Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Variation in the digging apparatus of the subterranean silvery mole-rat, Heliophobius argenteocinereus (Rodentia, Bathyergidae): the role of ecology and geography

The skull of most subterranean tooth-digging rodents is markedly affected by their digging mode. In the present study, we investigated the cranial variation in a strictly subterranean, highly specialized Afrotropical tooth-digger, Heliophobius argenteocinereus (Bathyergidae, Rodentia), using a geometric morphometric approach and evaluated the effect of different factors on size and shape differences among four populations. No evidence for sexual dimorphism was found in skull size or shape. The cranial shape variation was large and influenced mainly by the type of habitat (miombo woodland versus farmland and grassland) and the latitudinal gradient. The dorsal side of the skull appears to be more plastic and adaptable to local environments, as well as more independent of size, than the ventral side. Only the shortening of the rostrum is presumably an adaptive process independent of size that leads to an increase of efficacy of the tooth-digging apparatus in Heliophobius, whereas the increase in the in-force and the more procumbent incisors both comprise size-related changes caused by ontogenetic allometric growth. © 2009 The Linnean Society of London, Biological Journal of the Linnean Society, 2009, 97, 822–831.
Herbal plant‐derived compound, 1,2,3,4,6‐penta‐O‐galloyl‐β‐d‐glucose, increases cross‐presentation by dendritic cells

Vaccines have made great contributions to human welfare, and can be used even more effectively with adjuvants. The immune‐inducible effects of adjuvants are classified into four categories: T‐helper (Th)1, Th2, antibody, and cytotoxic T‐lymphocyte (CTL) responses. Exogenous antigens are mainly presented to major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class II molecules, but are also presented to MHC class I molecules via the antigen cross‐presentation process in dendritic cells. The enhancement of cross‐presentation of an injected vaccine antigen by an adjuvant leads to Th1 and CTL responses, resulting in successful intracellular infection and tumor vaccine therapy.
Control of downy mildew (Peronospora sparsa) in arctic bramble (Rubus arcticus ssp. arcticus)

Downy mildew, inflicted by Peronospora sparsa, causes yield losses in arctic bramble (Rubus arcticus ssp. arcticus), boysenberry (Rubus spp. hybrid) and blackberry (Rubus fruticosus), and is a serious threat to the cultivation. Arctic bramble is a high-value crop but its commercial potential is not realisable partly due to downy mildew. Although P. sparsa has been associated with yield losses in arctic bramble, this has not been experimentally proven, nor have the downy mildew symptoms in arctic bramble fruits been described in a controlled experiment. In this study, downy mildew was found to affect the fruits and reduce the yield of arctic bramble. There was a direct correlation between the number of infected leaves and hard fruits resulting from the infection. Owing to the new pesticide legislation in the European Union, it is important to find alternatives to fungicides in the control of downy mildew. The products ALIETTE (fungicide), PHOSFIK (leaf fertiliser) and BION (pathogen defence elicitor) were effective in downy mildew control, Aliette and Phosfik being more effective than Bion especially in preventing yield losses. No arctic bramble cultivars known to be resistant to downy mildew are available. Evaluation of cultivars Alli, Mesma and Pima in the field showed that Mesma is more resistant to downy mildew than are Alli and Pima. Currently the main cultivar grown in Finland, Pima, was the most susceptible variety. The results of this study suggest that the yields and profitability of arctic bramble production could be improved by selecting more resistant varieties, combined with the application of agrochemicals that can suppress the development of downy mildew.
Discourse markers as indicators of connectedness between expositive illocutionary acts

Abstract There has been consistent interest in discourse makers over the past couple of decades, and various proposals have been put forth regarding their functions. The present paper analyzes discourse markers in general as indicators of types of connectedness between expositive illocutionary acts (Austin [1962]1975), which bring about illocutionary effects in discourse. The discourse marker well in particular indicates a gap between the preceding expositive illocutionary act and the present one, signaling the present expositive illocutionary act is of a non-committal type. This gap is analyzed, depending on the types of the preceding and present expositive illocutionary acts, as divergence, hesitancy, a transition from one expositive illocutionary act to another, or a boundary between them.
Recruiting police support volunteers for their professional knowledge and skills: A pilot study

Against a backdrop of austerity, the national ‘Citizens in Policing’ programme aims to engage the wider community and support the police service. Research conducted across a single force area identified the level of motivation and barriers to recruiting those with professional knowledge and skills as police support volunteers. This research study identified that there is a significant appetite to volunteer as a specialist utilising professional knowledge and skills; however, there are barriers to applications to volunteer related to time commitments, lack of professional opportunities available, formal recognition and the volunteering opportunity descriptions.
The relevance of household contacts tracing among child contacts of patients with multidrug-resistant tuberculosis

test results of a MDR-TB IP is a guarantee not only for an effective treatment but also for a reduction in the MDR-TB transmission to other persons. progressive MDR-TB development. Diagnostic examination of contact children to MDR-TB patients should include chest X-ray, tuberculin skin test, sputum or gastric lavage fluid (in young children) examination (Xpert MTB/RIF or sputum smear microscopy, if not available, culture and drug susceptibility test, DST) well as HIV testing. soon as a contact to a MDR-TB to the criteria for active TB diagnosis, treatment should be started using the same antimycobacterial therapy regimen into the same DST of the IP (MDR-TB source).
Molecular marker analysis for root length in a diverse germplasm of rice (Oryza sativa L.)

Rice (Oryza sativa L.) is among the most important crops in the world. The productivity of rice in rainfed regions is constrained by drought. Among the root traits contributing to drought resistance, root system parameters play an important role in the regulation of plant growth through water and nutrient uptake from deep soil layers. The present study was conducted to validate molecular markers known to be associated with maximum root length. Seventy-nine diverse lines and six checks were used. Variation was observed for several root morphological traits viz., maximum root length, total root number, root volume, root dry weight, shoot dry weight, plant height, number of tillers, total dry weight and root to shoot weight ratio. Most of these traits showed significant correlation and appeared interrelated. RAPD and microsatellite primers, which have been established as markers for maximum root length, were used for screening rice genotypes. Single-marker analysis showed significant association between the markers and maximum root length. Thus, these markers can be used for marker-assisted selection in plant breeding programmes involving diverse parents.
Is there a trade-off between horn growth and survival in adult female chamois?

Life-history theory predicts trade-offs in energy allocation between different life-history traits when resources are limited, i.e. certain traits should be negatively correlated. However, individuals differ in their ability to acquire resources, which can lead to positive correlations between traits at the population level. Here, we investigated the consequences of the allocation in horn growth and body mass on survival in a bovid (Rupicapra rupicapra) with capture-mark re-sighting data on 161 females. In female ungulates, body mass often covaries positively with demographic performance and the few studies on horn size suggest that this trait could be a signal of individual quality. Thus, we expected to measure positive correlations between the allocation in these traits and female survival. However, body mass was not correlated to female survival and there was only a negative, though marginal, effect of horn growth. Hence, it seems that the allocation in growth is not an indicator of female quality. Future studies could investigate the importance of growth on female reproduction to evaluate its effect on lifetime reproductive success. Moreover, it is important to confirm in other populations our result that suggests a cost of the allocation in horn growth to better understand the presence of horns in female bovids. © 2014 The Linnean Society of London, Biological Journal of the Linnean Society, 2014, 113, 516–521.
Beginner Teacher's Perception of Application of Project-Based Learning in Mathematics Learning

This research aims to describe the teacher's perception of the application of project-based learning in mathematics learning and how they will apply it using a qualitative case study method. The research subjects in this study amounted to 12 students consisting of 3 men and 9 women, where they were students of post-graduate mathematics education study programs at Yogyakarta State University who were beginner teachers where they had taught between 1 and 3 years. Data collection using interviews with open questions to provoke written perceptions of respondents to the project-based learning approach. The time of the study was carried out starting from December 1, 2018, to January 2, 2019, located at Yogyakarta State University. The data analysis techniques applied in this study are Bogdan, R. C. , & Biklen models. The results of this study indicate that: (1) respondents have a good perception of the project-based learning approach, (2) the majority of respondents are interested in using a project-based learning approach after they complete their studies (3) all respondents believe they will find obstacles when applying project-based learning approach later (4) the majority of respondents have less knowledge and experience regarding the project-based learning approach. (5) the need for training and further discussion of the project-based learning approach to the research subjects.
Occurrence and behaviour of uranium and thorium in soil and water

Natural contents of uranium (U) and thorium (Th) in igneous rocks are in the range 0.1-5 and 1-20 mg/kg respectively, depending on the type of rock. Felsic rocks, such as granite, usually contain more U and Th than mafic rocks, such as basalt and dunite. Uranium contents in average soils are in the range of 1-4 mg/kg, and thorium contents in the range of 2-12 mg/kg.
Postsession Dreaming in Neurofeedback as an Indication of Nondeclarative Learning

Clients may report increased dreaming following neurofeedback sessions. Increased dreaming may not be strictly a side effect of training but may rather be a result of the nondeclarative learning accomplished in training. Research has demonstrated the connection between dreaming and consolidation of memory in both animals and human subjects. Rapid eye movement (REM) deprivation studies have shown the importance of REM sleep to the retention of newly learned skills. Other studies have shown that learning may increase the proportion of REM sleep on subsequent nights. More specifically, REM dreaming may be related to the consolidation of procedural, nondeclarative memory, the type of learning that occurs also during neurofeedback training. When a client reports increased nocturnal dreaming following a neurofeedback session, this may serve as a valuable early indication that their brain is responding to this type of training.
Direct effects of knowledge management practices on organizational performance

The relationship between knowledge management (KM) and firm performance is an interesting field for both scholars and practitioners. Despite the extant literature, more studies are required in order to clarify the abovementioned relationship. The purpose of this article is to examine the impact of KM practices on financial and nonfinancial performance. KM practices are knowledge creation practices, continuous learning practices (CLP), knowledge and feedback systems (KFS), and management of employees’ individual competencies. Methodologically the study uses partial least squares structural equation modeling. The results show that KFS affect firms’ financial performance and that CLP do not influence oneither financial or nonfinancial performance.
The sucking behaviour and milk intake of 8-17 day old triplet lambs after 4 hours of separation from the ewe

In the first 3 days of life, triplet lambs, especially the smaller triplets, are less capable of surviving than twins and singles. However, whether differences in behaviour and survival of lambs within triplet litters persist after this period is unknown. This trial examined the differences in sucking behaviour and milk intake between the light, medium and heavy lambs within a triplet litter at 8-17 days of age, with the lamb rank based on birth weight. Of 28 triplet carrying ewes, only 10 complete litters survived to at least 8 days of age and could be used for this trial. After 4 hours of separation, the lambs were returned to the ewe and the behaviour of the lambs and ewe was observed for a period of 15 minutes. The abdominal girth and body weight of the lambs were measured before and after the sucking period. At 8-17 days of age, triplet lambs still differed in terms of weight (P=0.001) and abdominal girth (P=0.002); the triplet lambs born lightest were still lightest and had the smallest abdominal girth. However, there were no statistical relationships between lamb rank and sucking behaviour. Light, medium and heavy lambs did not differ in the number of sucking bouts, number of attempted bouts, total sucking duration, mean sucking bout duration, relative sucking duration, teat fidelity or number of butts. Nor did lamb rank affect the behaviour of the ewes (kicks or butts, walking away from lambs) or measures of milk intake such as relative weight gain or girth gain. However, there was a tendency for lamb rank to have an effect on one measure of milk intake (weight gain) (P=0.09).
Legal framework, political environment and economic freedom in central and Eastern Europe: do they matter for economic growth?

ABSTRACT This article investigates the impact of institutional variables on economic activity (GDP) in 19 Central and Eastern Europe (CEE) countries, covering the period 1999–2016. We utilise Principal Component Analysis (PCA) to construct a hybrid measure of economic freedom, and the Random Effect model to estimate the causalities. The analysis shows that many CEE countries have improved their institutional setting, especially the control of corruption. The regression results indicate that the control of corruption and democracy have a positive and significant impact on the GDP. Also, political stability promotes growth, while the quality of regulation is statistically insignificant. Finally, the rule of law and economic freedom accelerate economic growth. Overall, the legal framework, political stability and economic freedom shape the economic reality in the CEE region. We conclude that institutions matter for growth in the CEE countries.
Prediction of Individual Tree Diameter Using a Nonlinear Mixed-Effects Modeling Approach and Airborne LiDAR Data

Rapidly advancing airborne laser scanning technology has become greatly useful to estimate tree- and stand-level variables at a large scale using high spatial resolution data. Compared with that of ground measurements, the accuracy of the inferred information of diameter at breast height (DBH) from a remotely sensed database and the models developed with traditional regression approaches (e.g., ordinary least square regression) may not be sufficient. Thus, this regression approach is no longer appropriate to develop accurate models and predict DBH from remotely sensed-related variables because DBH is subject to the random effects of forest stands. This study developed a generalized nonlinear mixed-effects DBH estimation model from remotely sensed imagery data. The light detection and ranging (LiDAR)-derived stand canopy density, crown projection area, and tree height were used as predictors in the DBH estimation model. These variables can be more readily measured over an extensive forest area with higher accuracy compared to the conventional field-based methods. The airborne LiDAR data for a total of 402 Picea crassifolia Kom trees on a sample plot that were divided into 16 sub-sample plots and located in the most important distribution region of western China were used. The leave-one sub-sample plot-out cross-validation method was applied to evaluate the model’s prediction accuracy. The results indicated that the random effects of the sub-sample plot on the prediction of DBH were large and their inclusion into the DBH model significantly improved the prediction accuracy. The prediction accuracy of the proposed model at the mean (M) response was also substantially improved relative to the accuracy obtained from the base model. Among several tree selection alternatives evaluated, a sample size of the two largest trees per sub-sample plot used in estimating the random effects showed a significantly higher accuracy compared to other sampling alternatives. This sample size would balance both the measurement cost and potential prediction errors. The nonlinear mixed-effects DBH estimation model at the M response can also be applied if obtaining the estimates of individual tree DBH with a relatively lower cost, and a lower prediction accuracy was the purpose of the study.
Factors affecting teachers’ behavioral intention of using information technology in lecturing-economic universities

Article history: Received: February 16, 2020 Received in revised format: March 22 2020 Accepted: March 22, 2020 Available online: March 22, 2020 The research aims to find out the factors influencing teachers’ behavioral intention and usage behavior of information technology (IT) in lectures based on the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT) with structural equation modeling (SEM) supported by AMOS 20 software. The study examines the impact of performance expectancy, effort expectancy, social influence, and subject characteristics on the teachers’ behavioral intention, which is later examined along with facilitating conditions and habit on the teachers’ usage behavior of IT. Data is collected from lecturers working at economic university in the northern area of Vietnam. The result shows direct positive effect of performance expectancy, effort expectancy and subject characteristics on teacher’s behavioral intention. Moreover, behavioral intention, facilitating condition and habit later on have influenced on teacher’s actual use behavior. Finally, the research indicates that younger teachers have stronger behavioral intention of apply IT in lecturing. © 2020 by the authors; licensee Growing Science, Canada
One-Shot Voice Conversion by Vector Quantization

In this paper, we propose a vector quantization (VQ) based one-shot voice conversion (VC) approach without any supervision on speaker label. We model the content embedding as a series of discrete codes and take the difference between quantize-before and quantize-after vector as the speaker embedding. We show that this approach has a strong ability to disentangle the content and speaker information with reconstruction loss only, and one-shot VC is thus achieved.
Landscape context and management regime structure plant diversity in grassland communities

1. Theoretical models show that environmental heterogeneity and dispersal are major determinants of species diversity at multiple scales, yet there are few studies from real landscapes that adequately integrate variation in the surrounding matrix. Understanding how landscape context and management influence species composition and diversity patterns across habitats and scales is an important goal in ecology with relevance for both management and conservation.
Fate of Forearc Lithosphere at Arc‐Continent Collision Zones: Evidence From Local Earthquake Tomography of the Sunda‐Banda Arc Transition, Indonesia

A new 3‐D seismic P wave velocity model of the Sunda‐Banda Arc Transition from local earthquake tomography reveals (i) northward subduction of oceanic lithosphere, associated with the convergence of Australia and Sundaland, as a high‐velocity zone extending down to ~200 km depth; (ii) two distinct low‐velocity zones, one immediately above the slab, which is likely a zone of partial melt, and one in the 0–40 km depth range, which is probably a magma chamber associated with active volcanoes above; and (iii) a northerly dipping high‐velocity zone that bisects the two low‐velocity anomalies, which we interpret as an underthrust forearc sliver of continental origin. Based on He3/He4 measurements from volcanic outflows, it is possible that the magma supply is contaminated by interaction with this forearc sliver as it ascends from the melt region below.
The relationship between hotel staff’s organizational justice perception, relationship quality and job performance

Abstract With the increasing competition among hotel companies, how to improve the job performance of employees is the key to enhancing the competitiveness of hotel companies. Based on the theory of organizational justice and the theory of relationship quality, this paper develops an integrated model of the relationship between hotel employees’ organizational justice perception, relationship quality and job performance. The model is examined using a valid sample of 303 hotel employees in OYC Hotel, Star lake Hotel, Vienna Hotel and Goldnugget Hotel located in Zhaoqing, one of China’s top tourist cities.The basic data is acquired and the Structural Equation Model (SEM) method is adopted to conduct empirical tests of the integrated model. According to the analysis procedures and methods, the organizational justice scale is tested and the data is suitable for exploratory factor analysis. Exploratory factor analysis (EFA) shows that four common factors of organizational justice were more adequate for the interpretation of the construct. Based on exploratory factor analysis, confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) was conducted to further verify the dimensional structure of organizational justice. The result suggests that organizational justice is consisted by four dimensions, i.e. distributive justice, procedural justice, international justice, and informational justice. Four dimensions of organizational justice have significantly positive effects on employee satisfaction, and indirectly affect job performance through employee satisfaction. Except informational justice, the other three dimensions of justice significantly positive influence employee trust. At the same time, international justice directly affects contextual performance, and informational justice impacts task performance directly. In two dimension of relational quality, employee satisfaction has more significant impact on job performance than employee trust. Employee satisfaction has a directly positive impact on contextual performance and task performance at the same time, but employee trust has not a significant effect on each of them. This study can theoretically enrich the current research results of organizational justice, relationship quality and work performance, and in practice, it can provide theoretical guidance for hotel management levels to improve the performance level of employees.