Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Visual Methodologies in Qualitative Research

Introduction: Visual methodologies are a collection of methods used to understand and interpret images. These methods have been used for a long time in anthropology and sociology; however, they are a relatively new way to research for the majority of disciplines, especially health research. Two effective visual methodologies that could be used in health research are autophotography and photo elicitation. Autophotography: Autophotography is asking participants to take photographs of their environment and then using the photographs as actual data. Autophotography captures the world through the participant’s eyes with subsequent knowledge production. Photo Elicitation: Photo elicitation is using photographs or other visual mediums in an interview to generate verbal discussion to create data and knowledge. Different layers of meaning can be discovered as this method evokes deep emotions, memories, and ideas. Photo elicitation interviews contribute to trustworthiness and rigor of the findings through member checking. Mental Health Research: This article aims to describe the use of autophotography and photo elicitation to compare people with clinically diagnosed depression and people without depression and their ideas about sources of meaning in life and beliefs about the meaning of life. The analytical approach incorporates eight steps. Firstly, data analysis began during the interviews, then came organizing the data, coding the data, structured analysis, detailed analysis, interpretative analysis, creating themes, and the write-up. The steps taken to ensure trustworthiness were Shenton’s credibility, transferability, confirmability, and dependability. This method is a new, innovative, and viable method for mental health researchers.
The Effect of Human Resource Management (HRM) Practices in Service-Oriented Organizational Citizenship Behaviour (OCB): Case of Telecommunications and Internet Service Providers in Malaysia

In the human resource management-organizational performance research context, this paper is focusing on the effect of Human Resource Management (HRM) practices (pay practice, job security, training and development, supervisor support) on service-oriented Organizational Citizenship Behaviour (OCB) in Malaysian telecommunication and internet service providers. A quantitative study was conducted on 204 customer-contact employees who working in telecommunications and internet service providers in Malaysia. Correlation analysis and multiple regression analysis were applied to analyse the relationships between HRM practices and service-oriented OCB. The results indicate that, job security, training and development, supervisor support and overall perceptions of HRM practices have positive and significant effect on service-oriented OCB with the exception for pay practice.
Wildlife‐friendly oil palm plantations fail to protect biodiversity effectively

Expansion of agriculture is a principal driver of biodiversity losses in the tropics, prompting suggestions that plantations should be made more hospitable to wildlife. Such “wildlife‐friendly” practices contrast with the alternative “land sparing” strategy, which promotes separation of agricultural and conservation areas. Focusing on the wildlife‐friendly strategy of retaining fragments of forest within the agricultural matrix, here we report the abundance and diversity of birds within oil palm plantations, fragments, and contiguous forest. Abundances of imperiled bird species were 60 times lower in fragments and 200 times lower in oil palm than in contiguous forest. Forest fragments also did not increase bird abundances in adjacent oil palm, had lower species richness than contiguous forest, and had an avifaunal composition that was more similar to oil palm than to contiguous forest. Therefore, from a conservation perspective, any investment in the retention of fragments would be better directed toward the protection of contiguous forest.
In situ measurements of volatile organic compounds in a boreal forest

We present biogenic VOC, including sesquiter- penes, measurements at the SMEAR II station (Station For Measuring Forest Ecosystem-Atmosphere Relations) in Fin- land using an in situ gas chromatograph mass-spectrometer with 2 h time resolution. The measurements were conducted over the period October 2010-October 2011, at least one week every month. To our knowledge there are no earlier species-speciated semi-continuous BVOC data also covering dormant periods. This was also the first time sesquiterpene mixing ratios were measured in a boreal forest. During the winter months, and still in March, the mix- ing ratios of all biogenic compounds were very low, most of the time below detection limits. The monoterpene mixing ratios increased in April and started to show diurnal variabil- ity, with maximum mixing ratio at night and minima dur- ing the day. The diurnal variability continued until October, after which the mixing ratios decreased and then only oc- casional episodes took place. The diurnal variation was af- fected by boundary layer height. Sesquiterpene mixing ra- tios were very low, only a few ppt. The main sesquiterpenes were longifolene and isolongifolene. The diurnal variation of isoprene was opposite to the mono- and sesquiterpene diur- nal curve due to isoprene's light dependent emissions. Due to its daytime maximum mixing ratios, isoprene also domi- nated hydroxyl radical reactivity in summer even though our isoprene measurements are underestimates due to a break- through in a cold trap.
Cost overruns in public infrastructure projects: Re-evaluating procurement in an era of digitization

A case study is used to examine the cost performance of 67 public sector infrastructure projects delivered by a contractor. Change orders were found to contribute to a 23.75% increase in project costs. A positive association between an increase in change orders and the contractor’s margin was identified. Taxpayers pay for this additional cost, while those charged with constructing assets are rewarded with an increase in their margins. As the public sector embraces an era of digitization, there is a need to improve the integration of design and construction activities and engender collaboration to ensure assets can be delivered cost effectively and future-proofed. The research paper provides empirical evidence for the public sector to re-consider the processes that are used to deliver their infrastructure assets, in order to reduce the propensity for cost overruns and enable future-proofing to occur.
DISTRIBUTION AND ABUNDANCE OF MONITOR LIZARDS (Varanus spp.) IN HUMAN HABITATIONS OF SOUTH WEST BENGAL: PEOPLE'S TRADITION OF COEXISTING WITH WILDLIFE.

Modern conservation efforts are mostly concerned with wildlife living in forests and other natural habitats and are based upon isolating them from human contacts as much as possible. This actually ignores long tradition in India and other parts of the world of common people coexisting with wildlife for generations. In this study, we document the coexistence patterns of three species of monitor lizards with the people in the village ecosystems of southern West Bengal, India. All three are enlisted in the Schedule I of the Indian Wildlife Protection Act. Their distribution range and abundance patterns are mapped. Complementary pattern of their distributions along with considerable separation of habitat and feeding niches seem to indicate minimized ecological competition among them thus favouring their coexistence. The traditional land use patterns in the village ecosystems provide enough adaptable habitats and food niches for them to survive. Of course, their survival deep inside human habitats depends ultimately on the pro-conservation cultural traditions of local people as revealed by the survey of people's perceptions and attitude towards local monitor populations. Most of the people (>80% to >90%) interviewed wanted them to continue living around them for beneficial roles like natural predator of snake populations and cleansing the surroundings by scavenging on carcasses, as well as for being traditional neighbours.
Jacks of All Trades and Masters of None: Audiences' Reactions to Spanning Genres in Feature Film Production

Through analyses of audience reception of U.S.-produced feature film projects from the period 2000–2003, I develop insight into the trade-off assumed in organizational ecology theory between an organization's niche width and its fitness. This assumption, termed the principle of allocation, holds that the greater the diversity in regions of resource space targeted by an organization, the lower the organization's capacity to perform well within them. Using data at both the professional critic and consumer levels, I demonstrate the empirical validity of this principle: films targeting more genres attract larger audiences but are less appealing to those audience members. Moreover, I find that audiences' perceptions of a film's fit with targeted genres drive this trade-off, as multi-genre films are difficult for audiences to make sense of, leading to poor fit with tastes and lowered appeal. These findings highlight the key role audiences' perceptions play in the trade-offs associated with different niche strategies.
The freezing point of raw and heat treated sheep milk and its variation during lactation

The freezing point of milk is an important indicator of the adulteration of the milk with water, but heat treatment may also affect its value. The aim of this study was determine freezing point of raw and heat treated sheep milk and its variation during lactation. The freezing point was determined in 42 bulk tank raw sheep milk samples and 42 pasteurized milk samples collected during lactation of sheep at one ecofarm in Moravian Walachia (Valassko in the Czech Republic). The freezing point was determined in accordance with the standard CSN 57 0538 using a thermistor cryoscope. The average freezing point of raw milk was -0.617 ± 0.052 °C, with a range from -0.560 to -0.875 °C. The freezing point was lower in the first months of lactation and increased at the end of lactation. The freezing point correlated (r = 0.8967) with the content of total non-fat solids. The average freezing point of sheep milk pasteurized at 65 °C for 30 min was -0.614 ± 0.053 °C, with a range from -0.564 to -0.702 °C. The median of freezing point differences between raw and pasteurized milk was 0.004 °C. Our study extends data about physico-chemical properties of sheep milk and registers for the first time specific changes in the freezing point value of sheep milk by heating.
X-ray induced mass loss effects on exoplanets orbiting dM stars

Aims. We study the influence of the X-ray luminosity distribution of dM stars on mass loss from planets on close-in orbits. Methods. Using the X-ray luminosity of the Pleiades, the Hyades, and field dM stars, we construct a scaling law for the radiation environment of dM stars for ages between 0.1 and 10 Gyr. An energy-limited escape approach is used to calculate the influence of thermal mass loss on planetary distribution functions. Results. We show that the X-ray luminosity distribution of nearby dM stars can be described by using a scaling law derived from observations of open clusters with a given age. It is shown that the X-ray flux from dM stars is significantly less than the flux from dG stars for a given orbital distance. Therefore, loss processes have less of an impact on the mass evolution of planets orbiting dM stars. We found that the mass loss is negligible for hydrogen-rich Jupiter-mass planets at orbits >0.02 AU, while Neptune-mass planets are influenced up to 0.05 AU. At orbits of 0.02 AU, Roche lobe effects are also having a strong impact on the mass-loss evolution. Because of the low mass of dM stars, Roche lobe effects are less effective for loss processes at planets orbiting these stars. Finally, if we use only the X-ray luminosity of their host stars for the energy input to the atmosphere, we obtain a lower limit for the mass loss of GJ876d and GJ674b. This does not allow us to conclude whether they are remnants of eroded Jupiter-mass planets.
The development and evaluation of a flexible training course: "Understanding and developing compassion"

Compassion is becoming a focus for psycho-educational training courses and has been linked to better education and employment outcomes. Higher education can be a stressful period and is often a time when mental wellbeing difficulties develop. The aim of this study was to develop and evaluate a compassion focused therapy training course for use within the higher education context. The course was evaluated in the short and medium term using self-report questionnaires measuring self-compassion, self-criticism, academic selfefficacy, and psychological distress, as well as interviews. A small sample size (n=9) limited the interpretation of findings. Improvements in self-compassion, self-criticism, and academic selfefficacy were observed both immediately, at a six-month follow-up. However, a small increase in psychological distress was also observed. The training course was acceptable to all participants, with practice and feedback from all participants being the elements cited as most useful. Further research, with a larger sample size, which examines the impact of compassion focused training on academic grades and wellbeing is required.
Consumer adoption of Electrical Vehicles; based on knowledge of different sorts and their relation to the environment

Electrical Vehicles (EV) are not yet adopted by a large public, even though they have the potential to reduce CO2 emission when adopted by them. However, not all potential users are aware of this, just as there they do not all have knowledge of different sorts of EVs (PHEV and BEV) and their impact on the environment. In this study 16 semi-structured interviews were conducted with potential users to find out how this knowledge relates to the intention to adopt EVs. This study used a persona technique. The results of this study imply that there are three personas. Namely one of them with much knowledge of EVs a positive stand towards EVs. The second persona has moderate knowledge and is more or less positive to EVs. The last one lacks knowledge on the different sorts of EVs and their relation to the environment, and therefore has no intention to adopt an EV. This concludes to two potential adopters and one non-adopter.
Urinary iodine excretion in urine samples among children in Dang district, Gujarat

Background: Iodine is an essential micronutrient required for normal human growth and development as it is needed for the synthesis of thyroid hormones produced by thyroid glands. The sicknesses occurred due to deficiencies of iodine in the nutrition are termed iodine deficiency disorders. Urinary iodine concentration is the prime indicator of a person’s nutritional iodine status. So, the aim of this study was to assess the status of iodine deficiency based on median urinary iodine excretion. Methods: Community based cross sectional study was carried out among purposively selected primary schools of the Dang district. All students between the age group of 6 to 12 years who were present on the day of visit were included in the study. A total 387 urine samples were collected during the period of August 2015 to September 2016. Results: Based on median urinary iodine excretion, among total analysed samples, about 6.5% samples confirmed severe iodine deficiency, 22% samples showed moderate iodine deficiency and about 36% samples indicated mild iodine deficiency. About one third (31.3%) samples suggested optimum iodine intake. Only few samples (4.4%) revealed more than required iodine intake. Conclusions: About one third (31.3%) of the surveyed population had adequate iodine intake while majority (64.4%) of them had inadequate iodine intake.
Imprints of Chameleon f(R) Gravity on Galaxy Rotation Curves

Current constraints on gravity are relatively weak on galactic and intergalactic scales. Screened modified gravity models can exhibit complex behaviour there without violating stringent tests of gravity within our Solar System. They might hence provide viable extensions of the theory of gravity. Here, we use galaxy kinematics to constrain screened modified gravity models. We focus on chameleon f(R) gravity and predict its impact on galaxy rotation curves and radial acceleration relations. This is achieved by post-processing state-of-the-art galaxy formation simulations from the AURIGA PROJECT, using the MG-GADGET code. For a given galaxy, the surface dividing screened and un-screened regions adopts an oblate shape, reflecting the disc morphology of the galaxy’s mass distribution. At the ‘screening radius’ – the radius at which screening is triggered in the disc plane – characteristic ‘upturns’ are present in both rotation curves and radial acceleration relations. The locations of these features depend on various factors, such as the galaxy mass, the concentration of the density profile, and the value of the background field amplitude f¯R0⁠. Self-screening of stars and environmental screening also play a role. For Milky Way-size galaxies, we find that a model with |f¯R0|=10−7 results in rotation curves that are indistinguishable from ΛCDM, while for |f¯R0|≥2×10−6 the simulated galaxies are entirely unscreened, violating Solar System constraints. For intermediate values, distinct upturns are present. With a careful statistical analysis of existing samples of observed rotation curves, including lower mass objects, constraints on f(R) gravity with a sensitivity down to |f¯R0|∼10−7 should be possible.
Detection of Yersinia pestis DNA in human bubo aspirates in Tanzania

The use of molecular techniques to detect Yersinia pestis has enabled remarkable progress in the provision of necessary information on the occurrence of plague. In Tanzania, despite the long history of plague, DNA confirmation on the presence of Y. pestis in human specimens has not been done. This study was conducted in Mbulu district in Northern Tanzania where plague outbreaks have recently been reported. Nine human bubo specimens were investigated for Y. pestis plasminogen activator gene by using polymerase chain reaction (PCR), and two were found to be positive. The two positive amplicons, together with three previously obtained PCR positive rodent samples, were sequenced using a 3130 genetic analyzer and then compared with those available in GenBank by basic local alignment search tool (BLAST). All sequences obtained from both human and rodent samples showed 99% sequence similarity to Y. pestis plasmid pPCP1, detected from ancient DNA, confirming the presence of Y. pestis in humans that possibly sourced from rodents in Tanzania.
Ontogenesis of the parasitic mite Varroa jacobsoni on Syrian Honey Bees, Apis mellifera syriaca

Abstract The reproductive behaviour of the mite Varroa jacobsoni was investigated during the summer months in Apis mellifera syriaca colonies in Irbid, Jordan. Reproductive rates for mites reaching adulthood were estimated by examining the progeny of the female mother mites in worker and drone cells. The proportions of non-reproducing mites in the worker and drone brood were 9.8% and 4.9%, respectively. The reproductive rate was 2.72 for mites in worker cells and 3.35 for mites in drone cells. The percentage of infested brood with adult mite daughters was 43.9 % for worker and 55% for drone broods. The rate for females reaching adulthood from each original female mite was 0.75 for worker and 1.41 for drone brood.
CORPORATE GOVERNANCE MECHANISMS AND FIRM FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE IN

Recent global events concerning high-profile corporate failures have put back on the policy agenda and intensified debate on the efficacy of corporate governance mechanisms as a means of increasing firm financial performance. This study attempts to address this question using pooled ordinary least squares regression analysis for a sample of 93 firms quoted on the Nigerian Stock Exchange for the period 1996-1999. While making a case for a board size of ten and for concentrated as opposed to diffused equity ownership, the results argue for the separation of the posts of Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and Chair. Moreover, although the results find no evidence to support the idea that boards with a higher proportion of outside directors perform better than other firms, there is evidence that firms run by expatriate CEOs tend to achieve higher levels of performance than those run by indigenous CEOs. In the main, the results are consistent with existing literature, but there is need to err on the side of caution in any attempt to generalize the findings as the sample selection was determined by the availability of data rather than by any probability criterion.
Antiviral activity of selected essential oils and terpenes

Essential oils, originating from medicinal plants are known for their antiviral properties and have been used in the traditional medicine for many thousand years. Many studies report the in vitro antiviral activity of essential oils and their components. Most of them are tested on herpes simplex virus type 1 and type 2 and influenza virus and exhibit a high antiviral effect. Especially, essential oils from Artemisia Arborescens, Eucalyptus globulus, Leptospermum scoparum, Melaleuca alternifolia, Melissa officinalis, Mentha piperita, Salvia officinalis and Santolina insularis are featured with these properties. Some essential oils, which are mainly used as spices demonstrate a high level of activity against herpes simplex virus type 1. These are essential oils from Allium cepa, Allium sativum, Corriandrum sativum, Ocimum basilicum, Oreganum vulgare and Petroselinum sativum. Essential oils from Cynanchum stautonii and Melaleuca alternifolia demonstrate a significant activity against influenza virus. Monosubstances like isoborneol, eugenol, α-terpinene, γ-terpinene and αpinene are effective against herpes simplex virus. In addition, essential oils from Hyossopus officinalis, Leptospermum scoparum, Santalum insularis, Thymus vulgare and Zingiber officinale are also effective against acyclovir resistant viruses. These are only some examples of potential antiviral agents, among the essential oils and their main components which are promising and therefore further evaluations in this field seem to be promising.
Environmental Contamination and Assessment of Heavy Metals in Water, Sediments and Shrimp of Red Sea Coast of Jizan, Saudi Arabia

The study was conducted to assess heavy metals concentrations in water, sediment and white shrimp (Liptopenaeus vannamei) of Red Sea, Jizan, Saudi Arabia, using ICP-MS. The concentrations of heavy metals in water were above the recommended drinking water standards setup by the WHO/USEPA (World Health Organization/United States Environmental Protection Agency). However the concentrations of heavy metals in sediment and white leg shrimp were lower than the recommended levels proposed by WHO/USEPA, except Cr level in shrimp muscle. The level of contamination degree (Cd) and modified contamination degree (mCd) indicated ‘low’ and ‘very low’ degree of contamination respectively. Pollution load index (PLI) of the studied area was lower than unity, indicated no pollution. Furthermore, a toxic response factor was applied to determine the potential ecological risk index (RI) of these heavy metals into the water body. The results of this study exhibited a low potential ecological risk of heavy metals.