Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Can We Afford It? The association between financial aid and time to completion in Accounting Higher Education in South Africa: A literature review

Internationally, research has been conducted on factors affecting students’ academic success as measured by time to degree completion. Investigating these factors is important given the role of higher education in the South African context. Astin’s Input-Environment-Outcome (I-E-O) model was used to analyse the factors affecting students’ academic success. These included key input and environmental factors identified in prior literature such as race, gender, prior academic results, English proficiency, high school quality, family income, first-generation educational status, integration into higher education institutions, student employment and financial aid. To date, South African research on financial aid has concentrated on how financial aid improves access to higher education, however, there is very little information on how it effects on-time degree completion. This paper thus identifies a gap in the role of financial aid in assisting timely graduation and examines this phenomenon in relation to accountancy students in South Africa.
Morphology agrees with molecular data: phylogenetic affinities of Euptychiina butterflies (Nymphalidae: Satyrinae)

Euptychiina is the most species‐rich subtribe of Neotropical Satyrinae, with over 450 known species in 47 genera (14 monotypic). Here, we use morphological characters to examine the phylogenetic relationships within Euptychiina. Taxonomic sampling included 105 species representing the majority of the genera, as well as five outgroups. A total of 103 characters were obtained: 45 from wing pattern, 48 from genitalia and 10 from wing venation. The data matrix was analysed using maximum parsimony under both equal and extended implied weights. Euptychiina was recovered as monophyletic with ten monophyletic genera, contrasting previous DNA sequence‐based phylogenies that did not recover the monophyly of the group. In agreement with sequence‐based hypotheses, however, three main clades were recognized: the ‘Megisto clade’ with six monophyletic and three polyphyletic genera, the ‘Taygetis clade’ with nine genera of which three were monophyletic, and the ‘Pareuptyhia clade’ with four monophyletic and two polyphyletic genera. This is the first morphology‐based phylogenetic hypothesis for Euptychiina and the results will be used to complement molecular data in a combined analysis and to provide critical synapomorphies for clades and genera in this taxonomically confused group.
Changes in the biochemical parameters of blood serum of laying hens by varying the feeding diet

The article presents experimental data on the influence of the feeding diet on the biochemical blood parameters of laying hens. As feed additives in the poultry diet were used: feed vitamin-mineral concentrate (FVMC) in the amount of 0.3% of the basic diet (BD) (1st experimental group), probiotic additive “Bacell-M” in the amount of 0.2% of BD (2nd experimental group), complex feed concentrate (CFC), containing FVMC and probiotic additive “Bacell-M”, in the amount of 0.3% of BD (3rd experimental group). The control group received only BD. It was found that the introduction of the feed additives into the diet of laying hens stimulated the metabolic processes in the poultry body, which was manifested by an increase in a number of biochemical constants. So, the level of total protein in the 1st experimental group increased by 34%, in the 2nd and 3rd experimental groups it increased in 1.43 and 1.42 times in comparison with the control group. The urea concentration exceeded the analogical values of the control poultry by 27% (1st experimental group), by 23.2% (2nd experimental group) and by 24.3% (3rd experimental group), respectively. The use of feed additives influenced the state of carbohydrate and lipid metabolism of hens, which was manifested by an increase in glucose concentration in the groups by 6.3%, 13.1% and 21.5% and by an increase of triglycerides by 13.2%, in 1.7 and in 2.0 times respectively. The inclusion of additives in the feeding schemes contributed to the correction of mineral metabolism, providing more complete absorption of calcium by the poultry, the increase of which in the experimental groups was by 16.2%, 1.68% and in 2.21 times, and also prevented the development of hepatocyte cytolysis, as indicated by a decrease in the activity of hepatoindicatory of enzymes: ALT decreased by 9.8%, 29.5% and in 1.85 times, AST decreased by 7.9%, 12.7% and 18.9%, respectively. The maximum positive effect in the indicators of the biochemical status of laying hens was observed when CFC was used in the diet, which was due to the synergy of FVMC and the Bacell-M probiotic additive.
Fungal diseases on tomato plant under greenhouse condition

The cultivation of crops in the greenhouse is the most intensive form of horticultural production. Greenhouse climatic conditions provide an ideal condition for the development of many foliar, stem and soil-borne plant diseases. Diseases are a major limiting factor for vegetable that cause serious yield reduction leading to severe economic losses. Fungi enter plants through natural openings such as stomata and through wounds caused by pruning, harvesting, hail, insects, other diseases, and mechanical damage. This chapter provides an overview of the most important diseases of tomato plants. Some of the diseases that will cover in this chapter are the follow: Early blight late, Septoria leaf spot, Late blight, Fusarium wilt, Verticillium wilt, Anthracnose, Buckeye rot, and Southern blight . For each disease, main symptoms and disease development are described. This review is based on combined information derived from available literature and expertise knowledge.
Effects of water level alteration on carbon cycling in peatlands

ABSTRACT Globally, peatlands play an important role in the carbon (C) cycle. High water level is a key factor in maintaining C storage in peatlands, but water levels are vulnerable to climate change and anthropogenic disturbance. This review examines literature related to the effects of water level alteration on C cycling in peatlands to summarize new ideas and uncertainties emerging in this field. Peatland ecosystems maintain their function by altering plant community structure to adapt to changing water levels. Regarding primary production, woody plants are more productive in unflooded, well-aerated conditions, while Sphagnum mosses are more productive in wetter conditions. The responses of sedges to water level alteration are species-specific. While peat decomposition is faster in unflooded, well aerated conditions, increased plant production may counteract the C loss induced by increased ecosystem respiration (ER) for a period of time. In contrast, rising water table maintains anaerobic conditions and enhances the role of the peatland as a C sink. Nevertheless, changes in DOC flux during water level fluctuation is complicated and depends on the interactions of flooding with environment. Notably, vegetation also plays a role in C flux but particular species vary in their ability to sequester and transport C. Bog ecosystems have a greater resilience to water level alteration than fens, due to differences in biogeochemical responses to hydrology. The full understanding of the role of peatlands in global C cycling deserves much more study due to uncertainties of vegetation feedbacks, peat–water interactions, microbial mediation of vegetation, wildfire, and functional responses after hydrologic restoration.
Clinical Screener (CS): Instrument refinement and comparison of compulsive buying prevalence among Polish young consumers of Eastern Europe to Western culture

ABSTRACT This study aims to refine the Clinical Screener instrument according to Eastern European, specifically Polish, socio-cultural settings of measurement, as well to assess and compare the prevalence rate of compulsive buying among young consumers with results of studies derived from US, Germany, Belgium, and Spain – as representatives of the Western consumer cultures. In diagnosis, we also focus on the market and economic-psychological influences and the increasing prevalence of compulsive buying internationally, which bear specific implications on the life of individual consumers, societies, and respective economies. Further, by applying the refined version of Clinical Screener, we compare the compulsive – with non-compulsive buyers. Overall, this study broadens compulsive buying theory toward the new research context – the Eastern European consumer culture, as well as provides practical implications for public policy, business organizations, and marketers. Results reveal that the specificity of socio-economic and cultural background determines not only methodological conditions of measuring this phenomenon in particular countries but also leads to different rates of compulsive buying behaviors among different consumer societies.
Hybrid exponentially weighted moving average control chart using Bayesian approach

Abstract A control chart is an important tool to monitor an industrial process and the use of prior knowledge by Bayesian theory can be helpful in-control charting. In this paper, we have used the Bayesian approach with two different loss function (LF) symmetric and asymmetric loss function namely Linex LF and squared error LF under informative (conjugate) prior and non informative prior (uniform and Jeffery prior) to develop the hybrid exponentially weighted moving average control chart. The average run length and standard deviation of run length have been used as the performance measure for the proposed Bayesian HEWMA control chart using posterior and predictive posterior distribution. An extensive simulation study is conducted to evaluate the proposed control chart and a real data example is presented to demonstrate the implementations of the proposal.
Blockchain-based architecture for the control of logistics activities: Pharmaceutical utilities case study

Logistics services involve a wide range of transport operations between distributors and clients. Currently, the large number of intermediaries are a challenge for this sector, as it makes all the processes more complicated. To face that problem, we propose a system that uses smart contracts to remove intermediaries and speed up logistics activities. Our new model combines smart contracts and a multi-agent system in a single platform to improve the current logistics system by increasing organization, security and getting rid of several human intermediaries to automate its processes, making distribution times significantly faster. Also, with this kind of approach, it is possible to apply penalties to parties that do not comply with the terms of using this platform.
Gross Motor Assessment Results and Placement in Physical Education of Five Students with CHARGE Syndrome

Students with CHARGE Syndrome often have performance difficulties with a variety of motor skills and balance activities. Using a case study approach, the characteristics, assessment results, eligibility, and instructional placement of five students with CHARGE Syndrome in physical education (PE), are shared. Students (2 girls, M = 50 months; 3 boys, M = 64 months) were tested using the test of gross motor development (TGMD2) and informal observation. Locomotor performance of the students noted delays ranging from 5 to 53 months, while object control performance delays ranging from 6 to 41 months. All five students with CHARGE Syndrome qualified for adapted physical education (APE) services supported by an individualized education program (IEP). Their placement decisions are reviewed and described. Subscribe to PALAESTRA
Audience-Based Indicators for News Media Performance: A Conceptual Framework and Findings from Germany

Many attempts to conceptualize and to assess the performance of media systems or single news media outlets focus on the “supply side” of public communication, operationalized as characteristics of the news content and the form of presentation. These characteristics indicate the potential performance of news media; they are a necessary but not a sufficient condition for media performance. In order to assess the actual performance of news media we need to know what kind of audiences they reach, how they fulfil their users’ news-related interests and needs, and how they contribute to their users’ perceptions of the news environment. In this article, we propose a conceptual framework for the definition of audience-based indicators for news media performance. We apply this framework to data gathered as part of the 2019 Reuters Institute Digital News Survey for Germany. We compare 42 news media, both online and offline, in regard to their reach in different parts of the population, and to their audiences’ interest in news and politics, their trust in media, and their perceptions of the overall performance of German news media. The findings underline that news media performance is a multidimensional concept and that there are different ways in which news media can perform. Furthermore, the particular type of media, technically or organizationally, still matters when it comes to audiences’ expectations and perceived functions.
Magnetic force microscopy characterization of cobalt nanoparticles: A preliminary study

In order to characterize magnetic properties of cobalt-based nanoparticles synthesized through electrodeposition on metal substrates, methods must be employed which enable the imaging of sample surface, the selection of a specific nanoparticle, and the accurate evaluation of local magnetic parameters, such as magnetic moment or saturation magnetization. Due to the combination of imaging capability and quantitative probing of ultra-low magnetic field through the use of a nanometer sized tip with a magnetic coating, magnetic force microscopy (MFM) is a promising tool to characterize Co-based nanoparticles directly on substrates. In this work, the report the preliminary results of the use of MFM to analyze Co nanoparticles electrodeposited on an Al substrate. The aim wa to assess the effective capability of this technique to investigate this kind of nanomaterials, foresee offered possibilities, and highlight current limitations to overcome.
Design of multi-octave continuous power amplifier based on broadband matching technique

This paper presents a multi-octave broadband continuous power amplifier based on the simplified real frequency method. By analyzing the load-pull impedance trajectory along with frequency increase at both ends of the transistor’s input and output, the input impedance value of the matching circuit can be more coincident with the pull data in the wide band range, which meets the requirement of expanding the bandwidth of the power amplifier. Meanwhile, combining with simplified real frequency method, it can greatly simplify the process of designing broadband matching network. In order to verify the validity of the theory, the power amplifier is designed and fabricated. The measured results show that the maximum output power reached 42.5dBm and the drain efficiency is from 63% to 71% in the 1-3.2 GHz frequency band.
Light signaling in Arabis alpina, a perennial relative of Arabidopsis thaliana

Light is one of the most important environmental factors affecting plant development throughout the whole life cycle. Arabidopsis SPA and COP1 proteins act as central repressors of photomorphogenesis. However, previous studies on the functions of SPA and COP1 proteins are limited to only a few species and not in perennial species. In the present study, I examined the functionality of COP1 and SPA1 proteins from the new perennial model species Arabis alpina in Arabidopsis. The open reading frame of COP1 and SPA1 in the wild type A. alpina Paj were amplified and expressed in Arabidopsis cop1 and spa mutants, respectively. The analyses in the transgenic plants suggested conserved basic mechanisms of AaCOP1 and AaSPA1 during evolution between perennials and annuals in Brassicaceae family. The light regulation of SPA (SPA1/2/3/4) transcripts in A. alpina Paj was similar as in Arabidopsis. In the accession Wca, however, AaSPA2 mRNA abundance was increased by light, suggesting a different light regulation mechanism on Wca SPA2 in comparison to the wild type Paj. Natural variation in photoperiodic flowering has been studied in Arabidopsis, the loss-­ or gain-­of-­ function of phytochromes (PHYA, PHYB, PHYC, PHYD) and cryptochromes (CRY2) could lead to reduced photoperiod responses in natural accessions of Arabidopsis. In the present study, natural variation of photoperiodic flowering in different A. alpina accessions was investigated. The accession Wca acts as a photoperiod-­insensitive plant. A time course experiment was conducted to analyze the expression of the floral meristem identity genes AaLFY and AaAP1, which could support the observed photoperiod-­insensitivity in Wca. Furthermore, Wca did not respond to different fluence rates of red light, suggesting a possibly dysfunctional phyB in Wca. On the other hand, the distinct flowering behavior between the long-­day-­plant Dor and the photoperiod-­ insensitive Wca could not be correlated to the diurnal oscillation of AaCO and AaFT. Moreover, the decrease of AaFT expression in the SD/LD shift experiment suggests additional factors might be involved in the floral transition in Wca. Arabidopsis responds to low R:FR ratio with elongated hypocotyl and petiole length at seedlings stage, and with the elongation of petiole in the rosette leaves, inhibition of leaf blade expansion and accelerated flowering in adult plants. The responses of A. alpina Paj to low R:FR appear to be age-­dependent: as Paj displayed tolerance to shade in two-­week-­old seedlings but exhibited elongation of stem in eight-­week-­old adult plants. The expression of auxin biosynthesis genes YUCs in A. alpina could be correlated to the age-­dependent SAS phenotype observed.
Characterization of the Gja1Jrt/+ Skeletal Phenotype and the Cellular and Molecular Effects of the G60S Connexin 43 Mutation in the Long Bone Microenvironment

Gja1/+ mice carry a mutation in one allele of the gap junction protein, alpha 1 gene (Gja1), encoding for a dominant negative G60S Connexin 43 (Cx43) mutant protein. Similar to other Cx43 mutant mouse models described, a reduction in Cx43 gap junction formation and/or function resulted in mice with early onset osteopenia. Here we show that in contrast to other Cx43 mutants, the G60S Cx43 mutation activates the osteoblast lineage, with higher bone marrow stromal osteoprogenitor numbers and increased appendicular skeleton osteoblast activity. The data presented in this thesis are the first to describe a Cx43 mutation in which osteopenia is caused by activation of osteoclasts secondary to activation of osteoblast lineage cells, which occurs not only through increased membrane-bound receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa-B ligand (mbRANKL) but production of an abnormal resorption-stimulating bone matrix. Gja1/+ is also the only Cx43 mutant mouse model described to date with early and progressive bone marrow atrophy, with a significant increase in bone marrow adiposity and adipocyte-specific gene expression in Gja1/+ mice compared to wild type littermates. We analyzed the mechanism by which the G60S Cx43 mutation activates the osteoblast and iii adipocyte lineage and show that increased bone morphogenic protein 2 and 4 (BMP2/4) production and signaling increase osteoblast-specific marker expression and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (Pparg2) gene expression in Gja1/+ osteoblasts and bone marrow stromal cells. Taken together, this thesis provides new insight into the role of Cx43 and the effects of the G60S mutation on bone formation and homeostasis, and on the differentiation and activity of bone cell lineages.
DIFFUSE LARGE B CELL LYMPHOMA- A CASE REPORT AND REVIEW OF LITERATURE.

Diffuse large B‑cell lymphoma (DLBCL) is the most frequently diagnosed type of Non -Hodgkin’s lymphoma (NHL) in the human body and is most frequent type of NHL of oral cavity. It is an aggressive, rapidly growing neoplasm of large lymphoid cells. In the oral cavity, the majority of cases occur in the Waldeyer’s ring, followed by the buccal mucosa, tongue, floor of the mouth, and retromolar area. The representative symptoms in the oral cavity include nonspecific swelling, dental extraction wounds that do not heal, ulceration, and aposteme, and DLBCL may be misdiagnosed as osteomyelitis, periodontosis, and pyogenic granuloma, as well as malignant tumors such as squamous cell carcinoma. Here, we present a case of a 55‑year‑old female patient who developed DLBCL in oral cavity.
Development of the Silicon Drift Detector for Electron Microscopy Applications

Abstract: In the 50 years since the first mating of semiconductor-based energy-dispersive X-ray spectrometry (EDS) with the scanning electron microscope (SEM), this hybrid instrument has become an indispensable microanalytical tool. In the last two decades a new detector, the silicon drift detector (SDD), has overtaken earlier Si(Li) technology and has made EDS in the SEM and TEM faster and better. This article tells the story of the SDD development and describes improvements in count rate capability, energy resolution, and detector geometry that bring to SEM microanalysis exceptional precision and stability. Quality maps of element distributions can now be obtained in minutes instead of hours.
Review of the direct and indirect effects of warming and drought on scale insect pests of forest systems

Higher temperatures and drought are key aspects of global change with the potential to alter the distribution and severity of many arthropod pests in forest systems. Scale insects (Hemiptera: Coccoidea) infest many tree species and are among the most important pests of trees in urban and rural forests, plantations and other forest systems. Infestations of native or exotic scale insects can kill or sicken trees with economic and ecosystem-wide consequences. Warming can have direct effects on the life history, fitness and population dynamics of many scale insect species by increasing development rate, survival or fecundity. These direct benefits can increase the geographic distribution of scale insects and their consequences for tree health. Warming and drought can affect scale insects indirectly by altering the quality of their host trees. Additive or interactive effects of warming and drought can change tree quality in such a way that it increases scale insect fitness and population growth. However, the effects are species- and context-dependent with some scale insect species negatively affected by drought-induced changes in tree quality. Warming and drought are often coincident in urban forests and predicted to co-occur in many parts of the world under climate change scenarios. The individual and interactive effects of these factors require further research to inform predictions and management of scale insect pests. Warming also indirectly affects scale insects by altering interactions with natural enemies. This includes changes in natural enemy phenology, community composition and abundance. In addition, warming can alter scale insect phenology or voltinism causing asynchrony with natural enemies or population growth too rapid for natural enemies to suppress. Direct and indirect effects of warming and drought on scale insects can increase the potential for some exotic species to become established and for some native species to become invasive. Unfortunately, much research on scale insects is confined to a few particularly important native or exotic pests which limits our ability to predict the effects of warming on many current or potential pests. More research is required to understand how warming and drought affect scale insects, scale insect management and the forest systems they inhabit.