Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Urban and rural perceptions of protected areas: a case study in Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary, Western Ghats, India

SUMMARY Researchers, governments and conservation organizations recognize that the long-term integrity of protected areas (PAs) in low-income nations depends upon the support of indigenous and rural communities that live within or around them. Thus, understanding the determinants of residents’ attitudes towards PAs might provide guidance in the design, implementation and evaluation of this strategic form of biodiversity conservation. This paper (1) compares urban and rural residents’ perceptions of the impact of a PA and (2) analyses the association between the perception of economic, social and environmental impacts, and overall attitude towards the PA. Information was collected among urban and rural residents living in the vicinity of the Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary in the Western Ghats (Karnataka, India). Local residents’ attitudes towards the PA were mainly positive, especially among urban residents. Multivariate analysis showed a positive association between the perception of economic benefits and individual attitudes towards the PA. There was no statistically significant association between attitudes towards the PA and perception of social and environmental impacts. Future research should address whether positive attitudes translate into more sustainable behaviours.
"Good things never last": Dampening positive emotions influences our optimism levels

espanolA pesar del creciente interes en la comprension de las estrategias de regulacion emocional (RE) de las emociones positivas y su relacion con la salud mental, la relacion entre los diferentes estilos de respuesta al afecto positivo y estilos cognitivos como el optimismo aun no se ha probado empiricamente. El objetivo del presente estudio fue evaluar el efecto de las estrategias para regular emociones positivas (evaluadas por el cuestionario Response to Positive Affect -RPA) sobre el optimismo, y la posible mediacion del afecto positivo en esta relacion. 250 participantes completaron el cuestionario RPA, medidas de optimismo y afecto positivo, y realizaron un procedimiento de induccion emocional aplicado a traves de Internet. Los resultados muestran que el afecto positivo no media la relacion entre las estrategias de regulacion emocional y los niveles de optimismo. No obstante, disminuir las emociones positivas (“dampening”) fue la unica estrategia que predijo los niveles de optimismo despues de la induccion. Se senala la necesidad de nuevos estudios con el fin de mejorar la comprension de los mecanismos implicados en la regulacion y el optimismo. EnglishDespite the increasing interest in understanding positive emotion regulation (ER)strategies and their relation with mental health, the relationship between responses to positive affect and cognitive styles such as optimism has yet to be tested empirically. Therefore, the objective of the present study was to empirically assess whether the effect of positive ER strategies (tested by the Responses to Positive Affect questionnaire -RPA) on optimism could be mediated by positive mood. Two hundred and fifty participants completed RPA questionnaire, measures of optimism and positive affect and received a positive mood induction (PMI) through Internet. Results show that induced positive mood did not mediate the relation between ER strategies and optimism levels. Nevertheless, dampening strategy was the only ER strategy that predicted the post-induction optimism level. Our findings point out the necessity of further studies in order to better understand the mechanisms involved in the emotional regulation and optimism.
Helicobacter Pylori and Gastric Precancerous Lesions: An update

Gastric cancer (GC) develops through a multistep process known as the gastritis-atrophy-metaplasia-dysplasia-cancer sequence associated with alterations in the expression of host oncogenes and tumor suppressor genes after several decades. Helicobacter pylori ( H. pylori ) infection is the most consistent risk factor for GC, and its elimination is, therefore, the most promising strategy to reduce the incidence of this malignant disorder. However, the results of the relevant studies are controversial as to whether the H. Pylori eradication effectively induces the regression of gastric preneoplastic lesions. The inconsistencies are likely due to the heterogeneity in studies with respect to the number of biopsy samples taken, the method of histologic classification of findings, sample size, and the duration of the follow-up. Additionally some probable or well-defined factors other than H. Pylori may influence the progression of gastric preneoplastic lesions. Lastly, the real existence of a “point of no return” may partially explain the controversial findings. Here, we present an index case, and review data about the role of H. pylori during gastric carcinogenesis, and subsequently discuss information available from recent studies to evaluate the benefit of the H. pylori eradication for the regression of gastric precancerous lesions.
A Corpus-based Study on the Use of Contractions by EFL Learners in Argumentative Essays

Contraction forms in English are mostly occur in speech and informal writing and they are generally avoided in formal writing types such as academic prose, business reports and journal articles, therefore, most teachers discourage their use in academic essays (Biber, Johansonn, Leech, Conrad and Finegan 1999). Contractions in English have two types; negative contractions (isn’t, haven’t, doesn’t) and verb contractions (I’m, they’ve, that’s). This corpus based study attempts to investigate contraction usage in learner and native English speaker essays. Major goal is to examine whether learners consider essay writing rules in respect of contractions which are accepted inappropriate for academic prose style. Five corpora, three learner and two native English, were utilized in order to analyze verb and not-contraction forms. Frequency calculations of contraction forms in each corpus compared via log-likelihood measurement for statistical significance. Results revealed that learners use considerably more contraction forms, especially negative ones, than native English students in their argumentative essays.
Repellent and Insecticidal Activity of Mentha piperita (L.) Plant Extracts Against Cabbage Aphid (Brevicoryne brassicae Linn. (Homoptera: Aphididae))

Repellent and insecticidal activity of solvent extracts of Mentha piperita leaves were tested against cabbage aphid (Brevicoryne brassicae). Petroleum ether, acetone, ethanol and water extracts were prepared and tested at 1000, 500, 250, 125 and 62.6ppm concentrations. Repellent activity of plant extracts were tested by leaf disc bioassay method. Insecticidal activity of the plant extracts were tested by topical application method. Results showed that repellent activity of plant extracts were recorded above 50% in all the solvent extracts tested at 500 and 1000ppm concentration after 24hr exposure period. In general, repellent activity of the plant extracts were increased up to 48hr and it was decreased after 72hr post exposure period. Maximum insecticidal activity of 73.3% was observed in ethanol extract at 1000ppm concentration after 24hr exposure period. The insecticidal activity of plant extracts were increased from 24hr to 72hr post exposure period. The laboratory findings conclude that Mentha piperita plant extracts have both repellent and insecticidal activity against cabbage aphid (Brevicoryne brassicae).
Social Media in Adult Education: Insights Gained from Grundtvig Learning Partnership Project “Institutional Strategies Targeting the Uptake of Social Networking in Adult Education (ISTUS)”

Purpose—the focus of this article is the role of social media in adult education and their impact on adult students in regards to their educational needs and specific personal situations within the frame of the learning partnership project. The Grundtvig learning partnership project “Institutional Strategies Targeting the Uptake of Social Networking in Adult Education (ISTUS) is an international partnership that includes partners from 7 EU countries. The aim of the research presented in this paper is to define cases of the uptake of technologies and applications by MRU students; thus, the objectives of the research are 1) to review literature pertaining to the field of social media in adult education context and 2) to analyse the respondents’ insights as regards learning/teaching practices, resources, and facilities that affect their learning in relation to social networking and media use (taking into consideration both personal and educational perspectives). Design/methodology/approach—the research paper adopts qualitative research approach. Findings—students perceive SM mainly as online communication means (usually informal communication is implied). SM is firstly associated by learners with pastime venue, not educational resource. Thus, methods of teaching/learning in SM and with the help of SM have to be developed and improved. They have to be considered in line with the necessity to develop critical and reflexive thinking skills and media and information literacy skills. The respondents have pointed out both positive and negative aspects of social media use for learning/teaching. Creation of an inner institutional SM type involving qualified people with expertise in SM use for education has been suggested. Research limitations/implications—this article is focused only on the attitudes of MRU students though 105 interviews in total have been conducted within the framework of the project and not only students, but also teachers and administration have been interviewed. Practical implications—From the practical perspective, this research is a starting point for further investigation encompassing findings of all partners of the project. In addition, it provides insights into potential venues for improvement of the teaching methodology in the context of networked studies. Originality/Value—the research is particularly valuable since it is an important step to deeper insights into the existing situation, needs, tendencies, different attitudes and research issues important in the investigated context and developmental tendencies of education in contemporary society. The investigated theme adds to the existing studies of networked education that requires substantive and comprehensive investigations. Research type: research paper.
Positive Feed Back Adiabatic Logic: PFAL Single Edge Triggered Semi-Adiabatic D Flip Flop

2 Abstract: The technical constraints and market demands necessitated the urgency of efforts in development of low power circuits. Researchers are exploring all the different factors which affect the low power equations for the circuit. All these being realistic parameters have limits of their optimization. The device scaling, capacitance reduction, voltage scaling, activity factor improving using different set of encoding, speed performance constraints etc. have their physical limitations. Yet, their limiting values are near, but still debatable, with the progress of technology and tremendous amount of efforts all over the world by the researchers. In the scenario many researchers are trying to adopt different optimization and energy conservation principles for VLSI circuit design. The problem formulation is made in accordance, matching with the platform of other engineering fields and transforming, resolving and optimizing them to extract the desired power aware design with benefits attaining from the classical approach. Utilizing the concepts and fundamentals of adiabatic theory in mechanics for formulating the VLSI circuit design problems comes into such an efforts proposed and backed by several researchers. The basic principle in adiabatic logic circuits is to slow down the logic transition varying from logic 1 to logic 0 and vice versa, aiming in reducing the power dissipation. Many different approaches/ techniques are proposed for implementing adiabatic logic circuits. PFAL is one of these techniques which positively promise assisting in the power issues. This paper presents a dual rail, semi adiabatic PFAL D flip flop. Master slave configuration is used for implementing the positive edge flip flop. The basic buffer/inverter configuration is used for driving the functionality of the D flip flop after integrating extra transistors. Tanner ECAD tool is used for simulation and verification the circuit with 1.25 micron technology. The power dissipation for the circuit is 3.50E-02.
A review of some ecological factors affecting the growth of Azolla spp.

The genus Azolla forms a group of small-leafed, floating aquatic ferns native to the tropics, subtropics, and warm temperate regions of Africa, Asia, and America. For several decades, these ferns have been utilized for various purposes: e.g. as green manure, feed for animals, but also for the removal of different metals (e.g. Hg, Pb, Cr and Cd) through wastewater treatment or for elimination of nitrogenous compounds from surface water. Notwithstanding, these many advantages of Azolla, it has invaded many natural habitats, thus becoming an obnoxious weed. Azolla can grow quickly with a doubling time of only 2-5 days and form very dense mats in favourable habitats, causing many difficulties for boat transport, water animals and native plant species and becoming a source of eutrophication. The present paper gives an overview of some important ecological factors affecting Azolla’s growth over the past few decades. Moreover, for the most ecological variables discussed in this study, the authors refer to their recent publications for the habitat requirements of Azolla in Anzali wetland. Water availability is the key factor for its growth. Growth is further promoted by optimal light intensity (15-18 Klux), temperature (18°- 28°C) and relative humidity (55-83%). Wind and turbulent water can fragment and kill Azolla. The importance of both macro (e.g. phosphorus, nitrogen, potassium, calcium and magnesium) and micronutrients (e.g. molybdenum, cobalt and etc.) has also been confirmed from literature. Various types of insects (e.g. caterpillars), bacteria, fungi and viruses can affect Azolla growth. As a conclusion, understanding the habitat requirements of Azolla is very helpful for managing this aquatic fern, also for decision making in the context of wetland restoration and conservation management.
Desarrollo del eje reproductivo endocrino en corderos de pelo Development of the endocrine reproductive axis in hair breed ram lambs

The objectives were to characterize the profiles of LH and testosterone (T) and the response to GnRH administration in hair ram lambs. Study 1: seventeen lambs were used: Blackbelly (n=4), Pelibuey (n=5), Blackbelly x Pelibuey (Crossbred; n=8). At 2, 4, 8, 12, 16, 20 and 24 wk of age, blood samples were collected every 15 min for 6 h, to characterize LH and T profiles. There was no significant difference between genotypes at any age, for any variable of LH and T profiles (P>0.05). The effect of age was significant (P<0.05): mean LH concentration was lower on wk 2 (P<0.05), achieved the highest value on wk 12, and decreased on wk 16 (P<0.05). Mean T concentration increased steadily between wk 2 and 24 (P<0.05). Study 2: twelve lambs were used: Blackbelly (n=4), Pelibuey (n=4), Crossbred
Identification of Barrier Factors and Potential Solutions to SMEs Development among Jordanian Manufacturing Sector

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the factors that hinder the growth and survival of SMEs in Jordan. The methodology adopted in this research is critical literature reviews, quantitative data collection through questionnaires to 241 SMEs 'owners and managers located in selected cities in Jordan. The results of the study reveal that the most common constraints hindering SMEs growth and survival in Jordan are: lack of financial support; competition barriers; lack of qualified human resources; and rigid business rules and regulations. Most SMEs agreed that government should develop program that is strongly required as a strategic move to emerge the economy and dedicate more efforts to eliminate SMEs barriers, like encourage the financial institutes and banks to provide suitable credit facilities to this sector. Legal infrastructure such as privacy law, e-signature and knowledge acquisition law, facilitate SME with technology through soft loan to buy supporting technology for their business, and many supporting program needed by SMEs. The significance of this study stems from the fact that very few studies have explored the issue of factors constraining the growth and survival of SMEs in Jordan. Also, it offers guidance for future research in a field of research that is still in its infancy.
Evaluation of Respiratory Functions in Subclinical and Clinical Hypothyroidism

Aim: Subclinical hypothyroidism reflects the earliest stage of thyroid dysfunction with subjects having normal or decreased fT4, normal fT3 and decreased thyroid stimulating hormone levels. Thyroid hormones have effects on the respiratory system functions. It is well known that thyroid hormones have effects on the respiratory system functions however there are few studies concerning the effect of subclinical hypothyroidism on the respiratory system. We aimed to investigate the respiratory functions in patients diagnosed with subclinical and clinical hypothyroidism. Material and Methods: A total of 61 patients with clinical (n=31) or subclinical (n=30) hypothyroidism and 27 healthy subjects as a control group were included in the present study. Respiratory functions were evaluated by simple spirometry. All respiratory parameters including FVC, FVC%, FEV1, FEV1%, FEV1/FVC, FEF25-75, FEF25-75%, PEF, PEF% were assessed. Additionally, free triiodothyronine (FT3), free thyroxin (FT4) and thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) levels were measured in all subjects. Results: Patients in the clinical hypothyrodism, subclinical hypothyroidism and control groups were homogenous in terms of age and gender distribution. Body mass index (kg/m2) was determined to be significantly higher in patients with clinical hypothyroidism when compared to control subjects (pl0.05). Spirometric evaluation of the respiratory function revealed significantly lower values for FVC (L; pl0.05), FVC (%; pl0.05), FEV1 (L; pl0.05) and FEV1 (%; pl0.05) in all hypothyroid patients regardless of the clinical type when compared to control subjects. Conclusions: Respiratory function tests seem to be beneficial in the evaluation of respiratory functional state in hypothyroidism. We think that community screening with simple spirometry may be helpful for patients with risk of subclinical hypothyroidism. Key words: Subclinical Hypothyroidism; Clinical Hypothyroidism; Respiratory Functions.
Synthesis of Engineering Undergraduate Students’ Out-of-Class Involvement

As engineering educators prepare more high-quality engineers for the global workforce, more emphasis has been placed on developing students’ professional skills, increasing student persistence, and improving diversity in the engineering workforce. Out of class activities have been considered as a unique way to improve these outcomes. Some empirical studies have been conducted to examine the effectiveness of out of class involvement in promoting engineering students’ development. However, many of these studies focused on a single out of class activity or a single outcome and did not focused on engineering students. In order to better understand the role of out of class activity in engineering education and to accurately identify future research areas, the present study synthesized the findings on two domains: what factors are related to engineering students’ participation in out of class activities and what are the outcomes of student participation. The results indicate that female and minority students are more likely to engage in out of class activities. Some institutional characteristics influence student participation. In general, out of class activities support engineering students’ cognitive development, affective development, persistence in engineering, and career preparation. Different types of out of class activities are associated with different outcomes. These findings suggest that educators should encourage and support students to participate in out of class activities and point to the need for additional research.
Bird Predation On Spiders: Ecological Mechanisms And Evolutionary Consequences

Abstract Birds are common predators of arthropods in many ecosystems but their impact on spiders has not been assessed. Therefore, the experimental evidence for bird predation effects on spider populations was examined. In particular, the present review focuses on the questions: what are the ecological mechanisms and what are the evolutionary consequences? Data from 17 field experiments, mainly in forest ecosystems, showed that spider communities were often significantly affected by bird predation. Comparisons of experimental effects were based on the ratio of mean density on experimentally enclosed vegetation and on controls. In 27 tests, a significant effect was detected (mean ratio 3.03) but in 9 tests the effect was non-significant (mean ratio 1.03). Furthermore, field experimental studies on bird predation effects on certain spider species or certain genera were reviewed. In three investigations, significant predation effects were found on agelenid, linyphiid and theridiid spiders but there were no significant effects on lycosids. Selective bird predation on large individuals has been shown in studies on spider communities and single species. Data on bird predation effects on species richness were lacking although impact on large species was expected to be important. Three field experiments showed that different spider families may experience differences in bird predation pressure. An aviary experiment showed that frequently moving spiders had a higher risk of predation than sedentary individuals, but the evidence from field experiments supporting the hypothesis of high predation pressure on moving spiders was limited. This included sex-specific differences in size and movement, although at least one experiment showed that males had higher winter mortality than females. One experiment showed that bird predation can affect anti-predator behavior. In conclusion, the present evidence showed that bird predation on spiders in several contrasting forest ecosystems is strong. However, there are many hypotheses regarding bird predation on spider populations that should be examined in future field experiments.
Speech act theory and New Testament exegesis

Speech act theory offers New Testament exegesis some additional ways and means of approaching the text of the New Testament. This, the second in a series of two articles that make a plea for the continued utilisation and application of this theory to the text of the New Testament, deals with some of the possibilities and potential this theory holds for reading biblical texts. Advantages are pointed out and a few suggestions for the future proposed.
An Estimated DSGE Model with a De‡ation Steady State: An Application to the Japanese Economy

Benhabib, Schmitt-Grohe, and Uribe (2001) argue the existence of a de‡ation steady state when the zero lower bound on the nominal interest rate is considered in a Taylor-type monetary policy rule. This paper estimates a medium-scale DSGE model with the de‡ation steady state for the Japanese economy during the period from 1999 to 2013, when the Bank of Japan conducted the zero interest rate policy and the in‡ation rate was almost always negative. Although the model exhibits equilibrium indeterminacy around the de‡ation steady state, a set of speci…c equilibria is selected by Bayesian methods. According to the estimated model, shocks