Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Project Management and Performance of Rural Road Construction Projects in Machakos County, Kenya

This paper explores the influence of project management practices on performance of rural road construction projects in Machakos County, Kenya. Rural road construction projects experience challenges that impede them from being successfully completed within the allocated cost budget, set timelines and to the desired quality. This study specifically investigated how project planning, project execution and project monitoring and control influence the performance of rural construction projects. The study conducted a census of all the 18 rural road construction projects in Machakos County by census. These projects were at various stages of completion. The number of respondents selected was 100 and in order to narrow down on these respondents, simple random sampling technique was used. The study used descriptive and causal research designs and applied a semi-structured questionnaire in collection of data. The study found out that project planning, project execution and project monitoring and control all had a positive and significant relationship with project performance. However, it was also found out that these project management practices were not being applied effectively in the road projects under study. The study concludes that project management practices greatly influence the performance of rural road construction projects. The study recommends that project management practices of project planning, project execution and project monitoring and control which form more than 85% of the project life cycle, should be effectively applied throughout the life cycle of implementing rural road construction projects in order to ensure that the projects meet the performance goals.
TRATAMIENTO MÉDICO NUTRICIONAL EN LA MUJER EMBARAZADA CON DIABETES

Introduction : in recent years, there has been a worldwide increase in the diagnosis of gestational diabetes (GD) in pregnant women, with the estimated prevalence of GD being 14% globally and 10,36% in Argentina according to the Latin American Diabetes Association (LADA) diagnostic criteria. An adequate dietary plan in association with a healthy lifestyle change and glucose self-monitoring, are the cornerstones to achieve the glycemic goal in two thirds of GD cases. Despite its importance and being broadly advised in clinical practice, there is limited scientific information regarding the optimal dietary prescription to improve results for both mother and child. Objectives : to analyze the nutritional aspects of the treatment of GD and to investigate what the recommendations would be to achieve the aforesaid outcomes, through the analysis of current scientific evidence. Although there is heterogenous evidence from randomized controlled trials, it comes out from these studies that early intervention with diet, exercise and advice on healthy lifestyle during the first trimester or early in the second trimester, may decrease the risk of GD. Nutritional treatment in GD is based on the control of the quantity and distribution of carbohydrates to attain optimal glycemic control without hypoglycemia or ketosis. Caloric intake is as well important for proper weight gain.
The Effectiveness and Impact of Action Learning on Business Graduates’ Professional Practice

The organizational world has long recognized action learning (AL) as an invaluable tool for managerial development. However, AL’s popularity among organizations did not translate into its adoption by business schools. A lack of evidence on what competencies AL fosters in students and whether these competencies transfer to practice has limited its wider acceptance. We address this issue by examining the learning outcomes of an undergraduate business program that has been using AL as a central didactical feature for the past 10 years. Based on a qualitative cross-sectional study following five alumni cohorts, results show that AL fosters the development of knowledge (theoretical and practical), skills (communication and collaboration), and attitudes (self-knowledge and self-efficacy); competencies graduates transferred to practice years after completing the program. Although management education has been continually criticized for its inability to provide undergraduates with the competencies necessary for practice, our study shows that AL contributes to narrowing this relevance gap. It also expands our understanding of the effectiveness and impact of AL beyond executive training to include undergraduate education, thus informing and inviting educators to consider AL as an alternative to expand their teaching practices.
IoT-Based System Monitoring of the Sleep Environment – A Study Aimed at the Elderly

The aging process in our population can cause changes in people’s sleeping patterns, more specifically in the elderly, by impairing their cognitive abilities, quality of life, and autonomy. Advances in Ubiquitous Computing and Internet of Things have contributed to the monitoring of such situations. In particular, the use of sensors to evaluate the environment and aspects related to the health and well-being of individuals, as well as providing event alerts. The main objective of this experiment is to propose a monitoring system based on both the responses of multiple sensors (brightness, microphone, accelerometer, and gyroscope) at runtime to classify the environment for elderly people’s sleep quality. The results show that using embedded devices, and capturing environmental aspects through sensors, can develop solutions that offer more safety and comfort to the individuals’ sleep quality environment.
Pollen Morphology of Eight Endemic Inula L. (Asteraceae) Species in Turkey

ABSTRACT The pollen morphology of eight endemic species of the genus Inula L. (Asteraceae) – I. helenium subsp. orgyalis (Boiss.) Grierson, I. helenium subsp. vanensis Grierson, I. macrocephala Boiss. & Kotschy ex Boiss. , I. discoidea Boiss. , I. sarana Boiss. , I. fragilis Boiss. & Hausskn. , I. anatolica Boiss. and I. sechmenii Hartvig & Strid – distributed in Turkey was studied with light microscopy and scanning electron microscopy. We found that the pollen of these Inula taxa are prolate-spheroidal in shape (except in Inula discoidea), with the polar axis ranging from 19.18 to 33.14 µm and the equatorial diameter ranging from 18.54 to 32.92 µm. The pollen grains are tricolporate and their ornamentation is echinate. The exine thickness ranges from 0.87 to 2.07 µm. As this study demonstrates, results of Principal Component Analysis are revealed that some of the pollen characters, such as spine length and width, are significant morphological characters for taxonomic discrimination of the eight endemic Inula taxa. According to cluster analysis, two main groups of examined taxa are constituted.
METRICS OF HARVEST FOR UNGULATE POPULATIONS: MISCONCEPTIONS, LURKING VARIABLES, AND PRUDENT MANAGEMENT

Biologists often must use incomplete information to make recommendations concerning harvest of large mammals. Consequently, those recommendations must draw on a firm understanding of the ecology of the species in question, along with selection of the most applicable population characteristics on which to base harvest—both essential components for prudent management. Density-dependent processes, which are ubiquitous among populations of large mammals, may be counterintuitive because of unexpected patterns in recruitment coincident with changes in population size. Misconceptions concerning population dynamics of ungulates also can occur when demographics are based solely on correlations with environmental factors. Further, the concept of a harvestable surplus can be misleading for managing ungulate populations, because of the parabolic relationship between population size and number of recruits—harvest determines the surplus rather than vice versa . Understanding consequences of mortality, especially relative components of compensatory or additive mortality, also is necessary. Knowledge of the proximity of an ungulate population to ecological carrying capacity ( K ) is required to fully assess whether most mortality is compensatory or additive. We describe selected life-history traits and population characteristics of ungulates useful in parametrizing where populations are in relation to K , thereby allowing for a reasonable harvest despite some uncertainty in population size. We advocate an adaptive-management approach while monitoring those life-history traits to evaluate the suitability of a particular harvest strategy.
Improved Simulation of Monsoon Depressions and Heavy Rains From Direct and Indirect Initialization of Soil Moisture Over India

This study investigates the impact of direct versus indirect initialization of soil moisture (SM) and soil temperature (ST) on monsoon depressions (MDs) and heavy rainfall simulations over India. SM/ST products obtained from high‐resolution, land data assimilation system (LDAS) are used in the direct initialization of land surface conditions in the ARW modeling system. In the indirect method, the initial SM is sequentially adjusted through the flux‐adjusting surface data assimilation system (FASDAS). These two approaches are compared with a control experiment (CNTL) involving climatological SM/ST conditions for eight MDs at 4‐km horizontal resolution. The surface fields simulated by the LDAS run showed the highest agreement, followed by FASDAS for relatively dry June cases, but the error is high (~15–30%) for the relatively wet August cases. The moisture budget indicates that moisture convergence and local influence contributed more to rainfall. The surface‐rainfall feedback analysis reveals that surface conditions and evaporation have a dominant impact on the rainfall simulation and these couplings are notable in LDAS runs. The contiguous rain area (CRA) method indicates better performance of LDAS for very heavy rainfall distribution, and the location (ETS > 0.2), compared to FASDAS and CNTL. The pattern error contributes the maximum to the total rainfall error, and the displacement error is more in August cases' rainfall than that in June cases. Overall analyses indicated that the role of land conditions is significantly high in the drier month (June) than a wet month (August), and direct initialization of SM/ST fields yielded improved MD and heavy rain simulations.
Change recipients’ resistance and salience to organizational re-creation: the effects of participation and coercion strategies on change derailment

For change initiatives to succeed, change managers are required to address recipients’ needs. Although strategies to deal with change recipients and their resistance are widely explored, there is a dearth of studies that consider the different salience of change recipients. This paper aims to propose a framework on the effects of participation and coercion as strategies to deal with change recipients and their impact on change derailment. ,Conceptual based upon that change recipients are classified into three levels according to their salience in relation to change. Based upon the recipients’ power and legitimacy in relation to change, stakeholder salience theory constitutes a theoretical provision used in this research to categorize the salience of change recipients. ,The framework integrates change recipients’ salience levels (i.e. definitive, expectant and latent) and the effects of participation and coercion strategies on change derailment in times of organizational re-creation. The paper develops six hypotheses, which yield insights that advance the understanding of dealing with change recipients in the context of organizational re-creation. ,The paper is conceptual and not yet tested empirically. To empirically test the framework, research adopting survey methodology to gather data from organizations that experience a re-creation change as defined in this paper. The unit of analysis for future research is described in this paper and it is how organizational re-creation is defined in this paper. ,Stakeholder salience theory is used to develop a framework that combines three classes of change recipients’ salience, as well as the effects of two strategies to deal with them and their resistance (i.e. lack of involvement and coercion) to examine their influence on change derailment. The potential contribution will expand the current literature discussed in this paper about dealing with change recipients’ resistance to change.
Prevalence of and risk factors associated with latent tuberculosis infection in a Latin American region

Tuberculosis (TB) represents a health problem in Colombia, and its control is focused on the search for contacts and treatment of TB cases underscoring the role of latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI) as a reservoir of Mycobacterium tuberculosis. The burden of LTBI in Colombia is unknown. We aimed to estimate the prevalence of LTBI and identify the associated risk factors. In this cross-sectional study, we recruited participants from four health care centers in Cali, Colombia. The participants were eligible if they were aged between 14 and 70 years, and all participants answered a survey evaluating their medical history and sociodemographic and lifestyle factors. LTBI status was based on tuberculin skin test (TST) positivity using two thresholds: ≥10 mm (TST-10) and ≥15 mm (TST-15). The magnitude of the associations between independent factors and dependent outcomes (LTBI status and TST induration) were evaluated by logistic regression and generalized linear models, respectively. A total of 589 individuals were included with TST positivity rates of 25.3% (TST-10) and 13.2% (TST-15). Logistic regression showed that being between age 40 and 69 years (OR = 7.28, 95% CI [1.62–32.7]), being male (OR = 1.71, 95% CI [1.04–2.84]), being employed (OR = 1.56, 95% CI [1.02–2.38]), and having a low intake of alcohol (OR = 2.40, 95% CI [1.13–5.11]) were risk factors for TST positivity, while living in the north zone (OR = 0.32, 95% CI [0.18–0.55]), living in the suburb zone (OR = 0.28, 95% CI [0.15–0.52]) and having a secondary education (OR = 0.49 95% CI [0.29–0.83]) lowered the risk of TST positivity. The generalized linear model showed that the previous predictors, as well as a low body mass index, had an effect on TST reaction size. The LTBI prevalence found in the population was moderate, reflecting the continuous transmission of M. tuberculosis. Social factors seem to play a decisive role in the risk of LTBI. Employed males, who are over 40 years of age, are overweight, have a lower level of education and have a low intake of alcohol (50–100 mL, once/week) should be a priority group for prophylactic treatment as a strategy for TB control in this city.
A Square-Shaped Microstrip Antenna With Frequency and Circular-Polarization Reconfigurability: An Approach [Antenna Applications Corner]

In this article, the design of a frequencyswitchable, square-shaped microstrip patch antenna with simultaneous circular-polarization (CP) reconfigurability is presented and experimentally verified. From the measurement of a fully functional prototype, it is confirmed that the resonant frequency of the proposed antenna can be continuously altered between 1.97 and 2.42 GHz by electronically varying its effective length. A wideband 90° phase-shifting and switching network is also designed to excite the antenna for generating CP radiation at all the tunable frequencies and altering the sense of rotation [both left-hand CP (LHCP) and right-hand CP (RHCP)]. More importantly, the antenna shows an axial ratio (AR) value that is less than 3 dB within a wide beamwidth (130-150°) at all the tuning states, and it has a maximum realized gain of 5.8 dB isotropic circular (dBic) at 2.42 GHz. The frequency with CP-reconfiguring characteristics makes the proposed antenna suitable for advanced wireless communication systems operating in the S-band, which can withstand both frequency-based challenges and signal-quality issues arising due to climatic changes.
Key Barriers to Training Effectiveness for Female Head Teachers in Saudi Arabia: A Qualitative Survey

Head Teachers in Saudi Arabia: A Qualitative Survey 2 3 4 This paper outlines the results of a research study, the objective of which 5 was to explore barriers to the effectiveness of training programmes for 6 female head teachers in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The study was carried 7 out in the context of the National Vision 2030, implemented by the Ministry 8 of Education with the goal of developing education in Saudi Arabia. A 9 qualitative method survey was administered in 2018 to 24 supervisors and 10 head teachers; respondents were asked to outline their experiences with 11 teacher training programmes. The results provided insight into barriers to 12 training effectiveness. Specifically, four obstacles related to trainers, trainees 13 or the training environment were identified, all of which minimise the 14 positive impact of training programmes. The two most significant obstacles 15 are related to the trainers and to the lack of motivation among trainees. 16 Based on these findings, the paper provides a series of guidelines designed 17 to overcome these obstacles. The findings of this study are significant in that 18 they reveal important insights for training centres with regard to barriers to 19 effective training. These results may make it easier for trainers to tailor their 20 programmes in order to meet the changing needs of school leadership. 21 Trainees will be able to develop the managerial skills required of head 22 teachers and will meet the requirements of the Ministry of Education; 23 ultimately, educational training programmes in the Kingdom of Saudi 24 Arabia will be enhanced. 25 26
Isolation and identification of Salmonella serotypes in poultry

Our study was designed to investigate the prevailing serotypes of Salmonella in chickens and the rate of isolation of each serotype. Between 27 September 2014 and 15 February 2015, a total of 200 samples were collected from cloacal swabs and cecal contents from different sources and ages at Al-Diwaniyah Province. The bacterial culture was carried out by using different culture media such as Salmonella Shigella agar (SS), Xylose Lysine Deoxycholate Agar (XLD) and Chrome agar Salmonella (CAS), the serotype was determined by confirmative bio-chemical essays using the Vitek-2 system.The current study was able to identify three serotypes as following: S. enteritidis, S. Paratyphi B and S. typhimurium with isolation rate 10%, 6.5% and 4.5% respectively.
Use of different colours of vertically-suspended structure during the hatchery rearing of juvenile landlocked fall Chinook salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha, Walbaum)

This study investigated the effects of coloured structures on the growth of juvenile landlocked fall Chinook salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha, Walbaum) during hatchery rearing. Structures consisted of an array of four aluminum angles painted one of four colours: Silver, red, black and green, which were vertically suspended in circular tanks. After 25 days, mean total lengths and weights of individual salmon reared in tanks with the green arrays were significantly (P 0.05) among the colour treatments. Final total tank biomass and gain were also not significantly different (P > 0.05) among the colour treatments. The results of this study indicate that structural colours could be considered to maximize juvenile Chinook salmon growth during hatchery rearing. Key words: Chinook salmon, colour, Oncorhynchus tshawytscha, hatchery rearing.
Fusarium Wilt Management in Legume Crops

Legumes are among the most important crops worldwide for human and animal consumption. However, yield inconsistency due to susceptibility to pests and diseases strongly affects its production. Among diseases affecting legumes, Fusarium wilt caused by the soil-borne pathogen Fusarium oxysporum Schltdl. (Fo) is one of the major factors limiting production worldwide. This disease can cause total losses in highly infested fields of some legume species. To minimize yield losses, integrated disease management strategies combining different agronomic practices with the use of resistant varieties should be applied. Although often characterized by a high degree of host specificity, with formae speciales (ff. spp.) and races identified, some Fo ff. spp. can have a broader host range, infecting more than one species, requiring further investigation. In this review, we describe the state of the art on legume Fusarium wilt management achievements, highlighting different aspects such as the use of rhizosphere microbiota as biocontrol agents, crop rotation and the use of resistant varieties. The different methods of identification and characterization of resistance sources, mechanisms as well as the genetic basis of resistance or the development of molecular tools to support legume precision breeding for Fo resistance are discussed.
SemiCDNet: A Semisupervised Convolutional Neural Network for Change Detection in High Resolution Remote-Sensing Images

Change detection (CD) is one of the main applications of remote sensing. With the increasing popularity of deep learning, most recent developments of CD methods have introduced the use of deep learning techniques to increase the accuracy and automation level over traditional methods. However, when using supervised CD methods, a large amount of labeled data is needed to train deep convolutional networks with millions of parameters. These labeled data are difficult to acquire for CD tasks. To address this limitation, a novel semisupervised convolutional network for CD (SemiCDNet) is proposed based on a generative adversarial network (GAN). First, both the labeled data and unlabeled data are input into the segmentation network to produce initial predictions and entropy maps. Then, to exploit the potential of unlabeled data, two discriminators are adopted to enforce the feature distribution consistency of segmentation maps and entropy maps between the labeled and unlabeled data. During the competitive training, the generator is continuously regularized by utilizing the unlabeled information, thus improving its generalization capability. The effectiveness and reliability of our proposed method are verified on two high-resolution remote sensing data sets. Extensive experimental results demonstrate the superiority of the proposed method against other state-of-the-art approaches.
A Retrospective Analysis on the Population Viability of the Yangtze River Dolphin or Baiji (Lipotes vexillifer)

Background: Lipotes vexillifer, is a functionally extinct species of freshwater dolphin commonly called as Baiji dolphin of Yanzte River, China. The dolphin is thought to be the first one of it’s kind driven to extinction due to the impact of humans. Yangtze Freshwater Dolphin Expedition carried out in the year 2006 revealed the species as functionally extinct. The présent study deals with the population viability analysis of the baiji dolphin using Vortex software and also by consulting historical materials and relevant literature to explore the possible causes of the functional extinction of the baiji in the Yangtze River. The findings are to provide guidance for the effective management of another freshwater mammal, the Yangtze finless porpoise. Methods: Population viability analysis of the baiji dolphin for various parameters were assessed using Vortex software and other published information and relevant literatures. The analysis were carried out to ascertain the possible causes of the functional extinction of the baiji in the Yangtze River. Result: Simulation models were employed to identify the reasons for extinction of Yangtze River baiji population by adopting viability retrospective method. The various parameters associated with the population analysis were included to derive logical conclusion. The minimum viable population of the Yangtze River baiji was also identified by adopting various simulation models. The present study is the first attempt to apply the 10,000-time iteration method to the baiji population survivability analysis.