Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Ethnic Origin Influence on Urban Households Potato Purchase: Evidence from Yaoundé, Cameroon

Potato is suggested as a food security crop due to its nutritional value, relative less vulnerability to international food price volatility, suitable capacity to various farming systems, ease of cultivation and employment and income opportunity. Moreover, potato yields more food more quickly and on less land than other staples. A great attention has been then given on agricultural research to increase potato production and processing, especially in developing countries. Yet, despite increasing trends in production, potato intake levels in Sub-Saharan Africa are still low. Besides, there is limited knowledge on households’ food consumption patterns in this region. This study aimed at investigating the associations between potato purchase patterns of urban households and their cultural background. A survey was conducted in Yaounde, the capital city of Cameroon and as well a cosmopolitan metropolis. Using a structured questionnaire, 180 respondents from ethnic groups in potato producing areas and non-producing regions were interviewed on household potato purchase patterns including the quantity purchased, frequency and place of purchase, preferences and perceptions. Descriptive statistics and multiple linear regression were used to analyse data. Results showed higher quantities of potato purchased by households originated from potato producing areas as compared to their counterparts from non-producing regions. Besides, a significant positive relation was found between the extent of potato purchase and origin from the main producing areas, namely North West and West regions. However, household size and the purchase of potato at urban markets or at neighbouring shops had a strong significant positive relation with the quantities purchased. Taste and habit were acknowledged as main reasons for potato consumption by households with no traditional ties with potato; they also indicated perceived nutritional value of potato. On the other hand, potato-based traditional meals and perceived nutritional value of potato were important in potato purchase decisions of households from producing areas. This suggested that potato is a familiar item in urban diets. Thus, promoting the supply of nutritious and tasty potato products in urban areas could add on the range of potato-based food accessible to urban households and then increase the contribution of potato to national food security.
Confirmed record of the genus Chernes in Bosnia and Herzegovina (Pseudoscorpiones: Chernetidae)

According to the world pseudoscorpion catalogue, 55 species are known from Bosnia and Herzegovina (Harvey, 2013). Most of them belong to the families of Chthoniidae and Neobisiidae. The species Pselaphochernes hadzii Ćurčić, 1972, P. lacertosus (L. Koch, 1873), Dinocheirus panzeri (C.L. Koch, 1837), Allochernes wideri (C.L. Koch, 1843) with the subspecies A. wideri phaleratus (Simon, 1879) from the family Chernetidae have been recorded in Bosnia and Herzegovina (Harvey, 2013) in the catalogue did not mention two others chernetid species from Beier (1929) Lamprochernes nodosus (Schrank, 1803) and Pselaphochernes scorpioides (Hermann, 1804). Chernetid species have low known diversity not only in Bosnia, but across the Balkans in generally (Christophoryová & Jablonski, 2017). The present findings of Chernes hahnii (C.L. Koch, 1839) represent the first reliable record of the species, and the genus as well, in Bosnia and Herzegovina. In the Balkans, the species has been known to occur only in Bulgaria (Harvey, 2013); quotation from Bosnia by Beier (1929) is doubtful, since it may be referred also to Chernes cimicoides (Fabricius, 1793).
How Do Braided Rivers Grow Channel Belts?

River channels often develop channel belts—wider corridors imprinted by past channel occupation—that record past landscape dynamics and form widespread aquifers. Controls on channel belt width for braided rivers have been inferred through physical experiments that evolve an initially straight channel and yield an interpreted, quasi‐equilibrium form. Yet uncertainties remain regarding the independent effects of discharge, slope, and time on channel belt dimensions and the morphodynamic phenomena that coincide with channel belt development. To address these uncertainties, I conducted four experiments that independently varied discharge and bed slope for flow over a bed of medium sand (D50 = 0.42 mm). The laboratory basin (37 m long, 2.7 m wide) was 200 times longer and nine times wider than the width of the largest initial channel, which reduced boundary effects and provided a baseline to measure downstream variability in channel belt width. Transitions in channel belt growth rate occurred in concert with three phases captured by time‐resolved topography data: (1) meandering; (2) braiding, with logarithmic growth of the channel belt; and (3) maturity, with slowing, localized growth due to decreasing flow depth. A dimensionless framework involving discharge, slope, and sediment grain size collapses the growth trajectories of the channel belts to a common trend. In comparison, for natural cases, discharge is the dominant predictor of channel belt width (wcb ~ Q0.55). The time dependence of channel belt width in the experiments suggests that the widths of isolated, ancient channel sand bodies are wider than their formative channels.
Not all experiential consumers are created equals: the interplay of customer equity drivers on brand loyalty

This study aims to use social exchange theory and the principle of reciprocity in proposing a theoretical model to examine the essential but unexplored unique roles of individual customer equity drivers (CEDs) and their contribution to brand loyalty. This study identifies a reciprocity pathway in that brand equity, which mediates the linkage between relationship equity and brand loyalty. This study further posits that the linkage between relationship equity and brand equity is contingent on value equity. The authors then incorporate value equity as a moderator upon which the interrelationships among CEDs and brand loyalty may vary. ,A sample consisted of 2,268 shoppers in a metropolitan city in Vietnam. ,Relationship equity significantly determines brand loyalty through the moderating effect of value equity and the mediating effect of brand equity. Interestingly, these relationships are diverse across different experiential types of consumers. ,This study contributes to a better understanding of why and when value equity, brand equity and relationship equity trigger brand loyalty. Brand equity and value equity are the two underlying mechanisms that establish a moderated mediation model between CEDs and brand loyalty. The findings of this study show that experiential consumers are not created equals. The strength of the relationships between CEDs and brand loyalty differ among the five clusters of experiential consumers. ,This study reveals the critical relationships between the three components of customer equity in the supermarket industry. The findings provide concrete direction for managers and marketers to be more effective in allocating resources, tailoring their marketing strategies and, accordingly, promoting brand loyalty of different types of consumers. ,This study reveals the underlying modus operandi that explains the reciprocity effects of CEDs and the contingency role of brand experience on the CEDs–loyalty link. This study shows that brand equity fosters and sustains the reciprocity generated when consumers perceive a high level of relationship equity, serving as a mediator between relationship equity and brand loyalty. Importantly, value equity is an important moderator for strengthening this reciprocity effect. Furthermore, this study identifies a typology of experience-focussed consumers and shows that the CEDs–loyalty link significantly varies by these types of experiential appeal that characterise the consumers.
A novel study on curcumin metal complexes: solubility improvement, bioactivity, and trial burn wound treatment in rats

This paper describes a new technique to enhance the solubility of metal curcumin complexes. The solubility of the complex has increased significantly by the homogenization technique with the assistance of surfactants. The optimum conditions of the method have been determined, such as time, temperature, and surfactant concentration. The antioxidant, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory activities of these complexes have been studied. The results show that the curcumin complexes have promising potential in antibacterial, antioxidant, and in the treatment of restoring burns in rats. The wounds of rats, treated by using 0.2 mg mL−1 of curcumin and its complex solutions three times daily, have wholly recovered after 12, 15, and 18 days of treatment with curcumin–Ca(II), curcumin–Zn(II), and curcumin–Fe(III), respectively.
Estrogens determination through disposable pipette extraction coupled to ultraviolet spectroscopy and nonlinear pseudo‐univariate calibration: Solving rank deficiency problems

In this study, the disposable pipette extraction (DPX) approach was employed to prepare water samples containing the hormones 17‐β‐estradiol (beta‐EST), estrone (ETR), estriol (EST), and 17‐α‐ethinylestradiol (17‐EE). Both multivariate and univariate experimental designs were used to optimize the DPX procedure through ultraviolet (UV) and high‐performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The determination of estrogens in water through UV spectroscopy exhibited rank deficiency, and after trying several strategies, it was possible to suggest that the rank deficiency in the spectra was solved by column augmented matrix strategy afterward complexing the hormones with β‐cyclodextrin, in which the relative concentration recovered by the multivariate curve resolution with alternating least squares (MCR‐ALS) to each hormone was employed in the development of nonlinear pseudo‐univariate calibration models based on support vector machine (SVM) approach. The models were validated through parameters of merit determination and by comparing the models results with those obtained by HPLC. The alternative methodology for the determination of estrogens in water through UV spectroscopy is an environmentally friendly analytical methodology employing less solvent and with high throughput. Moreover, it is not possible to determinate these hormones without using the chemometric approaches, mainly due to the rank deficiency, which needs to be broken to allow for the differentiation between the substances and later modeling.
Middle Power Alignment in the Indo-Pacific: Securing Agency Through Neo-Middle Power Diplomacy

Middle powers in the Indo-Pacific are faced with a trifecta of pressures including China’s re-emergence as central pole in the region, deepening Sino-U.S. strategic competition, and questions related to U.S. leadership in the region. Specific concerns related to China include maritime security, the openness of the emerging digital economy, and the practice of coercive economic behavior, to which middle powers are vulnerable. To respond to these pressures some middle powers are adapting to these changing dynamics and transforming their middle power diplomacy towards what the author coins as neo-middle power diplomacy. This new type of diplomacy proactively engages in behavior which includes lobbying, insulating, and rulemaking in the realms of security, trade and international law, and aims to ensure that middle powers’ interests are not affected by the Sino-U.S. strategic competition.
Influence of rhamnolipids from Pseudomonas PS-17 on coal tar and petroleum residue biodegradation

The efficiency of biological processes utilized for eliminating hydrocarbons from soil and water environment depends on many factors, among others on the type and level of contaminants and their bioavailability. Pollutants comprising highly hydrophobic and toxic hydrocarbons are characterized by low susceptibility to biodegradation. Among sources of such pollutants are coal tars and heavy petroleum fractions. This paper shows how rhamnolipids isolated from Pseudomonas PS-17 stimulate biodegradation of coal tar waste obtained from former gas work and petroleum residue obtained from atmospheric distillation of light petroleum. The study demonstrates low susceptibility of coal tar component to biodegradation. Addition of rhamnolipids initiated biodegradation process by increasing bioavailability of coal tar components. The highest efficiency of the coal tar biodegradation (28%) was observed at the rhamnolipids concentration of 125 mg in 1 dm of the cultivation medium. For the petroleum residue the maximum efficiency was 55% at the rhamnolipids concentration of 250 mg/dm.
Use of Instructional Methods Developing Higher Order Thinking Skills by Business Studies Teachers in Eswatini

Higher order thinking (HOTs) is the ability to transfer knowledge, think critically, and solve problems (Collins, 2014). However, there is no study conducted on the analysis of HOTs in Business Studies in the Kingdom of Eswatini yet the subject is the most poorly performed. Therefore, this study sought to determine the extent to which teachers use the instructional methods that are prescribed in the Eswatini Business Studies curriculum to develop higher order thinking skills in learners. A mixed method approach and convergent parallel design were used. Stratified random sampling technique was used to select seven teachers for participation in the study. An observation schedule having a 5-point Likert scale, face-to-face interview guide and document analysis protocol was used in data collection. Quantitative data were analysed using descriptive statistics such as mean, frequencies and percentages. Thematic analysis was used to analyse qualitative data. The findings of the study indicated that Business Studies teachers rely more on instructional methods which develop lower order thinking skills (LOTs) rather than higher order thinking skills (HOTS). The study concluded that a majority of the Business Studies teachers use Question and answer method, lecture method, and teacher-led discussion method. Question and answer method was the most used, even though teachers were asking learners closed-ended questions. Business Studies teachers did not use most of the instructional methods that are recommended for the teaching of Business Studies subject. The study concluded that the extent of using instructional methods prescribed by the curriculum to develop HOTs is inadequate and unsatisfactory. Therefore, Business Studies learners are not prepared well to succeed in EGCSE examination, the world of work and life in general. It was recommended that cluster workshops be conducted to help teachers understand how the instructional methods that potentially develop HOTS are applied using the Revised Bloom’s Taxonomy.
Business Model Innovation Through the Use of Digital Technologies: Managing Risks and Creating Sustainability

In order to gain competitive advantages and maintain high market shares, businesses have to constantly adapt, not only by implementing the latest technology available, but also by creating their own innovations, aiming to make the business both more profitable and more sustainable. Changing the business model by introducing technological and sustainable components puts companies at high risk. On the one hand, medium-sized companies are more flexible, the decision-making process is quicker, and they can more easily adopt change-management strategies, but on the other hand they are more vulnerable to market changes and dependent on constant financial flows. This article analyses the entrepreneurial behaviour of 92 technology-based companies in the European business market through online and face-to-face questionnaires to understand how they generate economic growth by successfully implementing sustainable innovations while avoiding predictable risks and preparing for the unpredictable ones, but also to provide a best-practice guide for likewise companies facing that process. At the same time, for a better understanding of the changes of medium-sized companies, the research is comparing the Eastern and Western Europe. There are not only visible differences in form and style between Eastern and Western European companies, but also differences in risk management, perception of innovation, organization of the business model. The novelty of this study comes from the comparative approach of the two areas in terms of innovation, sustainability and risk management, by highlighting the advantages and disadvantages they face, and by establishing the principles that could make companies in both areas more competitive, being aware of the measures they should take.
Self-compacting concrete with TPP fly ash

The prospects and problems of multilevel optimization of the dispersed composition of self-compacting concrete are considered with the aim of significantly increasing its construction and technical properties, with a minimum content of binder. Theoretical and practical principles have been developed for the design of disperse-particle size distribution of self-compacting concrete mixtures for high-strength concrete, in which various types of dispersed mineral modifiers (MM) are used, including fly ash of thermal power plants (TPPs). Effective MMs for self-compacting concrete mixtures are varied granular blast furnace slag and fly ash of thermal power plants, which create a dense packing structure of particles of a multicomponent binder with a low degree of disorder and ensure a decrease in the consumption of Portland cement in concrete by 43-48%. With such a choice of the type and parameters of MM, self-compacting concrete mixtures are characterized by lower water content, high viscosity and a low level of ultimate shear stress, ensuring its high-quality compaction. To study the properties and structure of concrete, quartz sand with Mk −2.58 and granite crushed stone were used as a fine aggregate. 5-10 and 10-20mm, Portland cement of class CEM I 52.5N, finely dispersed blast furnace granulated slag, fly ash of thermal power plants. and Glenium 430 superplasticizer. Research methods: the shape and size of the dispersed particles of the components were determined by a laser analyzer, the mobility of the concrete mix according to GOST 10181-2014, the compressive strength of concrete according to GOST 10180-2012. The structure of the cement stone was studied by thermographic and x-ray phase analysis methods. The strength of concrete only from the use of fly ash from TPPs instead of the equivalent part of fine aggregate increases by 4.1−9.2%.
How teachable agents influence students’ responses to critical constructive feedback

Abstract Does a teachable agent influence the uptake or neglect of ‘critical constructive feedback’ and learning within a digital environment? 285 middle-school students engaged with a history learning game in a 2x2 study design. One dimension was inclusion of a teachable agent. Orthogonal was whether critical constructive feedback was presented automatically or only when students chose. Analyses showed that a teachable agent positively affected students’ responses to feedback and mitigated feedback neglect; the results were especially strong for lower-achieving students. Additionally, presence of a teachable agent improved post-test performance for students overall, and this effect was mediated by lower feedback neglect.
Additions to the Knowledge of the Pollen Morphology of Some Fabaceae from Cerrado Forest Patches of Brazil

ABSTRACT This study presents the pollen morphology of 11 Brazilian native species and one variety of Caesalpinioideae and Detarioideae (Fabaceae) from forest patches of São Paulo, Brazil. The aim of this research is to expand the morphological knowledge of the species of these subfamilies, contributing to the taxonomic study and conservation of these species in the forest area. The pollen grains were acetolyzed, measured, described qualitatively and illustrated using light microscopy and scanning electron microscopy. Differences in pollen unit (tetrads or monads), size (small to large), amb (circular to triangular), shape (oblate to prolate), details of the polar area (very small to large), position of apertures (angulaperturate, planaperturate, subplanaperturate, or fossaperturate), type of endoapertures (lolongate, circular, or lalongate) and exine ornamentation (psilate, scabrate, microreticulate, or reticulate heterobrochate) aid in the differentiation of pollen grains of the analyzed species. In this study, the metric variables related to the apertures assist in the quantitative separation of the species (multivariate analysis), and these variables, together with the qualitative data, contribute to affirm the eurypalynous character of the subfamilies Caesalpinioideae and Detarioideae.
Spelt (Triticum spelta L.) Pasta Quality: Combined Effect of Flour Properties and Drying Conditions

ABSTRACT Three spelt genotypes (Rouquin, Redoute, and HGQ Rouquin= Rouquin improved for gluten quality), each characterized by either high or low protein content, were processed to manufacture spaghetti, which was dried at both low (60°C) and high temperature (90°C) to assess the effects of flour properties and drying conditions on spelt pasta quality. Protein content in the spelt flour was considered low at ≈11.4% db and high at ≈13.5% db. Gluten properties, assessed by SDS sedimentation and gluten index values and by alveograph and farinograph parameters varied widely, ranging from poor for Redoute to very good for HGQ Rouquin. Pasta quality was assessed by determining color (L*, a*, and b* values), furosine, and cooking quality (stickiness, bulkiness, firmness, and total organic matter [TOM]). Furosine and color (a* and b* values) were significantly influenced by the intensity of the drying process. TOM and organoleptic judgement (OJ) showed that spelt pastas dried at low temperature, independent of th.
Gender differences on students’ self-regulated learning in mathematics

Self-regulated learning (SRL) is a process carried out by students on their awareness in formulating goals, determining strategies, motivating and monitoring themselves in learning and evaluating the results of their learning. This study aims to describe the SRL of junior high school students in learning mathematics from gender differences. The method used in this research is quantitative descriptive. The study was conducted at SMPN 1 Pecangaan. The sample used was 73 8th-grade students, consisting of 35 male students and 38 female students. The data were retrieved by using a questionnaire with Likert scale. The results of this study indicated that there were differences in SRL between male and female students in learning mathematics based on independent t-test (0.001< 0.05). Female students were superior in each indicator of all aspects of SRL, namely metacognition, motivation, and active involvement in learning activities. It can be concluded that female students have better SRL in learning mathematics compared to male students.
Spotlight on avian pathology: fowl adenovirus (FAdV) in chickens and beyond – an unresolved host-pathogen interplay

ABSTRACT Fowl adenovirus (FAdV) infections in chickens have undergone substantial changes in recent decades, driven by host and pathogen factors. Based on the pathogenesis of inclusion body hepatitis (IBH) and hepatitis-hydropericardium syndrome (HHS), modern broilers are much more inclined to have difficulties keeping the metabolic homeostasis, whereas adenoviral gizzard erosion (AGE) is noticed equally in broilers and egg-layers. Defining the importance of certain serotypes for specific FAdV diseases is a major achievement of recent years but the isolation of viruses from clinically healthy birds remains unexplained, as virulence factors are hardly known and continue to be a “black box”. Together with further studies on pathogenesis of FAdV-induced diseases, such knowledge on virulence factors would help to improve protection strategies, which presently mainly concentrate on autogenous vaccines of breeders to prevent vertical transmission.