Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Canada Goose Survival and Recovery Rates in Urban and Rural Areas of Iowa, USA

Once extirpated from much of their North American range, temperate‐breeding Canada geese (Branta canadensis maxima) have reached high abundance. As a result, focus has shifted from restoration to managing harvest and addressing human‐goose conflict. Conflict persists or is increasing in urban areas throughout the Mississippi Flyway. Managers need more information regarding demographic rates to determine how hunting affects geese breeding in urban areas and what management actions may be required to achieve management goals. We estimated survival, dead recovery, live recapture, and fidelity probabilities using data from 77,872 Canada geese banded in Iowa, USA, during 1999–2019 using Burnham joint live‐ dead band recovery models. Factors predicted to affect parameters in candidate models included age (juvenile, subadult, adult), banding site (urban, rural), time, trend, harvest regulation index, and winter severity index. We predicted Canada geese banded in urban areas would have higher survival and lower dead recovery rates than geese banded at rural sites. The top model indicated support for age and banding site effects, and trends in survival and recovery rate (Brownie parameterization). Adult survival was similar for urban (0.75; range= 0.60–0.92) and rural (0.75; range= 0.66–0.82) geese and relatively constant across years. Mean juvenile survival was lower in urban (0.74; range= 0.48–0.93) than rural (0.85; range= 0.68–0.92) areas. Survival increased for urban‐banded juveniles and recovery rates increased during liberalization of harvest regulations and decreased after regulations stabilized. Recovery rates of subadults increased for the urban and rural groups. Our results suggest Canada geese breeding in urban areas contribute to harvest and specialized regulations can affect these populations. Harvest regulations in place during our analysis may not have reached a threshold required to observe substantial changes in survival. Current human‐goose conflict in urban areas suggests survival has not decreased to a level required to completely address conflict via reduction in goose abundance. Managers may consider additional liberalization of harvest regulations and monitoring via banding to determine to what degree hunter harvest contributes to reducing human‐goose conflict and what additional management actions will be required to achieve goals. © 2020 The Wildlife Society.
Time to change your attitude? Socio-economic status, academic attainment, and time attitudes in Glasgow school children

ABSTRACT Closing the poverty-related attainment gap in schoolchildren is a stated priority for the Scottish Government. In the present study, we examine the poverty-related attainment gap in Glasgow, a city wherein more than half of the 100 most deprived areas in Scotland are to be found. Further, we examine the potential mediating role of school attendance, academic self-efficacy, and future time attitudes (positive and negative) in the relationship between socio-economic status and academic attainment. Participants (N = 3,812) were from 30 High schools in the Glasgow Local Authority area. In the first instance, we examined the mediating role of both academic self-efficacy and school attendance. Then, in a subsample, we further examined the additional potential of both positive and negative time attitudes to mediate this relationship. Results of Study 1 support the combined partially mediating effect of both academic self-efficacy and higher school attendance on the poverty-attainment relationship. Results of Study 2 show that these variables fully mediate the poverty-attainment relationship, and further evidence a direct effect of both positive and negative time attitudes on attainment. The direct effects of time attitudes on attainment suggest that this construct may be viable in addressing the poverty-related attainment gap across the social spectrum.
Effect of Capital Structure on Firms Performance in Nigeria

The lack of precise methodology to determine the capital structure mix on firm performance has generated a lot of mixed results. Empirical studies from emerging nations revealed a scarcity of empirical findings on the measures with a significant impact on firm performance. This paper examines capital structure measures on manufacturing firm’s performance in Nigeria. Using annualized panel data for a sample of 15 quoted firms from diverse sectoral classifications from 1999-2018. Excluding the financial firms due to the uniqueness of their capital structure and the strict legal requirements for their financing choices. This study focus on non-financial firms. Capital structure measures book value and market value of the firm. Results indicate that performance proxy by ROE, and Tobin’s Q, significantly influence SDTA, SIZE, LDTA, and TDTA while ROA negatively influences LDTA, D_E, and TDTA. Findings revealed a robust relationship between Tobin’s Q and financial performance compared to other book value. Tobin’s Q is a better measure of performance within the period under review. The study reveals that Nigerian firms are keenly financed by short‐term debt supporting the Pecking Order Theory. It’s vital to note that no single theory can sufficiently explain the capital structure effect on firm performance.
Determine the Optimal Density of Nile Tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) Fingerlings Cultured in Floating Cages

The objective of the study was to determine the optimal density of fingerlings of the Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) culture in floating cages with respect to growth performance and to know the effect of temperature on growth during the winter period. Tilapia fingerlings (mean weight 8.5 ± 0.36 g) were stocked at densities of 120, 180 and 360 fish/m3 for 10 weeks. During culture, fish were fed a diet contains 35% protein made of peanut seed, cottonseed, wheat bran, and Sorghum. The results showed that the increase in fish density reduced the final weight of the fish. The percentage of the fish weight increased and reached 111% ± 1.45% in the lowest fish density (120 fish/m3), 79% ± 1.87% in the medium density (240 fish/m3), and 63% ± 2.03% of high fish density (360 fish/m3), therefore the daily growth rate was better in the lowest density. The rate of food conversion ratio was also better in the lowest density with 2.17 ± 0.33, followed by the medium density with 2.79 ± 0.28 and then the highest density with 3.09 ± 0.21. However, the total production in the cage increased with increasing fish density, and the return to the cost of food was better with higher fish density. According to various performance evaluation criteria, it can be concluded that the medium density 240 fish/m3 is the best for growing Nile tilapia fingerlings in floating cages. It was observed that the growth rates of the three treatments were low due to the decrease in water temperature in most of the study period, which may indicate the useless of culture in cages in the winter season.
Influence of Microfibers Additive on the Self-healing Performance of Mass Concrete

Because cracks are the main problem of mass concrete, this paper investigates an experimental study on the effect of polypropylene microfiber (PPMFs) on self -repair behavior of mass concrete, through study the microstructure, workability, physical, and mechanical properties of mass concrete. PPMFs with a diameter of 18 µm add in different percentages (0, 0.5, 1 and 1.5) % of cement weight. Where the prepared mixture ratio was (1:2:4.8) and the water-cement ratio (W/C) was 0.4. Also, 0.6% of Superplasticizer (SP) % of cement weight to all concrete mixtures was added. In this study, an SEM analysis used to observe the effect of PPMFs on the microstructure of mass concrete, and compressive and flexural strength tests for study the mechanical properties of this. And referring to the analysis and discussion of the results, PPMFs used have changed the microstructure of mass concrete, and have an effective effect on improving compressive strength and flexural strength, and mechanism of sealing the cracks of concrete autogenously. Also, 1% PPMFs (% of cement weight) recorded as the highest addition, which has a positive effect on mass concrete properties to apply it in the construction field.
Enhancing student interest in learning through the development of serious mathematics games

Learning mathematics in Indonesia today has not given the expected results, it is not better when compared to other countries. If a student is active and able to count quickly and carefully in mathematics, then the student will indirectly be easier to solve problems either in mathematics itself or applied in everyday life. The average educator has not used interesting media to improve children’s numeracy skills, there are often difficulties in students’ mathematics learning. Many research contributions are directed at taking advantage of the success of video games and using them to benefit from the education domain. The concept of learning in this research is carried out by utilizing the development of information and communication technology through interesting mathematical game applications through web-based learning. The game is developed using scratch by MIT so that the development process is less time consuming and easier. The game is in form of the quiz that makes students utilize their mathematical skills to get rewards. In that way, the competitiveness of the students also increases at the same time with their numeric ability. This learning has an appropriate value to be a breakthrough to balance current technological developments and improve students’ numerical ability. Because of the mathematics games has a rewards system, it is interesting for students to learn math.
Psychological methods in treatment of essential hypertension

Background. The article presents the results of research into the most commonly used methods of psychological support in the treatment of hypertensive patients, including relaxation and meditation techniques, mindfulness training, music therapy, yoga, aromatherapy and biofeedback techniques. Selected psychological aspects of adherence to the antihypertensive treatment are reviewed. Some notes about personality-oriented counselling and psychotherapy in the treatment of hypertension are raised. Material and methods. In the search for high quality studies, mainly PubMed and EBSCO databases were used, and the journals of such publishers as Elsevier, Hindawi and the American Psychological Association. Results. Studies on methods of psychological support in hypertensive treatment are mostly controversial due to the lack of assessment of the long-term effects of the intervention, and the complexity of the subject of the study. The most convincing is to use individually selected methods based on the development of mental self-regulation skills (Jacobson’s relaxation technique, meditation, biofeedback therapy and mindfulness training). Music therapy, yoga and aromatherapy can also be helpful for patients involved in antihypertensive treatment. Using methods of psychological help, one should take into account restrictions and contraindications, as well as take some precautions. In order to increase the effectiveness of the antihypertensive therapy, it is proposed to conduct health and educational programmes for hypertensive patients, as well as short training courses on communication skills for health care workers. Conclusion. Responsible use of individually selected assistive treatment psychological methods can be helpful for people with arterial hypertension.
Droughts and floods in Malawi: impacts on crop production and the performance of sustainable land management practices under weather extremes

Abstract Climate change is predicted to increase the frequency of extreme weather events, increasing the vulnerability of smallholder farmers dependent on rain-fed agriculture. We evaluate the extent to which farmers in Malawi suffer crop production losses due to extreme weather, and whether sustainable land management (SLM) practices help shield crop production losses from extreme events. We use a three period panel dataset where widespread floods and droughts occurred in separate periods, offering a unique opportunity to evaluate impacts using data collected immediately following these events. Results show that crop production outcomes were severely hit by both floods and droughts, with average losses ranging between 32–48 per cent. Legume intercropping provided protection against both floods and droughts, while green belts provided protection against floods. However, we find limited evidence that SLM adoption decisions are driven by exposure to weather shocks; rather, farmers with more productive assets are more likely to adopt.
Green supply chain management strategy and financial performance in the shipping industry

ABSTRACT This study empirically examines the relationship between green supply chain management (GSCM) strategy and financial performance for shipping firms. We collect global data from 289 shipping firms and apply cluster analysis and analysis of variance (ANOVA) to test the research hypotheses. We cluster shipping firms according to their level of GSCM strategy adoption, which ranges from reactive to proactive. We find that shipping firms with a proactive GSCM strategy perform better financially. The findings of this study can contribute to shipping firms’ environmental management strategy decisions and help tackle environmental problems while improving their financial outcome. This paper provides a discussion of managerial and theoretical implications and recommends future research directions.
A Study on Nutritional Composition and Value Addition of Crab Apple ( Malus baccata )

Apple cultivation is main occupation of farmers in dry and high hills of Himachal Pradesh but this species of crab apple (Malus baccata) is grown wildly in the state but due to their smaller size, improper shape, poor colour, the fruit could not fetch good market value and gone as waste. By considering these parameters of the fruit, the study was conducted to evaluate nutritive composition and to develop food products i.e. fruit bar/ gelatinized layers and apple jam from highly nutritious underutilized fruit. The fruit contain high amounts of vitamin C content (17.13 mg/100g) and pectin content (5.57 % as calcium pectate). The nutritive composition in crab apple based fruit bar/ gelatinized layers and jam were studied during storage interval of 9 months. The results for fruit bar/ gelatinized layers shows that the TSS (0B), pH, ascorbic acid(mg/100g), total and non-reducing sugars (%) decreased from 750B – 74.370B, 3.06-2.96, 5.27-5.05, 64.67-62.49 and 8.26 – 5.32, respectively while acidity and reducing sugars(%) increased from 1.20 -1.37 and 55.98 -58.60 with the increase of storage intervals. Similar trend was observed for crab apple jam during storage interval. The prepared products viz., fruit bar/gelatinized layers and apple jam was subjected for sensory evaluation to a panel of members at different storage intervals i.e. (fresh, 3, 6 and 9 months of storage period) and the products were found as acceptable in terms of colour, taste, consistency/texture even up to storage interval of 9 months at ambient conditions.
Big Data and Analytics Implementation in Tertiary Institutions to Predict Students Performance in Nigeria

The term Big Data has been coined to refer to the gargantuan bulk of data that cannot be dealt with by traditional data-handling techniques. Big Data is still a novel concept, and in the following literature, we intend to elaborate on it in a palpable fashion. It commences with the concept of the subject in itself, along with its properties and the two general approaches to dealing with it. Big Data provides an opportunity for educational Institutions to use their Information Technology resources strategically to improve educational quality, guide students to higher completion rates and improve student persistence and outcomes. This paper explores the attributes of big data that are relevant to educational institutions, investigates the factors influencing the adoption of big data and analytics in learning institutions, and seeks to establish the limiting factors hindering the use of big data in Institutions of higher learning. A survey research design was adopted in conducting this research, and Questionnaires were the instrument employed for data collection.
Entrepreneurial orientation, knowledge management, dynamic capabilities towards e-commerce adoption of SMEs in Indonesia

Purpose The purpose of this study is to examine the dimensions of entrepreneurial orientation (EO), knowledge management process (KMP) and dynamic capability (DC) toward the adoption of electronic commerce (e-commerce) of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in North Sumatera. Design/methodology/approach This study used a quantitative methodology using Smart PLS of structural equation model. A survey is done by distributing the questionnaires to the respondents (owner-managers) of SMEs across sectors. Using a convenient sampling technique, 131 respondents were selected. Using a cross-sectional survey design, 11 hypotheses were tested. Findings It is found that both innovativeness and proactiveness of EO have a significant relationship with e-commerce adoption (EA), while the risk-taking of EO is found as insignificant. Both risk-taking and proactiveness of EO are significantly related to KMP, but innovation of EO is found to be insignificant. Moreover, KMP significantly mediates the relationship between risk-taking and proactiveness of EO and EA, while KMP insignificantly mediates the relationship between innovativeness of EO and EA. Finally, it is found that DC has a significant relationship in EA. Originality/value By using the resource based-theory, the study on the decision of EA by SMEs is conducted which focuses on a number of internal and external factors influencing the adoption decision. This differs from other studies using theories of the technological, organizational and environmental, theory of acceptance and use of technology, theory of planned behavior, theory of reasoned action and others which emphasized on the implementation and usage of EA.
Antecedents and consequences of panic buying: The case of COVID‐19

Panic buying emerged as a significant phenomenon during the COVID-19 pandemic This study draws on the scarcity principle, crowd psychology and contagion theory to investigate the antecedents and consequences of panic buying The antecedents included in this study are government measures, media and peer influence and the fear of missing out The consequences are founded on a sense of security and guilt Retailer intervention is included as a moderator to the proposed main effects Data were collected from 341 consumers who engaged in panic buying and were residents of the United States and Australia during the COVID-19 pandemic Structural equation modelling was employed to test the proposed model The results show that the proposed antecedents (except fear of missing out) were significantly related to panic buying, which in turn had a significant influence on panic buyers' psychological outcomes The moderating effects of retailer intervention varied across different product categories Discussion and implications of these findings are provided for policy makers, customers and practitioners (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2021 APA, all rights reserved)
Plants will cross the lines: climate and available land mass are the major determinants of phytogeographical patterns in the Sunda–Sahul Convergence Zone

The Miocene convergence of the Sunda shelf, Sahul shelf and Wallacea facilitated the exchange of previously isolated floras across the Sunda–Sahul Convergence Zone (SSCZ). The SSCZ is a hotspot of biogeographical research; however, phytogeographical patterns across the region remain poorly understood. We conducted multivariate analysis on a comprehensive species checklist of SSCZ vascular plants to quantify the extent of exchange, characterize phytogeographical patterns and investigate their abiotic drivers. We found that Lydekker’s and Wallace’s Lines are not reflected in floristic composition at any taxonomic level, with 46% of genera distributed across these biogeographical lines. In contrast, environment is significantly correlated with floristic composition, with annual rainfall and seasonality being the strongest correlates. Mainland Asia, Borneo, the Philippines, New Guinea and Australia were major routes of exchange throughout the Cenozoic, possibly because these areas have been persistent landmasses throughout the entire period of convergence. We conclude that Sunda–Sahul floristic exchange has substantially influenced the assembly of the regional flora and that modern phytogeographical patterns have been influenced more by environmental variables and available landmass (i.e. establishment conditions) than by putative barriers to movement such as Wallace’s and Lydekker’s Lines (i.e. vagility).
A Contribution to the Characterization of Ruppia drepanensis (Ruppiaceae), A Key Species of Threatened Mediterranean Wetlands

Abstract To elucidate the taxonomic status of Ruppia drepanensis Tineo ex Guss. (Alismatales, Ruppiaceae), we performed morphological analysis and DNA barcoding of historical materials (including the lectotype) and fresh samples (including those from a recently discovered population near the locus classicus in Sicily, Italy). We conclude that R. drepanensis is a separate species, closely related to R. spiralis L. ex Dumort. , that occurs in temporary inland waters from the western to central sectors of the Mediterranean region. We also highlight the importance of vouchers and the need to link molecular investigations to field, ecological, and morphological investigations.
Automobile Insurance Processing using Deep Convolutional Networks

We focus on automating the task of automobile insurance processing using Deep Convolution Networks, due to the limited data we find that using transfer learning and using variational Auto encoders to find features works well, we have created four models, classification of car or not, classification of whether car is damaged or not, classification of where the damage has occurred and the severity of the damage respectively. We show different methods that can be used in performing car damage analysis and this paper is not an exhaustive search over the entire domain car damage insurance and claims processing. This paper records the different techniques we have employed in order to analyze the car damage.
Stock Price Crash Risk: A Critique of the Agency Theory Viewpoint

This paper explores a puzzling historical trend in US-listed firms: Between 1950 and 2018, firm-specific stock price crashes rose from 5.5% to an astonishing 27%. Most of the literature attributes such crashes to agency reasons, i.e., executives camouflaging bad news via financial reporting opacity and overinvestment. Our findings support that these two agency-based channels cannot adequately explain the increasing frequency of stock price crashes. This study contributes by highlighting the stock price crash risk puzzle, for which a sound explanation remains elusive. Our conclusions offer avenues for future research to pursue in search of more fitting explanations to this puzzle.