Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Development of Auditory Memory and Sequencing Test for Marathi Speaking Children

Objectives: Aims of the study were to develop test material for evaluation of auditory memory and sequencing in Marathi; to compare scores in children across the age and among children with and without symptoms of Central auditory processing disorders (CAPD). Methods: The test material consisted of 20 sequences. The number of words in a sequence ranged from three to eight. All tokens were audio recorded and played through a laptop computer. The participants were instructed to repeat the words heard in the same sequence. Data were collected from a total of 60 typically developing children, in the age range of 5 to 5;11; 6 to 6;11 and 7 to 7;11years. Twelve children with symptoms of CAPD, were compared with typically developing children. The responses were scored using two scoring methods. In Method I, which is based on Yathiraj and Vijayalakshmi (2006) and in Method II, memory and sequencing span was determined based on the recommendation of Vaidyanath and Yathiraj (2014). Results: Results of item analysis suggest that the developed auditory memory and sequencing test has good reliability. There was no significant effect of gender, whereas significant age effect was observed for auditory memory and sequencing scores as well as span, there was a difference in the trend. Children with CAPD had poor auditory memory and sequencing score and span, however a significant difference was observed in some age groups while it was not observed in other age groups. Auditory sequencing score and span could identify more number of children with CAPD. Conclusion: Auditory memory and sequencing test has good internal consistency and reliability. Significant age effect for both auditory memory and sequencing was observed for 5 to 8 year old children. There was no gender effect. Children with symptoms of CAPD showed poor performance on these tests. The results obtained varied depending on the methods of scoring. Auditory sequencing task was more difficult than auditory memory both in typically developing children and those with symptoms of CAPD.
01 Alan Barrett article_ESRI Vol 42-1

We estimate the impact of immigration on the wages of natives in Ireland applying the technique proposed by Borjas (2003). Under this method, the labour market is divided into a number of skill cells, where the cells are defined by groups with similar ages and levels of education (or age and occupation). Regression analysis is then employed to assess whether the average wages of natives across skill cells is affected by the share of immigrants across cells. When the cells are based on education/age, our results suggest a negative relationship between native wages and immigrant shares. However, the opposite appears to hold when the cells are based on occupation/age. These contradictory findings suggest that care should be exercised when applying this method as inaccurate impressions of the impact of immigration on wages may arise.
Comparative performance studies of indium and gold-tin packaged diode laser bars

This paper is mainly dedicated to a short-time scale reliability study of different packages applied to the same type of laser diode bars: indium and gold-tin packaged laser bars are operated in cw hard-pulse mode with increasing currents until their destruction. The destruction currents serve as guide values for long-time aging tests that should be performed at lower currents. Gold-tin packaged diode lasers turn out to have clearly higher destruction currents in hard-pulse mode. This result is underlined by long-time aging tests at appropriate currents.
Systems Theory and Complexity: A Potential Tool for Radical Analysis or the Emerging Social Paradigm for the Internationalised Market Economy?

The aim of this paper is to critically assess the claims of systems theory and complexity in the analysis of social change and particularly to examine the view that—if certain conditions are met—both could potentially be useful tools for radical analysis. The conclusion drawn from this analysis is that, although systems theory and complexity are useful tools in the natural sciences in which they offer many useful insights, they are much less useful in social sciences and indeed are incompatible, both from the epistemological point of view and that of their content, with a radical analysis aiming at systemic change towards an inclusive democracy.
Chemical Composition of Scavenging Feed Resource of Indigenous Chickens

The study was conducted to evaluate the chemical composition of scavenging indigenous chickens feed resource base in three kebeles from Seka Chekorsa district of Jimma Zone during the dry period. A total of 60 chickens were randomly selected at the end of the scavenging hours, slaughtered and eviscerated for physical examination and crop content analysis. The crop content was subjected to chemical analysis. The results revealed that the indigenous chickens feed resource contain, cereal grains (38%), kitchen wastes (15%), green forage (17%) and insects/worms (30%) showed variation among individual birds slaughtered. The mean fresh weight of crop contents was about 22 and 20 g for pullets and cockerels, respectively, with the corresponding mean dry matter content of 94±0.71 and 92±0.4%, respectively. The mean percentage composition of crude protein, ether extract, crude fiber, nitrogen free extract and total ash of the crop content was 10.46±2.63, 4.11±0.55, 11.92±5.19, 22.86±3 and 44.73±7.8, respectively for pullets and 9.16±1.58, 3.74±0.71, 11.07±7.63, 22.15±2,47 and 46±9.82, respectively for cockerels. Calcium and phosphorus content of the crop content was found to be 1.26±0.59 and 0.66±0.13 for pullets and 0.73±0.32 and 0.68±0.04 for cockerels, respectively. The metabolizable energy of the crop content was 2023±397.6 and 2082.8±854.5 kcal kg G 1 DM for pullets and cockerels, respectively. Therefore, the scavenging feed resource of indigenous chickens in the district is inadequate in quantity and deficient in all the nutrients required. Consequently, supplementary daily basic poultry ration required to enhance poultry production in the district.
Integration of Smallholders in Modern Agri-food Chains: Lessons from the KASCOL Model in Zambia

The Kaleya Smallholders Company Limited (KASCOL) model has been considered in Zambia a success in increasing smallholders’ participation, ownership and governance in an agri-food val-ue chain. This study explores if and why this was a successful experience. The evidence gathered revealed that along its thirty years of existence, the model was able to grow the smallholder ownership and governance role. Although the context, governance structures and managerial competence were necessary factors in the sustainability of the model, the variables related to social capital were key determinants for the long term successful inclusion of the smallholders.
ELECTRICAL AND TOPOLOGICAL CHARACTERIZATION OF THIN FILM TRANSISTORS BASED ON A NOVEL ORGANIC SEMICONDUCTOR FOR BIOSENSING APPLICATIONS

OF THE THESIS ELECTRICAL AND TOPOLOGICAL CHARACTERIZATION OF THIN FILM TRANSISTORS BASED ON A NOVEL ORGANIC SEMICONDUCTOR FOR BIOSENSING APPLICATIONS By: SALAHEDDIN SOMMAKIA Thesis Director: Prof. Yves J. Chabal The design of sensors capable of detecting various analytes has important biosensing applications ranging from medical diagnostics to air quality monitoring. Organicbased semiconductors are being promoted as biosensors for their cost-effectiveness, facility of fabrication and potential for reaction to many analytes. This study aims to characterize the electrical performance and topology of thin film transistors (TFTs) based on a novel semiconducting molecule with a conjugated phenyl-thiophene core, 55’-bis-4-(6-hydroxyhexyloxy)-phenyl-2-2’-bithiophene (or HOC6PTTPC6OH for short). Electrical measurements show that working TFTs can be fabricated from this novel material and exhibit consistent transistor performance. Atomic Force Microscopy reveals a polycrystalline structure with distinct grains separated by crevices, the degree of which depends on the deposition process. The electrical performance (measured by the field effect mobility) is shown to depend on the topology, and therefore on the details of film deposition. Based on these findings, possible improvements to the fabrication method to optimize electrical performance and sensing response are discussed with relation to future studies on these devices as alcohol vapor sensors, and potentially, as DNA sensors.
Assessment of the Digestibility of Probiotic Treated Rice Straw Using In Vitro Gas ProductionTechnique

A study was conducted to find out the effect of probiotic treated rice straw on chemical composition, total digestible nutrients, the fractional rate of degradation characteristics and in vitro gas production. Seven commercial probiotics (P1, P2, P3, P4, P5, P6 and P7) were used to treat rice straw. Probiotic treatment improved CP content. The response to urea treatment on CP content almost doubled the CP content of untreated straw. Trichoderma sp. and Aspergillus sp. also increased the CP content. However, the ADF content in the rice straw was similar to control but significantly (P<0.05) higher in urea, Trichoderma sp. and Aspergillus sp.treated groups The in vitro gas production increased upto 48 h in all treatments. Most of the probiotic treated rice straw showed similar total digestible nutrient level and rate of degradation. Mineral concentration did not vary among treated groups. Non fibrous carbohydrates concentration was almost half in the probiotic treated rice straw suggesting a greater release of non fibre carbohydrates for microbial utilization. Moreover, the relative feed value was higher in treated straws compared to control. In conclusion, the probiotic treated rice straw improved nutritional quality and provided better fermentation pattern regarding rate of degradation and total in vitro gas production.
Attitude towards Marketing Practices and its Effect on Consumerism in Kenya: A Survey of Household Consumers in Nakuru County

Consumerism has been defined as a social movement seeking to augment the rights and powers of consumers in relation to sellers (Kotler, 2000). It has spread to developing countries including Kenya but majority of Kenyan consumers have been observed to be relatively passive in their participation in the consumer movement. This observation may be linked to their attitudes towards marketing practices. The theory of collective behaviour by Smelser, (1963) postulated that formation of generalized beliefs among consumers is crucial for the success of a consumer movement. The study examined consumer attitudes towards marketing practices and its effect on consumerism in Kenya through a survey of household consumers in Nakuru County. The study adopted a descriptive research design involving a mixed method approach. A sample size of 400 respondents was drawn from 10 administrative sub-locations in Nakuru East and Nakuru West sub counties of Nakuru County. Multi-stage cluster sampling technique was used for selecting households for interview. A pre-designed self-administered questionnaire was used for data collection. Analysis of data was done using descriptive and inferential statistics using Statistical Package for Social sciences (SPSS) version 19. Hypothesis test was done using p-values generated from linear regression analysis. Descriptive statistics indicated that the respondents had favourable attitudes towards marketing practice. Pearson correlation analysis indicated that there was a positive correlation between attitudes towards marketing practices and consumerism. Regression results indicated a positive relationship between attitudes towards marketing practices and consumerism. Hypothesis test confirmed that attitudes towards marketing practices had no significant effect on consumerism. The study concluded that most household consumers had favourable attitudes towards marketing practices. The study recommended for a policy on consumer education and activation in Kenya in order to influence consumer attitudes and enhance consumer activation. Keywords: Attitude towards marketing practices, Consumerism
Direct observation of warping in the plasma sheet of Saturn

The ENA images from the Ion Neutral CAmera (INCA) on the Cassini spacecraft are projected onto the noon‐midnight plane of Sun‐Saturn orbital coordinates, and a composite “image” of Saturn's plasma sheet is constructed from dawn‐side observations of 20–50 keV hydrogens obtained from days 352 to 361 in 2004. The maxima in the intensity contours define the center of the plasma sheet in the noon‐midnight plane. This plasma sheet surface displays a distinct bending or “warping” above Saturn's equatorial plane at radial distances of beyond ∼15 RS on the nightside. On the dayside, the plasma sheet lies close to the equator all the way to the magnetopause. The observed warping agrees with the “bowl” model derived from measurements of Saturn's magnetic field, but fits more closely a simple third‐order polynomial.
Gyrotropic resonance of individual N\'eel skyrmions in Ir/Fe/Co/Pt multilayers

Magnetic skyrmions are nanoscale spin structures recently discovered at room temperature (RT) in multilayer films. Employing their novel topological properties towards exciting technological prospects requires a mechanistic understanding of the excitation and relaxation mechanisms governing their stability and dynamics. Here we report on the magnetization dynamics of RT N\'eel skyrmions in Ir/Fe/Co/Pt multilayer films. We observe a ubiquitous excitation mode in the microwave absorption spectrum, arising from the gyrotropic resonance of topological skyrmions, and robust over a wide range of temperatures and sample compositions. A combination of simulations and analytical calculations establish that the spectrum is shaped by the interplay of interlayer and interfacial magnetic interactions unique to multilayers, yielding skyrmion resonances strongly renormalized to lower frequencies. Our work provides fundamental spectroscopic insights on the spatiotemporal dynamics of topological spin structures, and crucial directions towards their functionalization in nanoscale devices.
First Report of Plasmopara halstedii New Races 705 and 715 on Sunflower from the Czech Republic – Short Communication

Sedlářová M. , Pospíchalová R. , Drábková Trojanová Z. , Bartůšek T. , Slobodianová L. , Lebeda A. (2016): First report of Plasmopara halstedii new races 705 and 715 on sunflower from the Czech Republic – short communication. Plant Protect. Sci., 52: 182–187. Downy mildew caused by Plasmopara halstedii significantly reduces annual yields of sunflower. At least 42 races of P. halstedii have been identified around the world. For the first time to our knowledge, races 705 and 715 of P. halstedii have been isolated, originating from sunflower plants collected at a single site (Podivín, South-East Moravia) in the Czech Republic at the beginning of June 2014. This enlarges the global number of the so far identified and reported races of P. halstedii to 44. The increasing complexity of P. halstedii pathogenicity led to race identification newly by a five-digit code. According to this new nomenclature, the two races of P. halstedii recorded in the Czech Republic are characterised by virulence profiles 705 71 and 715 71.
COMPARISON OF FOUR- AND FIVE-OPTION MULTIPLE-CHOICE QUESTIONS IN NURSING ENTRANCE TESTS

Abstract Introduction: Most multiple-choice tests comprise questions with four options per item. However, a number of academic teachers believe that a larger number of options per question shall increase the scope of variability of test results. An increase in discrimination capability is particularly important with reference to selective examinations. In 2011 and 2013, Nursing Entrance Test at Medical University of Warsaw (MUW) comprised 5-option items tests, which was an exception from 4-option items tests used in 2009-2010 and 2012. Aim of study: Assessment of the impact of change of the number of options in multiple-choice questions (MCQs) on the quality of Nursing Entrance Exams for an MA programme at MUW between 2009-2013. Materials and Methods: A total of 250 multiple-choice exam questions, including 150 four-option items (2009-2010 and 2012) and 100 five-option items (2011 and 2013). In order to compare the quality of particular exams, the level of easiness, substitute differentiation power, and Pearson's linear correlation coefficient were established for each pool of questions. The comparison comprised the scope of variability of the results (coefficient of variation, scope of results, and quartile range) as well as the average easiness and capacity of differentiating particular questions in consecutive versions of the exam. A one-way analysis of ANOVA variance and
In Search for Yardstick Competition: Property Tax Rates and Electoral Behavior in Italian Cities

Do citizens engage in comparative performance evaluation across local governments? And if they do, how can we disentangle this behavior from other forms of strategic interactions among local governments or simple spatial correlation across neighboring jurisdictions? We use spatial econometrics techniques and the institutional characteristics of the Italian system to test if some theoretically derived predictions of yardstick competition theory are supported by data, estimating to this aim both a tax setting and a popularity equation. The results show that local tax rates are positively auto-correlated among neighboring jurisdictions when the mayors run for re-election, while this correlation is absent where either the mayors face a term limit or where they are backed by an overwhelming majority in the local council. Both results are in clear agreement with yardstick theory. On the other hand, the results of the estimation of the popularity equation are less supportive of the theory, possibly as a result of the difficulty in controlling for public service quality and the simultaneous setting of multiple policy instruments.
Wealth distribution, endogenous fiscal policy and growth: status-seeking implications

We investigate the wealth distribution and endogenous fiscal policy in a two-classes growth model in which individuals exhibit a desire for social status. The latter is in- creasing with individual wealth and decreasing with the average level of the society. First, we show that status seeking is crucial in determining the long-run wealth dis- tribution: agents with stronger status motive end up holding a higher level of wealth. Second, a higher inequality can be associated with a higher growth if it is due to a stronger incentive to accumulate wealth of one class of agents. Third, the model implies that a higher growth rate may reduce welfare of one class of agents and raise welfare of the other one. Finally, when fiscal policy is determined through a voting mechanism, an increase in the strength of status motive of majoritarian class may lead to a reduced political equilibrium growth.
Response of respiration and nutrient availability to drying and rewetting in soil from a semi-arid woodland depends on vegetation patch and a recent wildfire

Abstract. Semi-arid woodlands, which are characterised by patchy vegetation interspersed with bare, open areas, are frequently exposed to wildfire. During summer, long dry periods are occasionally interrupted by rainfall events. It is well known that rewetting of dry soil induces a flush of respiration. However, the magnitude of the flush may differ between vegetation patches and open areas because of different organic matter content, which could be further modulated by wildfire. Soils were collected from under trees, under shrubs or in open areas in unburnt and burnt sandy mallee woodland, where part of the woodland experienced a wildfire which destroyed or damaged most of the aboveground plant parts 4 months before sampling. In an incubation experiment, the soils were exposed to two moisture treatments: constantly moist (CM) and drying and rewetting (DRW). In CM, soils were incubated at 80 % of maximum water holding capacity (WHC) for 19 days; in DRW, soils were dried for 4 days, kept dry for another 5 days, then rewetted to 80 % WHC and maintained at this water content until day 19. Soil respiration decreased during drying and was very low in the dry period; rewetting induced a respiration flush. Compared to soil under shrubs and in open areas, cumulative respiration per gram of soil in CM and DRW was greater under trees, but lower when expressed per gram of total organic carbon (TOC). Organic matter content, available P, and microbial biomass C, but not available N, were greater under trees than in open areas. Wild fire decreased the flush of respiration per gram of TOC in the open areas and under shrubs, and reduced TOC and microbial biomass C (MBC) concentrations only under trees, but had little effect on available N and P concentrations. We conclude that the impact of wildfire and DRW events on nutrient cycling differs among vegetation patches of a native semi-arid woodland which is related to organic matter amount and availability.
Application of principal component analysis on equity valuation multiples: Evidence from Malaysian firms

Investment analysts often used equity valuation multiples to assess the performance of stocks in relation to likely future return to shareholders. Valuation multiples used by analysts are price to earnings, price to book value, price to cash flow and price to sales multiples. However, researchers have argued that correlation exists between the multiples hence assessing them individually and later merging them to one multiple results to reduplication.This study employed the principal component analysis (PCA) method to condense the four equity valuation multiples (EVM) of 223 randomly selected listed firms in Malaysia for the period of 2008-2013. The PCA result reveals that three (3) components explained 99% of the total variables variance. Suggesting that, the three components (price to earnings, price to book value and price to cash flow multiples) can satisfactorily explain all the EVMs.The implication is that strong correlation exists between EVMs of Malaysian firms.Therefore, the study recommends the application of principal component analysis methodology in the analysis of the equity valuation multiples because of correlation that exists between the valuation multiples. The study is limited to EVMs, entity valuations are not covered in the study.Applying PCA to equity valuation multiples ensures accuracy and reliability of result interpretation due to absence of multicolearity in the decomposed principal component.