Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Contrasting patterns in the invasions of European terrestrial and freshwater habitats by alien plants, insects and vertebrates

Aim To provide the first comparative overview on the current numbers of alien species that invade representative European terrestrial and freshwater habitats for a range of taxonomic groups. Location Europe. Methods Numbers of naturalized alien species of plants, insects, herptiles, birds and mammals occurring in 10 habitats defined according to the European Nature Information System (EUNIS) were obtained from 115 regional data sets. Only species introduced after ad 1500 were considered. Data were analysed by ANCOVA and regression trees to assess whether differences exist among taxonomic groups in terms of their habitat affinity, and whether the pattern of occurrence of alien species in European habitats interacts with macroecological factors such as insularity, latitude or area. Results The highest numbers of alien plant and insect species were found in human-made, urban or cultivated habitats; if controlled for habitat area in the region, wetland and riparian habitats appeared to support relatively high numbers of alien plant species too. Invasions by vertebrates were more evenly distributed among habitats, with aquatic and riparian, woodland and cultivated land most invaded. Mires, bogs and fens, grassland, heathland and scrub were generally less invaded. Habitat and taxonomic group explained most variation in the proportions of alien species occurring in individual habitats related to the total number of alien species in a region, and the basic pattern determined by these factors was fine-tuned by geographical variables, namely by the mainland–island contrast and latitude, and differed among taxonomic groups. Main conclusions There are two ecologically distinct groups of alien species (plants and insects versus vertebrates) with strikingly different habitat affinities. Invasions by these two contrasting groups are complementary in terms of habitat use, which makes an overall assessment of habitat invasions in Europe possible. Since numbers of naturalized species in habitats are correlated among taxa within these two groups, the data collected for one group of vertebrates, for example, could be used to estimate the habitat-specific numbers of alien species for other vertebrate groups with reasonable precision, and the same holds true for insects and plants.
Efficacy of Phytotherapeutic Protocol for the Risk Factor of Elevated Level of Serum C-Reactive Protein in Knee-Osteoarthritis: Part I. A Systematic Meta - Analysis

Background: Knee-osteoarthritis (KOA) is a common disease worldwide. C-reactive protein (CRP) in serum is a marker enzyme for inflammation and elevated in KOA. The present study was aiming to normalize the elevated level of CRP by topical phytotherapeutic protocol correlated with anatomical measurements, body mass index and radiological images in KOA. Materials & Methods: Baseline data from153 patients (101 females and 52 males) with KOA aged 40-70 years old were recruited in this cross-sectional study. Bilateral anatomical measurements included the gap at the knee between the short head of the biceps femoris and the surface of the bed, diameter of muscles 4cm above and below the patella and calf, and flexion and extension in supine, prone and standing positions and body mass index (BMI) were measured using appropriate instruments. The elevated level of serum CRP and pain under visual analogue scale (VAS) and WOMAC osteoarthritis index were also evaluated at the baseline and after 42nd sessions by topically applied specialized phytotherapeutic treatment protocol. Results: All the bilateral leg anatomical measurements were symmetry at the end of the 42nd sessions (P<0.0001). The significant changes were observed in pain under VAS (P<0.0001) and WOMAC scales (P<0.0001), CRP level (P<0.0001) and BMI (P<0.0001). The radiological features of the knee-joints were also revealed the improvement in KOA. Conclusion: The improvements of inflammation and normalization of elevated serum CRP level confirmed by anatomical measurements, BMI, VAS and WOMAC index and radiological images in KOA by topical phytotherapy. This study revealed that combinations of phytochemicals during topical application may be synergistic effect.
A New Approach of Hurdle technology to preserve Mango fruit with the application of Aloe vera gel and Calcium chloride

The application of preservatives is necessary to boost the global economy which is essential for the prevention of the post-production and transportation losses of fruit world widely. The use of plant products, as natural preservatives, is increasing interest because it is non toxic to the human health. The present study aim to investigate the efficacy of natural preservative (Aloe vera gel coating) and chemical preservative (calcium chloride spray) separately and in the combination (hurdle technology) as an effective preservative for the increase of the shelf life period of mango (Mangifera indica) during storage. Fruits were harvested from mango-farm of Gwalior (M.P.), India, at the matured stage. Treated and controls fruits were stored at 15± 1 °C and 85% RH with Aloe vera gel and calcium chloride separately and 60 days shelf life was recorded. But 90 days shelf life period was noticed when hurdle technology was used. Fruit firmness, weight loss, skin color, microbial counts, total soluble solids (TSS), and total titratable acidity (TTA) were evaluated. Significant inhibition of the total microbial count was observed when the 1%,5% and 10% Aloe vera gel were applied ; however Aloe vera gel was analysed to be inhibitory in action when applied in combination of calcium chloride. But in all the controls, the decaying process was started after 7 day in similar conditions.
Multicoloniality in the highly polygynous ant Crematogaster pygmaea (Formicidae: Myrmicinae)

In social insects, the high variability in the number of queens per colony raises fundamental questions about the evolution of altruism. It is hypothesized, for instance, that nestmate recognition should be less efficient in polygynous than in monogynous colonies because the presence of several breeders increases the diversity of genetically determined recognition cues, leading to a less specific colonial signature. Recent studies, however, have shown that the link between the number of queens in a colony and the recognition abilities of its members is more complex than previously suggested. Here, we studied intraspecific aggression, diversity of potential recognition cues and genetic structure of colonies in the highly polygynous ant Crematogaster pygmaea. Our results reveal that workers of this species are clearly aggressive towards non-nestmates in field experiments but not in more artificial bioassays conducted in Petri dishes, underscoring the importance of context-dependent aspects of the assessment of nestmate recognition. Behavioural, genetic and chemical data show that C. pygmaea is a multicolonial species, forming spatially restricted and well-defined entities. Therefore, the postulated negative correlation between recognition ability of workers and queen number in a colony is not supported by the results of this study.
Relationship between Oxidized-LDL and Resistin Levels in Obese Diabetic Subjects

This clinical study aimed to estimate Oxidized LDL and resistin levels in obese diabetic patients and to study their relationship with other biochemical and anthropometric variables. We hypothesized an in vivo relationship between Ox-LDL and resistin levels. This study was performed in the National Institute of Nutrition and Food Technology of Tunisia between January 2012 and July 2012 and included 26 obese diabetic patients and 21 healthy controls. Serum glucose, total cholesterol (TC), HDL-Cholesterol (HDL-C), triglyceride (TG) were measured by an enzymatic colorimetric method. Insulin levels were measured by chemiluminescence immunoassay method. Insulinresistance was assessed by HOMA-IR. Oxidized LDL and resistin levels were measured by Enzyme-linked Immunosorbent-Assay. Ox-LDL showed a positive correlation with resistin (r=0.822, p<0.0001), a significant association was also found between Ox-LDL and body mass index (r=0.728, p<0.0001) and LDL-C (r=0.855, p<0.0001). After multivariate regression analysis only LDL-C and BMI remained associated to Ox-LDL. The relationship between Ox-LDL and resistin was suppressed. In conclusion, Resistin could have a role in the onset of atherosclerosis but it’s not a predictor.
Addressing discrepancies between values and behavior:the motivating effect of reasons

Based on the values-as-truisms hypothesis (Maio & Olson, 1998), two experiments tested whether the salience of reasons for a value increases provalue behavior over and above the effect of making the value salient. In the first experiment, we predicted and found that participants who contemplated their reasons regarding the value of equality subsequently behaved in a more egalitarian manner in a minimal group paradigm than participants whose value of equality was primed. In the second experiment, participants who contemplated their reasons regarding the value of helpfulness subsequently behaved in a more helpful manner than participants who had rated their positive feelings about the value. Overall, these results support a novel explanation for the value–behavior discrepancies that have been revealed in classic research (e.g., Darley & Batson, 1973).
QuasiNovo: Algorithms for De Novo Peptide Sequencing

High-throughput proteomics analysis involves the rapid identification and characterization of large sets of proteins in complex biological samples. Tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS) has become the leading approach for the experimental identification of proteins. Accurate analysis of the data produced is a computationally challenging process that relies on a complex understanding of molecular dynamics, signal processing, and pattern classification. In this work we address these modeling and classification problems, and introduce an additional data-driven evolutionary information source into the analysis pipeline. The particular problem being solved is peptide sequencing via MS/MS. The objective in solving this problem is to decipher the amino acid sequence of digested proteins (peptides) from the MS/MS spectra produced in a typical experimental protocol. Our approach sequences peptides using only the information contained in the experimental spectrum (de novo) and distributions of amino acid usage learned from large sets of protein sequence data. In this dissertation we pursue three main objectives: an ion classifier based on a neural network which selects informative ions from the spectrum, a peptide sequencer which uses dynamic programming and a scoring function to generate candidate peptide sequences, and a candidate peptide scoring function. Candidate peptide sequences are generated via a dynamic programming graph algorithm, and then scored using a combination of the neural network score, the amino acid usage score, and an edge frequency score. In addition to a complete de novo peptide sequencer, we also examine the use of amino acid usage models independently for reranking candidate peptides.
Excitonic linewidth approaching the homogeneous limit in MoS2-based van der Waals heterostructures

The strong light-matter interaction and the valley selective optical selection rules make monolayer (ML) MoS[subscript 2] an exciting 2D material for fundamental physics and optoelectronics applications. But, so far, optical transition linewidths even at low temperature are typically as large as a few tens of meV and contain homogeneous and inhomogeneous contributions. This prevented in-depth studies, in contrast to the better-characterized ML materials MoSe[subscript 2] and WSe[subscript 2]. In this work, we show that encapsulation of ML MoS[subscript 2] in hexagonal boron nitride can efficiently suppress the inhomogeneous contribution to the exciton linewidth, as we measure in photoluminescence and reflectivity a FWHM down to 2 meV at T = 4 K. Narrow optical transition linewidths are also observed in encapsulated WS[subscript 2], WSe[subscript 2], and MoSe[subscript 2] MLs. This indicates that surface protection and substrate flatness are key ingredients for obtaining stable, high-quality samples. Among the new possibilities offered by the well-defined optical transitions, we measure the homogeneous broadening induced by the interaction with phonons in temperature-dependent experiments. We uncover new information on spin and valley physics and present the rotation of valley coherence in applied magnetic fields perpendicular to the ML.
A NONLINEAR FILTER CONTROL CHART FOR DETECTING DYNAMIC CHANGES

All conventional control charts can be viewed as charting the output of a linear filter applied to the process data. In this paper, we present a nonlinear filter control chart (NFC) in which the control statistic consists of a nonlinear combination of a data process. We also present a theorem on an estimation of the average run length for the NFC chart, and we theoretically compare the detection power of any two such control charts. A criterion is provided for selecting an optimal NFC chart. In particular, we discuss some special nonlinear filter control charts for detecting dynamic changes in process mean that can be viewed as extensions of the conventional CUSUM control charts.
On the Performance of Monetary Policy Committees

This paper examines the influence of the biographical experience of monetary policy committee members on their performance in managing inflation and output volatility. Our sample covers major OECD countries in the 1999 to 2010 period. Using data envelopment analysis, we study the efficiency of monetary policy committees. Then, we look at the determinants of these performances. The results in particular show that (i) a larger number of governors is more efficient, except in crisis time, (ii) a policymakers' background influence the performance, with a positive role for committee members issued from academia, central banks and the financial sector. It is also shown that some committees have reduced the inefficiency created by the crisis more rapidly than others.
Social capital, civil society and development

Social capital is an instantiated informal norm that promotes co-operation between individuals. In the economic sphere it reduces transaction costs and in the political sphere it promotes the kind of associational life which is necessary for the success of limited government and modern democracy. While it often arises from iterated Prisoner's Dilemma games, it also is a byproduct of religion, tradition, shared historical experience and other types of cultural norms. Thus, while awareness of social capital is often critical for understanding development, it is difficult to generate through public policy.
How principals manage ethnocultural diversity: Learnings from three countries

Global movements of people are resulting in increasingly diverse societies and principals are encountering more complex and challenging school communities. This paper presents the results of a tri-national study that sought to identify how principals manage ethnocultural diversity in schools in New Zealand, Australia and Canada. The research context of the three cities is provided by describing their ethnocultural diversity, relevant literature is examined and the research methodology discussed. Two major themes of the study findings are identified. Firstly, there appear to be similarities in the ethnocultural diversity evident in contemporary high schools in all three locations and how principals identified the effect of such diversity on their school. The second identifies similarities in how principals perceived and managed the resultant challenges in the three ethnoculturally diverse locations. Implications and conclusions from the findings are discussed, with suggestions for further research in this domain.
Rheological and Textural Properties of Sodium Reduced Salt Soluble Myofibrillar Protein Gels Containing Sodium Tri‐Polyphosphate

The effect of partial replacement of NaCl (50%) with KCl in the presence of sodium tri-polyphosphate (STPP) on the cooking loss (CL), water-holding capacity (WHC), rheological and textural properties of salt soluble myofibrillar proteins (SSMP) gels was investigated. KCl substitution, either alone or in combination with STPP, was found worse than NaCl alone in terms of elasticity of the gels (G′). Both KCl and STPP reduced the CL of the gels. While the gels with replacement of NaCl with KCl had lower (P 0.05) WHC to only NaCl added gels. Substitution of NaCl with KCl resulted in a decrease in hardness of gels whereas STPP addition improved the hardness. Results obtained from the present study suggest that substitution 50% of NaCl with KCl in presence of STPP would be a sound salt reduction alternative in meat systems. Practical Applications: Salt is one of the most crucial ingredients affecting meat products functionality. However, recent research has focused on reducing salt in meat products due to its association with some health problems such as hypertension. Reducing sodium chloride (NaCl) decreases extractability of salt soluble myofibrillar proteins (SSMP), thus, negatively affects functional properties of the meat systems. One of the approaches in reducing salt is to replace NaCl with other chloride salts, the most common of which is potassium chloride (KCl). This study focused on determining the effect of partially substituting of NaCl with KCl in the presence of sodium tri-polyphosphate (STPP) on some functional characteristics of meat SSMP gels. Results indicated that 50% NaCl reduction using KCl and STPP could be achieved with an improvement of textural and functional properties in meat gels. Future research should focus on combined effects of salt substitutes on the rheological and textural characteristics of meat gel systems.
Flow Topology of Three-Dimensional Spherical Flame in Shock Accelerated Flows

The flow topologies of compressible large-scale distorted flames are studied by means of the analysis of the invariants of the velocity gradient tensor (VGT). The results indicate that compressibility plays a minor role in the distorted flame zone. And the joint probability density function (p.d.f.) of the diagram appears as a teardrop shape, which is a universal feature of turbulence. Therefore, the distorted flame exhibits the characteristic of large-scale turbulence combustion, especially behind the reflected shock wave, while the p.d. f. of the diagram implies that the dissipation is enhanced in the compression and expansion regions, where it is higher than that when . Furthermore, we identify that the flame evolution is dominated by rotation by means of a quantitative statistical study, and the SFS topology is the predominant flow pattern. Not surprisingly, negative dilatation could suppress the unstable topologies, whereas positive dilatation could suppress the stable topologies.
Love and addiction : the importance of commitment

The bilaterally monopolistic nature of relationships between part- ners, combined with the addictive nature of love, which represents the emotion people feel during the course of a relationship, results in love growth when re- lationships are based on commitment. However, in relationships with less than perfect commitment, love will wither, and potentially die. In this paper, the path of love through a relationship is examined under the assumption that love is addictive and that partners may or may not be able to commit to a relationship. The differences in the results suggest that cohabiting partners may, by their very lack of commitment at the outset, be unsuited to successful marriages.
Characterization of Thermal Prepared Platinized Tin Dioxide Electrodes: Application to Methanol Electro-Oxidation

Different platinized tin dioxide electrodes were prepared by the thermal decomposition procedure on titanium substrate. They were characterized physically and electrochemically. The platinum modified tin dioxide electrodes developed in this work present rough surface with small cracks. Amorphous SnO2 and polycrystalline Pt were identified by X-Ray pattern analysis. The platinum particles size vary from 6,6 to 8,9nm indicated their nanostructure. XPS analysis indicates that pure deposits are prepared and their surface is composed of Pt, O, Sn. Deconvolution of the Pt, O and Sn signals revealed that the deposit is composed of SnO2, zero-valence and oxidised form of Pt. The electrochemical investigation with ferriferrocyanide redox couple showed a quasireversible behaviour on the electrodes. Their electrocatalytic activity increases to reach a maximum for a composition between 40%mol Pt and 70%mol Pt in the deposit. Then after, this activity decreases to reach that of pure platinum. That was related to the distribution of platinum and its size in the deposit. The electrochemical oxidation of methanol on the platinum modified tin dioxide electrodes led to a decrease of its oxidation overpotential in comparison to that of pure platinum. This oxidation begins at potential of about 220mV lower than the pure platinum. The decrease of the overpotential of methanol oxidation is due to the involvement of platinum and tin dioxide in the oxidation process. A mechanism of methanol oxidation has been proposed.
Transitional Patterns of Adolescent Females in Non-traditional Career Paths

In this study, focus groups (n = 13) were utilized to examine the factors that affected the career decision-making of adolescent females and young women in undergraduate science, engineering, and technology programs. The 51 participants included students from colleges, technical institutes, and universities in Alberta. Qualitative analysis (cf. Vaughn, Schumm, & Sinagub, 1996) was used to uncover seven themes: (a) transition from high school, (b) educational influences, (c) family influences, (d) academic issues, (e) coursework management, (f) gender issues, and (g) creating a successful student environment. Implications for career development theory, education, counselling, and for future research are discussed.
Basic research utilization and the R&D employment contract

Basic research results reduce a firm’s R&D costs or interact with the R&D output in the market. Utilization of basic research carries its uncertainty over to the firm’s revenue. We analyse the contract between the firm’s owner and R&D manager. For a given R&D project, strong basic research influence to the firm’s expected revenue implies lowpowered incentives. When the owner can choose the R&D project, it is more aligned with basic research than when the manager chooses it and the incentive is lower powered. Contrary to the standard result, the power of the incentive is increasing in the uncertainty of basic research and in the manager’s risk aversion. JEL Classification: D23, L11, L15
Enhancing Photoelectric Conversion Efficiency of Solar Panel by Water Cooling

Photovoltaic solar cell generates electricity by receiving solar irradiance. The electrical efficiency of photovoltaic (PV) cell is adversely affected by the significant increase of cell operating temperature during absorption of solar radiation. This undesirable effect can be partially avoided by fixing a water absorption sponge on the back side of the photovoltaic panel and maintain wet condition by circulation of drop by drop water through sponge. The objective of the present work is to reduce the temperature of the solar cell in order to increase its electrical conversion efficiency. Experiments were performed with and without water cooling. A linear trend between the efficiency and temperature was found. Without cooling, the temperature of the panel was high and solar cells achieved an efficiency of 8–9%. However, when the panel was operated under water cooling condition, the temperature dropped maximally by 40C leading to an increase in efficiency of solar cells by 12%.