Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Do school libraries make a difference

Purpose – This paper aims to introduce a research project investigating school library impact across the four home nations of the UK. The research aims to identify whether there are key contributions afforded by a school library or learning resource centre and by a school librarian, and if so, to offer case models and approaches which may be used to inform strategy and practice. The paper also aims to discuss the pilot phase of the research and explore the nature of impact assessment for school libraries adopted in American studies and UK literacy research, weighing their advantages and drawbacks. Consequent on this, it seeks to define a mixed‐method approach for this study, combining multiple surveys and more detailed interviewing and focus group research within a selected and balanced sample of schools across the four home nations, and a correlation with school performance ranking.Design/methodology/approach – An online survey has been developed for circulation to secondary school students in all four o.
Infinite S-expansion with ideal subtraction and some applications

According to the literature, the S-expansion procedure involving a finite semigroup is valid no matter what the structure of the original Lie (super)algebra is; however, when something about the structure of the starting (super)algebra is known and when certain particular conditions are met, the S-expansion method (with its features of resonance and reduction) is able not only to lead to several kinds of expanded (super)algebras but also to reproduce the effects of the standard as well as the generalized Inonu-Wigner contraction. In the present paper, we propose a new prescription for S-expansion, involving an infinite abelian semigroup S(∞) and the subtraction of an infinite ideal subalgebra. We show that the subtraction of the infinite ideal subalgebra corresponds to a reduction. Our approach is a generalization of the finite S-expansion procedure presented in the literature, and it offers an alternative view of the generalized Inonu-Wigner contraction. We then show how to write the invariant tensors of.
Assessment of the clinical presentation and factors affecting the natural history of typical atrioventricular nodal reentrant tachycardia

Introduction. Atrioventricular nodal reentrant tachycardia (AVNRT) is the most common regular tachyarrhythmia; however, its clinical presentation has not been investigated in detail. The aim of the study was to assess the clinical presentation and identify the potential factors significantly affecting the natural history of AVNRT in patients undergoing RF ablation. Material and methods. Ninety-two consecutive patients with invasive diagnosis of typical AVNRT who underwent RF ablation were included. All patients were actively screened for the presence of structural heart disease (SHD). The retrospective, arrhythmia focused interviews regarding its clinical history, affecting factors and treatment were conducted. The medical records and tachycardia ECG tracings data were included, if available. Results. Seventy-five percent of patients had evidence of the arrhythmia exacerbation. No relationship between the coronary (66%) or brain (33%) hypoperfusion symptoms and clinical factors was found. Time to the tachycardia diagnosis was significantly longer in women (13 ± 11 vs 7 ± 8 years, p = 0.006). Pharmacological AVNRT management was not consistent with the ESC guidelines. The arrhythmia symptoms were occurring later if SHD was present (44 ± 13 vs 30 ± 5 years, p = 0.001). The longer AVNRT cycle length (CL), modified by the age when symptoms appeared and the presence of impaired myocardial contractility, the longer time to the arrhythmia diagnosis and exacerbation. Mitral valve prolapse (MVP) was more common in female patients compared with the general population and was found to be the factor delaying AVNRT diagnosis. Conclusions. In the majority of patients AVNRT exacerbation takes place. The coronary and brain hypoperfusion symptoms that patients often experience are nonspecific. There is a significant delay in the arrhythmia diagnosis, especially in women. SHD, AVNRT CL and MVP were identified as factors that significantly modify the arrhythmia clinical presentation.
Enhancing Software Team Planning and Delivery Performance using Agile Driven Quality Measures: Approach, Results, and Recommendations

Implementing a performance-management program in an agile software-development organization is important to retain sight of software team performance as a whole as well as linking performance-management metrics to business value. The evaluation criteria for software engineers’ performance have been traditionally driven by metrics that don’t fit into agile-development principles. This research implements a measurement metric that aligns with agile-development core values and principles to evaluate engineers in a software engineering firm using the Scrum development method. The research focused on measuring and evaluating the productivity, development efficiency, social skills, team collaboration and breadth of knowledge. Observing the Productivity Index (PI), Actual Productivity for software Engineers (APSE), and Productivity Variance (PV) for individual software engineers and the development team at the end of each sprint helped the development team have a better understanding of its productivity levels in a matter that facilitated planning future sprints. In addition, this productivity measure helped early identification of productivity challenges encountered by several software engineers and productivity identification of productivity challenges encountered by several software engineers. Keywords: Agile development, software teams, process measurement, scrum, productivity, efficiency, software metrics, software project measurement
The Mediating Impact of Student Self-Efficacy: An Examination of Vocational and Academic Perceptions Among Students in Living-Learning Communities

The purpose of this study was to examine the influence of Living-Learning Communities on first-year students at a large Mid-Atlantic university. Students were asked to complete the Career Decision Self-Efficacy Scale and the Academic Major-Fit Scale in the beginning of their first semester in college, and then again mid-way through their second semester. The final results included 21 participants. No significant difference in career decision self-efficacy was found from the pre-test (prior to their experience in the living-leaning community) and the post-test. Two factors of perceived fit in the Academic Major-Fit Scale did show significant increases. These were academic major commitment, and academic major satisfaction. The results suggest that Living-Learning Communities do not directly aide students in their academic or career development. MEDIATING IMPACT OF STUDENT SELF-EFFICACY iv
Recent developments in the biological control of invasive acacias in South Africa: Melanterius servulus (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) against Acacia cyclops.

Several Australian tree species have become highly invasive and important weeds in South Africa. Biological control programmes have been launched against several species including: Acacia longifolia (Andr.) Willd. , A. pycnantha Benth. , A. cyclops A. Cunn. ex G. Don, A. mearnsii De Wild. , A. melanoxylon R.Br. , A. dealbata Link, and Paraserianthes lophanta (Willd.) Nielsen, (using gall-forming and seed-feeding herbivorous insects); and A. saligna (Labill.) H.L. Wendl. (using a fungal pathogen). The subject of this paper is the recent finding that Melanterius ? servulus Pascoe, a seed-feeding weevil which became established on A. cyclops in South Africa in 1994, has now proliferated at most of the release sites in the south-western part of the Western Cape Province. Feeding damage by the adult and larval weevils destroys up to 95% of the seeds on A. cyclops. Three factors have been identified that may influence the effectiveness of M. servulus as a biological control agent, namely: (i) limited dispersal abilities of the weevils; (ii) interference by birds, a native alydid bug and rodents which also feed on the A. cyclops seeds; and (iii) asynchrony in the phenologies of the weevils and their host plant.
TETRALOGY OF FALLOT: REPORT OF TWO CASES IN OUTPATIENT PRACTICE

Tetralogy of Fallot or Tetras Fallot is a congenital heart disease with cyanosis, which involves four associated anomalies of the heart. As physicians in primary health care of children, we treat and monitor the growth and development of children at risk with special attention. Among them are also the children with tetralogy of Fallot. The aim of this report was to present and compare postnatal status of two children with tetralogy of Fallot. We presented the girl and a boy, approximately the same age, operated at the same surgical clinic. Both patients were without hereditary load. The girl had a milder clinical course without complications. The boy had associated anomalies, cerebrovascular insult, and a reoperation. After complete surgical correction of congenital heart disease, both children are progressing and developing within the normal range for age. ECG of both children showed the signs of right bundle branch block. Our mission is to continue to closely monitor these children and react in case of complications or worsening of recent findings. Key words: Tetralogy of Fallot, postnatal course, pediatric patient, outpatient care
Effect of different planting methods and nitrogen levels on the growth, yield and quality of kharif maize (Zea mays L.)

The field experiment entitled “Effect of different planting methods and nitrogen levels on the growth, yield and quality of kharif maize (Zea mays L.)” was conducted at the experimental area, maize section, Department of Plant Breeding and Genetics, Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana during kharif 2015. The crop was sown on June 22, 2015 and harvested on October 7, 2015. The soil was loamy sand, normal with respect to electrical conductivity and pH, low in organic carbon and available nitrogen but medium in available phosphorus and available potash. The field experiment was comprised of 15 treatment combinations with three main plot treatments (flat sowing, ridge sowing and bed planting) and five nitrogen levels as sub plot treatments (0, 90, 120, 150 and 180 kg N ha). The experiment was laid out in a split plot design with four replications. Among different planting methods, bed planting produced significantly higher growth and yield attributes of kharif maize as compared to flat sowing method. Maximum grain yield of 58.5 q ha -1 was recorded in bed planting methods which was statistically at par with ridge sowing method (57.3 q ha) but was significantly higher than that recorded under flat sowing (52.6 q ha -1 ). Different planting methods did not significantly influence the protein content, total sugars, starch content, oil content, βcarotene, total carotenoids and total minerals in maize grains. Maximum nitrogen uptake in grains (115.3 kg ha -1 ) and stover (40.4 kg ha -1 ) was observed under bed planting which was at par with ridge sowing method but significantly higher than flat sowing method. Among nitrogen levels, 150 kg N ha gave significantly higher grain yield over 120, 90 and control but at par with 180 kg N ha -1 . Similar trend was also observed for growth and yield attributing characters viz; plant height, LAI, DMA, leaf chlorophyll content, number of grains per cob, cob length etc. The quality parameters such as protein content, total sugars, starch content, oil content, βcarotene, total carotenoids and total minerals were not significantly influenced by different planting methods however; application of 180 kg N ha recorded significantly higher protein content and total minerals but showed significant reduction in the total sugars as compared to all other N levels except 150 kg N ha -1 .
Web Service Discovery with UDDI Based on Semantic Similarity of Service Properties

The wide adoption of web services raises the challenging problem of service discovery. UDDI has the limitation of lack of semantic inference support, and the search mechanism based on keyword and categorization information leads to a limited performance. The problem can be addressed by a semantic approach for service matching based on semantic similarity of service properties. To integrate the matching mechanism into UDDI, we propose a semantic matchmaker system. We present the architecture of the system and demonstrate the key process for service discovery.
Principal leadership and its impact on student discipline in Kenyan secondary schools : a case of Koibatek district

This paper attempts to establish the relationship between leadership approach and students’ discipline in secondary schools. A descriptive survey design was adopted to obtain data allowing the accurate description of situations or relationships in schools in Koibatek District. The study targeted principals, teachers and students in the schools; the results are presented in form of descriptive statistical techniques. The study found that principals frequently or sometimes involve other stakeholders, particularly teachers, students and to some extent parents, in the management of their schools They communicate clearly to students but frequently retain the final authority over most issues. The study found the existence of a significant relationship between leadership approach and student discipline. It is recommended that principals embrace democratic leadership in their capacities as school leaders by involving teachers, students and other stakeholders in decision making processes.
Evaluation of the antihepatotoxic effect of Argemone mexicana leaf extracts against CCl4-induced hepatic injury in rats

The leaves of Argemone mexicana L. (Papaveraceae) are used in traditional medicine in Burkina Faso to treat a variety of diseases. In the “Cascades” region, many people use the leaves of the plant for the treatment of liver ailment. An aqueous extract and a crude leaf powder suspension were tested for their antihepatotoxic action against CCl4-induced hepatitis in Wistar rats. The aqueous extract (250 mg/kg, p.o.) and the crude leaf powder suspension (250 mg/kg, p.o.), orally administered, significantly attenuated the elevation of serum enzymes (GOT, GPT, ALKP) and direct bilirubin (Dbil) induced by CCl4 intoxication in rats. These actions were comparable to that of silymarin used as reference substance. For the acute toxicity test any mortality was seen at doses up to 2500 mg/kg. KEYWORDS: Argemone mexicana , antihepatotoxic, hepatoprotective, aqueous extract.
Anatomy of the very tiny: First description of the head skeleton of the rare South American catfish sarcoglanis simplex (Siluriformes: Trichomycteridae)

The osteology of Sarcoglanis simplex, a rare, miniature South American catfish, is described for the first time based on a single, 17 mm adult specimen that was both cleared and Alizarin-stained, and visualized with microfocus computed tomography (MicroCT). Previously, the internal skeletal features of this species could be predicted based only on conditions observed in its closest relatives within the subfamily Sarcoglanidinae of the Trichomycteridae. The relatively new MicroCT technique successfully revealed fine details of the skeletal morphology of this tiny fish. As predicted, Sarcoglanis shares with Stauroglanis, Stenolicmus, Malacoglanis, Microcambeva, and Ammoglanis an anterior ossification of the palatine and a large posteriorly directed dorsal process on the quadrate. Contrary to predictions, however, the mesethmoid of Sarcoglanis does not have the distal ends of the cornua distinctly wider than at their bases, and the anterior margin of the mesethmoid is not convex.
The Board of Directors as a Team: Investigating the Influence of Shared Leadership on Board Task Performance.

This theoretical paper aims to contribute to the promising stream of research which focuses on behavioural perspectives and processes within the corporate board, by delving into one of the research areas perhaps plagued most by the well-known methodological (i.e., input-output studies) and theoretical (i.e., agency theory) research fortresses of past board studies: board leadership. In adopting a team approach to the board of directors, our study goes beyond traditional board leadership research, which has turned a blind eye on actual leadership dynamics and has solely focused on structural leadership characteristics, by examining leadership processes and interactions inside the board team. Specifically, we develop a conceptual framework addressing a relatively novel team leadership conceptualization, i.e., shared leadership, which has been demonstrated to result in performance benefits in a wide range of team settings. Given that no individual is likely to possess all of the necessary capabilities to lead the board of directors to goal attainment in every instance imaginable, the key proposition this paper puts forward is that such a mutual and fluid influence process in which directors take on leadership roles in accordance with the unique competences they bring to the boardroom table will lead to a more efficient use of the resources and expertise present within the team, resulting in superior board control and service task performance. In the remainder of the framework, a number of board characteristics (i.e., CEO duality, board diversity and board size) which may hinder or promote the existence of shared leadership in a board context are elaborated upon, indicating that the way the team of directors is designed serves as an important determinant of its functioning. In sum, this paper adds to corporate governance literature by providing insight as to how actual leadership processes, instead of just leadership structure, come into play in board decision-making and consequently impact board effectiveness.
Neck, Back, and Shoulder Pain Complaints in Urban Firefighters: The Benefits of Aerobic Exercise

Objectives: The goals of this investigation were to document the prevalence of, and the risk factors for, neck, back, and shoulder [NBS] muscle pain in urban firefighters. Methods: A sample of employed urban firefighters [N = 382] completed surveys documenting the frequency of their NBS pain complaints [past week] and their health habits. Results: Nearly 80 percent of the firefighter respondents reported at least one NBS pain complaint. Reported frequency of aerobic exercise was significantly and negatively correlated with the respondents' NBS pain complaints. Conclusions: Urban firefighters, who have high rates of injury and an elevated risk of regional body pain symptoms, may benefit from regular aerobic exercise.
Analysis of historical observations of Fennoscandian Lesser Whitefronted Geese Anser erythropus in Sweden and West Palearctic.

Recent telemetry studies and older Finnish studies have purported that the remnants of the Fen-noscandian Lesser White-fronted Goose population (currently estimated at about 20 breeding pairs) first migrate east to the Kanin Peninsula or the mouth of Ob river, and even as far as the eastern part of the Taimyr Peninsula to moult. Subsequently, they migrate via northern Russia and the Baltic States to eastern Germany and from there via Hungary to Greece. It has also been suggested that the birds of the re-established Swedish Lesser White-front Goose population were imprinted on a completely new migratory route by their Barnacle Goose foster-parents. To study if this view is correct, historical literature sources as well as observations of Lesser White-fronted Geese in Sweden were collected and analysed. To exclude birds of the re-established Swedish population only data of the period 1900 – 1981 were used. A total of 353 observations of more than 3,600 individuals were collected and analysed. These data were insufficient to delineate exact migration routes within the Atlantic flyway, south of the former breeding range. Regular occurrence at frequently checked sites, and numbers involved as well, still in the 1960s, strongly indicated, however, that such routes have existed. Consequently, there is no scientific basis to state that the Swedish re-established Lesser White-fronted Geese follow an unnatural migration route. Instead, it is likely that these birds revived a traditional migration route.
Feasibility of Friction Stir Welding for Joining and Microstructure Refinement in a ZK60 Magnesium Alloy

Feasibility of FSW to produce defect-free welds and for microstructure refinement in a ZK60 magnesium alloy has been examined over wide ranges of rotational and welding speeds. The results showed that joined-state was affected very much by the thickness of plates to be joined: for ‘‘thin’’ 3-mm thick plates, FSW was successful in a relatively wide range of welding conditions, whereas all ‘‘thick’’ 6-mm welds were found to be defective irrespective of rotational and welding speeds used. We have demonstrated that FSW is a very effective tool for microstructure refinement in the ZK60 alloy plates: A coarse, mm-scale, original grain structure was efficiently refined down to fine-grained range. It appears that second-phase particles containing Zr play an important role in the grain refinement. [doi:10.2320/matertrans.MRA2007177]
Advies van de commissie van economische deskundigen over de CPB studie "Economisch optimale waterveiligheid in het IJsselmeergebied"

Het Centraal Planbureau heeft met de studie 'Economisch optimale waterveiligheid in het IJsselmeergebied' een belangrijke stap vooruit gezet in het onderzoek naar waterveiligheid. Het is een indrukwekkende studie waarin zeer veel hydrologische en economische kennis op een prachtige manier wordt samengebracht. Met name het meenemen van afhankelijkheden in de overstromingskansen van dijken is een belangrijke innovatie. Het ontwikkelde model Diqe-opt is een vernieuwend en zeer nuttig instrument. Op hoofdlijnen zijn een goede vraagstelling, geschikte methoden en de best mogelijke gegevens gebruikt. Deze conclusies trekt een commissie van economische deskundigen in een second opinion. De commissie heeft tevens de studie begeleid tijdens de uitvoering. Voorzitter van de commissie was SEO-onderzoeksdirecteur prof.dr. Carl Koopmans. De leden waren prof.dr. Ekko van Ierland (WUR), prof.dr. Piet Rietveld (VU) en prof.dr. Anne van der Veen (Universiteit Twente).
Relaxed competition during winter may explain the coexistence of two sympatric Microtus species

Root voles (Microtus oeconomus) are competitively superior during summer and locally displace field voles (M. agrestis). Since the two species co-exist in many areas, competition may be relaxed or reversed during winter. To assess the competitive interaction during winter, we used PIT tags to study activity patterns and home range overlap of the two species in two enclosures with food-supplemented and non-supplemented plots during the winter of 2002-2003. Additionally, we established single species systems of root-vole and field-vole populations in the winter of 2004. Home-range size was smaller and activity lower in field voles than in root voles, and food supplementation caused an increase in activity in both species. Activity and home-range size in either species was not affected by the presence of the other. Despite the different activity patterns of the two species, home range overlap between field voles and root voles did not differ from random in the food-supplemented plots. In the non-supplemented plots daily overlap was higher than expected. As predicted, we were not able to detect any interference competition between field and root voles during winter. This supports our hypothesis that coexistence between the two may be caused by relaxed contest competition during winter.