Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Herbivory by spadefoot toad tadpoles and reduced water level affect submerged plants in temporary ponds

ABSTRACT In temporary ponds, submerged plants have adapted to recurrent periods of drought. These ponds often lack the impact of large herbivores but can harbor large numbers of herbivorous tadpoles. Tadpoles of the Iberian spadefoot toad (Pelobates cultripes) may reach large body size and consume large quantities of macrophytes during their long larval period, which is shortened with risk of pond drying. We conducted a mesocosm experiment to analyze the interplay between hydroperiod and impact of herbivorous tadpoles on the abundance and life history of 3 species of submerged plants common to temporary ponds. We observed differences in growth among plant species resulting in lags in timing of maximum cover, probably related to interspecific competitive interactions. Some plants responded to pond drying with a remarkable increase in the production of flowers. Tadpoles greatly reduced the plant cover, although their impact varied across plant species. Differential plant consumption by these large tadpoles can substantially modify the internal structure and complexity of temporary ponds, and tadpoles can also interfere with plant responses to shortened hydroperiod.
Moderators of the Effect of Viewer Satisfaction on Loyalty Towards Television Channels in Harare, Zimbabwe

ABSTRACT Based on a survey of 501 television viewers, this study investigated factors moderating the effect of viewer satisfaction on viewer loyalty toward television channels. Research hypotheses were tested using moderated regression analysis. The study found that viewer satisfaction, perceived service quality, corporate reputation, switching cost and price all positively influenced viewer loyalty while corporate reputation, gender, age, education and income did not influence viewer loyalty. Only switching cost and price had significant moderating effects on the viewer satisfaction-viewer loyalty relationship; the rest of the hypothesized relationships were insignificant. The findings of this study have theoretical, practical and future research implications.
Mask Design for Life in the Midst of COVID-19

Existing medical masks have various disadvantages, such as the environmental damage caused by disposable masks, the discomfort and poor ventilation caused by prolonged mask wearing, and the lack of aesthetic design in mass-produced masks. Thus, this study used quality function deployment, the fuzzy analytic hierarchy process, and fuzzy comprehensive evaluation to research, develop, and design masks. The aforementioned methods were also used to determine the ranking of design requirements. The following priority ranking of design requirements from most to least important was obtained: reducing discomfort at the contact between the mask and the skin (0.265), avoiding foul odor inside the mask (0.187), convenient cleaning and portability (0.166), good airtightness (0.152), suitable aesthetic design for wearing in public and on social occasions (0.130), and reducing waste (0.100). Experts evaluated mask designs, and their opinions were subject to fuzzy analysis. Specifically, 50% of the experts evaluated the designs to be “good” or “very good”. Only 29% of the experts rated the design results as “average”. Thus, the innovative mask designed in this study can meet the needs of users, overcome the drawbacks of existing masks, and provide a feasible solution for the current COVID-19 pandemic.
Using flipped classroom and peer instruction methodologies to improve introductory computer programming courses

Learning to write computer programs and engaging students in introductory programming subjects are difficult tasks. This study presents the results obtained when using flipped classroom and peer instruction methodologies in an introductory course of programming. Before the lecture, out‐of‐class study and on‐line homework questionnaires were applied, and peer instruction was used in the classroom to encourage students' participation and discussion, assisted by an on‐the‐fly assessment app. The main academic results, the degree of involvement in the course activities, and the students' feedback were collected and compared with similar data from previous academic years. Significantly better pass (χ2 = 12.94, p < .001) and dropout rates (χ2 = 7.08, p < .01) were obtained when using flipped classroom and peer instruction. Laboratory attendance also improved significantly (χ2 = 27.62, p < .001). Our results showed significant positive correlations between the work performed at home and the grade obtained in the final exam (ρ = 0.51, p < .001). According to the students' opinions, class preparation at home increased significantly (χ2 = 46.59, p < .001) by 33% due to the new methodologies used. These results, based on a sample of six offerings of the same programming course, suggest that the application of flipped classroom and peer instruction improves the quality of the autonomous work of the students as well as their involvement in the lectures, and therefore, their knowledge acquisition improves.
PENGARUH DISIPLIN KERJA, KOMPENSASI, DAN PANDEMI COVID 19 TERHADAP PRODUKTIVITAS PT. INDAH ROTI BERSERI PALEMBANG

The purpose of this study was to determine the Effect of Work Discipline, Compensation and the Covid-19 Pandemic Climate on the Productivity of PT. Indah Roti Berseri, Palembang partially or simultaneously. This research method uses descriptive and verification surveys, field data collection uses questionnaires, interviews and documentation techniques. This research is an associative research, where in this study there are variables that are related and can influence other variables. The population of this study were 77 employees of PT. Indah Roti Berseri, Palembang. Data processing using SPSS 25 analysis tool. Testing the data using the t test, that work discipline has an effect on productivity with t count 11.967 > t table 1.9912 and a significance of 0.00 <0.05, there is a compensation effect on productivity with t count 6.941 > t table 1.9912 and a significance of 0 ,00 < 0.05 , the COVID-19 pandemic climate affects performance with t count 11.489 > t table 1.9912 significance 0.00> 0.05 and work discipline, compensation and organizational climate during the pandemic on productivity simultaneously with f count 70.424 > f table 2.72 significance 0.00> 0.05. The common thread of research is that work discipline, compensation and the climate of the COVID-19 pandemic affect the productivity of PT. Indah Roti Berseri, Palembang both partially and simultaneously. A strategy to increase productivity by continuing to build the company's organizational climate even during the Covid 19 Pandemic and maintaining work discipline and employee welfare through good compensation.
Role of emergency bilateral internal iliac ligation in postpartum hemorrhage

ABSTRACTBackground: The aim of the study was to determine the effectiveness of emergency bilateral internal iliac ligation in intractable postpartum hemorrhage.Methods: A retrospective study was done on 33 women who have undergone emergency bilateral internal iliac ligation in obstetrics haemorrhage.Results: In all of 33 women under this study bilateral internal iliac ligation was performed in emergency. (11) of the cases were of atonic PPH, placenta previa (8), uterine rapture (7), extension of C-section scar (3), vaginal and cervical laceration (3) and uterine perforation (1). hysterectomy was not performed in any of the cases. internal iliac artery was injured in one case during the procedure and was managed successfully but two patients died during and after the BIIL.Conclusions: BIIL is an effective, less time consuming and life-saving procedure in intractable obstetrics hemorrhage if early decision is taken and performed by practiced surgeons.
Social Exchange in Mate Selection of Female Migrants in China

Abstract In China, a critical challenge for rural-to-urban migrants planning to settle down is to convert their rural hukou (household registration) to an urban one through a limited set of de jure channels. This study argues that marriage is a key channel that some migrants take, notably for female migrants. Using data from the 2010 Chinese General Social Survey, we analyzed how educational and age disparities between female rural-to-urban migrants and their husbands relate to urban hukou conversion. We found that the rural women who used marriage as the means to hukou conversion were more likely to marry someone less educated and much older. The findings suggest that rural women can realize their geographical and social mobility by a strategic response to the residence policy, which may in turn impact the dynamics of gender inequality in the household.
Carbonate fluxes by coccolithophore species between NW Africa and the Caribbean: Implications for the biological carbon pump

Coccolithophores are among the most important calcifying pelagic organisms. To assess how coccolithophore species with different coccolith‐carbonate mass and distinct ecological resilience to ocean warming will influence the “rain ratio” and the “biological carbon pump”, 1 yr of species‐specific coccolith‐carbonate export fluxes were quantified using sediment traps moored at four sites between NW Africa and the Caribbean (i.e., CB‐20°N/21°W, at 1214 m; M1‐12°N/23°W, at 1150 m; M2‐14°N/37°W, at 1235 m; M4‐12°N/49°W, at 1130 m). Highest coccolith‐CaCO3 fluxes at the westernmost site M4, where the nutricline is deepest along the tropical North Atlantic, were dominated by deep‐dwelling small‐sized coccolith species Florisphaera profunda and Gladiolithus flabellatus. Total coccolith‐CaCO3 fluxes of 371 mg m−2 yr−1 at M4 were followed by 165 mg m−2 yr−1 at the north‐easternmost CB, 130 mg m−2 yr−1 at M1, and 114 mg m−2 yr−1 at M2 in between. Coccoliths accounted for nearly half of the total carbonate flux at M4 (45%), much higher compared to 23% at M2 and 15% at M1 and CB. At site M4, highest ratios of coccolith‐CaCO3 to particulate organic carbon fluxes and weak correlations between the carbonate of deep‐dwelling species and particulate organic carbon suggest that increasing productivity in the lower photic zone in response to ocean warming might enhance the rain ratio and reduce the coccolith‐ballasting efficiency. The resulting weakened biological carbon pump could, however, be counterbalanced by increasing frequency of Saharan dust outbreaks across the tropical Atlantic, providing mineral ballast as well as nutrients to fuel fast‐blooming and ballast‐efficient coccolithophore species.
The Efficiency of Biocidal Silica Nanosystems for the Conservation of Stone Monuments: Comparative In Vitro Tests against Epilithic Green Algae

In the last decade, worldwide research has focused on innovative natural biocides and the development of organic and inorganic nanomaterials for long-lasting reliability. In this work, the biocide effects of two different biocides encapsulated in two different silica nanosystems for a multifunctional coating have been performed through in vitro tests, by using Chlorococcum sp. as a common stone biodeteriogen. Zosteric sodium salt (ZS), a green biocide, was compared with the commercial biocide, 2-mercaptobenzothiazole (MBT), widely used in the treatment of cultural heritage. The analyzed systems are the following: silica nanocapsules (NC) and silica nanoparticles (MNP) not loaded with biocides, two nanosystems loaded with ZS and MBT, and free biocides. The qualitative and quantitative evaluations of biocide efficiency were performed periodically, analyzing pigment autofluorescence to discriminate between active and inactive/dead cells. The analyses showed multiple differences. All the nanocontainers presented an initial reduction in chlorophyll’s autofluorescence. For the free biocide, the results highlighted higher efficiency for MBT than ZS. Finally, the nanosystems loaded with the different biocides highlighted a higher activity for nanocontainers loaded with the commercial biocide than the green product, and better efficiency for MNP in comparison with NC.
Hydrogen production via integrated configuration of steam gasification process of biomass and water‐gas shift reaction: Process simulation and optimization

A comprehensive model is developed to predict and optimize the hydrogen production via integrated configuration of steam gasification process of biomass and water‐gas shift reaction by taking advantage of the ASPEN plus software and sensitivity analysis techniques. The steam gasification process of three different generations of biomass, including corn cob as the first generation, wood residue and rice husk as second generation, and Spirulina algae as the third, are investigated and evaluated to achieve maximum hydrogen production. This model is successfully validated with experimental data reported in the literature about steam gasification of rice husk in the fluidized bed reactor. The impact of main operating parameters is considered in terms of products composition, hydrogen yield, CO conversion, H2/CO ratio in the gas products stream, and cold gas efficiency (CGE). The results indicated that the maximum hydrogen concentration is achieved at the highest steam to biomass (S/B) ratio in the gasifier and water‐gas shift (WGS) reactor and at the lowest WGS reaction temperature, whereas there is an optimum value about the gasification temperature. The highest CO conversion and H2/CO molar ratio belong to rice husk biomass at all considered range of temperature, whereas they are almost the same for wood residue and Spirulina. The predicted results confirmed that CGE of all feedstocks improves with increasing gasification temperatures and S/B ratio. The steam gasification performance of different feedstocks at 750°C is ranked as wood residue (83.56%) > spirulina (83.47%) > corn cob (74.94%) > rice husk (69.86%). The presented configuration can be applied as a novel approach for process evaluation and optimization through the downdraft biomass gasification integrated with water‐gas shift reaction to intensify the hydrogen production.
Identification and taxonomy of Betula (Betulaceae) in Great Britain and Ireland

Floras and identification guides typically do not list the full range of identification features that discriminate between Betula pendula Roth and B. pubescens Ehrh. , and some accounts contain errors. Discriminatory identification features are described and illustrated. Introgression from the diploid, B. pendula into B. pubescens is widespread. It also occurs from B. nana L. into B. pubescens, but obviously introgressed examples of the latter are probably rare. Betula pubescens presents the greatest unresolved identification difficulties. Trees identified as B. pubescens subsp. celtiberica (Rothm. & Vasc.) Rivas Mart. , particularly in Wales, may be part of the variation within British B. pubescens, due to introgression from B. pendula. The most widespread of the small-leaved forms of B. pubescens is correctly named var. fragrans Ashburner & McAll. Several misapplied names have been given to this taxon, most recently subsp. tortuosa (Ledeb.) Nyman, which does not occur in Europe. Not all small-leaved B. pubescens are var. fragrans; some examples show clear signs of introgression from B. nana, and may be referable to the northern var. pumila (L.) Govaerts.
Using Geomatic Techniques to Estimate Volume-Area Relationships of Watering Ponds

Watering ponds represent an important part of the hydrological resources in some water-limited environments. Knowledge about their storage capacity and geometrical characteristics is crucial for a better understanding and management of water resources in the context of climate change. In this study, the suitability of different geomatic approaches to model watering pond geometry and estimate pond-specific and generalized volume–area–height (V–A–h) relationships was tested. Terrestrial structure-from-motion and multi-view-stereo photogrammetry (SfM-MVS), terrestrial laser scanner (TLS), laser-imaging detection and ranging (LIDAR), and aerial SfM-MVS were tested for the emerged terrain, while the global navigation satellite system (GNSS) was used to survey the submerged terrain and to test the resulting digital elevation models (DEMs). The combined use of terrestrial SfM-MVS and GNSS produced accurate DEMs of the ponds that resulted in an average error of 1.19% in the maximum volume estimation, comparable to that obtained by the TLS+GNSS approach (3.27%). From these DEMs, power and quadratic functions were used to express pond-specific and generalized V–A–h relationships and checked for accuracy. The results revealed that quadratic functions fit the data particularly well (R2 ≥ 0.995 and NRMSE < 2.25%) and can therefore be reliably used as simple geometric models of watering ponds in hydrological simulation studies. Finally, a generalized V–A power relationship was obtained. This relationship may be a valuable tool to estimate the storage capacity of other watering ponds in comparable areas in a context of data scarcity.
The role of customer brand engagement in the use of Instagram as a “shop window” for fashion-industry social commerce

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to analyze how fashion consumers behave when they make purchases using social media platforms – specifically, Instagram. In particular, the work examines the role played by consumer–brand involvement and self–brand connection (SBC) as predictors of customer brand engagement (CBE). Design/methodology/approachIn this paper, social commerce-adoption is modeled, using three variables: customer engagement, SBC and fashion-consumer brand-involvement. Using a personal online survey, data on social media users classified as millennials and Generation Z were collected. The model is analyzed using structural equation modeling (SEM). FindingsConsumer involvement in fashion has a positive effect on cognitive processing and activation, but not on affection. SBC has a positive effect on all three analyzed dimensions. Finally, gender is found to exert a moderating effect on the relationship between the “CBE activation” dimension and brand loyalty.Research limitations/implicationsThe research was conducted during the lockdown imposed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, which may have influenced the responses. Other limitations and potential lines of research for the future are presented at the end of the paper.Practical implicationsSome of the results of this study can directly inform the social media strategies of fashion companies that use Instagram as a channel of communication with their customers. They can also contribute to incentivizing co-created content and increasing consumption among both men and women.Originality/valueThe present study contributes to addressing the scarcity of studies dealing with CBE and social commerce in the fashion sector and, in particular, fashion-consumer behavior on social media (specifically, Instagram).
Agronomic performance of common and tepary bean genotypes and their response to ashy stem blight in Isabela and Lajas, Puerto Rico

The seed yield potential of Phaseolus genotypes varies according their genetic background, environmental conditions, agronomic management, presence of pathogens, and/or their interactions. We evaluated the agronomic performance of 27 common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) and three tepary bean (P. acutifolius A. Gray) genotypes and their response to ashy stem blight (ASB) caused by Macrophomina phaseolina (Tassi) Goidanich. The 30 bean genotypes were planted in Isabela and Lajas, Puerto Rico, during 2019–2020. Tepary bean PI 313488 had the higher mean seed yield values (1,077–1,080 kg ha−1), compared with PI 462025 and PI 477037 (187–605 kg ha−1), in Isabela and Lajas on October 2019. Likewise, 92BG‐7, SB‐DT1, SEN 21, SER 16, SER 22, TARS‐MST1, and XAN 176 common bean genotypes had the highest yield in Isabela (>1,300 kg ha−1) and Lajas (>1,000 kg ha−1) on February 2020. Conversely, 92BG‐7, 'Bella', 'Jaguar', 'Matterhorn', SB‐DT1, SEN 3, SEA, and SER breeding lines, 'Tio Canela 75', 'UI 320', USPT‐WM‐1, VA 19, 'Verano', and XAN 176 had the lowest seed yield (<150 kg ha−1) compared with PI 313488, PI 462025, PI 477037, and TARS‐MST1 (345–511 kg ha−1) in Lajas on May 2019. Moreover, higher ASB incidence (47.6–66.3%) and severity (scores of 5.3–5.8) were observed in Lajas than Isabela (36.6–50.0% and 3.6–4.2, respectively). PI 313488 had lower ASB severity (≤4) in both locations, whereas 'Bill‐Z' and 'Matterhorn' were susceptible (>7) in Lajas. Prolonged periods of high temperatures (27.0–30.6°C) at night during reproductive stages apparently affected the seed yield and increased the ASB incidence/severity in Lajas.
Biodegradable thermoplastic polyurethanes

The overall aim of this work was to investigate the biodegradability of a number of polyurethane elastomers synthesised by different methods and targeted for a specific agricultural purpose in which the polyurethane was required to be degradable in soil after its useful life. Polyurethanes were synthesised commercially using two different methods; a ‘one-shot’ method where all of the reactants were added simultaneously, and a ‘pre-polymer’ method, in which the isocyanate and polyol were reacted together before addition of the chain extender. The effect of the method of synthesis on the rate of degradation and biodegradation was investigated using accelerated alkaline hydrolysis, enzymatic hydrolysis and soil burial, where it was found that the polyurethane synthesised by the ‘pre-polymer’ method hydrolysed faster under alkaline conditions (21 days) than that synthesised by the ‘one-shot’ method (56 days). This was found to be due to differences in the polymer morphology, with an increase in microcrystalline domains occurring during the ‘one-shot’ process. The effect of the chemical constituents of the synthesised polyurethanes on the rate of degradation and biodegradation were also investigated. Comparison of polyurethanes synthesised with an aliphatic (H12MDI) and an aromatic isocyanate (MDI) resulted in an increase in the rate of alkaline hydrolysis with the use of H12MDI. This was found to be affected mainly by differences in the morphology, with an increase in microphase separation and a decrease in microcrystalline regions in the case of the use of H12MDI Polyurethanes were synthesised using different polyols; PEA, PCL, PEG and PCL/PEG (50:50) to investigate the effect of the polyol on the rate of biodegradation, where it was found that the polyurethane containing a combination of the two polyols, PCL/PEG (50:50), degraded under both accelerated hydrolysis conditions and soil burial. This was thought to be due to the combination of both hydrophilic (PEG) and hydrophobic (PCL) charactyers of the polyols, which had contributed to increasing the diffusion of water into the polymer matrix (hydrophilic PEG), and also to inducing the microbial degradation by hydrophobic interactions (PCL). The incorporation of the additives; iron stearate, cellulose and Cloisite 30B were examined as a means of increasing the degradation and biodegradation of the polyurethane polymers. Addition of iron stearate was found to decrease the thermal stability of the polyurethane, which resulted in an increase in polyurethane degradation under alkaline conditions at 45oC, and biodegradation under soil burial conditions at 50oC. The incorporation of cellulose into the polyurethane increased the rate of alkaline hydrolysis and biodegradation in soil. This polyurethane (PU CE) was also susceptible towards enzymatic degradation by Aspergillus niger. The incorporation of the organically-modified nanoclay Cloisite 30B has decreased the microcrystalline domain structure contained within the polyurethane, and this was found to decrease the rate of alkaline hydrolysis dramatically (degraded within 7 days).