Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Attitudes toward Refugees in Contemporary Europe: A Longitudinal Perspective on Cross-National Differences

Abstract:In 2015, the number of people seeking asylum in Europe skyrocketed. However, asylum applications were mainly concentrated in a few destination countries such as Germany, Austria, or Sweden. After the so-called EU-Turkey deal, asylum rates quickly dropped in subsequent years. I examine how these developments affected public opinion from both a static and a dynamic comparative perspective. The rapid and largely unpredicted rise in refugee numbers and their prominence in public debates make demographic changes potent drivers of out-group hostility. The analysis of data from over 50,000 individuals in 22 countries contained in the seventh and eighth waves of the European Social Survey shows that attitudes toward refugees do not simply follow trends in asylum applications. Significantly lowering refugee numbers, hence, did not counter anti-refugee sentiments in the European public. Based on intra-country variation over time, the model rather predicts an increase in negative attitudes during times of considerable demographic shifts. Deeper analyses reveal that this effect is stronger for conservative Europeans as well as for those who distrust EU-politics. Moreover, while a general willingness to help is associated with more openness toward refugees, actually experiencing foreigner inflow diminishes this link, suggesting limitations of humanitarian concerns. Results are stable across various modelling and sample choices and not driven by individual countries. In sum, these findings demonstrate the importance of temporal dynamics for the formation of attitudes toward refugees in contemporary Europe and point to potentially polarizing effects of immigration along ideological lines.
Seed yield and oil quality as affected by Camelina cultivar and planting date

ABSTRACT Camelina [Camelina sativa (L.) Crantz] has been identified as a potential oilseed crop for fallow replacement in cropping systems in the semiarid US Great Plains. However, camelina production is limited to the northern Great Plains region. We investigated the effects of three planting dates [mid-March, early-April, and mid-April] and three cultivars (Blaine Creek, Pronghorn, and Shoshone) on spring camelina seed yield and oil quality under non-irrigated conditions in western Kansas. Results showed planting in April increased seed yield by 34% compared with mid-March planting date. Blaine Creek produced greatest seed yield among the cultivars. Planting in mid-March increased oil, polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA), and linolenic acid concentrations compared with April planting dates. Saturated fatty acid (SFA) concentration increased with an April planting date. Heat stress in the growing season reduced seed yield, oil, PUFA, linoleic, and linolenic acid concentrations. However, increase in precipitation amounts improved seed yield, oil, PUFA, and linolenic acid concentrations. Our findings showed early- to mid-April is the best-planting window for optimum spring camelina stands and seed yield in this environment.
Flowering Phenology and Mating System of a Red Skin Pitaya (Hylocereus spp.) Germplasm Collection in Taiwan

Aims: To Investigate flowering phenology and mating systems of 30 red skin pitaya genotypes Study Design: Around ten-years-old pitaya genotypes were used in this study. The pitaya plants were grown on concrete posts/pillars with 1.5 m height and spacing of 2 m between plants and 3 m between rows. One-two plants were used for intercropping with each other. Place and Duration of Study: At the NPUST’s Orchard between May and December 2014. Methodology: From 1 to 2 plants for each genotype was verified for flowering characteristics, fruit set and fruit weight. Hand self-pollination and hand cross-pollination method was applied. Fruit weights were compared using Duncan’s multiple range test at a significance level of P ≤ 0.05 . Results: The natural flowering season of the pitayas occur from June to October with early comings in higher temperatures. Mostly red or magenta pulp pitayas have genotypes for a longer Short Research Article Ha et al.; AJAAR, 7(3): 1-8, 2018; Article no.AJAAR. 43616 2 flowering season than white flesh ones. A number of flowering flushes and flowers/season/plant highly varies with 3 – 6 waves and 9 40 flowers. The floral and fruit stages spend 14 – 18 days and 27 – 33 days, respectively. Full self-compatibility (F-SC) in 3 white flesh and 3 magenta flesh, partial self-compatibility in 2 magenta flesh, and complete self-incompatibility (C-SI) in 22 red or magenta flesh was found. Hand cross-pollination gave high fruit set percentages (72.7 ‒ 100%) in all and larger fruits than hand self-pollination in almost all genotypes except for VN-White producing smaller fruits that performed strong SC mechanism. Conclusion: A diversity in reproductive biology was found in the pitaya collection. VN-White, Chuchi Luu, D4, Chaozhou large, Chaozhou 5 and F4 that exhibited good reproductive characteristics could be further multiplicated for commercial cultivation and the one which have extended flowering season should be induced for off-season fruits. The breeding system types of cultivars help to design desired planting system orchards that achieve the most effective fruit production.
The Use of Mobile Learning by Islamic Subject Students During Their Educational Preparation Program

The main question of this study is to what extent Islamic subject students in the faculty of education at Umm Al-Qura University use mobile learning in their educational preparation program. The following sub questions originate from the main question: 1- To what extent do Islamic subject students in the faculty of education at Umm Al-Qura University use mobile learning during the study of educational preparation program courses? 2-To what extent do Islamic subject students in the faculty of education at Umm Al-Qura University use mobile learning in their teacher training courses? The study sample consisted of all Islamic subject students in the educational preparation program in the faculty of education at Umm Al-Qura University in the second semester of the 2014-2015 academic year. A descriptive method was used to answer the questions of the study. After verifying its reliability and validity, a questionnaire was used to assess students’ use of mobile learning in the educational preparation program. The results of the study revealed that the overall degree of Islamic subject students’ use of mobile learning was medium with an arithmetic mean of (2.748). However, in terms of students’ use of mobile learning during the study of educational preparation program courses, the results indicated that the degree of use was medium also with an arithmetic mean of (2.746). With regards to students’ use of mobile learning in the teacher training course at schools, the results show that the degree of use was medium with an arithmetic mean of (2.752). However, based on these results, the researcher has managed to put forward a number of recommendations and suggestions.
ANALYSIS OF THE TECHNICAL REGULATION STATE OF COSMETIC PRODUCTS TURNOVER IN UKRAINE

The object of research is the state regulation of the turnover of cosmetic products and some aspects of their implementation in Ukraine. Investigated problem. The issue of import substitution of Ukrainian cosmetic products and the increase in their production and sales in the Ukrainian and foreign markets is an urgent reason for the dynamic development of the cosmetic industry and the diversification of its traditional forms and directions of application. The solution to these problems mainly depends on the level of technical regulation by the state and requires proper legislative support in accordance with the requirements of international standards and EU directives. The main scientific results. The foreign experience of regulatory support and state regulation of the turnover of cosmetic products (CP) is summarized. The problems of technical regulation of cosmetic and medicinal cosmetics in Ukraine are identified. An addition to the draft national technical regulation for cosmetic products is proposed and recommendations for its rational use are given. The prospects of introducing quality management systems at enterprises engaged in activities at all stages of the CP life cycle are determined. Innovative technological product. A model has been developed to improve the current regulatory and technical framework governing the CP turnover in Ukraine, and an algorithm for its implementation is presented. The relevance of methods and means of ensuring the quality, safety and effectiveness of CP by introducing quality management systems at all stages of its life cycle is determined. The scope of the innovative technological product. The developed proposals are recommended for implementation in the system of state regulation of the CP turnover in order to ensure its quality, effectiveness and safety for the health of consumers.
Mechanical Stress Issues of La0.6Sr0.4Co0.2Fe0.8O3-δ

Ionic devices consisted of ion-conductive ceramics such as solid oxide fuel cells (SOFC) and oxygen separation membranes have been developed in the last decades. La0.6Sr0. 4Co0.2Fe0. 8O3-δ (LSCF), which is a mixed ionic-electronic conductive ceramics, is especially expected to play an important role in those ionic devices and so its electrochemical properties have been intensively studied.
Conversion methods for modified Jaffe reaction assays of serum creatinine

Abstract Background: Modifications in Jaffe serum creatinine (sCr) assays question the suitability of the results for direct comparison. Methods: sCr in adult in-patients was routinely measured either by SRM 909-standardized/noncompensated (method A) or isotope dilution mass spectrometry traceable/compensated method (reference). We converted values by method A into values by the reference using a formula provided by the manufacturer [Beckman Coulter (BC)] and traditional equating methods. Results: The BC-based conversion and linear equating resulted in underestimated sCr values, whereas equipercentile equating (EE) provided sCr with not significantly different distribution from the reference values. Proportions of patients with renal impairment did not differ between the reference and EE-converted sCr, as opposed to BC-recalculated values. Three percent of patients were classified into better renal function category when applying BC versus EE conversion. Conclusions: Equipercentile equation was a more accurate method for recalculation of sCr obtained from different Jaffe reaction assays than the linear equating or the BC linear formula. This study emphasizes the importance of the derivation sample specificity when applying research results to other real-world populations.
The effect of daily milk production on the milk composition and energy management indicators in Holstein–Friesian and Simmental cows

The present study investigated the effect of daily milk production on the content of crucial milk components, body condition, and the level of energy management parameters in the blood and milk in Holstein? Friesian (HF) and Simmental (SIM) cows. Within each breed, the animals were divided into two groups: the HF-L group was HF cows with daily milk production of ≤31 kg and the HF-H group was those with daily milk production of >31 kg. The SIM-L was SIM cows with daily milk production of ≤27 kg and the SIM-H group was those with daily milk production of >27 kg. The intensity of reserve fat accumulation was assessed by using body condition scoring. Samples of milk were taken every 30 days of lactation and the content of total protein, casein and ? -casein, fat, lactose, dry matter, and urea were determined. Blood samples were taken on days 10, 40, 70, 100 and 130 of lactation to determine the content of glucose and beta-hydroxybutyrate. The obtained results suggest that, in spite of the lower milk production, the Simmental cows had the more favorable energetic homeostasis of the organism. The values of casein and κ-casein indicate better suitability of the raw material obtained from Simmental cows for cheese processing. From a practical point of view, higher Holstein? Friesian cows? average daily yield and a relatively small difference in the content of the total protein compared to Simmental cows? milk suggest its use primarily as consumption milk.
A Comparative Study of Microstructure, Coefficient of Friction and Wear Rate of Alloy Ni-Cr-B-Si-C-W

The present work aims at the study of the dry disc pion contact and the complex phenomenon of the wear as well as the sliding friction of our sample elaborated by a hot isotactic compression and the pion. This study consists in determining the coefficient of friction and the influence of the tribological parameters on this phenomenon as well as determining the loss of mass and the wear rate of study sample. In order to enhance the assurance of the validity of the results of tribological study of Ni-Cr-B-Si-C-W alloy in laboratories and compare that to the tribological conditions in reality and industries. This work presents the results of the new approach to compares the wear behavior of the sample between a theoretical study (tribometer)and another in service (a test bench) that reproduces approximately the same conditions as the tribometer (normal load, sliding speed and distance traveled) by measuring the loss of mass and wear rate.
Psychosocial outcomes of sport participation for middle-aged and older adults: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Recent narrative reviews indicate several psychological and social benefits of sport participation for the ageing population. However, no quantitative synthesis of quantitative studies on this topic has been conducted to date. We aimed to evaluate the magnitude and heterogeneity of the effects of sport participation on psychosocial outcomes for middle-aged and older adults. Ten databases were searched in July 2020. Quantitative studies of middleaged and older adults (> 35 years), measuring at least one psychosocial outcome of sport participation were included. We identified 25 eligible papers. Multilevel meta-analysis showed that the association between sport participation and psychosocial outcomes was small, yet significant. Moderation analyses revealed that the overall pooled effect differed according to outcome type: small to moderate associations were observed for social, positive psychological, perceived physical, and cognitive outcomes, but not for negative psychological outcomes. Risk of bias, assessed using the QualSyst tool, indicated low quality of evidence. Our findings suggest that sport participation is associated with multiple psychosocial benefits for middle-aged and older adults that appear invariant across participant-related and sport-related characteristics. We found no evidence of publication bias, but studies were underpowered and rated as low quality. Our review provides quantitative evidence for the psychosocial benefits of sport participation for adults, complementing existing qualitative literature on this topic. PROSPERO Registration. CRD42020178043
The social determinants of health in Africa from a political economy perspective: an exploratory contribution

This article investigates the shortcomings in the implementation of an approach based on the social determinants of health in sub-Saharan Africa. This approach is extended by looking at health and development from a political economy perspective. This perspective acknowledges the non-linear nature of the political decision-making process and the absence of any institutional ideal type. The notion of institutional complementarities is used to investigate the deficiencies in this area in sub-Saharan Africa. It will be shown that the health programmes are based on a rationalist postulate and vertical concept of the problems. They are reflected in low levels of institutional complementarity. The article’s contribution to the literature rests on its use of an expanded political economy perspective to help bridge the gap between public health and analyses of public policy.
Analysis of Annual Rainfall Data by Markovian Approach in the Lobo Watershed (West-Center of Côte D’Ivoire)

VAMI HERMANN N’GUESSAN BI1,2, MARC YOUAN TA1,2, FABRICE BLANCHARD ALLECHY1, FABRICE ASSA YAPI1, ALIOUNE BADRA KONE2, KOUADIO AFFIAN1,2 ABSTRACT. The rainfall deficit has become remarkable in recent decades in Côte d’Ivoire in general and particularly in the Lobo watershed. The objective of this study is to analyze rain behaviour using weather generator MulGETS based on first order Markov chains to two states. Daily data from 1984 to 2013 from 17 stations were used to predict daily precipitation data for the period 2021 to 2050. The results obtained show that the probability of having two successive dry years or two successive wet years is higher over the entire study area for the period 1984-2013. For the period 2021 to 2050, the probability of having two successive dry years and two successive wet years will be higher over the entire basin and in the south, center and north respectively. The probability of a wet year followed by a dry year will be higher in the south, west, northwest and north of the basin. The probability of a dry year followed by a wet year will be relatively high in the north, center and southwest of the basin.
Validation of the Patient Reported Outcome Measure of Spiritual Care (PROM) in an Australian Setting

A multi-site study across five hospitals in Australia, undertaken as part of the study to evaluate the validity and reliability of the Patient Reported Outcome Measure of spiritual care (PROM) scale. Two hundred and eighty-one patients participated in the study. Data were analysed using AMOS (version 24) to assess the validity and reliability of the PROM using confirmatory factor analysis (CFA). Predictive (criterion) validity of the scale was also assessed by evaluating the relationship of the PROM scale with the quality of spiritual care. The results demonstrated acceptable validity, model-based reliability and predicative validity for the PROM scale. It is recommended that a further study for cross-validation of the scale in different samples and populations is undertaken. Controlling for other variables such as (positive-negative affect or personality characteristics) for future studies might shed more light on the content validity of the PROM. The study has implications for the longer-term goal of building an evidence base for a spiritual care framework for Australian healthcare organizations and beyond. It is hoped that the data collected will enable spiritual health organizations to contrib- ute to a larger database of evidence, both nationally and internationally.
The Strategies Reducing the Negative Externalities of Semi-trailer Truck Transportation in Eastern Economic Corridor Area

The rising demand for sea-container transportation in most developing countries escalates the number of semi-trailer trucks (STTs) on the road resulting in air pollution, road accident, and traffic congestion. To address these negative externalities, this study originally identified a set of traffic control strategies and adopted the ordered logit model to analyze its effectiveness in reducing the STTs’ externalities in Laem Chabang municipality where many large seaports are located. The existing literature was used as the reference to generate the relevant attributions used to develop a questionnaire survey randomly distributed to the respondents in five communities. Based on 414 responses, the immediate lane changing was ranked the first, followed by the violation of speed limit, and the unsafe parking, while the defect of vehicle, support equipment, and coupling device was ranked in the top five potential causes of STTs’ externalities. The ordered logit model revealed that the non-engineering strategies, especially legal enforcement and driving skill improvement, had a larger impact on the reduction of negative externalities caused by both drivers and their vehicles, while the engineering strategies, such as rumble strips, and automatic speed camera, tended to reduce only the driver-generated externalities. Keywords: Strategies, negative externalities, semi-trailer trucks, Eastern Economic Corridor, Laem Chabang municipality, ordered logit model
Insertional vs Targeted Mutagenesis in the Development of Zebrafish as an In Vivo Model for Cardiomyopathy

INSERTIONAL VS TARGETED MUTAGENESIS IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF ZEBRAFISH AS AN IN VIVO MODEL FOR CARDIOMYOPATHY Matiyo Ojehomon University of Guelph, 2020 Advisor(s): Dr. John Dawson Dr. Terry Van Raay Heart failure is a global economic burden and can be caused by cardiomyopathy, a disease of the myocardium. Mutations in genes encoding sarcomere proteins have been known to cause cardiomyopathy. One of these sarcomere proteins is -cardiac actin (ACTC), which is needed for proper contraction of the heart. To better understand how mutations in the ACTC protein cause cardiomyopathy, an in vivo model like zebrafish can be used to understand the molecular mechanism that occurs. Using transposons (insertional) or Clustered Regularly Interspaced Palindromic Repeats (CRISPRs) (targeted), zebrafish can be engineered to carry these mutations and the impact can be studied. The transposon system proved to be unstable as the inserted transposon underwent transcriptional repression. To use the CRISPR system, identifying which zfactc gene to target is necessary. Performing WMISH and RT-qPCR, zfacta1b seems to be the best candidate for targeted mutagenesis due to its early expression in the heart.
A Phosphodiesterase-5 Inhibitor Vardenafil Enhances Angiogenesis Through a Protein Kinase G–Dependent Hypoxia-Inducible Factor-1/Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Pathway

Objective— We examined whether phosphodiesterase-5 (PDE5) inhibition can promote ischemia-induced angiogenesis. Methods and Results— Unilateral hindlimb ischemia was generated by resecting right femoral artery in wild-type C3H/He mice, treated with either vehicle or a PDE5 inhibitor vardenafil (10 mg/kg per day). Four weeks after surgery, vardenafil significantly enhanced blood flow recovery and augmented capillary collateral formation in ischemic muscle (blood flow ratios of ischemic/nonischemic leg: 0.52±0.17 [vehicle] versus 0.92±0.09 [vardenafil], P<0.01). Vardenafil upregulated protein expression of vascular endothelial growth factor and hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF)-1α in ischemic muscle and enhanced mobilization of Sca-1/Flk-1-positive endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) in peripheral blood and bone marrow, contributing to neovascularization. Vardenafil also promoted capillary-like tube formation of human umbilical vein endothelial cells and increased the number of human blood mononuclear cell-der.