building resilience which helps firms to continuously adjust to change and subsequently enhance their organizational effectiveness.
Molecular basis of barley quality

The quality of barley for the range of end uses from animal feed to brewing is determined by many genes, making the breeding of new barley varieties difficult. Understanding of the molecular basis of barley quality has been advanced by biochemical studies. More recently, molecular genetic tools are allowing the analysis of the biochemical factors contributing to grain quality. Many genetic loci influencing key quality attributes have been identified by gene mapping. Limited success has been reported in using this information to select for quantitative trait loci for these quality traits in plant breeding. Genomic techniques allowing more detailed analysis of variations in the barley genome in relation to quality promise to extend significantly the value of molecular genetic approaches to barley quality improvement. Definition of the genetic basis of malting quality requires the identification of the genes involved in germination and endosperm modification. Feed quality remains difficult to define. Recent advances are likely to accelerate the rate of discovery, providing new options for analysis of barley quality.
PSR J1838−0537: DISCOVERY OF A YOUNG, ENERGETIC GAMMA-RAY PULSAR

We report the discovery of PSR J1838−0537, a gamma-ray pulsar found through a blind search of data from the Fermi Large Area Telescope (LAT). The pulsar has a spin frequency of 6.9 Hz and a frequency derivative of −2.2 × 10−11 Hz s−1, implying a young characteristic age of 4970 yr and a large spin-down power of 5.9 × 1036 erg s−1. Follow-up observations with radio telescopes detected no pulsations; thus PSR J1838−0537 appears radio-quiet as viewed from Earth. In 2009 September the pulsar suffered the largest glitch so far seen in any gamma-ray-only pulsar, causing a relative increase in spin frequency of about 5.5 × 10−6. After the glitch, during a putative recovery period, the timing analysis is complicated by the sparsity of the LAT photon data, the weakness of the pulsations, and the reduction in average exposure from a coincidental, contemporaneous change in LAT's sky-survey observing pattern. The pulsar's sky position is coincident with the spatially extended TeV source HESS J1841−055 detected by the High Energy Stereoscopic System (H.E.S.S.). The inferred energetics suggest that HESS J1841−055 contains a pulsar wind nebula powered by the pulsar.
Reshaping public accountability: hospital reforms in Germany, Norway and Denmark

The article contributes to the literature on multi-level welfare governance and public accountability in the context of recent European hospital reforms. Focusing on the changing dynamics between regional and central governance of hospitals in Germany, Norway and Denmark, we raise concerns about the reshaping of traditional public accountability mechanisms. We argue that, triggered by growing financial pressures, corporatization and professionalization have increasingly removed decision-making power from regional political bodies in hospital funding and planning. National governments have tightened their control over the overall trajectory of their hospital systems, but have also shifted significant responsibility downwards to the hospital level. This has reshaped public accountability relationships towards more managerial or professional types embedded within multi-level forms of governance. Points for practitioners Our study may be taken to suggest that if reforms are responses to policy pressures, the accompanying changes in accountability relationships and arrangements in turn contribute to altering the pressures and constraints that form the context for administrative, managerial and professional work. As reforms in Norwegian, Danish and German healthcare contribute to corporatization, centralization and economization, there is reason to expect that what officials are held accountable for, and how, is also likely to change and to accentuate the span between policy aims and actual managerial and professional performance.
Direct and indirect affix borrowing

A widespread assumption in the language contact literature is that affixes are never borrowed directly, but only indirectly, that is, as part of complex loanwords. From such complex loanwords, affixes may eventually spread to native stems, creating hybrid formations, in a process of language-internal analogical extension. Direct borrowing is the extraction of an affix based on knowledge of the donor language, without the mediation of complex loanwords within the recipient language. This article suggests that direct borrowing can also be the only or primary process leading to productive loan affixes. Criteria are provided to assess instances of direct and indirect borrowing on the basis of the distribution of borrowed affixes across complex loanwords and hybrid formations. These are applied to corpora of various languages. A scale of directness of affix borrowing is proposed, based on the extent to which speakers of the recipient language rely (i) on their knowledge of the donor language (direct borrowing) and (ii) on complex loanwords within their native language (indirect borrowing).
Characterization of PLA-PHB Based Active Packaging Film, and Its Application on Oysters

The characterization of three films, ethylene vinyl alcohol (EVOH), polylactic acidpolyhydroxybutyrate (PLA-PHB) and polylactic acid-polyhydroxybutyrate-Fennel oil blends (PLA-PHB-FEN) were profiled and compared through the mechanical properties tests and active properties tests. The results showed that mechanical properties of these films are almost comparable to each other except elongation at break and oxygen transmission rate (OTR). The elongation at break value of EVOH is 212.70±49.41% while that of PLA-PHB with or without fennel oil is around 5%, which means EVOH has a 40-fold greater endurance to strain than PLAPHB. The OTR value of EVOH is 6.51 cm/m·d·0.1MPa when PLA-PHB has a 513.9 cm/m·d·0.1MPa transmission rate, however, it is noticeable that the addition of fennel oil has significantly improved the OTR, that is 253.25 cm/m·d·0.1MPa. Active properties tests were also conducted including releasing, antioxidant and bactericidal tests, indicating that PLA-PHBFEN film is more applicable on oily foods, and fennel oil contributed to an 8% antioxidant ability and one log antibacterial ability comparing to PLA-PHB film.
The perfect elite gymnast, does he exist? A systematic review

The aim of this review was to create an all-round profile of the elite artistic gymnast. Therefore, an extended literature search was performed in PubMed and PsycINFO databases. The main inclusion criteria were that the content of the article was about artistic gymnastics and that the gymnasts were of elite level and senior age. The extended literature search resulted in a total number of 22 articles, which were split up into 2 domains: the physical domain included 13 articles and the psychological domain included 9 articles. Results of the physical domain showed that the elite gymnast is small and has a low body mass, an athletic posture, a good postural control and balance and a high explosive muscular performance. Results of the psychological domain showed that the elite gymnast has a high intrinsic and achievement motivation, good concentration and confidence, strives for perfection and excellence and uses psychological strategies. These characteristics seem to be important for an elite gymnast although it is not clear yet which characteristics are most important, neither is the relation of the several characteristics to each other.
A comparison of prevalence of unethical tendering practices at national and subnational levels in Nigeria

Nigeria has recently renewed efforts towards stamping out corruption in every area of its national life. Given that construction procurement is particularly prone to corrupt practices, this study investigated the prevalence of unethical tendering practices in the Nigerian public sector. In particular, a comparison to bare the similarities or differences in the prevalence of unethical tendering practices at national and subnational levels is scarcely available in literature. This study’s objective was to determine and compare the prevalence of unethical tendering practices at the national and subnational levels in Nigeria. The data analysis was based on 120 acceptably filled questionnaires obtained from contractor, client and consultant organisations previously involved in public sector projects. The unethical tendering practices were analysed using prevalence indices and Mann–Whitney U tests. Findings include that the three most prevalent unethical tendering practices are contractor-based, namely: (1) competitors offer bribes to gain access to confidential tendering information (C1); (2) competitors overstate their capacity, experience and qualifications to secure construction contracts (C2); (3) the same owner(s) use different firms to tender for the same project (C3), in descending order of prevalence. No significant difference exists between unethical tendering practices in federal and state government projects. The findings of the study will help the Nigerian government and other stakeholders to better understand unethical practices at the tender stage of construction procurement in the public sector and to evolve better strategies for dealing with them. The study contributes to existing knowledge by separately identifying the prevalent unethical tendering practices in the Nigerian context and comparing unethical tendering practices at national and subnational levels within a country