Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Ecology of family experiences: Contextualizing family leisure for human development & family relations

Abstract All family leisure is not equal. Yet, little is known about the mechanisms linking different types of family leisure to different human development and family relations outcomes. The Ecology of Family Experiences (EFE) framework provides a sensitizing lens for the study of the conditions under which family leisure is beneficial to individuals and families. Specifically, the framework suggests three domains—Family, Activity, and Time—iteratively interact to generate different levels of individual and family outcomes (i.e., responses, meaning, and development). The EFE necessitates research built on ecologically valid study designs that incorporate innovative measurement approaches. Scholars using such approaches can increase the precision and differentiation of findings leading to more effective research translation that informs family leisure education and intervention. Effective education and intervention can be used to increase protective factors inherent in family leisure to support healthy human development and family relations.
Preliminary research on mortality of wood destroying Anobiidae (Coleoptera) following the application of p-dichlorobenzene in combination with low oxygen atmosphere fumigation

Abstract Experiments were undertaken in connection with the need, indicated in the literature, for the proper choice of a substance enhancing the effect of a low oxygen atmosphere used as a means of controlling wood boring insects in museum collections and historical objects. A low oxygen atmosphere itself causes the death of wood boring insects after a relatively long period of application. Thus, attempts were made to use p-dichlorobenzene to accelerate the effects of a low oxygen atmosphere in the control of wood boring insects. The experiments were performed as a continuation of preliminary research on the effect of p-dichlorobenzene on Anobiidae in an aerobic atmosphere. The paper present the results of gassing Anobium punctatum and Ptilinus pectinicornis (Coleoptera: Anobiidae) larvae with 1,4-dichlorobenzene in a low oxygen atmosphere of nitrogen and argon. The experiments were performed in laboratory conditions at a temperature of 20°C on larvae extracted from wood. The results do not show a faster elimination of larvae of either species using p-dichlorobenzene in a low oxygen atmosphere as compared to using p-dichlorobenzene in an aerobic atmosphere. Complete eradication of larvae in the test groups was obtained after 48 hours when using p-dichlorobenzene in nitrogen. The results obtained when using p-dichlorobenzene in argon appear to be worse at fumigation times shorter than 48 hours.
Assessment of Communication Strategies of Fadama User Groups in Ido Local Government Area of Oyo State, Nigeria

The success or otherwise of any development project partly depend on the effectiveness of communication strategies used in such project. The study assessed the communication strategies utilised by Fadama User Groups (FUGs) for fadama programme. Structured questionnaire was used to collect data from 120 members of the Fadama User Groups randomly selected from 10 villages in Ido Local Government which was purposively selected based on the preponderance of Fadama User Groups in the Local Government. The data collected were subjected to descriptive (percentage and frequency ) and inferential (Chi square). Result shows that majority of respondents were male (75.0%), married (95.0%) between the age of 36-40 ( 30.8%) with 66.6% having household size of 1-3 persons and ( 75.0% ) had access to extension services. Majority preferred group discussion (66.7%) and radio (62.5%) as medium of communication. Larger percentage of the respondents (69.2 %) had high access to different communication strategies in the study area. Language barrier ( =2.00) and irregular power supply ( =1.50) were the major constraints against effective utilisation of communication strategies used by members of Fadama User Groups. Significant relationship existed between occupation (x2=14.106, p=0.001) and communication strategies of Fadama User Groups in the study area. It is recommended that members of FUG should be encouraged on the need to sustain the use of different communication strategies to enable them get timely information on modern system of farming.
Trait-specific testing of the equal environment assumption: The case of school grades and upper secondary school attendance

Objective: This paper tests the equal environment assumption for school grades and upper secondary school attendance and describes the conditions under which violations are problematic. Background: A growing number of sociologists use twin-based research designs, particularly the Classical Twin Design (CTD), to differentiate between genetic and social causes of social inequalities. One key assumption of CTD is that environmental influences are shared by monozygotic and dizygotic twins to the same extent; called the equal environment assumption (EEA). This assumption is frequently contested and the target of concern, because violation can result in an overestimation of heritability and an underestimation of the role of the social environment. Method: Using data from the first wave of the German TwinLife study, the paper illustrates two approaches to test EEA for school grades and enrolment in upper secondary school (Gymnasium). The analysis is based on a sample of twins (N = 1,576) aged ten to twelve years. Results: The results show that the approaches are able to detect violations of EEA (though in different ways), depending on the environmental variables that might causally be involved in trait variance. Only in one case was a violation was observed; it had no effect on heritability estimates. Conclusion: While EEA holds for school grades, violations do not automatically invalidate CTD in case of upper secondary school attendance.
Potential role of sensory bias in plumage pattern evolution: termite-eating and polka-dots in estrildid finches

Conspicuous colour patterns of animals, such as dots or stripes, can function as sexual and/or social signals. Their evolution is often explained by honest indicator mechanisms or the sensory exploitation hypothesis. In birds, however, the latter scenario has been scarcely tested. According to the sensory exploitation hypothesis, prey-like colour patterns can evolve when they contribute to attracting opposite-sex conspecifics by hitchhiking pre-existing sensory systems (sensory bias) that help foraging. Even without cheating scenarios, visual systems can serve as an underlying factor that facilitates the evolution of both foraging behaviours and colour patterns on the body. To test this idea, we examined the relationship between bird plumage patterns and diet using phylogenetic comparative approaches. Specifically, we focused on white polka-dot plumage patterns in estrildid finches and tested whether such patterns evolved for visual sensory systems that help foraging termites and other gregarious whitish small round prey items. Although we predicted that white polka-dots exist in termite-eater species, and that termite-eating evolved before the white polka-dot pattern, ancestral reconstruction did not reveal clear ancestral states for termite-eating. However, the phylogenetic regression model showed that species with conspicuous white polka-dots tended to be termite-eaters. We also found that estrildids with white polka-dots were likely to become termite-eaters, while those without white polka-dots were likely to become non-termite eaters, according to evolutionary transition analysis. These results are in contrast to the prediction of sensory exploitation hypothesis, wherein diet is believed to trigger the evolution of plumage patterns. However, the results presented here suggest that pre-existing sensory bias for white dots may have promoted the evolution of both termite-eating and white polka-dot plumage patterns in estrildids.
Long-Term Regeneration Responses to Overstory Retention and Understory Vegetation Treatments in the Northern Rocky Mountains

Classic regeneration cuttings retaining trees at harvest (shelterwood with reserves, group selection) can be analyzed as analogs of variable-retention harvesting. A 1974 silvicultural experiment in the northern Rocky Mountains was analyzed at 38 years to evaluate the long-term effects of retention harvests on stand development, with a focus on both regeneration and retention tree responses. The postharvest understory treatments (understory removed and broadcast burned) effects were also evaluated. Results indicate that overstory retention results in relatively long-term regeneration growth reduction. Compared with the overstory-free condition (clearcut), the shelterwood with reserves and group selection overstories both reduced the regenerated cohort? s basal area, 63 and 44%, respectively. Postharvest burning increased regeneration stem density and also decreased mean regenerated tree size; consequently, these treatment effects were somewhat offsetting, as they produced a zero net difference in regenerated cohort basal area. Considerable regeneration growth reduction associated with retained overstory trees in the shelterwood with reserves was partially mitigated by understory vegetation protection measures that conserved advance regeneration. We conclude that both retention treatments somewhat suppressed regenerated cohort development, but that these impacts were lessened when overstory trees were aggregated and cuttings were in groups, rather than regularly dispersed through the cutting unit.
A Potent Fuel? Faith Identity and Development Impact in World Vision Community Programming

: This paper explores the role of faith identity on impact in development by looking at the programming of a major international faith ‐ based development organisation (FBDO). It argues that faith identity rests not only in the internal projected identity of the FBDO but also on perceptions of that identity in the community, highlighting the role context plays in the formulation of faith identity and its impact. Secondly, the paper argues that FBDOs possess not only a faith identity but also a development one and that it is the interplay between both that allows for the creation of engagement and trust in interventions. © 2020 The Authors. Journal of International Development published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd
Attributable indicators for measuring the level of greenness of cities in developing countries: lessons from Ghana

Purpose: The advances in green city growth is widely discussed in extant literature. The benefits of green cities to urban development in recent discussions of sustainability and sustainable development is well-documented and cannot be overemphasized. Although a growing study on green building development in developing countries has been advanced in literature, a paucity of studies explores green cities in developing countries. Moreover, evidence of studies focused on green cities development in Ghana is lacking. From the 2 identified knowledge gap, the aim of this study is to establish the indicators/attributes for measuring the level of greenness of cities in developing countries. Design/Methodology/Approach: A comprehensive literature review was conducted to identify the indicators/attributes for measuring the level of greenness of cities in developing countries. This study adopted the pragmatism as its undergirding research philosophy and the deductive research approach. In terms of methodological choice, quantitative research strategy was used to collect data from experts in sustainable urban development. The primary data retrieved from the study were analysed using Descriptive Statistics, Relative Importance Index, and One-sample t-test. The reliability and validity of the study were measured with the Cronbach’s Alpha test. Findings: The study established 8 indicators for measuring green city development: air quality, water, sanitation, land use, health and safety, transportation, energy as well as building and construction. It was discovered that the development of green cities should enhance air quality, improve water production and supply, improve management in sanitation, promote mixed and integrative land use, maintain the health and safety of city dwellers, reduce the demand for transportation and formalise public transport, adopt renewable and efficient energy technologies and promote sustainable construction and green buildings. These indicators are key to policy making and implementation of green cities development. Research Limitations/Implications: The study was focused in Ghana but not from other developing countries, however, the findings of this study do not limit the generalisability since the findings of the study can be used as a lesson to other developing countries. Practical and theoretical implications: Theoretically, this study adopted quantitative indicators that is reproducible in another geographical context. This study contributively adds to the discourse on sustainability especially in Ghana and as a source of reference to motivate others to conduct further research in related areas. The outcomes of this study will help the local government, policy makers, city stakeholders and industry expertise gain insights in the overall indicators that underpin green city development. Originality/value: This paper attempts to posit in literature the foremost appraisal of green city indicators adaptive in Ghana which could motivate other developing countries to develop their own green cities.
Evaluation of biochemical and yield attributes of quality protein maize Zea mays L in Nigeria 160

Twenty two genotypes of quality protein maize (QPM) and two local checks were assessed for their lysine and tryptophan levels, as well as grain yield characteristics at the Lower Niger River Basin Development Authority station, Oke-Oyi, Ilorin, Nigeria for three years (2009-2011). The results showed that the QPM genotypes and the standard checks varied from one another, with respect to crude protein, zein dry matter, zein crude, lysine and tryptophan. The best QPM hybrids for grain yield (Dada-ba, ART98-SW5-OB, ART98-SW4-OB and TZPB-OB had percentage lysine and tryptophan advantage of 34% compared with the local checks. These hybrids also out-yielded other genotypes with yield advantage of 10, 24 and 26% over the best inbred, open pollinated variety and the standard check respectively. However, grain yield showed positive association with all the characteristics except crude protein content. Kernel number per cob had maximum correlation with grain yield followed by kernel rows per cob, cob diameter and cob weight. The direct effect for crude protein was positive but the correlation was negative. Conclusively, the QPM hybrids that combined high yield with the essential amino acids could be tested in different savanna agro-ecologies to identify those that could be released to farmers, while the superior inbreds could be introgressed for further breeding programs.
“What is the significance of feedback and reinforcement learning mechanisms in aiding dynamic decision making?” – proposing a revised hybrid reinforcement learning initiated instance-based model of dynamic decision making

Aim: The current study aimed to propose a new hybrid-model called Reinforcement-Learning initiated Instance-based Model which acknowledges the significance of feedback in promoting learning and memory-mechanisms over a period of time to aid Dynamic Decision-Making (DDM), a crucial aspect disregarded by a previous DDM-model called Instance-based Learning Model proposed by Gonzalez et.al.,(2003) as also test this hybrid-model in a novel Financial Expenditure DDM-environment with varying income-periods like income/employment and retirement-phase. Method: In a mixed-measures experimental-design the current study subjected participants (n=48) to a financial DDM-task wherein they undertook discretionary-expenditures during varying income-periods (income-phase/retirement-phase), across two conditions—feedback and no-feedback in two separate decision-making sessions (DMS) 1&2 in each condition. Results: Results indicated that participants in feedback-condition (DMS-1&2) outperformed in the financial DDM-task as compared to those in no-feedback (DMS-1&2) condition. Furthermore, participants in feedback-condition in DMS-1 performed significantly better in DMS-2 without explicit-feedback, while those in no-feedback condition in DMS-1 deteriorated in DMS-2 in DDM-task without feedback, suggesting that feedback facilitated development of memory-instances during the learning-process in DMS-1 which aided DDM in similar DDM-environment (DMS-2). Conclusion: The current study highlighted the significance of feedback in aiding learning and memory-mechanisms in DDM-settings.
Caught in the act: anatomy of an ongoing benthic–planktonic transition in a marine protist

The transition from benthos to plankton requires multiple adaptations, yet so far it remains unclear how these are acquired in the course of the transition. To investigate this process, we analyzed the genetic diversity and distribution patterns of a group of foraminifera of the genus Bolivina with a tychopelagic mode of life (same species occurring both in benthos and plankton). We assembled a global sequence data set for this group from single-cell DNA extractions and occurrences in metabarcodes from pelagic environmental samples. The pelagic sequences all cluster within a single monophyletic clade within Bolivina. This clade harbors three distinct genetic lineages, which are associated with incipient morphological differentiation. All lineages occur in the plankton and benthos, but only one lineage exhibits no limit to offshore dispersal and has been shown to grow in the plankton. These observations indicate that the emergence of buoyancy regulation within the clade preceded the evolution of pelagic feeding and that the evolution of both traits was not channeled into a full transition into the plankton. We infer that in foraminifera, colonization of the planktonic niche may occur by sequential cooptation of independently acquired traits, with holoplanktonic species being recruited from tychopelagic ancestors
Effect of Vermicompost on Growth, Plant Nutrient Uptake and Bioactivity of Ex Vitro Pineapple (Ananas comosus var. MD2)

Vermicompost is a nutrient-rich organic waste produced from earthworms that is beneficial in enhancing the soil condition and has been reported to aid in improving the crop yield and quality. In the present study, a field trial was conducted using a randomized complete block design with four replicates to elucidate the effects of vermicompost application (compared to supplementation with chemical fertilizer and no fertilizer) on the productivity of ex vitro MD2 pineapple plants. Vermicompost was applied on the sandy loam soils at transplanting followed by a second application at 7 months after planting (MAP) at the rate of 10 t·ha−1, while chemical fertilizer was applied based on the recommended cultivation practice. Data analysis revealed that there was no significant difference between the plants treated with vermicompost and chemical fertilizer in terms of the plant height, number of leaves, length and width of D-leaves, stomatal density and stomatal size. However, the fruits produced with vermicompost amendment were smaller in size but contained higher total soluble solids, titratable acidity, total solids, ascorbic acid and total chlorophyll content compared to the fruits produced from plants supplied with chemical fertilizer. Based on the DPPH, ABTS and FRAP assays, the methanolic fruit extracts from the control plants showed the highest antioxidant potential, followed by those of plants treated with vermicompost and chemical fertilizer. On the other hand, the application of vermicompost reduced soil acidity and produced macro- and micronutrient contents (N, P, K, Mg, Ca, S, Fe, Zn, B and Al) in the soil and plants that were comparable to or higher than those produced by the chemical fertilizer treatment. However, some of the nutrient contents observed in all treatments were lower than the recommended range for pineapple plant growth, suggesting that vermicompost or chemical fertilizer should not be used alone as a source of nutrients for ex vitro MD2 pineapple plants under these soil and field conditions. However, vermicompost can be used as a supplement to increase the fruit chemical quality and maintain the soil quality for agricultural sustainability.
Evolutionary ecology of the alpine mayfly Baetis alpinus (Ephemeroptera): new perspectives from cryptic lineages

4 Résumé . 5 Acknowledgements . 7 Introduction. 10 Chapter 1 . 34 Abstract . 36. 36 Introduction . 37 Materials and Methods . 39 Results . 49 Discussion. 56 Conclusions . 60 Acknowledgments . 60 References . 62 Supporting information . 70 Chapter 2 . 94 Abstract . 96. 96 Introduction . 97 Materials and methods . 99 Results . 108 Discussion. 115 Acknowledgements . 120 References . 121 Supporting information . 128 Chapter 3 . 142 Abstract . 144. 144 Introduction . 145 Materials and Methods . 148
Secondary-School-Based Interventions to Improve Muscular Strength in Adolescents: A Systematic Review

Physical education is considered an ideal environment for improving physical fitness and muscle strength through exercise and training. This systematic review aimed to analyze studies where an intervention was implemented in Secondary School Physical Education classes to improve muscle strength. The literature search was carried out in the SPORTDiscus, PubMed, Web of Science and ScienceDirect databases. We selected randomized and nonrandomized interventions conducted in Physical Education with adolescents aged 13–18 years, where muscle strength was evaluated, comparing a control group with one or more experimental groups. From the identified works after applying the levels of screening and eligibility, eight articles were chosen for the final analysis. Data collection and risk of bias assessment were performed independently by a single reviewer. The interventions of the included studies employed varied training loads, materials, and exercises. Significant improvements were achieved in all interventions for different strength measurement tests such as the Countermovement Jump (CMJ), Standing Long Jump (SLJ) and Squat Jump (SJ) tests, medicine ball throwing test, maximum isometric strength, manual dynamometry, push-up and curl-up tests, and maximum repetition tests. Strength training can be applied safely and effectively in Secondary Education. However, methodological differences in interventions have been identified; therefore, further research is needed.
Effects of C
 4
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 9
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 Br additive on properties of CH
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Short-chain C4H9NH3Br compound can be used as the surface capping to synthesise CH3NH3PbBr3 perovskite nanocrystal. In this work, employed as the surface ligand of CH3NH3PbBr3 perovskite thin films, the influence of C4H9NH3Br additive on the morphology and optical properties of CH3NH3PbBr3 thin films were studied systematically. As the doping ratio of C4H9NH3Br compound increases, the growth of CH3NH3PbBr3 crystal grain can be controlled, and optical properties of CH3NH3PbBr3 thin films can be improved. The best quality can be obtained with 20% of C4H9NH3Br. Finally, the optimal sintering conditions of CH3NH3PbBr3 perovskite thin films are determined at 80°C, 4 min.