Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Different responses of plant species to deferment of sheep grazing in a desert steppe of Inner Mongolia, China

This paper reports the effects of different deferments of sheep grazing on plant variables of desert steppe vegetation in Inner Mongolia during 2010–2012. The study was initiated in May 2010 and comprised five treatments: no grazing (UG), grazing throughout the growing season (G) and grazing deferment for 40, 50 and 60 days (40UG, 50UG and 60UG) from the start of the growing season in a completely randomised block design replicated three times. The plant species were classified into two functional groups (C3 and C4 species) and the relationships among species composition, biomass and annual precipitation were examined in different deferments of sheep grazing. Treatment G significantly decreased the biomass of several species compared with some of the deferred treatments and treatment UG, because of differences in grazing preferences, and, consequently, decreased the aboveground net primary productivity (ANPP). Grazing deferment for 40, 50 and 60 days significantly increased C3-species richness and biomass compared with treatment UG, whereas grazing sheep’s preferences for C4 plants at some growth stages compared with C3 plants, resulted in lower species richness and biomass of C4 plants in treatments G, 40UG and 50UG in a dry year. Similarly, different species responses to treatment 60UG resulted in an increase in ANPP in a year with more precipitation during the growing season. The annual precipitation patterns strongly affected the temporal changes in biomass as well as the responses to grazing, indicating that the plant responses in the desert steppe were co-limited by grazing and precipitation. These findings provide important insights into the management and conservation of desert steppe vegetation in Inner Mongolia.
Complex post-larval dispersal processes in Atlantic cod revealed by age-based genetics and relatedness analysis

Population connectivity among adult marine organisms is often attributed to dispersal during the egg/larval stage. However, post-larval dispersal may also influence connectivity, particularly when juvenile nursery habitats are separated from adult spawning habitats. Here we used age-based population genetics and kinship analysis to explore changes in population connectivity across life-history stages in Atlantic cod Gadus morhua. We genotyped 364 adult cod from the northwest Atlantic and 671 age-0 juveniles from 18 sites around eastern Newfoundland, with 72 and 15 microsatellite loci, respectively. Adult cod genotypes exhibited more population structure than was detected in juveniles across similar spatial scales. Both age classes had similar allelic diversities, but juveniles exhibited less genetic linkage and fewer departures from HardyWeinberg expectations than adults at the same loci. We detected significant kinship relationships in adult cod only within sampling locations, but 1 putative pair of juvenile kin was separated by >500 km. Collections of adults also displayed higher group relatedness compared to juveniles. Genetic differences between age classes are likely due to a combination of non-random mortality and non-random sorting of admixed juveniles into different adult habitats. Many studies overlook postlarval dispersal as a factor of marine population connectivity, but pre-adult relocation may be demographically and adaptively significant, in cod and other species.
The Medicinal and Pharmacological Screening of Wheatgrass Juice (Triticum aestivum L.); an Investigation into Chlorophyll Content and Antimicrobial Activity.

Plants products are of increasing interest in the search for new drugs and medicines in the treatment of disease; and the discovery of new alternatives to existing antibiotics is an important area of this research due to pathogen resistance. One example of a plant product currently under pharmacological investigation is wheatgrass juice; a dietary supplement derived from Triticum aestivum L. There is both anecdotal and scientific evidence to suggest that the medicinal efficacy of this plant may be due to its high chlorophyll concentrations. In this study chlorophyll fresh weight was determined in mg/100g for organic field grown wheatgrass juice and samples grown hydroponically in a glasshouse. Broccoli and Kale samples were included for comparison. Fresh undiluted wheatgrass juice was then screened against bacterium: Escherichia coli NCTC 10418; Staphylococcus aureus NCTC 6571 and Streptococcus mutans NCIMB 702062, using the agar well diffusion method. Acetone extracts were also tested. Results showed field grown samples had the highest chlorophyll content, not significantly different to Kale (p =0.834) and significantly higher than Broccoli (p <0.001). Hydroponically grown samples contained 73.4% less chlorophyll than field grown wheatgrass (p <0.001). None of the extracts tested displayed any kind of antimicrobial activity against selected pathogens. There is growing evidence dietary chlorophyll may have cancer preventing properties by limiting the bio-availability of carcinogens, and wheatgrass juice appears to be a good source of this phytopigment. Although this study reported no antimicrobial activity, previous studies have reported conflicting results, indicating further investigation is required in this area.
The Leadership of Teaching and Learning: Implications for Teacher Evaluation

This article reports on a series of empirical studies that investigated the extent to which teacher evaluation policies and procedures promote teachers' inquiry into the relationship between their teaching and their students' learning. Four possible explanations for the weak focus on student learning in teacher evaluation are discussed. They relate to the alignment between school evaluation practice and a national policy which gives minimal emphasis to student outcomes, to the lack of an inquiry stance, to the compliance-driven approach taken to teacher evaluation, and to the overemphasis on norms of professional collegiality. We argue for an alternative approach to teacher evaluation that promotes teachers' capacity to inquire into and strengthen the relationship between their teaching and their students' learning in order to achieve the key purpose of evaluation—to improve teaching and learning.
Non-Equilibrium Molecular Dynamics Investigation of Parameters Affecting Planar Nanochannel Flows

We present non-equilibrium molecular dynamics simulations of planar Poiseuille flow of liquid argon. Density, velocity, temperature and strain rate profiles across the channel are investigated for channels of width in the range 0.9-17.1nm. In channels of small width (0.9-2nm) the fluid is fully ordered in distinct layers. This ordering persists close to the walls even for wider channels and it is further affected by wall/fluid interaction characteristics while the fluid becomes homogeneous in the central part of the channel. Non-homogeneity in the central part of wider channels is observed only for low average fluid density. Fluid velocity can be successfully fitted by parabolas as system temperature, the magnitude of the external force and channel width increase or when the average fluid density decreases. Temperature distribution across the channel is uniform for fluid strain rates below a critical value.
Analysis and stiffness evaluation of a microparallel kinematic machine

This study explores a scaled version of a 3-PRRR parallel configuration that can be used in micro-machining tasks. The study addresses a stiffness model of a micro-parallel kinematic machine (mPKM) by employing an approach involving kinematic and static equations. The objective of the model includes providing an understanding of the manner in which the stiffness of a mechanism changes as a function of both the position of an end-effector and the estimated cutting forces that are generated by micro-machining operations. An experimental prototype is considered for the preliminary validation. Three work planes and three cutting directions into the workspace are evaluated by iso-stiffness mapping. The results indicate that the mPKM operates with high stiffness performances in static operations. This is useful for suitable improvements in the prototype and developing analytical design criteria.
Why Are Protestants More Prosocial Than Catholics? A Comparative Study Among Orthodox Dutch Believers

ABSTRACT The present study sheds light on the contentious relation between religions and prosociality by comparing self-reported altruistic and prosocial behavior among a group of Catholic and Protestant believers. We found that denomination was strongly related to strength of religious beliefs, afterlife beliefs, free-will beliefs, and self-reported prosocial behavior. Denominational differences between Catholics and Protestants in self-reported prosociality were mediated by a stronger endorsement of religious beliefs and belief in predestination but were not related to motivational measures of self-esteem. We also found that the perceived prosociality (i.e., the extent to which others were perceived as being prosocial) was higher for one’s religious ingroup than one’s outgroup, and this effect was stronger for Catholics than Protestants. These novel findings provide an integrated perspective on how religious denominations shape prosocial attitudes and behavior.
Antecedents of attitudes towards and usage behavior of mobile banking amongst Generation Y students

Despite the benefits that mobile banking has to offer, coupled with positive mobile penetration rates, the use of mobile devices to perform banking transactions and access financial information is not as widespread as expected. The significantly sized Generation Y cohort is a rewarding market segment for retail banks. In South Africa, however, this cohort’s mobile banking adoption is largely under-researched. Understanding the antecedents that positively influence Generation Y students’ attitudes towards and usage behavior of mobile banking will assist retail banks in their efforts to tailor their business and marketing strategies effectively towards this cohort, and in doing so, foster increased acceptance of their mobile channels. As such, the purpose of this study was to extend the technology acceptance model (TAM) and determine the influence of perceived ease of use, relative advantage, subjective norms, perceived behavioral control, perceived integrity and the perceived system quality of mobile banking on South African Generation Y students’ attitudes towards and usage behavior of mobile banking. Following a descriptive research design, self-administered questionnaires were completed by a non-probability convenience sample of 334 students registered at the campuses of three registered public South African universities located in the Gauteng province. Data analysis included correlation analysis and structural equation modeling. The findings suggest that while perceived ease of use, perceived integrity and the perceived system quality predict Generation Y students’ mobile banking usage behavior, subjective norms, perceived behavioral control and the perceived relative advantage of mobile banking predict attitudes towards mobile banking, which, in turn, predict their mobile banking usage behavior.
Plasma profile of progesterone, estradiol-17β and some blood biochemical attributes during different gestation periods in Iraqi female dromedary camels (Camelus dromedarius).

This study was conducted to demonstrate the plasma profile of progesterone, estradiol-17 β and some blood biochemical attributes (glucose, cholesterol concentrations and alkaline phosphates activity) of Iraqi female dromedary camels (Camelus dromedarius) during different gestation periods. This experiment included 5 multiparous, non-lactating Iraqi one-humped female camels (Camelus dromedarius) of 7- 8 years old. Blood was collected from female camels at days 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 90, 120, 150 and 180 post-mating (PM). The plasma progesterone concentrations did not significantly differ among days 20-120 PM. Greater (P≤ 0.05) progesterone concentrations were observed at days 150 and 180 PM as compared with days.20, 30 and 40 PM. No remarkable alterations in plasma estradiol-17β concentrations were seen among different gestation periods. Non- significant variations were detected in plasma glucose concentrations during the entire gestation periods studied (day 20-60 PM). Higher (p<0.05) cholesterol concentrations were observed at days 20 (9.86 ± 0.59 mg/dl) and 30 (8.84 ± 0.32 mg/dl) in comparison with their counterpart values at days 50 (7.06 ± 0.1 mg/dl) and 60 (6.29 ± 0.26 mg/dl) PM. The overall mean of plasma alkaline phosphatase activity did not alter during the whole study period. In conclusion, the pronounced changes during gestation period in dromedary camels can be detected through sex hormones and plasma cholesterol concentrations.
BEAM BREAKUP INSTABILITY IN THE CERN PS NEAR TRANSITION

Fast beam losses, due to a vertical coherent instability of high frequency, have been observed in the PS near transition energy, with the high-intensity single-bunch beam for the neutron Time-of-Flight facility (n-ToF). By increasing the longitudinal emittance, the beam could be stabilised. These phenomena can be described by the beam breakup theory, since near transition the longitudinal positions of particles are almost frozen, as in the linac case. Comparison between observations and theory, using Brandt and Gareyte’s formula for single-bunch beam breakup in circular accelerators, shows good agreement.
The Value System of Youths in Jordan: Implications for Human Resource & Marketing Managers

Based on a sample of 263 Jordanians, this study aimed to identify the value system of the Jordanian youths and compare it to that of their seniors. Using Rokeach value system survey and a snowball sampling technique data was collected from two samples: students in a major university in Jordan and their parents. Although, significant differences were found for a number of values between the students and their parents, the findings of this study identified similar value systems structures for both samples. This study contributes to the existing literature by exploring the value system of youths in Jordan and suggests a number of recommendations for HR and Marketing Managers. Transformational leadership does not significantly affect technology transfer effectiveness. tor in Egypt. rsonal authority of the leader; On technology transfer effectiveness.
Phenotypic Characterization and Antimicrobial Susceptibility of Blood Borne Pathogens in a Tertiary Care Center, Ujjain (M.P), India

Blood stream infection (BSI) is the major cause of morbidity and mortality globally. Blood stream infections range from selflimiting infections to life threatening sepsis, which requires rapid and appropriate antimicrobial treatment. Hence periodic monitoring of blood culture isolates and determination of susceptibility to antibiotics are necessary to improve the empirical therapy (Chitralekha et al., 2015). Many bacterial pathogens have developed resistance to most of the antibiotics; it has become a serious health problem with many economic and social inferences all over the worlds (Jo Ann, 2009). Many bacteria have been reported which cause bacteraemia with variation in distribution from place to place (Gohel et al., 2014). Rapid identification and antimicrobial susceptibility testing of the causative agents of bloodstream infections are the most important tasks of the clinical microbiology laboratory, that provide essential information to clinicians for selecting appropriate antimicrobial therapy for patients with bloodstream infections (Lupetti et al., 2009). Automated blood culture system is non invasive continuous monitoring technology that reduces the time International Journal of Current Microbiology and Applied Sciences ISSN: 2319-7706 Volume 6 Number 5 (2017) pp. 2271-2278 Journal homepage: http://www.ijcmas. com
The Impact of Internet Technologies on Primary and Secondary Romantic Relationship Development

This study examined the impact that changes in Internet-based technologies have on romantic relationships developed exclusively online. Thirty-six participants completed the 44-item Online Relationships Questionnaire. Participants were then divided into three categories based on self-reported media preference: asynchronous text, synchronous text, and rich media. No significant differences existed on measures of relational confidence or intimacy based solely on media selection. Participants utilizing the Internet to maintain a secondary romantic relationship reported higher levels of relational certainty and greater expectations of future interaction with their online partner than participants involved exclusively in online relationships (i.e., the online relationship was the participant's only romantic relationship).
Temporal Granger causality and the dynamics examination on the tourism-growth nexus in Malaysia

This study applied the cointegration, error-correction modelling and persistence profile to analyse the dynamic relationship between real tourism receipts, real income and real exchange rate in Malaysia. This study covers the annual sample period from 1974 to 2009. This study finds that the variables are cointegrated. In the short run, this study finds that neutrality causality between real tourism receipts and real income, while they are bi-directional Granger causality in the long run. Nevertheless, this study finds uni-directional causality running from real exchange rate to real tourism receipts and real income in both short- and long run.
What the World Bank means by poverty reduction, and why it matters

Critics of the World Bank have variously attributed its proclaimed commitment to poverty reduction to empty rhetoric, hypocrisy, incompetence, confusion, or overload in the absence of a coherent agenda. This article argues that the commitment is genuine, but that it is not a first order goal: poverty reduction is an intended consequence of its principal objective, the transformation of social and governmental relations and institutions in the developing world in order to generalize and facilitate capitalist accumulation on a global scale, and build capitalist hegemony through the promotion of tightly controlled forms of 'participation' and 'ownership'. This objective has been pursued consistently since the mid-1990s, with Wolfensohn as Director and Stiglitz while Chief Economist playing leading roles. It has been reflected in particular in the HIPC (Heavily Indebted Poor Countries) Initiative, the Comprehensive Development Framework, and PRSPs (Poverty Reduction Strategy Papers) as means of governing low-income countries. Once the character of the project is understood, its limitations and contradictions become apparent, but at the same time many of the criticisms advanced are seen to underestimate its logic and coherence, and proposals for reform arising from them are shown to be naive.
Effects of Stocking Density on Fry Survival and Growth of Asian Sea Bass (Lates calcarifer)

Survival rate and growth were determined on Asian sea bass Lates calcarifer larvae using stocking densities of 20, 40, 60, 80 larvae/liter. Temperature, pH and dissolved oxygen values were within the favorable levels for the Asian sea bass larvae, as well as unionized ammonia (NH3) and nitrite (NO2) maximum values in all the larval tanks may have affected the overall larval survival. Fry production after 20 days of rearing showed that survival rate of 28% was significantly higher at a stocking density of 20 larvae/l, which was 2-3 times better than at higher larval densities (P<0.05) however there were no significant differences among survival rates 40, 60 and 80 larvae/L with 14.68%, 8.89% and 8.67%, respectively. Significant exponential correlation of R 2 = 0.8879 between average survival rate and larval density was observed as increasing larval density resulted in decreasing survival rate. Reduction in survival of about 2% with density was highly significant (P < 0.0002), based from the computed relationship of SR = 35.109 e ─0.0197D.
Growth-climate relations and the enhancement of drought signals in pedunculate oak (Quercus robur L.) tree-ring chronology in Eastern Hungary

Abstract: This paper presents an analysis of the climatic factors affecting tree-ring growth in pedunculate oak (Quercus robur L.), one of the most important species of Hungarian forests. A 221-year oak chronology was elaborated, covering the period 1789 to 2009 AD. The daily climate data for a ~110 year stretch offered a detailed insight into the climate-growth relations. The correlation function reached a maximum (r > 0.4) in the case of precipitation in May-August, providing evidence that water availability is the main factor driving the oak growth in the eastern part of the Great Hungarian Plain. Although there was no significant linear relation with temperature in the long term, moving window correlation analysis revealed that temperature response changed substantially over the course of the 20th century. While positive correlation with winter temperature was characteristic in the first decades, later the response to summer temperature strengthened remarkably, reaching r = -0.569 by the end of the analysed period (years 1978-2007). While the vulnerability of oak to drought stress is common across Europe, in southern and central Europe high summer temperatures impair tree growth. The enhanced sensitivity of pedunculate oaks to the water balance in the eastern part of the Great Hungarian Plain allows to surmise the presence of an evolving tendency towards drought risk and vulnerability in the case of these oak stands.