Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A COMPARATIVE STUDY OF THE DIFFERENCES IN FAMILY COMMUNICATION AMONG YOUNG URBAN ADULT CONSUMERS AND THE DEVELOPMENT OF THEIR MATERIALISTIC VALUES: A DISCRIMINANT ANALYSIS

The study attempts to uncover the characteristics of materialism groups in Malaysia. It assesses the differences between materialism groups, i.e., low and high materialistic groups, using demographic and family communication dimensions. The data was collected through self-administered questionnaires. The sample consisted of 956 respondents. The majority of the respondents were Malays followed by Chinese and Indians. The proportion of female respondents was higher than the male respondents. Most of the respondents were single and in the age group of between 19-29 years old. Independent sample t-tests were used to compare mean scores for the study variables between ‘high’ materialism and ‘low’ materialism groups and significant mean differences were found between ‘high’ and ‘low’ materialism groups in terms of socio-oriented family communication construct. Specifically, it was found that the ‘high’ materialism group has considerably greater ratings on the constructs. Internal consistency reliability assessment using Cronbach coefficient alpha revealed that all the three constructs had high reliability. A stepwise discriminant analysis performed on two family communication variables found that one variable was significant in differentiating the two materialism groups. The variable was socio-oriented family communication. The implications, significance and limitations of the study are discussed.
Does women’s employment growth increase wage inequalities between couples? The case of France between 1982 and 2014

It has often been argued that women’s employment growth is a factor that contributes to the increase in inequalities between households due, in particular, to an alleged reinforcement of social homogamy. In contrast to this idea, an accounting approach to inequality decomposition, based on Insee’s Labour Force surveys (enquetes Emploi) shows that wage inequalities between couples aged 30 to 59 remained stable between 1982 and 2014 in France, whereas they would have increased had women’s employment rate not risen. This overall stability results from two converse developments, which are themselves linked to the strong growth in women’s employment over this period: a fall in wage inequality between women and an increase in the correlation of partners’ wages within couples. However, the almost uniform increase in women’s employment rate, regardless of their partner’s wage level, has limited the increase in the correlation of partners’ wages and prevented an increase in wage inequalities between couples.
The Effect of Aerobic Exercise on Homocysteine, C- Reactive Protein and Lipid Profile in Active and Inactive Men

Introduction: A number of studies have reported that regular aerobic exercises can improve cardiovascular biomarkers such as homocysteine, Creactive protein and lipid profile. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of 4 weeks of aerobic exercise on homocysteine, Creactive protein and lipid profile in active and inactive men. Methods: in this quasi-experimental study, 26 active (n = 13) and inactive (n = 13) students aged (1823) years old participated voluntarily. All subject performed aerobic exercises for 4 weeks, 3 sessions per week and 60 minutes with intensity of 6075 % of maximum heart rate reserve per session. Blood sample was taken in the pretest and 24 hours after the last aerobic exercise session in the posttest. Independent sample ttest and paired sample ttest were used to analyze the data (p≤0.05). Results: Serum levels of homocysteine (P = 0.001) and low density lipoprotein cholesterol to high density lipoprotein cholesterol (P = 0.003) significantly decreased in the active group compared to the inactive group. However, there were no significant difference in the changes of C-reactive protein (P = 0.12), low density lipoprotein cholesterol (P = 0.56), triglyceride (P = 0.24), total cholesterol (P = 0.21), total cholesterol to high density lipoprotein (P = 0.52) and triglyceride to high density lipoprotein (P = 0.26), between active and inactive group. Conclusion: It appears that serum levels of homocysteine reduced further after four weeks of exercise in active subjects in comparison with inactive subjects. However, the improvement in the serum levels of C-reactive protein and lipid profiles after four weeks of exercise training were the same in both active and inactive individuals.
Intensive Cognitive Behavioural Treatment for Obsessive Compulsive Disorder in Children and Adolescents

Preliminary evidence for the efficacy of intensive treatments for childhood OCD is promising. This is an important area of research as traditional weekly CBT for OCD is costly, time intensive and is often challenging for families to access. This review explores the evidence base for intensive treatments for childhood OCD and following this, provides a description of a novel intensive treatment approach that combines prolonged intensive ERP sessions, similar to the one-session treatment for specific phobia, with CBT delivered over the computer via webcam (W-CBT) for one-month maintenance. Future research directions are also discussed.
Flock-level seroprevalence against Ornithobacterium rhinotracheale among broilers in Uruguay

The objective of this study was to estimate the true prevalence of seropositive broiler flocks against Ornithobacterium rhinotracheale in Uruguay, South America. Seventeen farms of broiler chickens greater than 35 days of age were studied. The field investigation was conducted between October 2008 and April 2009. Individual-chicken sera and pooled sera (containing 10 individual-chicken sera each) were analyzed using a commercial ELISA for the detection of antibody against Ornithobacterium rhinotracheale in chicken serum. A total of 181 pooled samples from the study area representing 17 farms were examined. Fifty-four pools were classified as test positive, because they included at least one individual-chicken classified as positive. On the basis of deterministic approach, the estimates for the apparent prevalence and true prevalence at flock-level were 30% and 17%, respectively. The true prevalence estimate with the Bayesian model (stochastic approach) was slightly lower and having wider confidence intervals [11% (95% CI: 0%32%)].
Root and leaf decomposition become decoupled over time: implications for below- and above-ground relationships

Studies elucidating patterns and mechanisms of decomposition are moving from a leaf-centred view towards a whole-plant perspective, in which root and leaf decomposition differs among species, yet this prediction has so far received mixed empirical support. Here, we examined the rates and temporal dynamics of decomposition of absorptive fine roots (the distal two root-branch orders) and leaf litter by measuring mass loss across 10 subtropical and temperate tree species, and CO2 efflux across 18 tree species in a 15-month laboratory incubation experiment. Eight of 12 initial chemical traits were positively correlated between roots and leaf litter (Pearson's r range of 048-082). However, mass loss and respiration rates between roots and leaf litter were correlated only in the first 3months, but unrelated in the subsequent 12months. This was due to root decomposition rates slowing down after the first 3months. The disparity in decomposition rates between roots and leaf litter was mainly due to the higher chemical recalcitrance of roots and suggests that roots and leaf litter need to be considered separately when evaluating their role in plant-soil feedbacks. A better understanding of whole-plant ecological strategies is needed to quantify the impact roots vs. leaves on detrital processes.
Physiologically based limits to food consumption, and individual-based modeling of foraging and growth of larval fishes

Larval fish individual-based models (IBMs) that include foraging subroutines to depict prey encounter, capture and ingestion often include static parameters (e.g. a maximum feeding rate, CMAX) to prevent ‘overfeeding’ and unrealistically high growth rates. We formulated 2 physiologically based approaches to limit food consumption rate (C) based on gut capacity and evacuation rate (GER) and feeding rate-dependent changes in assimilation efficiency (AE ). Parameterizations were based on data reported for a variety of marine and freshwater teleost larvae. The effects of the 3 approaches (CMAX, GER and AE ) on feeding and growth were compared in IBM simulations of 12 mm larval sprat Sprattus sprattus L. foraging within homogenous and patchy prey fields. Prey concentrations for maximum growth were between 5 and 10 copepodites l–1, similar to thresholds determined for successful foraging by larvae of other marine fish species in laboratory studies. The AE limit allowed larvae to exploit prey patches (to consume prey at higher rates but at lower AEs). In simulations using prey concentrations observed in productive areas of the southern North Sea (e.g. 21.0 copepodites l–1), larvae benefited little (benefited much) from adopting this patch feeding strategy when patch prey concentrations were ≤2-fold (≥5-fold) those outside of the patches. At ≤10 copepodites l–1, foraging model predictions of C were close to limits imposed by CMAX, GER and AE methods. In patches (20 to 40 copepodites l–1), foraging model estimates of C were 2to 4-fold greater than the highest (AEbased) limit. Physiological-based limits to C are recommended for larval fish IBMs and will be necessary to adequately assess the impacts of prey patchiness on survival and growth of marine fish larvae.
Water balance and crop coefficient estimation of a citrus orchard in Uruguay

The actual evapotranspiration (ETc) of mature ‘Valencia’ orange trees [Citrus sinensis (L.) Osb. ], drip-irrigated and non-irrigated, was calculated using the water balance method, over three years. Annual ETc was 24% higher from irrigated trees that from non irrigated trees (767 and 620 mm year -1 , respectively). Maximum monthly average ETc was 3.3 mm day -1 or 80 L tree -1 day -1 (trees were spaced at 6 × 4 m). Generally ETc rate was reduced in January, the month of maximum atmospheric demand, compared with December, even under fully irrigated trees. The average annual value of the crop coefficient (Kc) for irrigated trees was 0.69. Monthly Kc values also showed a clear seasonal trend, with minimum values in summer (0.60), intermediate values in autumn and spring (0.77 and 0.80, respectively) and maximum values in winter (0.87). These values provide a useful base for the design and operation of microirrigation systems, for mature citrus trees in Uruguay. Additional key words: evapotranspiration, irrigation, micro-irrigation, ‘Valencia’ oranges, water mass balance. Resumen Balance hidrico y estimacion del coeficiente de cultivo en un huerto de citricos en Uruguay Se estimo la evapotranspiracion real de arboles de naranjo ‘Valencia’ [Citrus sinensis (L.) Osb. ], sin riego y regados por goteo, mediante la metodologia del balance hidrico, durante tres anos. La ETc fue 24% mayor en los arboles regados que en los de secano (767 y 620 mm anuales, respectivamente). La evapotranspiracion media en el mes de maxima demanda fue de 3,3 mm dia -1 o 80 L arbol -1 dia -1 (para un marco de plantacion de 6 × 4 m, 24 m 2 ). Se repitio sistematicamente que la tasa de ETc tuvo un descenso en enero, mes de maxima demanda atmosferica, comparado con diciembre, aun en los arboles bien regados. El coeficiente de cultivo (Kc) promedio anual para los arboles regados fue 0,69. Se encontro un claro y sistematico comportamiento estacional, con valores minimos del Kc en verano (0,60) intermedios en otono y primavera (0,77 y 0,80, respectivamente) y maximos en el invierno (0,87). Estos valores deberian ser la base para el diseno y la operacion de sistemas de riego localizado para explotaciones de citricos adultos en Uruguay. Palabras clave adicionales: balance de agua, evapotranspiracion, naranjos ‘Valencia’, riego, riego localizado.
The Content of Pronouns: Evidence from Focus

This paper is part of an effort to learn something about the semantics of pronominals from their focus properties. At present, I believe to have evidence substantiating the following two claims: Claim 1 is that Bound Pronominals can be hidden definite descriptions, but probably need not necessarily be. Claim 2 is that donkey anaphora must be hidden definite descriptions. The evidence for Claim 1 comes from a new analysis of cases with focus on bound pronouns such as ( 1 ) that also featured in earlier work of mine (Sauerland 1998, 1999).
Effects of Fluid Environment Properties on the Nonlinear Vibrations of AFM Piezoelectric Microcantilevers

Nowadays, atomic-force microscopy plays a significant role in nanoscience and nanotechnology, and is widely used for direct measurement at atomic scale and scanning the sample surfaces. In tapping mode, the microcantilever of atomic-force microscope is excited at resonance frequency. Therefore, it is important to study its resonance. Moreover, atomic-force microscopes can be operated in fluid environments such as their applications in chemical and biological sensors. Additionally, piezoelectric microcantilevers are used to enhance atomic-force microscope scanning. Motivated by these considerations, presented herein is a finite element investigation into the nonlinear vibration behavior of piezoelectric microcantilever of atomic-force microscopes in fluid environment. For this purpose, a 3D finite element model coupled with a computational fluid dynamics model is introduced based upon a fluid-solid interaction analysis. First, the reliability of present fluid-solid interaction analysis is revealed by comparison with experimental data available in the literature. Then, numerical results are presented to study the influences of fluid dynamic viscosity and density on the resonance frequency, resonance amplitude and time response of piezoelectric microcantilever. It was shown that increasing the fluid density and dynamic viscosity results in the decrease of resonance frequency. For example, for density equal to 1000 kg/m3 , increasing the viscosity of fluid environment from 0.1 to 1, 10 and 20 mPa.s leads to decrease of resonance frequency about 3%, 29% and 42%, respectively. Also, the resonance amplitude of microcantilever increases as the density increases, while increasing dynamic viscosity has a decreasing effect on the resonance amplitude.
Diversity of social wasps (Hymenoptera, Vespidae, Polistinae) in three fragments of semideciduous seasonal forest in the northwest of São Paulo State, Brazil

Human exploitation of the forest in the northwest of Sao Paulo State has generated enormous fragmentation of that forest. Such disturbance has reduced the populations of insects in general. This work was a survey of social wasps (Hymenoptera, Vespidae; Polistinae) in three areas in different stages of regeneration: Paulo de Faria - SP (435 ha), Pindorama - SP (128 ha) and Neves Paulista - SP (1 ha). These three areas were chosen for comparative purposes. To capture the wasps, it was used: active collecting with attractant liquid (solution of water, salt and sugar) with the aid of a dorsal spray bag. During the period from July to December 2006, 414 social wasps were collected in Paulo de Faria, constituting seven species belonging to four genera; 111 social wasps were collected in Pindorama, constituting six species belonging to four genera, and 129 social wasps were collected in Neves Paulista constituting 12 species belonging to seven genera. In order to compare these three areas ecological indexes were calculated. Neves Paulista had the greatest diversity, and Paulo de Faria presented greater abundance. These factors were probably caused by neighboring areas and ecological corridors, which were limited in Paulo de Faria and Pindorama.
Measuring and explaining levels of regional economic integration

124 Regional Trade Agreements were notified to the GATT during the period 1948-1994. Since 1995, over 130 agreements have been notified to the WTO. Using empirical evidence, this paper proposes a way of measuring levels of regional integration and examines several potential explanations for the existence of different levels of regional economic integration. Using a database of regional integration where levels of integration are ranked across countries, a probit analysis in a discrete choice framework is applied. Common traits influencing regional integration decision-making were examined to determine those most influential. It is concluded that democracy and economic freedom, are significant contributors to the chosen level of regional integration. The role of political and economic uncertainty is examined and it is found that trade uncertainty is also a significant contributing factor.
Dispute escalation by developing states in the World Trade Organization : a rational choice explanation

Academic inquiries into the subject area of the World Trade Organization’s dispute settlement mechanism are currently gaining societal significance due to the indeterminate future of this international organization. In particular, existing research on dispute escalation, especially in cases involving developing plaintiffs, can be advanced by an application of theoretical models from such branches of academia as Public Administration and Political Science. The present thesis applies Bueno de Mesquita’s rational choice game-theoretic model of decision-making to the behaviour of developing plaintiffs in a WTO dispute in order to predict and explain the occurrence of panel requests. An analysis of 159 cases shows that plaintiff’s preference for political gains, rooted in his democratic level, and the interaction between plaintiff’s and respondent’s salience levels are statistically significant predictors of dispute escalation to the panel stage; however, these effects are enabled by a specific contextual variable and only occur in disputes with high plaintiff salience.
Impacts of Alterations of Organic Inputs on the Bacterial Community within the sediments of Wind Cave, South Dakota, USA

INTRODUCTION The amount of bioavailable energy from organic sources derived from primary production and detritus are critical to the structuring of ecological communities (Elton, 1927; Hutchinson, 1959; Moore et al., 2004). Theoretical models and empirical comparisons of natural gradients in productivity reveal clear lower limits in the levels needed to support producers and consumers (Pimm & Lawton, 1977; Oksanen et al., 1981; Moore et al., 1993; Rosenzweig, 1995). At extremely low levels of input, energetically efficient biota like microbes may form highly diverse consortia
Seroprevalence of Hepatitis B and C Virus Infection in Children with Chronic Kidney Diseases; A Historical Cohort Study

Background: The prevalence of hepatitis B and C in Iranian children with chronic kidney disease is limited. Therefore, the present study intends to assess the prevalence of hepatitis B and C in children with chronic kidney disease (CKD). Method: The present study is a historical cohort study which was conducted in a window period of 25 years in Children’s Medical Center in Tehran, 1991-2016. Data (age, gender, duration of hemodialysis, kidney transplant, and severity of CKD) were extracted from hospital profiles of admitted patients. Infection with hepatitis B or C viruses was considered as primary outcome. At the end, results were reported as odds ratio (OR) with a confidence interval of 95 per cent (95% CI). Results: Three hundred and fifty five children (50.1% boys, mean age of 54.5±89.0 months) were assessed. Hepatitis B and hepatitis C were detected in 9 (2.5%) and 5 (1.4%) children, respectively. Ten children had either hepatitis B or C infection with a prevalence of 2.8% (95% confidence interval: 1.4% to 5.1%). Multivariable analyses showed that association between the need for hemodialysis (OR=13.52; p=0.083) and severity of chronic kidney disease (OR=0.28; p=0.072) with incidence of hepatitis infection was borderline. However, risk of hepatitis B or C infection was 5.9-fold greater in girls compared to boys (OR=5.94; p=0.047). Conclusion: The present study showed that the prevalence of hepatitis B and C were 2.5% and 1.4%, in children with chronic kidney disease, respectively. The prevalence of mentioned infections was significantly higher in girls compared to boys.
The potential of hBN nanoparticles as friction modifier and antiwear additive in engine oil

An experimental investigation was conducted to investigate the potential of hexagonal boron nitride (hBN) nanoparticles as friction modifier and antiwear additive in engine oil. In this study, an optimal composition (0.5 vol.%) of 70 nm hBN nanoparticles was dispersed in SAE 15W-40 diesel engine oil by sonication technique. Sample was stabilized using 0.3 vol.% oleic acid as a surfactant. The tribological test was performed using a four-ball tribometer. Surface morphology and its chemical composition were carried out using a profilometer, Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and Energy-dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (EDX). It was found that the optimized nano-oil could reduce the coefficient of friction and increase wear resistance, as compared with conventional diesel engine oil. Some adhesive and abrasive wear types were identified as predominant wear mechanisms.
Title Do unexpected land auction outcomes bring new information tothe real estate market ?

Land and real estate are intrinsically related but generally traded in two different markets. Vacant land, being a major “raw material” for development of real estate, is traded by developers who actively manage development risk for profit. Real estate, being a long lived final product, is traded by end-users or investors for use or investment in the secondary market. This study examines price discovery between the two markets. The key question is whether land transactions, in the form of public auctions, convey any new information to the secondary real estate market. Our results suggest unexpected land auction outcomes have both market-wide and local effects on real estate prices. However, the impacts are asymmetric. We found that lower than expected land auction prices have a significant negative market-wide and local impact on real estate prices while higher than expect land auction prices have little or no impact.