Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
SEXUAL DIMORPHISM IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF SCENT STRUCTURES FOR THE OBLIGATE MONOGAMOUS EURASIAN BEAVER (CASTOR FIBER)

Abstract Scent marking is a common form of territorial demarcation in mammals and differential marking by the sexes may select for differences in scent gland developmental rates or size. Rates of marking reflect level of defense and so behavioral dimorphism in marking by the sexes may select for dimorphism in scent structures. Eurasian beavers (Castor fiber) are monogamous, territorial mammals that show some behavioral dimorphism in territoriality. Beavers have 2 primary scent structures, anal glands and castor sacs. Anal gland secretion appears to serve as a family or individual identifier. Castor fluid is the main source of chemical signals used for marking territories. We examined beavers collected from 3 different habitats, namely streams, creeks and tarns (small lakes), which varied in the density of beaver sites. The objectives of this study were to examine if morphological attributes of Eurasian beaver scent structures reflected differences in adult beaver territorial function or in the ontogeny of the sexes. We hypothesized that male beavers would have larger castor sacs and anal glands, and that beavers from sites of greater density, and thus greater rates of intrusion, would have larger castor sacs and anal glands. Our results showed that investment did not differ by habitat type. Although the combined weight of the scent structures did not differ between the sexes, males developed significantly larger anal glands but somewhat smaller castor sacs than females. Total investment to scent structures may be limited but allocation is flexible. Males patrol the territory more extensively and may benefit by releasing anal gland secretion to signal their identity to potential intruders. Higher rates of marking may decrease castor sac size by reducing the amount of stored scent material. Hence, even in monogamous mammals, sexual dimorphism can arise from behavioral dimorphism.
Evaluation of random forests and Prophet for daily streamflow forecasting

Abstract. We assess the performance of random forests and Prophet in forecasting daily streamflow up to seven days ahead in a river in the US. Both the assessed forecasting methods use past streamflow observations, while random forests additionally use past precipitation information. For benchmarking purposes we also implement a naïve method based on the previous streamflow observation, as well as a multiple linear regression model utilizing the same information as random forests. Our aim is to illustrate important points about the forecasting methods when implemented for the examined problem. Therefore, the assessment is made in detail at a sufficient number of starting points and for several forecast horizons. The results suggest that random forests perform better in general terms, while Prophet outperforms the naïve method for forecast horizons longer than three days. Finally, random forests forecast the abrupt streamflow fluctuations more satisfactorily than the three other methods.
An integrated approach to enhancing prospective English language teachers’ writing skills

This study reports on the experience of a group of pre-service teachers of English in a compulsory writing course in the preparatory program of an English language teaching department in the Turkish context. This study specifically attempts to investigate to what extent the writing course contributes to the acquisition of basic conventions of written discourse in English when prospective teachers of English are involved in an extensive writing practice which is based upon integration of product, process and genre based approaches to writing. The study lasted for a period of 28 weeks with fifty-nine pre-service teachers of English who participated in the study. The participants studied the basic genre types which included expository writing such as classification, process, argumentation, opinion, cause and effect, compare and contrast, and narrative paragraphs and essays. The participants specifically received instruction as to the basic constituents of paragraph and essays writing; namely, organization, process, unity, coherence, word choice, language use, grammar, and mechanics which were further put into 49 observable competencies. Data were collected through an analytic assessment rubric applied to participants’ pre-study and post-study essays. In addition, participants were distributed a pre-study and a post-study self-perception questionnaire in order to evaluate any possible improvements in their writing competence. The results of the study suggest that exposing pre-service teachers of English to various genres by involving them in an extensive writing practice adds to their writing competency positively in learning the process of writing practice, organizing the text, including relevant content in the text, using language appropriately, producing correct grammar, coming up with relevant vocabulary, and following correct mechanical conventions.
Effects of Various Pre-Sowing Treatments on Seed Germination of Carob (Ceratonia Siliqua L.) From Al-Jabal Al-Akhdar Area (Balagrae, Al-Baida, Libya)

This study was conducted on a wild carob genotype grown in Al-Jabal Al-Akhdar area (Balagrae, Al-Baida, Libya). Seeds belonging to three individual trees chosen at random were collected. Seven different pre-sowing treatments (soaking in distilled water, boiling water 100C, soaking in sulphuric acid, mechanical scarification, mechanical scarification & soaking in distilled water, mechanical scarification & soaking in sulphuric acid and untreated seeds) were applied and examined for their effectiveness to stimulate carob seed germination. The results showed that mechanical scarification & soaking in distilled water treatment was the most effective method in increasing the germination percentage by (94.33%) compared to untreated seeds (5.99%). Mechanical scarification & soaking in distilled water treatment significantly decreased the mean germination time value (MGT) by (2.83 days). An MGT value was significantly higher in control treatment (23.22 days).
Have applications of continuous rainfall–runoff simulation realized the vision for process‐based flood frequency analysis?

Keith Beven was amongst the first to propose and demonstrate a combination of conceptual rainfall–runoff modelling and stochastically generated rainfall data in what is known as the ‘continuous simulation’ approach for flood frequency analysis. The motivations included the potential to establish better links with physical processes and to avoid restrictive assumptions inherent in existing methods applied in design flood studies. Subsequently, attempts have been made to establish continuous simulation as a routine method for flood frequency analysis, particularly in the UK. The approach has not been adopted universally, but numerous studies have benefitted from applications of continuous simulation methods. This paper asks whether industry has yet realized the vision of the pioneering research by Beven and others. It reviews the generic methodology and illustrates applications of the original vision for a more physically realistic approach to flood frequency analysis through a set of practical case studies, highlighting why continuous simulation was useful and appropriate in each case. The case studies illustrate how continuous simulation has helped to offer users of flood frequency analysis more confidence about model results by avoiding (or exposing) bad assumptions relating to catchment heterogeneity, inappropriateness of assumptions made in (UK) industry‐standard design event flood estimation methods, and the representation of engineered or natural dynamic controls on flood flows. By implementing the vision for physically realistic analysis of flood frequency through continuous simulation, each of these examples illustrates how more relevant and improved information was provided for flood risk decision‐making than would have been possible using standard methods. They further demonstrate that integrating engineered infrastructure into flood frequency analysis and assessment of environmental change are also significant motivations for adopting the continuous simulation approach in practice. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A Method for the Determination of Center of Gravity during Manual Wheelchair Propulsion in Different Axle Positions

The purpose of this study was to determine and verify a measuring and modeling technique for the center of gravity during manual wheelchair propulsion. Eight non-wheelchair users propelled themselves on linear flat floor and a slope (1/12) in four axle conditions. A three dimensional motion capture system and the force plates recorded static and dynamic trials of propulsion performance. Positions of the combined center of gravity of a wheelchair and the human body were calculated using a kinematic model. The positions of the center of gravity had a highly significant correlation with the positions of the center of pressure obtained from the force plate data in the anterior-posterior direction in static trials (r=0.99, p<.05), giving an average error (RMSE approximately 1.0). The minimal distance between the center of gravity and axle positions significantly decreased with axle position forwarded in propulsion on the floor (p<.05). Propulsion on the slope, however, demonstrated less significant differences of the distance between the center of gravity and axle positions. It implies that more dynamic activities lead to a variety of changes in the center of gravity. This method for determination of the center of gravity can be considered valid in static trials for wheelchair sitting and in dynamic trials on level ground during manual wheelchair propulsion.
Modeli in orodja za izbiro podporne tehnologije za delo z ra č unalnikom

Assistive technology for computer access is a necessity for computer control for people with disabilities that cannot use standard interfaces. Several solutions are available, but the challenge is to select an appropriate assistive technology for the individual user. We reviewed models and instruments for the selection and advisory process of assistive technology reported in current scientific and technical literature. Based on the review, we propose which of those models and instruments could be appropriate for the specific field of selection of an appropriate assistive technology for computer access. Modeli in orodja za izbiro podporne tehnologije za delo z računalnikom Authors' institution: Univerzitetni rehabilitacijski inštitut republike Slovenije – Soča. Contact person: Mojca Jenko, URI – Soča, Linhartova 51, 1000 Ljubljana. e-mail: mojca.jenko@ir-rs.si. Received: 02.12. 2010. Accepted: 14.12. 2010. Izvleček. Podporna tehnologija za delo z osebnim računalnikom je nujna za delo z računalnikom za ljudi z zmanjšanimi možnostmi, ki ne morejo uporabljati standardnih uporabniških vmesnikov. Na voljo so različne rešitve, a problem se pokaže pri izbiri prave tehnologije za posameznega uporabnika. Pregledali smo modele in orodja za izbiro primerne podporne tehnologije, opisane v znanstveni in tehnični literature. Na podlagi pregleda predlagamo, kateri modeli in orodja so lahko primerna tudi za ožje področje izbire primerne podporne tehnologije za delo z osebnim računalnikom.  Infor Med Slov: 2010; 15(2): 31-36 Jenko M et al.: Models & Instruments for Selection of Assistive Technology for Computer Access 32
Field experimentation based simulation of yield response of maize crop to deficit irrigation using AquaCrop model, Arba Minch, Ethiopia

This experiment was conducted during February to June 2012 in Demonstration farm of Arba Minch University located in the central rift valley of Ethiopia. The aim was to investigate the effects of different levels of deficit irrigation imposed at different growth stages of maize (BH-140) crop on its development, grain yield and water use efficiency. AquaCrop model was calibrated and validated using field experimentation data. The crop water requirement of maize for full irrigation application was calculated using CropWat 8.0. The water application levels considered were 100% of crop evapotranspiration (ETc), 75%ETc, 50%ETc and 25%ETc. based on these irrigation levels and four growth stages of maize crop, ten treatments were arranged. These treatments were replicated three times. Data collected during the experiment were: crop biomass, soil moisture content, irrigation depths and final yield. The result showed that the highest yield was found in treatment six, T6 (8842 Kg/ha) which was subjected to water deficit during mid- and maturity-stages; whereas minimum yield of about 5264 kg/ha was obtained under T8 which was irrigated imposed to deficit during the whole growing season except during the initial stage. The highest (2.11 kg/m3) and lowest (0.93 kg/m3) water use efficiency was recorded under T8 and T4. Generally, water deficit of 50%ETc during third and fourth growth stages had no significant effect on the grain yield of maize and it is worthwhile to save irrigation water during these growth stages. The model performed well in simulating the growth of aboveground biomass, grain yield, and canopy cover (CC) for most of the treatments but it was less satisfactory in simulating the growth performance of treatments under prolonged water-deficit. The fact that the AquaCrop model is easy to use, requires less input data, and its sufficient degree of simulation accuracy make it a valuable tool for estimating crop productivity under deficit irrigation, and on-farm water management for improving the efficiency of water use in agriculture. Key words: Deficit irrigation, growth stage, maize, crop water productivity, AquaCrop.
Teaching journalism ethics: An evaluative study on teaching model effectiveness

Abstract Journalism education in Indonesia lately faces crucial and critical challenges as a result of the increase of ethical offences. As a leading institution, Mass Communication Study Program (MCSP), Universitas Sebelas Maret develops a new teaching journalism model on the basis of local wisdom to address the challenge. Having two-year implementation the model needs to be evaluated to assess its effectiveness in reaching the targeted teaching outcome. Context, Input, Process and Product (CIPP) evaluation model were chosen as the approach for the evaluation. The CIPP model provides a comprehensive framework on how to evaluate the effectiveness of the teaching model, what aspects should be considered and who should be involved. While the CIPP evaluation model provides concept and theoretical framework about components that should be involved in evaluation process, Zhang’s working paper suggests operational framework on how to use the CIPP model in educational setting. The evaluation showed that teacher’s capacity and capability have significant contribution to the effectiveness of the teaching model in achieving targeted teaching outcome.
Interactive comment on “ Analysis of a strong wildfire event over Valencia ( Spain ) during Summer 2012 – Part 1 : Aerosol microphysics and optical properties ”

Anonymous Referee #2 Received and published: 24 December 2013 General comments: The authors presented a detailed account of wildfire event occurred in 2012 at Eastern Spain. Authors studied surface, vertical and columnar aerosol properties using ground based instruments and satellite derived data. High values of PM 2.5, AOD, AAE and scattering coefficients are observed during the event. PM 2.5 concentrations observed are higher than EU standards showing the intensity and extend of wildfire. Authors reported many observed and derived parameters in this study. But I have following reservations:
Being Dignified: The Lived Experience of Elderly Chinese Residents in a Private Nursing Home in Hong Kong

The concept of dignity is an essential value of nursing practice and its attributes frequently include control, respect and self-esteem. In Hong Kong, elderly people have negative impressions about living in private nursing homes because they perceive these attributes of dignity will be lost. This study aims to understand and gain a deeper insight of the lived experience of being dignified for elderly Chinese residents in a private nursing home in Hong Kong. This study employed an interpretative qualitative design. A purposive sampling strategy was used to recruit 14 nursing home residents to participate in this study. The data were collected through in-depth, unstructured face-to-face interviews. Interviews were audiotaped, transcribed, and then analysed using van Manen's phenomenological method of qualitative research. Five themes that emerged from this study were: possessing inherent dignity, owning dignified-self perspectives, endeavouring to exercise dignity-conserving practices, receiving dignified care, and dwelling in a dignified home environment. Outcomes identified in this study showed the different ways dignity is conceptualised by the residents in the nursing home. The results enhance our understanding of dignity among residents in private nursing homes and can contribute to the development of strategies for providing dignified care in future.
Research on the Anomaly Detection Method in Intelligent Patrol Based on Big Data Analysis

The network anomaly detection in intelligent patrol is based on the trigger of a single threshold of network element performance parameters in patrol task, which has a high false alarm rate and low efficiency. In order to effectively and accurately integrate network performance, this paper proposes to mine network element performance data and network element log information in the integrated automatic patrol to detect network anomalies. Because log files have a large amount of data and a variety of types, and log data has a complex structure and contains large implied information. The relationship between network anomalies and time can actively discover through the analysis of the log files. Therefore, big data mining and classification can greatly improve the efficiency of data processing. However, the accuracy of finding network anomalies is insufficient only for log analysis. Therefore, this paper puts forward the performance indexes collected in the log analysis and patrol inspection system and adopts the sequence analysis algorithm to detect network anomalies, so as to improve the accuracy and efficiency of detection.
Consumer Confidence Indicators and Economic Fluctuations In Nigeria

Consumer confidence indicators(CCI) serve as a veritable tool for providing useful information to policy makers, forecasters and the general public. Recent studies indicated the possibility of a slowdown in output, resulting from the pessimism of consumers in their expectations about the general state of the economy, even if their pessimism were not based on economic fundamentals. This study evaluated the predictive ability of the CCI in forecasting economic fluctuations in Nigeria. The study applied the Granger Causality tests, impulse response functions and forecast error variance decomposition to assess if CCI granger causes output growth as well as ascertain the magnitude of the change in GDP resulting from a change in CCI. Results from granger causality tests indicated a causal relationship between CCI indicators and real GDP growth in Nigeria. Furthermore, the study found that CCI explained the movements in economic activities, even though the magnitude was small. These results have important implications for the usefulness of CCI in planning and forecasting macroeconomic aggregates.
Coordination routines at different modular levels for the diffusion of explicit and tacit information: the case of the engineering department of a globally-distributed corporation

This paper examines the need to identify an appropriate coordination mechanism in a case study by an existing multinational corporation. It is grappling with the salient dilemma concerning the need for including remote employees and other stakeholders to support corporate innovation practice, whilst preventing the loss of knowledge due to employee turnover or ‘silent theft’ in the near future. We find that the present business model does not wholly afford the corporation alignment around its dual dependency on knowledge-based and globally-distributed production.
The Dispositions, Abilities and Behaviours (Dab) Framework for Profiling Learners’ Sustainability Competencies in Higher Education

Abstract The concepts of sustainability and sustainability competence are controversial, complex, difficult to define and measure, and have varied meanings for different people and practices. Given the complex nature of sustainability, there is limited availability of paradigmatic frameworks to guide educators in assessing sustainability competencies. This paper introduces the Dispositions, Abilities and Behaviours (DAB) framework, which influenced the design of an intervention in 2013-2014 that profiled sustainability competencies among final year undergraduate students in a higher education institution. The results of the mixed methods study indicate that the DAB framework has good potential as a guide to educators or researchers in understanding and profiling sustainability- related abilities, attitudes and actions (areas of performance) of cohorts of students within higher education settings.
Why Is That We Know We Have to—Or Want to—Change, but Find Ourselves Moving Around in Circles?

In this essay, we will explore a question which is widely recognized in the world of practitioners of change and which seems a problematic issue in any change process, but is badly understood in theory: “What is happening when there is a lot of enthusiasm about a change initiative and a lot of knowledge about the change, but nothing happens? ” Why is coming into action so difficult in any change process? We ourselves, being scholars as well as practitioners, are in the middle of trying to understand the answers to these questions. In this essay, we will explore the literature to shed light on this. We discuss that (a) “people consistently act inconsistently,” (b) resistance is a multi-layered and multi-meaning concept that needs reconceptualization, and (c) perception of the change recipient plays a pivotal role in every change process.
lrig 1 is a positive prognostic marker in hepatocellular carcinoma

and incorporate the Creative Commons Attribution – Non Commercial (unported, v3.0) License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/3.0/). By accessing the work you hereby accept the Terms. Non-commercial uses of the work are permitted without any further permission from Dove Medical Press Limited, provided the work is properly attributed. For permission for commercial use of this work, please see paragraphs 4.2 and 5 of our Terms (https://www.dovepress.com/terms.php). OncoTargets and Therapy 2016:9 7071–7079 OncoTargets and Therapy Dovepress