Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Spatial Variability in the Feeding Strategy of the Cichlid Fish Hemichromis fasciatus from Two Rivers in the Northwestern of Guinea Republic

Food composition and feeding strategy of the Cichlid fish Hemichromis fasciatus was studied in two rivers of Guinea Republic, in order to describe the spatial variability of the diet. Fish were collected during three surveys in October, November and December 2013. Out of 30 stomachs were analyzed and contribution of each food item was quantified using the frequency of occurrence (%Fo), percent by number (%N), contribution by weight (%W) and the main food index (MFI). The feeding intensity (FI) of the species in each ecosystem was also evaluated as the percentage of individuals with stomach content. The feeding strategy was determined using the Amundsen et al. (1996) method. Hemichromis fasciatus showed relatively high feeding intensity in the two rivers (FI = 80.95% in Kogon River and FI = 55.55% in Tinguilinta River). The species fed mostly on preys of animal origin (Fish, fish scales, shrimps, arachnids, Odonata, Hemiptera, larvae of Coleoptera, larvae of Trichoptera and insect parts) in both rivers. The food spectrum was wider in Kogon River than in Tinguilinta River (9 items versus 4). Fish preys were the main food. As feeding strategy, H. fasciatus was found as specialized feeder in the studied rivers.
Contraceptive use among women in Ogoja and Obudu Local Government Areas, Cross River State, Nigeria

Sexual behaviour in human societies is embedded in a complex web of shared ideas. Moral rules and regulations, obvious associations and obscured symbols are part of the complex behaviour patterns. Sexual behaviour varies from one culture to another, from one stage of development to another as well as from one period of history to another. Many factors including biological, social, political, educational, economic and religious affect sexual behaviour. This study was undertaken to assess women’s knowledge of modern contraception, examine the role of culture in contraception use and find out the relationship between background characteristics and contraception use. The results of this study indicate that knowledge of contraception is relatively low in both rural and urban centres of the study area. Given the importance of family planning to the reduction of growing population, it is crucial to embark on an aggressive education and enlightenment of the people on the need to use contraception in order to prevent unwanted, unintended and ill-timed pregnancies. The media should be effectively harnessed to take its rightful position in the dissemination of information to the people.
Perceptions and Competence of Turkish Pre-service Science Teachers with regard to Entrepreneurship

The aim of this study is both to determine the perceptions of pre-service science teachers towards the concepts of entrepreneurship and entrepreneurial characteristics and to investigate the perceptions of pre-service science teachers regarding transferring the entrepreneurial characteristics to students. This study is designed as a qualitative study and a phenomenological research approach is used. A total of 12 preservice science teachers from grades 5 to 8 participated in the study. Data were gathered through the use of semistructured interviews. The data were evaluated through both descriptive and content analysis. The results show that the perceptions of the 12 pre-service science teachers indicated a limited and inadequate understanding of the concept of entrepreneurship, based on their interviews. From these results, it can be said that there is a need to develop educational content in such a way as to increase pre-service science teachers’ knowledge and experience with regard to entrepreneurship in science teacher training.
IN-VITRO PROPAGATION OF A MEDICINAL PLANT L. (G.) DON Catharanthus roseus

L. (G) Don is a very common garden plant widely known as sada-suhagan, rich in medicinal property and known to be used for the treatment of Diabetes, High blood pressure, Malaria, Hodgkin's disease etc. Its antibacterial and anti-Cancer property makes it very useful. It prevents the growth of new blood vessels that supports the tumor growth. is a potential source for anti-leukemic alkaloids like Vinblastine, Vincaleukoblastine, Vinblastine Sulphate, which is used for the treatment of human tumors. It is also recommended for the treatment of neoplasms and generalized Hodgkin's disease. Vincristine and Vincristine Sulphate are used for the treatment of leukemia in children. Potential value of as a medicine requires its commercial production and for that an efficient protocol is needed for large scale harvesting. In this respect, present study was designed to set a protocol for rapid proliferation of plant through shoot bud culture. Shoot bud culture using nodal explants were established on MS Medium supplemented with various concentrations of growth hormone BAP, NAA and Kinetin. After 30 days of incubation, maximum shoots were raised on MS medium supplemented with growth hormone BAPwith the concentration of 1.0 mg/l.
Can a relative net income become a selection criterion in laying hens

Single trait analysis based on relative net income was considered as an alternative approach to multitrait genetic evaluation of laying hens. The objective of the study was to estimate heritability of relative net income and its relationship with other production traits in selected population of laying hens. The data of 4797 hens from M55 strain (Rhode Island White) hatched in 2002 in the Center for Nucleus Breeding “MESSA” Ltd., Mienia were analysed. Multitrait animal model was applied including the following traits: body weight (BW), initial egg production (IEP), egg weight (EW), percentage of cracked eggs (%CR), age at first egg (AFE), egg production rate (EPR), relative net income (RNI). RNI was calculated as modification of formula given by Skotarczak et al. (2003): RNIi= approximate revenue from eggs of i-th hen + value of culled hen – cost of chick – feed cost of i-th hen. Feed cost was calculated using regression on body weight, whereas revenues of eggs were assumed according to egg size classes. AI-REML algorithm was applied to estimate variance components in the DFREML program (Meyer, 2001). Heritability estimates of the traits were equal to: BW 0.30, EW 0.19, AFE 0.67, IEP 0.75, %CR 0.08, EPR 0.31, RNI 0.27. Genetic correlations between RNI and other traits were equal to: 0.4753, 0.2802, -0.7532, 0.7798, -0.3764, 0.7214 for BW, EW, AFE, IEP, %CR and EPR, respectively. The signs of relationships were confirmed by phenotypic correlations. The results indicate possibility to use relative net income as direct selection criterion in laying hens.
Comparison of regional carbon flux estimates from CO2 concentration measurements and remote sensing based footprint integration

Quantification of terrestrial CO2 sources and sinks at regional scales (∼102–106 km2) is fundamental to improving our understanding of the terrestrial carbon cycle. Two independent methods to extract the gross primary productivity (GPP) from atmospheric CO2 concentration measurements were explored and compared in this study. The methods are (1) planetary boundary layer (PBL) carbon budget analysis that allows the estimation of regional GPP at daily time steps from hourly CO2 concentration measurements and (2) spatially explicit hourly carbon cycle modeling based on remote sensing and then integrating the daily flux field with a concentration footprint function depending on wind and stability. These methods have been applied to a 28‐m tower at an old black spruce site near Candle Lake (∼100 km NE of Prince Albert: 53.98717°N, 105.11779°W). The estimates of daily GPP by these two approaches agreed well for 2003 (slope = 0.99; r2 = 0.89). In order to test these methods of inferring the regional GPP from mixing ratio measurements, we also compared the estimates of regional GPP with estimates made using eddy covariance (EC) flux measurements, although their respective source areas are different. They had similar seasonal patterns, but the regional estimates were consistently smaller than the local EC flux derived GPP throughout the growing season in 2003. These estimates of annual regional GPP were 649–664 g C m−2 for 2003 while the EC‐derived annual GPP was 819–847 g C m−2. The annual difference was about 20–25%. The EC flux footprint of the tower was relatively homogeneous old black spruce while the concentration footprint, which was a few orders of magnitude larger than the flux footprint, covered boreal evergreen and deciduous broadleaf forests, grassland, cropland, and lakes. Nonforested land occupied about 10–50% of the concentration footprint depending on wind direction and speed and was less productive than the black spruce forest. The discrepancies between regional and local GPP estimates reflected the differences in underlying land surfaces represented by the different footprint areas.
Łeghágots'enetę (learning together): the importance of indigenous perspectives in the identification of biological variation

Using multiple knowledge sources to interpret patterns of biodiversity can generate the comprehensive species characterizations that are required for effective conservation strategies. Caribou (Rangifer tarandus) display substantial intraspecific variation across their distribution and in the Sahtu Region of the Northwest Territories, Canada, three caribou types, each with a different conservation status, co-occur. Caribou are essential to the economies, culture, and livelihoods of northern indigenous peoples. Indigenous communities across the north are insisting that caribou research be community-driven and collaborative. In response to questions that arose through dialogue with five Sahtu Dene and Metis communities, we jointly developed a research approach to understand caribou differentiation and population structure. Our goal was to examine caribou variation through analysis of population genetics and an exploration of the relationships Dene and Metis people establish with animals within bioculturally diverse systems. To cultivate a research environment that supported legha gots'enete “learning together” we collaborated with Ɂehdzo Got'i ne (Renewable Resources Councils), elders, and an advisory group. Dene knowledge and categorization systems include a comprehensive understanding of the origin, behaviors, dynamic interactions, and spatial structure of caribou. Dene people classify to dzi “boreal woodland caribou” based on unique behaviors, habitat preferences, and morphology that differ from ɂekwe “barren-ground” or shuhta ɂepe “mountain” caribou. Similarly, genetic analysis of material (microsatellites and mitochondrial DNA) from caribou fecal pellets, collected in collaboration with community members during the winter, provided additional evidence for population differentiation that corresponded to the caribou types recognized by Dene people and produced insights into the evolutionary histories that contribute to the various forms. We developed culturally respectful and relevant descriptions of caribou variation through partnerships that respect the lives and experiences of people that depend on the land. By prioritizing mutual learning, researchers can broaden their understanding of biodiversity and establish a common language for collaboration.
The use of improved maize varieties in Tanzania

3CIMMYT, P. O. 1041-00621, Nairobi, Kenya. Accepted 22 January, 2014 Maize is the most important food crop in Tanzania, covering 45% of the cultivated area. Maize farmers have adopted many improved maize varieties but different studies have produced different estimates of adoption rates. A survey was, therefore, conducted in 2001 to estimate the area in improved maize seed, to collect opinions regarding maize recycling, constraints to production and strategies to obtain improved maize seed. The seed sector sold an average 7,750 tons of improved maize seed per year from 1997 to 2000, but also indicate a clear negative trend in sales. While during the 1997/1998 season 9,500 tons were sold, it was reduced to 6,660 tons in the last season. Although the amount of hybrid seed sold was roughly the same for the three seasons, it was the sales of open pollinated varieties (OPVs) that decreased to less than a half in the third year. Based on an estimated national maize area of 2 million ha and a seed rate of 15 kg/ha, the estimate of the area planted with fresh improved maize seed was 26%. Considering the use of OPVs that have been recycled for two years, the area grown with improved maize seed was 46%. Drought, low prices of the produce, pests and diseases, and high input prices were mentioned by the extension officers as the most important constraints for maize production. The high costs of improved seed, poor availability and lack of knowledge were some of the reasons why farmers did not use improved seed. The major strategies farmers use to obtain improved seed were purchase from agro-dealers, recycling of their own seed, and the formation of Savings and Credit Cooperative Societies (SACCOs). Since the survey, seed sales have increased but this increase is mostly in hybrids, and has been accompanied by an increase in area , so the proportion of maize area in improved varieties remains at a low 27%. Research and development efforts should, therefore, be directed to solve the farmers’ major production constraints such as drought, lack of markets and low produce prices, and pests and diseases. Knowledge of how to obtain and grow improved varieties, including good husbandry practices, is critical in adopting improved varieties.
Co-Movement between Equity and Bond Markets

This study explores the co-movement between equity and bond markets and decomposes it into the equity-bond, equity, and bond co-movements. Moreover, the estimation method captures the heterogeneity between developed and emerging equity markets. It reveals that both equity-bond and equity co-movements are important for the developed equity markets. Although the idiosyncratic component plays a substantial role in the emerging equity and bond markets, the global financial crisis has impacted on the co-movement of the emerging equity markets, while does not have an effect on that of the emerging bond markets. The co-movements depend upon market uncertainty measured by VIX.
Carbon isotope chemostratigraphy of the Llandovery in Arctic Canada: Implications for global correlation and sea-level change

Abstract Stratigraphic and δ13C data from the Rhuddanian to lower Telychian succession on Cornwallis Island, Arctic Canada show evidence of a significant positive δ13C excursion in the upper Aeronian and weak positive shifts in the mid-Rhuddanian and uppermost Rhuddanian—lower Aeronian. The lower and upper Aeronian levels coincide with times of continental glaciation in Gondwana and these can be correlated with events recorded in the δ13C records from Dob's Linn (Scotland), Anticosti Island (Quebec), and Estonia. In most instances in the C-isotope records appear to coincide closely with local sea-level changes. The available data suggest that the global environmental impact of the late Aeronian glaciation was greater than that of the early Aeronian event. The data support the hypothesis that changes in degree of carbonate platform exposure and weathering resulting from of a combination of local and global (glacioeustatic) sea-level changes (particularly sea-level fall) were an important controlling factor in the generation of positive δ13C excursions in this time interval. These changes shifted the isotope value of the C-weathering flux entering shelf seas, which in turn resulted in positive δ13C excursions of varying magnitudes in shelf and deep basinal settings. These varied regionally in magnitude in close correspondence with differences in local sea-level histories.
Impact of periodontal disease in the lipid profile of patients with chronic coronary artery disease: a 3-year, retrospective cohort

Mailing Address: Cassio Kampits Frederico Kops, 75. Postal Code: 96890-000, Centro, Sinimbu, Rio Grande do Sul, RS – Brazil E-mail: cassiokampits@gmail.com Impact of Periodontal Disease in the Lipid Profile of Patients With Chronic Coronary Artery Disease: a 3-Year, Retrospective Cohort Cassio Kampits, Cassiano K. Rösing, Marlon Munhoz Montenegro, Ingrid W. J. Ribeiro, Marco Aurelio Lumerts Saffi, Carisi A. Polanczyk, Mariana V. Furtado, Alex N. Haas Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRS), Porto Alegre, RS – Brazil
Fruit and seed development in mung beans (Phaseolus aureus Roxb.)

Summary A study of fruit set at different nodes was made in mung beans, Phaseolus aureus Roxb. , under field conditions. Flowering commenced on the fourth node from the base and the percentage fruit set showed a gradual decrease from the fifth node upwards. Yield analysis was carried out for each of the fruiting nodes. When the leaf and inflorescences at a node are taken as a functional unit it is seen that there was a decrease in the ratio of leaf area to fruit and seed weights from the base of the plant upwards indicating that at the upper nodes particularly, some other plant parts also contribute to the photosynthate pool of the developing seeds. A quantitative study of the dry matter, proteins and starch in the fruit wall and seeds of fruits at different stages of development was made. It showed that the rapid increase in dry matter, proteins and starch in the seeds at the later stages of development is compensated, in part, by a decrease of these components in the fruit wall. Histochemical studies of the fruit wall further supported these observations. This indicated the contribution of substrates by the fruit wall to the developing seeds.
Permanent and Transitory Policy Shocks in an Empirical Macro Model with Asymmetric Information

Abstract An empirical model that allows for shifts in the inflation target and imperfect policy credibility is estimated. Imperfect credibility, defined by differences between the perceived and actual inflation target, obtains because private agents cannot correctly distinguish between permanent target shocks and transitory funds rate shocks. Learning affects responses to structural shocks. Important features include the absence of a price puzzle, permanent nominal effects of aggregate supply shocks due to partial policy accommodation, and the ability to examine responses to a permanent target change and expectations shocks. Perceptions of permanent target shocks explain sizable movements in bond yields and inflation.
Citizen science and natural resource governance: program design for vernal pool policy innovation

Effective natural resource policy depends on knowing what is needed to sustain a resource and building the capacity to identify, develop, and implement flexible policies. This retrospective case study applies resilience concepts to a 16-year citizen science program and vernal pool regulatory development process in Maine, USA. We describe how citizen science improved adaptive capacities for innovative and effective policies to regulate vernal pools. We identified two core program elements that allowed people to act within narrow windows of opportunity for policy transformation, including (1) the simultaneous generation of useful, credible scientific knowledge and construction of networks among diverse institutions, and (2) the formation of diverse leadership that promoted individual and collective abilities to identify problems and propose policy solutions. If citizen science program leaders want to promote social-ecological systems resilience and natural resource policies as outcomes, we recommend they create a system for internal project evaluation, publish scientific studies using citizen science data, pursue resources for program sustainability, and plan for leadership diversity and informal networks to foster adaptive governance.
Effect of indigenous knowledge in a physics curriculum on pupils’ attitudes towards physics

In education, attitudes work as an internal factor that guides pupils’ actions towards certain subject matter. Consequently, it is one factor for prediction of pupils’ achievement. Although understanding physics is fundamental to understanding the world around us, results of research carried out worldwide have shown that pupils’ success in physics is often lower than in other subjects. The sample of this study consisted of 216 pupils (135 girls, 83 boys) from a secondary school in Chokwe. Grade 9 was chosen because this is when pupils learn thermal phenomena, one of the topics for which physics-related indigenous knowledge (IK) had been identified in an earlier study, during interviews with senior citizens. An experimental approach was used, involving a pre-test, teaching intervention and post-test with experimental and control groups. The attitudes questionnaire consisted of Likert scale type multiple-choice questions. The contextualized teaching materials used in the intervention were based on IK and pupils’ everyday environment, and the teaching intervention was inquiry-based. The results suggest that pupils who had lessons with contextualized teaching materials based on inquiry approach had more positive attitudes towards physics than pupils who were submitted to a classic teacher centred approach. The Implications for future classroom practice is that teaching materials should take into account the context in which they are going to be used. Key words : Indigenous knowledge, physics curriculum material, pupils’ attitude, teaching strategies
Improvement of FasL Gene Therapy In Vitro by Fusing the FasL to Del1 Protein Domains

Gene delivery, transfection, cytotoxicity, and many other factors influence the ability of gene therapy to treat cancer. In addition, as with pharmacologic agents, longer exposure to higher concentrations of gene products should intensify their effects (Wada et al., 2007). Cytotoxic gene products, such as FasL and TRAIL, may remain in tissues after the death of the transfected cells, and they are known to induce apoptosis in both transfected cells and neighbouring cells (Hyer et al., 2003; Kagawa et al., 2001). They have been examined for use in cancer gene therapy and its effects have been examined in vitro and in vivo (Elojeimy et al., 2006; Griffith et al., 2009). FasL delivered via a viral vector can reduce tumour size and improve prognosis in an explanted tumour model.
Effect of climate on the epidemiology of bovine hypodermosis in Algeria.

In order to explore the effect of climate on cattle warble fly infestation, a total of 1.635 animals from 4 departments of Northern Algeria were examined visually and by manual palpation for the presence of warbles. Cattle were examined from March to June 2014, coinciding with the peak of emergence of warbles, and both the prevalence and intensity of infestation were recorded. The departments included in this study were located in the two different climatic areas in Northern Algeria: humid (Bejaia and Tizi Ouzou) and semi-arid (Tissemssilt and Ain Defla). The overall prevalence was 28.75%; the intensity of infestation ranged from 1 to 98 warbles per animal (mean 18.93±11.05). The prevalence and intensity of infestation within the departments with semi-arid climate (38.23%; 21.57±11.98) was significantly higher than in those with humid climate (20.74%; 14.84±7.86). The CHAID algorithm showed the climate as the most influencing factor for warble fly prevalence, followed by the husbandry system and breed. Logistic regression and multivariate ANOVA indicate that in addition to climate, other intrinsic (age, sex, breed) and extrinsic factors (husbandry system, treatment) included in the study also were associated with both, prevalence and intensity of infestation. Our results indicate that in semiarid areas of Northern Algeria environmental conditions are more favorable for the development of free stages (pupae and adult flies) of Hypoderma spp life-cycle than in humid areas.