Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Biogeography of the golden-striped salamander Chioglossa lusitanica : a field survey and spatial modelling approach

Chioglossa lusitanica is a streamside salamander endemic to the northwestern corner of the Iberian Peninsula. In an extensive field survey we found the species to be widely distributed across northwestern Portugal. The distribution data were used to identify macroenvironmental parameters related to the presence of the species in Portugal, and to produce a descriptive distribution model for C. lusitanica. We modelled the species distribution based on five environmental parameters (precipitation, relief, July temperature, number of frost months and hardness of water) selected by logistic regression analysis. The model yielded a high score of correct classification (95%). Excluding parameters unavailable for Spain the model included four parameters (precipitation, relief, July temperature and altitude) and had a 93% correct classification score. Extrapolation of the model to Spain yielded a correct classification of 92% and served as a validation of the modelling technique in an independent area. The models indicate the existence of several potentially suitable areas outside the known distribution of the species, providing clues about the species historical biogeography. The models, through the identification of highly suitable and stable protection regions, may contribute to informed conservation planning.
Inheritance of Resistance to Cercospora arachidicola and Cercosporidium personatum in Six Virginia-type Peanut Lines1,3

Abstract The inheritance of resistance to two cercospora leaf-spots, Cercospora arachidicola (early leafspot) and Cercosporidium personatum (late leafspot) in Virginia-type peanuts (Arachis hypogaea L.), was determined using F1 and F2 generations and parental lines from a six parent diallel cross under natural field conditions. Two techniques for rating disease severity were employed. General combining ability, determined from both rating techniques, was significant for both F1 and F2 generations, indicating that resistance to both fungi and tolerance to infection i. e. , minimal leaf defoliation, was primarily due to additive genetic effects. The six parents produced offspring with different levels of resistance to both fungi. From the estimates of general combining ability effects, only NC-GP 343 and NC 5 produced progeny resistant to both early and late leaf-spot. NC 3033 was resistant to early leafspot, but susceptible to late leafspot. NC-Ac 3139, Florigiant and NC 2 were resistant to late leafspot, b.
Industry 4.0 Impact on Employment in Portugal

Since the first industrial revolution with the invention of the steam engine, there have been three other major shifts in the industrial production paradigm with the second one referring to the mass use of electrical energy and the third to the digitalization and automation of industry. Recently, one of the biggest surges in technological development has been in full force, having been considered the fourth industrial revolution. The term Industry 4.0 was coined as the name that would describe this revolution. Industry 4.0 is characterized by a set of nine technological pillars and its impact is broad as it influences productivity, investment policies, revenue growth and employment. As with all previous revolutions, the increase in technology leads to human labour displacement and, as a consequence, to growing concerns regarding the future of jobs. This work analyses the metal, automotive and other transport equipment sectors, looking into the companies that constitute them, their employees and their robot acquisitions. The objective is to address the concerns regarding the future of jobs, by studying how the increase in number of robots affects the companies’ revenues, the employment numbers in these sectors and the wages earned by the workers. Finally, a special look is taken into professions related to aerospace, aiming to characterize the aerospace sector in the scope of Industry 4.0. Both analyses performed refer to the 2010 to 2016 period.
Competitive ability of cowpea genotypes with different growth habit

Abstract Growth habit is an important determinant of competitive ability in legume crops. Erect ‘Iron-Clay’ (IC), semi-erect ‘IT89KD-288’ (288), and prostrate ‘UCR 779’ (779) cowpea genotypes were planted with four densities of common sunflower or common purslane to determine which cowpea growth habit is more competitive to these weeds having markedly different statures. Both sunflower and purslane reduced cowpea relative growth rate (RGR) but at different phases of the growing season. Low-growing purslane had an effect in the earlier part of the season, and sunflower decreased cowpea RGR in the middle of growing season. RGR of genotype IC was the least affected and genotype 779 the most reduced by sunflower. Cowpea apparently compensated for early season purslane competition by increasing RGR after purslane flowering, with RGR for the IC genotype increasing the most and 779 increasing the least. All cowpea genotypes caused a similar reduction in sunflower biomass accumulation; but purslane biomass was most reduced by genotype IC and least affected by genotype 288. Erect genotype IC is more competitive due to its taller stature, greater height growth rate, and higher position of maximal leaf area density, despite a lower photosynthetic rate and light use efficiency than the other cowpea genotypes. Our results suggest that erect cowpea growth habit may be generally more competitive with weeds compared to semi-erect or prostrate growth habit. Nomenclature: Common purslane, POROL; common sunflower, HELAN; cowpea, Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp. VIGSI; ‘Iron-Clay’, ‘IT89KD-288’ ‘UCR 779’.
Individual Endowment, Risk Preference and Peasants’ Selection of Green Pesticides

The selection of green pesticides is the result of peasants’ comprehensive tradeoff between individual characteristics and external environment. Based on 286 rice farmers in China and through the use of Logit model, this paper analyzed the influencing factors of peasants’ selection of green pesticide from three aspects, which are individual endowment, risk preference and technical policy environment. It found that factors like age, educational level, technical training experience, risk preference and government technical support exerted a significant positive impact on the peasants’ selection. Therefore, this paper proposed to pay attention to the difference of individual endowment of farmers, improve the pertinence of technology promotion, provide policy-oriented green pesticide insurance products and increase the technical support from the government.
Sugarcane Bagasse Gasification: Thermodynamic Modelling and Analysis of Operating Effects in a Steam-Oxygen-Blown Fluidized Bed using Aspen Plus

Sugarcane bagasse is an abundant agricultural residue derived from the sugar-alcohol industry, which is usually burned in boilers for power generation. However, this practice results in relatively low yields and ash production, requiring the investigation of novel methods of sugarcane bagasse conversion. In this context, gasification arises as a promising option: it is a thermochemical process that converts a wide range of carbonaceous resources into syngas, a gaseous mixture that mainly contains H2, CO, CO2, CH4 and light hydrocarbons, and can be applied in the generation of heat, power, and chemicals. Gasification can be held in different gasifier configurations, but special attention is given to fluidized beds due to advantages such as feeding flexibility and scalability, high heat and mass transfer rates, and high reaction rates. Despite the given panorama, there is a lack of data in the literature of sugarcane bagasse gasification in bubbling fluidized beds operating with steam and oxygen as gasifying agents. To address this subject, this work performed a simulation of sugarcane bagasse gasification in a steam-oxygen-blown bubbling fluidized bed based on Gibbs free energy minimization using Aspen Plus. With the proposed model, a 2 factorial design was conducted with the intent to study the influence of gasification temperature, pressure, biomass moisture content, and steam-to-biomass ratio (S/B) on syngas production. The obtained results have shown how different operating conditions and their interactions affect gasification exothermic and endothermic reactions and, consequently, compositions and performance indicators. Finally, the present work has demonstrated that sugarcane bagasse gasification is a potential and feasible process for clean energy production, contributing as an alternative for this agricultural waste use.
Demography of Cyathea hornei (Cyatheaceae), a tropical tree-fern in Fiji

A population of the tree-fern Cyathea hornei (Cyatheaceae) was studied in the tropical forest environ- ment of Viti Levu, Fiji. Plants monitored over a 2.5 year period indicated that leaf production is greatest in the hot, wet season and that leaf longevity is 1.1-1.6 years. Plants vary in the rates of leaf production (3-9 year-1) and stem growth (1.5-40 cm year-1). From the spacing of leaf scars on the stems and observed growth rates it is possible to estimate the growth history and age of plants. The age class structure of the populations is consistent with a 2% annual mortality, and the largest plants observed (550 cm stem length) have an age of 80-105 years. Reproduction commences in plants of about 150 cm stem length, and each fertile plant produces 4 x 107 2 2 x 107 s.d. spores year --1. Annual net production varies greatly, up to 760 g year--1, and in typical fertile plants is allocated as follows: roots 15%; stems 23%; leaves 58%; and sori 4%.
CROSS SECTIONAL ANALYSIS OF THE SWEDISH

This paper analyses the ability of beta and other factors, like firm size and book-to-market, to explain cross-sectional variation in average stock returns on the Swedish stock market for the period 1980-1990. We correct for errors in variables problem of the estimated market beta. Since this method takes into account the measurement error we do not have to form portfolios and thereby losing information. We use both separate cross-sectional regressions and a pooled regression model to estimate the risk premiums of the different factors. An Extreme Bounds Analysis is utilised for testing the sensitivity of the estimated coefficients to changes in the set of the included explanatory variables. Since the tests are carried out on realised returns, which presumably are quite noisy approximations of expected returns, we study if beta can systematically explain cross-sectional differences among realised stock returns conditional on the sign of the realised market excess return. Our results show that the coefficient for beta is never significantly different from zero, but the estimates differ across the methods mentioned above. However, we find that beta is priced differently in periods with positive versus periods with negative realised market return. In the Extreme Bounds Analysis, the coefficient for the size variable is always significantly negative.
The Psychology of Entrepreneurship

In this review of the psychology of entrepreneurship, we first present meta-analytic findings showing that personality dimensions, such as (general) self-efficacy and need for achievement, and entrepreneurial orientation are highly associated with entrepreneurship (business creation and business success). We then discuss constructs that were developed within entrepreneurship research, such as entrepreneurial alertness, business planning, financial capital as resources, and entrepreneurial orientation, and how they can be better understood by taking a psychological perspective. Next, we elaborate how traditional psychological constructs have been utilized in entrepreneurship and how this may enhance our knowledge in industrial and organizational psychology (with respect to, for example, knowledge, practical intelligence, cognitive biases, goals and visions, personal initiative, passion, and positive and negative affect). Finally, we provide an overall framework useful for the psychology of entrepreneurship.
Risk factors for diarrhea occurrence in children living in Guaratiba Island (RJ)

This article aimed to analyze the occurrence of acute diarrhea in children under five years old assisted by the Family Health Strategy of Guaratiba Island, and housing and sanitation conditions of the locality. A cross-sectional epidemiological study was carried out. The analysis of the variables was made by using simple and multiple logistic regression. The variables that showed association with diarrhea were: (a) children <2,5 years old; attend daycare/school and family income <one minimum wage; (b) presence of water filter and home water treatment; (c) presence of floods, open-air sewer, overflow of septic tank and garbage in the open. In the logistic regression model, two epidemiological scenarios, with and without floods, were considered. In the first scenario, the variables that maintained a statistically significant association with the outcome were: home water treatment, open sewer and presence of floods. In the second scenario, evidence was found of association also of the variable attendance to daycare/school. Therefore, this article highlights the importance of public policies, programs and actions with a view to the expansion of basic sanitation, the planning of public health actions and the guarantee of access to early childhood education.
University of Birmingham The Neural Basis of Independence Versus Interdependence Orientations

25 Social-cultural research has established independence and interdependence as two 26 fundamental ways of thinking about oneself and the social world. Recent 27 neuroscience studies further demonstrate that these orientations modulate brain 28 activity in various self- and socially-related tasks. In the current study, we explored 29 whether the traits of independence and interdependence are reflected in anatomical 30 variations in brain structure. We carried out structural brain imaging on a large sample 31 of healthy participants (n=265) who also completed self-report questionnaires of 32 cultural orientations. Voxel-based morphometry (VBM) analysis demonstrated that a 33 relative focus of independence (vs. interdependence) was associated with increased 34 gray matter volume (GMV) in a number of self-related regions, including the 35 ventro-medial prefrontal cortex (vmPFC), right dorsolateral prefrontal cortex 36 (DLPFC), and right rostrolateral prefrontal cortex (RLPFC). These results provide 37 novel insights into the biological basis of social-cultural orientations.
Biosynthesis of glycosidase inhibitors on wheat bread wastes hydrolysate medium by Streptomyces sp. 170

The aim of the present study is to investigate the potential effect of bread hydrolysate as a novel nutrient medium for cultivating Streptomyces sp. 170 (S.170). Moreover, it evaluates the productivity and inhibitory activity of pancreatic α-amylase inhibitors (PAAI). Bread hydrolysate medium (BHM) and corn starch hydrolysate medium (CHM) prepared with αamylase enzyme concentrations (1.5 and 2.5 units g-1 bread) and (1.5 units g-1 corn starch), respectively were utilized in the study. The Seherde-Blair and modified Akulova methods were applied to evaluate the carbohydrates concentration and the inhibitory activity of the media respectively. Results of bread and corn media were compared to each other. Furthermore, the activity of PAAI synthesized by S.170 was compared to other Streptomyces species. The results showed a significant difference (P < 0.05) between the total simple sugars (glucose + maltose) concentration produced in CHM (27.5%) and BHM prepared with α-amylase 1.5 units (45.1%). Besides, BHM produced by α-amylase 2.5 units demonstrated the maximum total concentration of simple sugars (49.9%). In addition, 48 h of S.170 incubation were quite enough to exhibit the highest inhibitory activity (2,632 IU mL-1) in BHM prepared with α-amylase 2.5 units. The analysis demonstrated a non-significant difference in the inhibitory activity of PAAI in CMH (1,300 IU mL-1) and BMH with α-amylase 1.5 units (1,111 IU mL-1). Also, compared to other Streptomyces species, S.170 conferred highly active PAAI. In conclusion, BHM showed its efficiency to a great extent in the cultivation of S.170 and production of PAAI with a notable high activity.
Wall Effects: A Case Study on Terminal Falling Velocity of Spherical Particles Moving in a Carreau Model Fluid

In this work we presented an experimental verification of a numerical simulation of wall effects on the terminal falling velocity of spherical particles moving along the axis of a cylindrical vessel filled with a Carreau model fluid. Using a finite element method, we obtained dependences of the wall correction factor FW on the sphere to tube ratio d/D and on the dimensionless Carreau model parameters m, Λ, and ηr and then we compared calculated data of the wall correction factor with the results of our falling sphere experiments. The experiments were carried out in six types of cylindrical Perspex columns (16 mm, 21 mm, 26 mm, 34 mm, 40 mm, and 90 mm in diameter) filled with aqueous solutions of polymers showing different degrees of shear thinning and elasticity. Seventeen types of spherical particles (1 to 8 mm in diameter) made of following materials: glass, ceramics, steel, lead, and tungsten carbide, were used for drop test. Measurements of the liquid flow curves, primary normal stress differences, oscillatory, creep and recovery, stress relaxation, and stress growth tests were carried out on the rheometer Haake MARS (Thermo Scientific). A good agreement between numerically and experimental FW data was observed. [Ali Amiri. Wall Effects: A Case Study on Terminal Falling Velocity of Spherical Particles Moving in a Carreau Model Fluid . Researcher 2017;9(10):75-80]. ISSN 1553-9865 (print); ISSN 2163-8950 (online). http://www.sciencepub. net/researcher. 12. doi:10.7537/marsrsj091017.12.
Importing Technology

We look at disaggregated imports of various types of equipment to make inferences on cross-country differences in the composition of equipment investment. We make three contributions. First, we document large differences in investment composition. Second, we explain these differences as being based on each equipment type's intrinsic efficiency, as well as on its degree of complementarity with other factors whose abundance differ across countries. Third, we examine the implications of investment composition for development accounting, i.e., for explaining the cross-country variation in income per capita.
Density functional simulations of Te-based phase change materials

The structures of the amorphous, liquid, and crystalline phases of phase-change materials (PCM) and the rapid changes between them have motivated density functional (DF) simulations of Te-based materials on IBM Blue Gene supercomputers. We have simulated GeTe (50:50), Ge15Te85 (15:85), Ge2Sb2Te5 (GST, DVD-RAM), and Te using large samples (216-630 atoms) over hundreds of picoseconds. If atoms are classified as type A (Ge,Sb) or B (Te), we observe pronounced AB alternation, and the main structural motif is a four-membered ABAB ring ("ABAB square"). The amorphous-to-crystalline transition may be viewed as a reorientation of disordered ABAB squares, since the metastable NaCl structure corresponds to perfect ordering. The coordination numbers of these systems (including Te) deviate from the “8-N rule”, where N is the number of valence electrons: Te atoms have near threefold coordination and show a marked mediumto long-range order in GST. Octahedral bond angles predominate. The bond and dihedral angles of Ge atoms (predominantly fourfold coordinated) show tetrahedral and (distorted) octahedral local environments that change with Ge concentration. The disordered alloys contain cavities ("voids") that are analogous to the vacancies in crystalline compounds. We compare GeTe, Ge15Te85 , and Ge2Sb2Te5 and show the importance of homopolar ("wrong”) bonds and vacancies (cavities). Some limitations of the theoretical methods are discussed.
Identification and Examination of the Relationship between Determinants of Corporate Sustainability and Corporate Financial Performance

In this paper the relationship between corporate sustainability performance and corporate financial performance is researched. It is hypothesized that a better sustainability performance of firms leads to financial success in terms of increased EBIT and Market Capitalization. Furthermore 17 environmental activities and their assumed impact on financial benefits are analyzed for ten different industry sectors. The data sample for this research paper has been taken from Thomson Reuters Database ASSET4 and includes 3115 firms. The results show that there is a positive and non-linear link between the sustainability performance and the financial performance of firms, intending that financially more successful firms can gain greater benefits from being sustainable than less successful firms do. Furthermore sustainable environmental activities have been identified for different industry sectors, which indicate to lead to an increase of the financial performance. JEL classification: M14, C19
THE INFLUENCE OF CONTINUOUS ASSESSMENT ON ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE IN PRIMARY SCHOOLS OF IBULANKU SUB-COUNTY, IGANGA DISTRICT (UGANDA)

Integrating continuous assessment in Ugandan education curriculum is becoming a top priority encouraged at all levels of education but challenging memo in the 21st century of Primary Education system. The curriculum developers of this era focus on providing Continuous Assessment to pupils as one of the ways to improve academic performance. It has become a challenge to 3rd world schools. The parents are unable to meet the costs of Continuous Assessment test, and buying other requirements needed by a pupil to qualify for Continuous Assessment test. This paper explores the meaning of Continuous assessment, the Purpose of Continuous Assessment, Challenges hindering the implementation of Continuous Assessment and what could be done to address the challenges hindering the implementation of Continuous Assessment. This study used descriptive design, specifically literature from the library and key informant interviews were used to complement the information on the Influence of continuous assessment on academic performance in primary schools. It was recommended that; the Government should mount intensive workshop to educate teachers on the appropriate principles of continuous assessment and the workshop should focus objectively on constructing and using assessment as tools.