Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A low-cost, low-intensity contingency management smoking cessation programme with students: Experimental evidence

Tobacco consumption is a pressing global issue, leading to more than five million deaths each year. In South Africa, the smoking prevalence rate is stubbornly high, implying that a successful smoking cessation programme could have large social benefits, particularly if it targets young smokers. Contingency management interventions, which provide cash transfers conditional on biochemically-verified abstinence, have been effective in bringing about increased smoking cessation rates. However, contingency management programmes are typically very costly and involve frequent monitoring. This dissertation presents results of randomised controlled trial evaluating a low-cost, low-intensity contingency management smoking cessation programme conducted on a sample of treatment-seeking student smokers at the University of Cape Town in 2017. There is a statistically significant treatment effect, that is robust across multiple specifications, which increases the likelihood of abstinence by 1320%. In addition, the programme as a whole decreased the smoking intensity of non-abstainers. This study suggests, therefore, that a low-cost, low-intensity contingency management smoking cessation programme is efficacious in promoting abstinence amongst treatmentseeking students, and that it should be added to the tobacco control toolkit in South Africa.
HIV/AIDS: Friend or foe? : searching for meaning in the face of HIV/ AIDS among men who have sex with men (MSM) in Cape Town, South Africa

This research paper set out to discover whether a Christian Spiritual perspective (within a framework of a theology of affirmation and a psychological strengths perspective of fortigenesis) on basic threatening existential issues, such as HIV/AIDS Stigma, Homophobia, etc. can help MSM to reformulate the quest for meaning and be integrated in a holistic approach to spiritual healing in order to overcome the schism in HIV/AIDS: Friend or Foe? Setting the stage for exploring the world‟s worst global challenge within the health sector, and how it relates to the South African context for MSM. The research uncovered that MSM face the greatest challenge and burden of HIV/AIDS in many countries, however little research has focused on MSM and HIV/AIDS in South Africa. Literature links this to the fact that throughout Africa, the predominant view of same sex relationships as being un-African, sinful and an abomination. Pointing out that for MSM, the development of God-images usually occurs during the process of growth and maturation as an individual, where a multitude of experiences are based primarily through the filter of belonging to a minority, which are seen predominantly from society as being sinful. The possible multitude of traumatic and often fearful life experiences, including the potentially highly stressful and difficult process of informing their parents and families of their sexuality, may influence their emotional experience and ultimately their God-image. The God-image of parental love, acceptance and caring may be impacted on by fear of rejection and the lack of acceptance. The development of ambivalence may strongly impact on MSM God-images, resulting in conflicted experiences and understanding of God, where the God-image could become distant and judgmental (Hoffman, 2009:15-18). Something that is exacerbated by the stance of some belief systems promote the concept of “love the sinner, hate the sin”, which only results in MSM being ignored or having their partners/relationships rejected, thus isolating them within their own faith community. This impacts their spiritual/religious development and their participation in a non-affirming faith community can result in levels of increased internalized homonegativity (this is defined as negative attitudes to one‟s own homosexuality), causing poorer psychological health and lower self-regard. Stellenbosch University http://scholar.sun.ac.za
How to Use Deterrents to Stop Damage Caused by Nuisance Wildlife in Your Yard

Many of us try to attract particular types of wildlife to our yards so that we can observe them. We often select plants and other materials that we know provide food, cover, and water for those animals we like to watch. However, when unwanted wildlife visits your yard and cause damage, you might need to consider the use of tactics that could deter these unwanted species. This 8-page fact sheet was written by Holly K. Ober and Arlo Kane, and published by the UF Department of Wildlife Ecology and Conservation, October 2012. WEC326/UW371: How to Use Deterrents to Stop Damage Caused by Nuisance Wildlife in Your Yard (ufl.edu)
Evaluation of Camera Trapping for Estimating Red Fox Abundance

Abstract The nature reserve Serra da Malcata, Portugal, was recently considered a site for Iberian lynx (Lynx pardinus) reintroduction. Because of potential disease risk posed by red foxes (Vulpes vulpes) in the area, a reliable estimate of fox abundance was critical for a dependable reintroduction program. We adapted camera-trapping techniques for estimating red fox abundance in the reserve. From July 2005 to August 2007, we conducted 7 camera-trapping sessions, allowing for individual identification of foxes by physical characteristics. We estimated abundance using the heterogeneity (Mh) model of the software program CAPTURE. Estimated density ranged from 0.91 ± 0.12 foxes/km2 to 0.74 ± 0.02 foxes/km2. By estimating red fox density, it is possible to define the number of foxes that must be sampled to assess the presence of potential fox-transmitted diseases that may affect lynx reintroduction.
Taxing Corporate Income in the 21st Century

This book was first published in 2007. Most countries levy taxes on corporations, but the impact - and therefore the wisdom - of such taxes is highly controversial among economists. Does the burden of these taxes fall on wealthy shareowners, or is it passed along to those who work for, or buy the products of, corporations? Can a country with high corporate taxes remain competitive in the global economy? This book features research by leading economists and accountants that sheds light on these and related questions, including how taxes affect corporate dividend policy, stock market value, avoidance, and evasion. The studies promise to inform both future tax policy and regulatory policy, especially in light of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act and other actions by the Securities and Exchange Commission that are having profound effects on the market for tax planning and auditing in the wake of the well-publicized accounting scandals in Enron and WorldCom.
Okul Müdürlerinin Okul Yönetiminde Karşılaştığı Sorunlar

21.yuzyilda dunyada her alanda buyuk bir degisim yasanmakta ve degisim var olmanin temel bir kosulu haline gelmektedir. Bu durum, tum diger sistemler gibi egitim sistemini de etkilemekte, yeni yonetim anlayislarinin egitim orgutlerinde benimsenmesini gerektirmekte ve orgut yasaminda yoneticilerin rolunu onemli hale getirmektedir. Bu arastirmada, okul yoneticilerinin ogretmenlerle iletisiminde karsilastiklari problemlerin tespit edilmesi ve basvurduklari sorun cozme davranislarinin belirlenmesi amaclanmaktadir. Nitel arastirma yontemlerinden olgubilim deseni ile yurutulen calismada Duzce ili Akcakoca ilcesinde, 7 okul muduru, maksimum cesitlilik ornekleme yontemiyle secilmistir. Arastirma sonunda okul mudurlerinin mesleki ve ahlaki sorumluluklardan ote yasal sorumluluklara oncelik verdikleri, eldeki olanaklarla yonetim gorevini yerine getirmeye calistiklari, gorev ve sorumluluk temelinde yapiyi onemsedikleri ortaya cikmaktadir. Okul ikliminin, ogrenmeye ve ogretmeye uygun hale getirilmesi surecinde yeterince onemsenmedigi veya diger yapisal ve donanimsal sorunlarin gerisinde kaldigi ifade edilmektedir
Positive trend shifting to Online Assessments: A Review of using Socrative in Medical College, its Advantages and Challenges faced

Background: Information technology, web-based software and applications are being used in the modern education system in many parts of the world. This trend although new, is welcomed by many but has also many drawbacks as well as benefits. To find out what students perceive about this shift of traditional paper-based assessment system to web-based assessment system, surveys should be carried out. These surveys will not only help us discover the point of view of direct users but would also help change and improve educational programs and policies in education. Objective: We aimed to evaluate undergraduate medical students’ perception about online assessment systems in medical education. Methods: A new online assessment system “Socrative” was introduced for Pathology assessments among undergraduate medical students of year three and four MBBS (Central park Medical College Lahore Pakistan). Students were informed about this new application and online assessments were done. Students were given a questionnaire to find out what they perceive about this new assessment system, and its advantages and disadvantages. Results: 208 students participated in the survey. Most of the students (60%) stated that it is convenient for them to read questions on screen and the diagrams given with the questions were very helpful during assessment. 46% students stated that web based assessment is easier to attempt as compared to written one and most students were satisfied with the features of Socrative online application. Despite all the positive reviews about online assessment, only 13% of the participants agreed that they will choose online assessment over written while attempting multiple choice questions and short answer questions. Conclusion: Undergraduate Medical students were happy with this new online assessment but were not ready for a rapid shift and complete elimination of paper-based assessment system. Further studies should be done to find out teachers as well as students’ perception about introduction of new assessment systems in health education. Keywords: MEDICAL EDUCATION, ONLINE ASSESSMENT SYSTEM, PAPER BASED ASSESSMENT, SOCRATIVE
Salt-Induced Stress Effects on Biomass, Photosynthetic Rate, and Reactive Oxygen Species-Scavenging Enzyme Accumulation in Common Bean

ABSTRACT We studied the effects of salinity stress on biomass production, photosynthesis, water relations, and activity of antioxidant enzymes in two cultivars of common bean (‘HRS 516’ and ‘RO21’). Seedlings were raised in nutrient solution supplemented with increasing concentrations of sodium chloride (NaCl) at 0, 50, and 100 mM. After 10 days of salinity treatment, the plants were sampled to determine the enzyme activity, protein content and dry biomass. Plant biomass and activities of most antioxidant enzymes were adversely affected by salinity stress. Leaf osmotic potential was found to be directly proportional to salt stress. The cultivar, ‘HRS 516’ accumulated less sodium (Na+) than ‘RO21’. Under salinity, superoxide dismutase (SOD) enzyme activity increased 3 folds in both bean cultivars (‘HRS 516’ and ‘RO21’) compared to other antioxidants (APX, CAT, and GR). While not neglecting other possible factors, photosynthesis and biomass remains reliable indicators of plant functioning in response to salinity stress.
Making Sense of Mediating Analysis: A Marketing Perspective

In the structural model, it is a necessary but not sufficient condition to compare the beta of direct path with the product term of indirect path to interpret the results of mediation analysis. This study applies a step-by-step process on illustrative data by means of PLS-SEM with the application of SmartPLS3. It evaluates four variables (perceived value, service quality, customer satisfaction and customer loyalty) from the literature on marketing. Survey results confirm the validity of measurement models, and predictive relevancy of the structural model. These four variables explain a large amount of variance. The study also found that the effect of mediator on the R2 (endogenous latent variable) value is large. Furthermore, the study found the significance of indirect effect with a t value above 1.96. On magnitude of mediation, the survey confirmed customer satisfaction as a mediator, fully mediating the relationship between perceived value and customer loyalty; while customer satisfaction as a mediator partially mediates the relationship between service quality and customer loyalty. In conclusion, the paper offers a comprehensive understanding of mediation analysis.
Invasive insects in Europe - the role of climate change and global trade

Human induced inadvertent introductions of invasive forest insects have become a serious threat to both biodiversity and the economy, causing disturbance and direct damage to natural forests and commercial stands. The rates of forest pest invasions have increased with increased trade and travel between and within continents. There are 109 exotic phytophagous species known to have successfully invaded and established themselves on Europe's woody plants from both North America and Asia, and more will invade as international trade continues and its volume increases (I). Risk analysis of potential invaders is a way to prevent or suppress the number of potential invasive species. Recognition of potential invaders and their major pathways helps to prevent or reduce introductions, since not all of the imported exotic insects are invasive, nor do they manage to establish themselves in novel environments. Successful colonization is governed by several factors independent of or dependent on the invading species. The most prominent factors governing successful establishment are the ecological opportunities on arrival and the competitiveness of the invader (I, II). Suitable climate and available host species are the most prominent factors, but species abilities or life history traits, e.g. wide tolerance of hosts, asexuality and tolerance of population gaps enhance the possibility for establishment (I, II). Also the number of invading individuals, i.e. the propagule pressure may be important in increasing the probability of establishing a viable population (II). The risk of establishment is most severe where the main host species for the potential invader occurs naturally or is widely cultivated. Climatic comparisons and simulations of climatically or biogeographically suitable areas for targeted high risk species have become increasingly important in targeting preventive or eradicative efforts where they are most needed (III, IV). Climate-based modeling tools are also helpful in determining the potential risks posed by climate change induced range shifts of native and exotic insect species (III, IV, V). Range shifts and potential population fluctuation of forest pests to outbreak levels pose a potential threat to silviculture that should be considered when planning forest management practices. 4 ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS This study was funded by Maj & Tor Nessling foundation and Finnish Forest Industry. I'm sincerely indebted to these organizations and for Heikki Roininen and Pekka Niemelä of all the help in getting finance for my study. This study was carried out at the Faculty of Forest Sciences and at the Faculty of Biosciences and was not done without …
Immune Response of Rats to Peste Des Petits Ruminant (PPR) Vaccination

Abstract Ezeibe, M.C. O. , Eze, J.I. , Ukomadu, N.M. , Chukwu, O.S. , Eze, I.C. , Okoroafor, O.N. , Ugonabo, J.A. C. , Ngene, A.A. , Sanda, M.E. and Ijabo, O. 2010. Immune response of rats to Peste des Petits Ruminant (PPR) vaccination. J. Appl. Anim. Res., 37: 239–240. Rats were used as animal models to study immune response to vaccination with peste des petits ruminants (PPR) monospecific vaccine. One group (10 rats) was vaccinated with PPR vaccine (Nigeria 75/1). The second group (10 rats) served as unvaccinated control. Two weeks post vaccination, haemagglutination-inhibition (HI) test was done. The vaccinated group had higher HI titre of 6617±653 suggesting that the rats could be used for assessment of immune response to PPR vaccine.
Relationship of fat-tail and body measurements with some economic important traits in fat-tail Makoei breed of Iranian sheep

This research seeks to predict in vivo carcass composition of lambs. A total of 576 Makoei fat-tailed lambs were used. Lambs were 6-7 months fold and weighed about 15.1 - 41.4 kg. Measurements included body weight, upper, middle and lower tail-depth and width, upper, middle, lower tail and neck circumference, right, middle and left tail-length, body length, whither height, abdominal and heart girth. Having slaughtered each animal, omental, mesenteric and tail fat were separated and weighed. Weight of fat-tail and sum of omental and mesenteric contents varied from 50 - 2290 g and 8.1 - 536 g, respectively. These traits showed relatively high correlation with all fat-tail and body measurements. The highest correlations were observed between fat-tail weight and lower circumference and live body weight measures (68 and 67%, respectively). Keywords : Makoei breed, fat tailed sheep, carcass composition African Journal of Biotechnology Vol. 9(36), pp. 5989-5992, 6 September, 2010
A new species of Pseudocodium (Chlorophyta, Siphonales) from the west coast of Florida

Abstract A new species of Pseudocodium (P. fioridanum) is described from deep waters (37 to 55m) off the west coast of Florida. It is the third described species of Pseudocodium, and the first record of the genus from the northern hemisphere. X-ray diffraction studies indicate the presence of β, 1–4 mannan in its cell walls. The affinities of Pseudocodium are discussed.
Directionality of Pollinator Movements in Watermelon Plantings

Insect pollinators such as honeybees (Apis mellifera L.) and bumble bees (Bombus spp.) are strongly directional in their movements among flowers and typically move to the nearest neighboring inflorescence, which is often in the same row. Pollinator movements in watermelon (Citrullus lanatus (Thunb.) Matsum & Nakai) were deter- mined by tracking pollen flow with the incompletely dominant lobed-leaf trait of 'Crimson Sweet' (Nl) as the pollen donor and the incompletely recessive 'Sunshade' (nl) as the recipient. Mature 'Sunshade' watermelon fruit were collected at 3-m in- crements down selected rows and across all rows in both directions from the central donor plants that made up 1% of the planting. The resulting progenies from each fruit collected were screened to determine the directionality of pollinator movements by the occurrenceoftheNlnlgenotype(orlobed-leafphenotype). Therowthatwentthroughthe central donor plant block had higher percentages of lobed-leaf seedlings compared with the other rows evaluated. However, lobed-leaf seedlings were observed on rows at significant distances (greater than 10 m) from the donor block. This resulted most likely from long-distance pollen transport, in-hive pollen transfer, or multiple transfers of pollen to staminate (male) and/or pistillate (female) flowers by pollinators before reaching the final destination on a stigmatic surface at a substantial distance from donor plants. Because watermelon vines grow out in all directions, including across rows, a pollinator can easily move to adjacent flowers on a vine growing across rows; thus, the movements of pollinators in watermelon (and most likely other vining cucurbits) are not as simple as maintaining a linear direction down the row.
Impact of farmers' practices and seed systems on the genetic structure of common sorghum varieties in Kenya and Sudan

To understand the effect of different farming systems on the dynamics of diversity of sorghum (Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench) crop, genetic structure of widely used landraces and modern varieties collected from two contrasting agroecosystems, in eastern Sudan and western Kenya, were analysed with 16 polymorphic microsatellite markers. A total of 1104 accessions, grouped into 46 samples from individual farmers, were genotyped. Cluster analysis of the samples from the two countries displayed contrasting patterns. Most strikingly, differently named landraces from western Kenya formed widely overlapping clusters, indicating weak genetic differentiation, while those from eastern Sudan formed clearly distinguishable groups. Similarly, samples of the modern variety from Sudan displayed high homogeneity, whereas the most common modern variety from western Kenya was very heterogeneous. The high degree of fragmentation of farmlands of western Kenya, coupled with planting of different sorghum varieties in the same fields, increases the likelihood of inter-variety gene flow. This may explain the low genetic differentiation between the differently named landraces and heterogeneity of the modern variety from western Kenya. This study highlights the important role of farmers in shaping the genetic variation of their crops and provides population parameter estimates allowing forecasting of the fate of ‘modern’ germplasm (conventional or genetically modified) when introduced into subsistence farming systems.
Undaria mitochondrial large subunit ribosomal DNA (Phaeophyceae, Alariaceae): Structural properties and use for phylogenetic analysis

We sequenced mitochondrial 23S ribosomal DNA (rDNA) from two Undaria species and compared them with homologous sequences from related brown algae. The 23S rDNA sequences from Undaria pinnatifida (Harvey) Suringar were 2707 bp in length, of which 1290–1292 sites were assigned to stem regions and the rest to loop regions in the rRNA secondary structure model. In Undaria undarioides (Yendo) Okamura, the sequences were 2708–2709 bp in length and 1290 sites were assigned to stems. There were three sequence types among the seven U. pinnatifida individuals examined and two among the four U. undarioides individuals. A maximum parsimony analysis of these sequence data with those from related brown algal species resolved a robust monphyly of each of the two Undaria species, suggesting the utilities of 23S rDNA for phylogeny at species or intraspecific level in brown algae. Accounting for variations among sequences parsimoniously, sequence changes were sorted into 423 events, of which 165 were mapped to stems of the secondary structure.
Revisiting the population status of the sea urchin Diadema antillarum in northern Puerto Rico

The mass mortality suffered by the sea urchin Diadema antillarum between 1983–1984 is considered one of the major causes of coral reef degradation in the Caribbean. Its near disappearance resulted in a disproportionate growth of macroalgae that has led to a ‘phase shift’ from coral-to-algal dominated reefs. The close relationship between this echinoid and the functioning of coral reef ecosystems makes it imperative to better understand the potential for recovery of its populations. From 2009 to 2011, we assessed the density and size structure of D. antillarum in various reefs where previous population data were available. Results indicate a modest increase in density in all localities with respect to the last time they were surveyed in 2003/2004. Nevertheless, density values are still lower than values reported for the island prior to the die-off. Overall density did not surpass 1.49 ind. per m−2, and did not change considerably during the studied period. Lack of population growth coincided with a lack of juveniles; suggesting that population growth at the studied sites may be limited by the number of individuals recruiting into the juvenile stage.