Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Lack of reform in Israeli local government and its impact on modern developments in public management

ABSTRACT Lack of reform or the slow pace of reform in public management is an issue that plagues Israel, particularly in local government (Beeri & Razin, 2015; Levi et al., 2020; Razin & Lindsey, 2017). Based on the assumption that public reform, meaning changes to the structures and processes of public organizations designed to improve their performance (Pollitt & Bouckaert, 2017), is a feature of modern governance, studies investigating lack of reform have suggested it as evidence of non-governability, lack of management, lack of leadership and even public anarchy (e.g., Jeffery, 2008; Rahat & Hazan, 2011). However, its wide-ranging and theoretical influence has not yet been examined in depth, its connections to recent trends in public management have yet to be clarified, and its ramifications for the management of Israeli local municipalities are unclear. Thus, I explore the theoretical and practical interactions between the attributes and circumstances of the lack of reform of local government in Israel – especially in its management. I also examine how recent global trends such as the co-production of value and the coronavirus outbreak may postpone or accelerate such reform.
Staphylococcus pseudintermedius, both commensal and pathogen

This review outlines Staphylococcus pseudintermedius as a normal inhabitant of the skin and mucosa of clinically healthy dogs and, on the other hand, as one of the most frequent bacterial pathogens isolated from clinical specimens of canine origin. As part of normal microbiota of most dogs, this bacterium does not cause any disease unless the resistance of the host is lowered and the skin barrier altered by predisposing factors, such as atopic dermatitis, medical and surgical procedures or immunosuppressive disorders (4). Despite its clinical importance, there is only very limited knowledge about the pathogenesis of S. pseudintermedius infections. More data are needed on the distribution of known and putative virulence factors, including cell wall-anchored proteins in the S. pseudintermedius population. Furthermore, the prevalence of individual virulence factors in distinct clonal lineages needs to be determined for the purpose of establishing their role in the pathogenesis of S. pseudintermedius-related diseases. Staphylococcus pseudintermedius as commensal bacteria in dogs
THE EFFECT OF THE USE OF DIFFERENT COVER MATERIALS ON HEAT TRANSFER IN FLAT SOLAR COLLECTORS

In this study, combined thermal radiation and natural convection heat transfer from glass and plastic cover flat solar collectors is examined by varying tilt angle and cover materials. The flat-plate solar collector tilt angle is varied from 0o to 45o. The performance of glass, lexan, and acrylic cover materials is investigated. Numerical simulations have been performed for various solar collector thicknesses exposed to external ambient temperature and wind heat transfer coefficient. Continuity, momentum and the energy equations, along with the Boussinesq approach, are solved with the finite volume method using the SIMPLE algorithm. The cover temperature and the top loss coefficient are calculated for each cover material, collector tilt angle and bottom plate temperature, wind heat transfer coefficient and external ambient temperature. The flow and temperature field are obtained, and the mean convection and radiation Nusselt numbers are calculated for the bottom plate. The analytically and numerically computed glass cover temperatures are found to be in perfect agreement. The top loss coefficient of the plastic cover is lower than that of the glass cover. It is determined that with increasing heat input from the bottom plate, the top loss coefficient and the mean cover material temperature increase linearly. As the external ambient temperature increases, the top loss coefficient and the cover material temperature do not present any significant change.
Halal food purchase intention of Muslim students in Spain: testing the moderating effect of need-for-cognition

Purpose This paper aims to investigate the purchase intention of halal food products in Spain, from the perspective of Muslim students. Design/methodology/approach Data were collected from 500 Muslim students living in Spain. Variance-based structural equation modelling was applied to evaluate the association between halal credence, attitude towards halal, need for cognition and purchase intention. Findings This study reveals that the need for cognition does not act as a moderating variable, while halal credence factor is an important factor affecting attitude towards halal and purchase intention. Practical implications This study provides an additional study on the topic of halal consumer behaviour, especially by showing an empirical result from Spain. Originality/value This study is the first attempt to incorporate the need for cognition into the relationship between halal credence, attitude towards halal and purchase intention (traditional theory of planned behaviour model).
Traditional Pollarding Practices for Dimorphic Ash Tree (Fraxinus dimorpha) Support Soil Fertility in the Moroccan High Atlas

Shaping and pollarding of dimorphic ash tree (Fraxinus dimorpha) are two traditional practices used by the local inhabitants in agropastoral parklands of the Moroccan High Atlas to secure their production systems and increase tree production and strength. This study focused on assessing the impact of these practices on soil quality. Abiotic parameters and mycorrhizal attributes of the samples of four soil types related to different ash tree morphotypes were assessed and compared. Rhizospheric soils (Rs) of three F. dimorpha morphotypes were sampled: trees regularly pollarded and shaped for stem anastomosis (An), regularly pollarded multistemmed trees (Na), and multistemmed trees belonging to a public forest under national forestry service management and sporadically illegally pollarded (Fo). The fourth soil was a non-Rs found in bare soils, which represented the control (Nr). Results showed a sizable difference between An soil properties and the other soil types ones, with significantly higher phosphorus (×6), nitrogen (×5), and carbon (×2) levels and higher mycorrhizal (×6) status than Nr soil, and showed 37% more mycorrhization intensity than Fo. Na showed intermediary levels between An and Fo. Fo had ×2 P, ×3 Total Kjeldahl Nitrogen (TKN), 58% more Total Organic Carbon (TOC) content, and twice the spore density compared with Nr. It is concluded that shaping and pollarding have a positive impact on the soil characteristics of the studied species and could make a useful contribution to sound agroforest management schemes.
The Challenges of a Biodiesel Implementation Program in Malaysia

The palm biodiesel industry is facing many challenges implementing biodiesel program in Malaysia. This paper addresses the importance of the B10 blend (10% biodiesel, 90% petroleum diesel), global challenges of palm oil import and export, and protective measures for continuous positive growth of the palm oil sector. Palm oil is the backbone of Malaysia’s economy, covering more than 5% of its gross domestic product (GDP). The key steps taken by the Malaysian government for the successful implementation of the B10 program are discussed in this review study. Till now, B5 and B7 biodiesel programs have been successfully implemented in Malaysia. The B10 biodiesel program is attractive because of the developed local palm oil sector. The B10 biodiesel program will increase the use of renewable energy sources, and is expected to increase the productivity of palm oil and biodiesel implementation in the country. Despite successful B5 and B7 programs, Malaysia is facing challenges for the implementation of biodiesel due to fluctuation in crude palm oil prices, low domestic usage of palm oil, and vehicle warranty. The improvement of palm oil and promotion of B10 through targeted agencies in the central region of Malaysia will help to implement the biodiesel program successfully.
Scale for Measuring Political Sensitivity: An Empirical Investigation on Young Indian Voters

Abstract The primary aim of the present study was to propose a scale comprising factors that sensitize voters toward the political system and stimulate them for an active participation in the election process. More specifically, the study aimed to propose a scale for measuring political sensitivity of young Indian voters. For this purpose, the data was generated from the users of internet who fall in the age bracket of 18–29 years. The generated data was analyzed employing the statistical techniques such as exploratory factor analyses (EFA) and confirmatory factor analyses (CFA). Based on the study findings, a 9-item scale comprising three factors economic considerations, social considerations and perceived risk was proposed to capture political sensitivity of young Indian voters. This scale was named as Political Sensitivity Measurement (PSM). One interesting observation of the study was that the religious and caste consideration of young Indian voters was not important for motivating them for an active political participation. The study is pioneering in the sense that it initiates efforts for comprehensive analyses of the factors that inspire young Indian voters to participate in the election process. PSM will greatly help the academicians and researchers for an improved understanding of the Indian voters. The scale would also assist politicians in developing appropriate strategies.
Information asymmetry and self denial in gender participation in commercial banks’ credit markets in emerging economies in Ghana

Abstract Micro and small women entrepreneurs’ participation in commercial banks’ credit markets remains a huge challenge even after the liberalization of the financial sector. The present study sought to examine factors that influence gender participation in the credit markets of commercial banks. The sample size comprised 678 respondents to questionnaires for the study. At the individual level, the study tested that no significant relationship exists between a borrower’s individual characteristics and credit participation, and that no significant relationship exists between individual’s gender and credit participation. Also, at the firm level, the study tested that no significant relationship occurs between credit market conditions and credit market participation, and that no significant relationship occurs between individual’s firm characteristics and credit market participation. However, the findings reject all these null hypotheses for the alternates. Using the Heckman two-step model, we observed that participation increases for male and the young, entrepreneurs in the commerce sector, those closer to the bank and those who have previously participated in the market. Yet, participation reduces for entrepreneurs with secondary education and those with larger household size. Also, the likelihood to participate is influenced by being a male, having larger assets value and easiness of loan processing. Moreover, the Fairlie decomposition analysis shows a credit participation gap between men and women entrepreneurs that is largely influenced by differences in their individual and firm characteristics. The major implication is that male entrepreneurs have more favorable individual, firm and credit market conditions than female entrepreneurs for credit market participation. Thus, government policies to empower women are desirable.
Parents’ Perception of School-aged Children’s Body Weight, Height, and Body Shape

ABSTRACT Background: Parents have important roles to perceive the growth abnormalities of their children. Parental misperception can affect the children’s long-term health problems. Aim: To investigate: (a) the accuracy of parents’ perception of children’s weight, height, and body shape, (b) the effects of misperception in caring for children’s health, and (c) the factors of parental misperception. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted at a primary school in Bangkok, Thailand. A total of 1,153 parents completed self-administered questionnaires: (1) verbal perception of children’s weight and height and (2) visual perception of children’s body shape using Children’s Body Image Scale developed by Truby H and Paxtron SJ. Results: The agreement of parents’ perception and children’s actual weight and height was fair (K = 0.33 and 0.27, respectively). While the agreement of parents’ perception of boys’ and girls’ body shape was moderate (K = 0.43 and 0.48, respectively). Parents who underestimated children’s weight and height were likely to seek medical care (OR = 1.92; 95% CI 1.39, 2.65 and OR = 3.73; 95% CI 2.56, 5.44, respectively). Nonetheless, parents tended to underestimate the boys’ weight. Conclusion: Many parents do not accurately perceive their children’s weight, height, and body shape. This misperception could influence their caring for children’s health. Thus, educating parents about the perception of children’s growth should be emphasized to avoid long-term health effects.
Seasonal mortality of black grouse Tetra tetrix during a year with little snow

The seasonal mortality of black grouse Tetrao tetrix was studied in southeastern Norway (60°26′N, 10°54′E), in a study area dominated by up to 80% Norway spruce Picea abies. Modem forestry with clear-cuttings has been practised, and 50% of the forest was younger than 30 years. Fourteen males and seven females were captured on a lek in spring 1991 and equipped with radio transmitters. During the following 12 months, 72% of the birds were killed, mostly by predators. No birds died from capture through July. In autumn, predation was higher, with four black grouse being killed. Mortality was highest during winter, with 58% of the birds dying. The goshawk Accipiter gentilis was the most important predator during winter. High predation by goshawks in winter 1991–92 may have been the result of black grouse being more vulnerable to predation because limited snowfall precluded snow roosting, or of an invasion by goshawks. Therefore, snow roosting may be an important antipredator behaviour in black grouse. The effect of increased adult mortality is discussed in relation to chick production.
Training police for procedural justice: An evaluation of officer attitudes, citizen attitudes, and police-citizen interactions

This paper reports the findings of an evaluation of a police training program on procedural justice. The evaluation focused on the short- and long-term effects of the training on officers’ attitudes toward four principles of procedural justice (i.e., trustworthiness, neutrality, voice, and respect). The evaluation also assessed officers’ behaviors on the street and citizens’ interactions such as citizen demeanor and compliance with police requests. Finally, it assessed how the interacting citizens perceived the police. Taken together, the comprehensive data suggested that the procedural justice training was effective both immediately and in the long run. Policy implications are discussed.
Lethal and sublethal responses of native mussels (Unionidae: Lampsilis siliquoidea and Lampsilis higginsii) to elevated carbon dioxide

Levels of carbon dioxide (CO2) that have been proposed for aquatic invasive species control (24 000 – 96 000 μatm partial pressure of CO2 (PCO2); 1 atm = 101.325 kPa) were tested on two juvenile mussels, the fatmucket (Lampsilis siliquoidea) and the US federally endangered Higgins’ eye (Lampsilis higginsii). A suite of responses (survival, growth, behavior, and gene expression) were measured after 28 days of exposure to CO2 and 14 days postexposure. The 28-day LC20 (concentration lethal to 20% of organisms) was lower for L. higginsii (31 800 μatm PCO2, 95% confidence interval (CI) 15 000 – 42 800 μatm) than for L. siliquoidea (58 200 μatm PCO2, 95% CI 45 200 – 68 100 μatm). Treatment-related reductions occurred in all measures of growth and condition. Expression of chitin synthase, key for shell formation, was downregulated at 28 days of exposure. Carbon dioxide caused narcotization and movement to the substrate surface of mussels, behaviors that could increase mortality by predation and displacement. We conclude that survival and growth of juvenile mussels could be reduced by continuous exposure to elevated CO2, but recovery may be possible with shorter-duration exposure.
Physicochemical, bioactive properties and antioxidant of Apis mellifera L. honey from western Paraná, Southern Brazil

Honey cannot be used as a nutritionally complete option of food for humans, but it has a good potential to serve as food supplement. It has been used in medicine against various diseases since ancient times in Egypt, Greece and Rome, and also in western, eastern, Chinese and Ayurveda medicines (Kuropatnicki et al., 2018). In traditional medicine, it has effects on the treatment of burns, diarrhea and ulcers (Ahmed et al., 2018). In addition, it boosts the immune system by measuring the effects of antiinflammatory, antibacterial, antifungal and antiviral activities. Also, its positive effects against breast, colorectal, renal, prostate, cervical and oral cancer have already been proven (Ahmed et al., 2018). The medicinal effects of honey are due to its antioxidant action as it has intrinsic compounds, such as glucose oxidase enzymes, catalase and peroxidase. Other compounds are carotenoids, organic acids, ascorbic acid, amino acids and proteins. (Machado De-Melo et al., 2018). Phenolic acids and flavonoids are listed as the main reason why honey has an antioxidant capacity (Baglio, 2018), due to their mechanism of action and reactions based on the transference of hydrogen atoms or simple electrons (EterafOskouei & Najafi, 2013). Honey antioxidant capacity depends on its botanical origin, environmental conditions and seasonal changes (Machado De-Melo et al., 2018).
A NOTE ON THE SLOPE OF THE AGGREGATE DEMAND CURVE AT THE ZERO LOWER BOUND

This paper analyzes a regime-switching New Keynesian model to understand what happens to the aggregate economy when the nominal interest rate hits the zero lower bound (ZLB). Contrary to the literature, our model predicts that the aggregate demand curve is not always upward sloping when the ZLB binds. Instead, it depends on expectations. If the expected duration of the ZLB is short but consistent with expectations surveys, the AD curve can be downward sloping. In that case, the fiscal multiplier is moderate and supply-side reforms are expansionary. These results complement existing findings in the literature.
How Mobile App Design Overhauls Can Be Disastrous in Terms of User Perception

Smartphone apps are regularly updated and enhanced. However, design overhauls—that change the whole look of an app—are not expected to impact a user's behavior and, more specifically, continuance intentions. We reevaluate this claim based on the overwhelmingly negative feedback the social multimedia messaging app Snapchat received following a design overhaul released in February 2018. Following a mixed-method approach, we first analyze Snapchat's app ratings and their significant drop after the release of the update, using a Chow-test. Second, we use text mining to analyze a data set of 737,182 text reviews from the Google Play Store. We thereby provide empirical evidence that a design overhaul led to a significant decrease in app store ratings and started a social media firestorm among its users. Third, to theoretically explain the causes of the decrease in ratings, we conducted interviews with 26 Snapchat users. We contribute to the current discussion in IS research debates concerning whether perceived ease of use does play an essential role in the post-adoption context: We find evidence that substantial changes in an app design triggers a new adoption process and impacts the perceived ease of use, and thus, in particular, we contribute to the theoretical understanding of how users perceive design overhauls.
Multi-biomarker responses after exposure to organophosphates chlorpyrifos in the freshwater mussels Unio tigridis and snails Viviparous benglensis

ABSTRACT Effects of chlorpyrifos (CPF) on soft tissues of mollusks, Unio tigridis and Viviparous benglensis, have not been studied for biochemical and molecular traits. Therefore, the changes of antioxidant enzymes (superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT)), malondialdehyde (MDA), acetylcholinesterase (AChE), and DNA damage in these mollusks were assessed during 21-day exposure to three concentrations of CPF. The results showed that SOD and CAT enzymes in the two mollusk species decreased with highest CPF concentration, while MDA significantly increased with highest CPF concentration. AChE concentrations also showed a clear reduction in soft tissues of both mollusks. DNA damage parameters showed significant differences between controls and three CPF concentrations for each parameter measured in the digestive gland of U. tigridis; and for V. bengalensis significant differences were observed between controls and highest two concentrations of CPF for comet length and tail length. CPF has the ability to prevent reproduction status for the snail V. bengalensis compared to the controls. In this study, we can conclude from the significant changes occurring in the concentrations of CAT, SOD, MDA, AChE, and DNA damage that the concentrations of these biomolecules in the soft tissues of the mussel and snail can be considered suitable biomarkers for a sublethal exposure and/or effects of CPF at the tested concentrations, and we can then use it in biomonitoring of water bodies.
Genetic and non-genetic factors affecting growth traits in Egyptian buffalo

The current study aimed to estimate genetic parameters for body weight traits and daily weight gains of Egyptian buffalo at different growth stages (birth, weaning and yearling). Impacts of sex, season and year of calving as fixed effects on these criteria are also included in the study. The present study was carried out on buffalo herd maintained at Mostorod Station of Animal Aroduction, Faculty of Agriculture, Al-Azhar University, Egypt. Records of 91 Egyptian buffalo calves (39 males and 52 females) produced from 3 Sires and 91 Dams were used for the study. These calves were born between 2010 and 2015. Parameters of the body weights at birth (BW); weaning (WW) and 12 months (YW) of age were done for each calf. Average daily weight gain during different growth stages from birth to weaning (ADG 0-3 ), weaning to yearling (ADG 3-12 ) and from birth to yearling (ADG 0-12 ) were also recorded. The effects of sex (male and female), year (2010 to 2015) and the calving seasons (summer and winter) were estimated for the previous parameters. The overall means for BW, WW and YW were 33.26, 93.85 and 208.47 kg, respectively. Male calves had higher significant body weights at WW (98.57 vs 89.13 kg) and YW (219.70 vs 197.24 kg) than female calves. Season of calving had no significant effect on the body weights at different ages. Calving year had significant effect on BW, WW and YW. Heritability estimates (h 2 ) were recorded as moderate for BW (0.22) and WW (0.20), and high for YW (0.73). Conclusions: Heritability estimate levels recorded in this study were ranged from medium to high; this means that Egyptian buffalo possesses potential for growth and therefore the possibility to improving growth performance in this herd can be achieved through an organized breeding selection program with appropriate systems linked to nutrition and management.