Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
EVALUATION OF PIROPLASM OCCURRENCE IN THE EASTERN BLACK (DICEROS BICORNIS MICHAELI) AND SOUTHERN WHITE (CERATOTHERIUM SIMUM SIMUM) RHINOCEROS METAPOPULATION IN KENYA

The eastern black and the white rhinoceros are endangered mainly due to poaching. Besides poaching diseasesare another impediment to the species recovery. Infection with pirolasms has been linked to rhinoceros posttranslocationmortality in South Africa and Tanzania. Presence of such piroplasms in the Kenyan rhinoceroseshas not been investigated. This study aimedat evaluating occurrence of piroplasms in selected rhino subpopulationsin Kenya. Blood samples were collected from 114 rhinoceroses, genomic DNA extracted, 18S rRNAgenes of Babesia and Theileria amplified, and PCR products analyzed by gel electrophoresis. Fifty six samplestested positive for piroplasms. White rhinoceroses were significantly infected (65.6%) compared to blackrhinoceroses (42.7%, p =0.028). Males were insignificantly highly infected compared to females (p = 0.353). Sub adults were insignificantly highly infected compared to adults and juveniles (p = 0.465). Infection ratesamong the sub-populations varied insignificantly (p = 0.140). The study concluded that Kenyan rhinocerosesare infected with piroplasms and recommends further studies to be carried out on piroplasm tick vectors, andpiroplasm- vector- host interaction so as to understand the transmission dynamics, and possible diseasetransmissionin the human-wildlife-livestock ecosystem.
Monotone methods and stability results for nonlocal reaction-diffusion equations with time delay

In this paper, we study the applications of the monotone iteration method for investigating the existence and stability of solutions to nonlocal reaction-diffusion equations with time delay. We emphasize the importance of the idea of monotone iteration schemes for investigating the stability of solutions to such equations. We show that every steady state of such equations obtained by using the monotone iteration method is priori stable and all stable steady states can be obtained by using such method. Finally, we apply our main results to three population models.
THE SELF-PERCEPTION OF COMPETENCE BY CANADIAN

This stsidy investigated cultural differences in self-perception of competence between Canadian and Chinese elementary school children. The Self-Perception Profile for Children (SPPC) (Harter, 1985) was administered to 125 fourth-grade Canadian children (62 girls and 63 boys) who were randomly selected from schools in a large urban school district. The SPPC was translated into Chinese with translation checks (by back-translation) applied. It was given to a comparative sample of 128 children (62 girls and 66 boys) from Chinesespeaking schools in Hong Kong. Similar across the two samples was a significant correlation between perceived scholastic competence and performance in a test of mathematics achievement. Interesting cross-cultural differences were also found. Chinese children downgraded their competence in different domains as compared with Canadian children. While the factor pattern of the SPPC for the Canadian sample closely resembled that for Harter's American sample, a different factor pattern of the scale was found for the Chinese sample. Discussion of the results focuses on possible differences in interpretation of meanings of statements on competence perception between children of the two cultural groups.
Edge‐driven mechanical microplate models of strike‐slip faulting in the Tibetan plateau

The India‐Asia collision zone accommodates the relative motion between India and Eurasia through both shortening and pervasive strike‐slip faulting. To gain a mechanical understanding of how fault slip rates are driven across the Tibetan plateau, we develop a two‐dimensional, linear elastic, two‐stage, deformable microplate model for the upper crust based on the behavior of an idealized earthquake cycle. We use this approach to develop a suite of simple India‐Asia collision zone models, differing only in boundary conditions, to determine which combination of edge forces and displacements are consistent with both the slip rate measurements along major Tibetan faults as well as the geodetically observed extrusion of crustal material toward Southeast Asia. Model predictions for the Altyn Tagh (1–14 mm/yr), Kunlun (3–10 mm/yr), Karakorum (5–12 mm/yr), and Haiyuan (3–5 mm/yr) faults are in agreement with geologically and geodetically inferred slip rates. Further, models that accurately reproduce observed slip rate gradients along the Altyn Tagh and Kunlun faults feature two critical boundary conditions: (1) oblique compressive displacement along the Himalayan range front west of the Shillong plateau, and (2) forcing in Southeast Asia. Additionally, the ratio of internal‐block potency rate to the total potency rate for each microplate ranges from 28% to 79%, suggesting a hybrid view of deformation in Tibet as simultaneously localized on major faults and distributed at length scales <500 km.
Using Film Study to Teach Perspective Taking in High School Students with Autism and Other Social Cognition Challenges

This article provides a preliminary evaluation of outcomes for a group-therapeutic Film Study program designed by school-based mental health providers and a speech language pathologist to facilitate perspective-taking in seven high-school students with autism and other social cognition challenges. The Film Study program involved microanalysis of one film over the course of an academic year. Evaluation of outcomes were based on post-hoc qualitative analyses of Film Study lesson transcripts. Findings indicated that participants were more engaged and used more psychological state terms to describe characters’ points of view by the end of the program. Thematic analysis of transcripts also identified a number of changes in participants' perspective taking behaviors over time, including improved ability to (a) focus on characters’ perspectives as opposed to their own, (b) differentiate between thoughts and feelings, (c) engage in increasingly complex discussions of characters’ points of view and (d) respond to and build on one another’s comments. Results suggest that microanalysis of film may offer a promising means for school mental health providers to support adolescents with ASD to improve their perspective-taking skills through scaffolded practice.
Scale and plant invasions: A theory of biotic acceptance

We examined the relationship between native and alien plant species richness, cover, and estimated biomass at multiple spatial scales. The large dataset included 7051 1-m subplots, 1443 10-m subplots, and 727 100-m subplots, nested in 727 1000-m plots in 37 natural vegetation types in seven states in the central United States. We found that native and alien species richness (averaged across the vegetation types) increased significantly with plot area. Furthermore, the relationship between native and alien species richness became increasingly positive and significant from the plant neighbourhood scale (1-m) to the 10-m, 100-m, and the 1000-m scale where over 80% of the vegetation types had positive slopes between native and alien species richness. Both native and alien plant species may be responding to increased resource availability and/or habitat heterogeneity with increased area. We found significant positive relationships between the coefficient of variation of native cover in 1-m subplots in a vegetation type (i.e. a measure of habitat heterogeneity), and both the relative cover and relative biomass of alien plant species. At the 1000-m scale, we did find weak negative relationships between native species richness and the cover, biomass, and relative cover of alien plant species. However, we found very strong positive relationships between alien species richness and the cover, relative cover, and relative biomass of alien species at regional scales. These results, along with many other field studies in natural ecosystems, show that the dominant general pattern in invasion ecology at multiple spatial scales is one of “biotic acceptance” where natural ecosystems tend to accommodate the establishment and coexistence of introduced species despite the presence and abundance of native species.
Farmers’ Perception of the Impact of Land Degradation and Soil and Water Conservation Measures in West Harerghe Zone of Oromia National Regional State, Ethiopia.

This study was conducted to assess the farmers’ perception of the impact of land degradation and its’ conservation measures on crop productivity and income in West Harerghe Zone of Oromia National Regional State, Ethiopia. The study was based on the data obtained from 398 sample households using pre-tested structured interview schedule. The data were analyzed using simple descriptive statistics with the appropriate statistical tests. The result of the analysis revealed that out of the total sampled households, 82.7 percent were perceptive about the problem of soil erosion and majority of these households (54.5 percent) perceived erosion on their land as severe. The perceived fertility decline on their farm was, 28.1 percent less severe, 57.9 percent sever and 13.9 percent very severe. More than 55 percent of sampled respondents also believe that the impact of land degradation on yield/productivity decline of their lands was severe. Likewise, majority (98.9 percent) of the total households were perceptive about the impact of soil and water conservation in improving soil fertility and yield/production. However, significant proportion farmers who perceived the impact of land degradation and the conservation measures on crop productivity and income were using traditional measures. Therefore, to encourage adoption of improved conservation measures extension, institutional support programs and projects which promote soil and water conservation technologies should have strategies which focus on enhancing the willingness of farm households. Keywords: Land degradation, soil and water conservation, perception, Ethiopia
On the 'Net Impact' of Europeanization. The EU's Telecoms and Electricity Regimes Between the Global and the National

Does Europeanization matter, and, if so, to what extent and in what respects? While research on the European Union is thriving, only limited efforts have been directed towards a discussion of this crucial question. This paper examines the outcome of the EU policy process from various comparative perspectives in an effort to distinguish the 'net effects' of EU membership and EU-level policy outcomes from more general perhaps global processes of change. The effects of EU membership are discussed in relation to the process of liberalization and the major question raised is whether Europeanization matters for the advance of liberalization. In responding to this question, the paper advances the following major argument: While the Europeanization of the telecoms and electricity industries has led to some liberalization, it is at best a mediating variable, not an independent one. The major features of liberalization would have been diffused to practically all member states even in the absence of the European Commission and other agents of supranationalism. This is not to suggest that Europeanization does not matter, but that it matters in less obvious and perhaps less critical ways than is frequently assumed. These arguments are supported by comparative empirical analysis of the spatial and temporal diffusion of liberalization across nations and sectors, and by a comparison of the diffusion of liberalization today with the diffusion of nationalization in the past.
An Aptitude-Treatment-Interaction-Approach on Motivation and Student's Self-Regulated Multimedia-Based Learning

The goal of this study was to develop the research basics for identifying individual differences in multimedia learning and motivation. Within this study, the effects of implementing motivational design of instruction within multimedia-based learning were tested. Motivational design of instruction was related to the ARCS-model and resulted in using instructional strategies for increasing attention and relevance of the learning material. In addition, an aptitude-treatment-interaction (ATI)-approach was developed which connected motivational design of instruction to mental resources management, motivational processing, pre-motivation, motivation to learn, and knowledge acquisition. For testing the theoretical assumptions, there were four types of a multimedia-based instructional system implemented: One instructional system had no ARCS strategies, one had attention strategies, another had relevance strategies, and one finally had both attention and relevance strategies. Four groups of elementary school students (n = 68) had to learn with the different instructional systems. The effects of learning with these instructional systems were measured on motivation to learn and on knowledge acquisition. Pre-motivation (outcome-valences), pre-knowledge, and cognitive load represented aptitude- and process-variables. Results indicated that a combination of both attention and relevance strategies improved motivation to learn, especially for those students with low levels of pre-motivation. Pre-knowledge increased and cognitive load decreased knowledge acquisition. Finally, open research questions and methodological aspects are outlined. In addition, suggestions for the design of instructional multimedia are given.
Exact Credibility and Tweedie Models

Kaas, Dannenburg & Goovaerts (1997) generalized Jewell’s theorem on exact credibility, from the classical Bühlmann model to the (weighted) Bühlmann-Straub model. We extend this result further to the “Bühlmann-Straub model with a priori differences” (Bühlmann & Gisler, 2005). It turns out that exact credibility holds for a class of Tweedie models, including the Poisson, gamma and compound Poisson distribution – the most important distributions for insurance applications of generalized linear models (GLMs). Our results can also be viewed as an alternative to the HGLM approach for combining credibility and GLMs, see Nelder and Verrall (1997).
Morphological, chemical and genetic diversity of wild myrtle (Myrtus communis L.) populations in Sicily.

Myrtus communis L. Is a shrub widespread in the Mediterranean area. The interest in this species is growing, mainly due to its pharmacological and aromatic properties. The overexploitation of wild populations induced increasing degradation of plant cover with serious risk of loss of genetic diversity. This research explored the morphological, chemical, and genetic diversity of wild myrtle populations in Sicily, with the aim to provide a first characterization of a core collection of 36 accessions from 7 localities for future domestication programs. Amplified fragment length polymorphism fingerprinting generated 152 polymorphic fragments. STRUCTURE analysis identified three genetic clusters (A, B, and C) corresponding to specific geographical origin. Analysis of molecular variance estimated a quite high overall fixation index (FST = 0.332). Misilmeri and Ispica were the more divergent populations (FST = 0.502), while M. Pellegrino and Scopello revealed the lowest FST (0.153). The relationships between genetic, morphological, and biometric data were investigated. Significant correlation between genetic clusters and bush shape/plant growth behavior was found (P < 0.005). Moreover, morphological traits such as leaf, fruit, and seed size were significantly correlated to Clusters B and C. Leaves' secondary metabolite profiles were evaluated based on antioxidant activity and total tannin and phenol concentrations. High antioxidant activity differences were recorded using DPPH (21.4-35.5 mmol Trolox/100 g DW) and ABTS (24.2-39.5 mmol Trolox/100 g DW) methods. A low variability was observed among populations regarding phenol (2466-3800 mg catechin equivalents/100 g DW) and total tannin contents (93.9-262.3 mg catechin equivalents/100 g DW). Results indicated that multiple approaches based on genetic, morphological, and chemical traits might allow the characterization of natural myrtle diversity.
EFFECT OF LIGNOSELULOLITIC FUNGUS TO ENZIMATIC ACTIVITY, FIBER FRCTION, AND DIGESTIBILITY ON FERMENTATION PROCESS OF COCOA POD

The study was conducted to determine the enzyme activity, fiber fraction and digestibility in the fermentation process of cocoa pod. The substrate was used the cocoa pod while the fungi used Phanerochaete chrysosporium , Pleurotus ostreatus and Schizophyllum commune . Preparation of cocoa pod was chopped, finely ground and then dried. Preparation of fungi by growing fungi in liquid medium. Research methodology was the fermentation conducted with different fungi used four treatments and five replications. T1 = fermentation of cocoa pod without fungi addition, T2 = fermentation of cocoa pod with P. chrysosporium addition, T3 = fermentation of cocoa pod with P. ostreatus addition, and T4 = fermentation of cocoa pod with S. commune. Fermentation used Erlenmeyer 250 ml and weight of cocoa pod was 100 gram. Fungi added on 5% from substrat weight bassis dry matter. Variables observed was enzyme activity, fiber fraction and digestibility . This study was designed using research design completely randomized design with a unidirectional pattern analysis of variance. Significant variables followed Duncan’s multiple range test. The results showed fermentation used P. chrysosporium has highest lignin peroxidase enzyme activity of 0.52±0.04 U/mL and mangan peroxidase 0.06±0.00 U/mL, neutral detergent fiber 75,54±0,41%, acid detergent fiber 68,10±0,30%, lignin 26,86±0,19%, cellulose 27,17±0,25%, hemicellulose 6,77±0,52%, dry matter digestibility 69,70±0,43% and organic matter digestibility 69,59±1,03%. The conclusion from this research that the fermentation by using fungi P. chrysosporium addition has the best result to degradated lignin.
AGRARIAN LAND TENANCY IN PREWAR JAPAN: CONTRACT CHOICE AND IMPLICATIONS ON PRODUCTIVITY

This paper studies the determinants of agrarian tenancy contract choice and its implication on productivity in prewar Japan. Rapid agricultural growth under extensive tenancy relationships in prewar Japan was achieved with the prevalence of a unique rent reduction contract, which was more efficient than a share tenancy or a pure fixed-rent contract in terms of provision of incentives and risk-sharing. Despite its potential efficiency, a rent reduction contract incurred substantial transaction costs, which may have inhibited its adoption outside Japan. The prevalence of this contract in prewar Japan was likely due to the presence of villages that reduced such costs through informal governance of the private tenancy relationships. We found quantitatively at the village level that the choice of tenancy contract in prewar Iwate prefecture was affected by risk and possibly transaction costs. Furthermore, a sign of Marshallian inefficiency was found at the prefecture level, where the prevalence of tenancy and productivity is negatively correlated and such inefficiency was worse in prefectures with a greater proportion of share tenancy.
Characterization of Homeodomain-Leucine Zipper Genes in Physcomitrella patens with Reference to Evolution of Homeobox Genes in Land Plants

5 General Introduction. 6 Chapter 1: Isolation of Homeodomain-Leucine Zipper Genes from the Moss Physcomitrella patens and the Evolution of Homeodomain-Leucine Zipper Genes in Land Plants . 10 1-1. Summary 10 1-2. Introduction 11 1-3. Materials and Methods 12 Strain and culture conditions 12 Cloning the HD-Zip genes 12 Phylogenetic analysis 18 Difference of evolutionary rates between the HD-Zip I and II subfamilies 19 RNA gel blot analyses 20
Adjustment Costs, Errors in Risk Weights, and Banks' Balance Sheets: The 1988 Basel Accord Revisited

Following implementation of the 1988 Basel Accord, U.S. banks altered their balance sheets in a variety of different ways including reallocating assets, reducing lending, and increasing capital. While much of the existing empirical research recognizes that fact, it fails to answer the question of why. In the context of a profit-maximization model that recognizes both non-homogeneous adjustment costs and errors in risk weights, this paper examines the question of why different banks exhibited different responses to implementation of the 1988 Accord. The results suggest that banks with different loan and capital adjustment costs exhibited very different responses to implementation of the 1988 Accord. Furthermore, errors in calibrating the risk weights played a significant role in banks’ balance sheet changes. The results are sufficiently robust to explain the sometimes contradictory findings of other researchers.
Quasi-secular evolution of mildly hierarchical triple systems: analytics and applications for GW sources and hot Jupiters

In hierarchical triple systems, the inner binary is perturbed by a distant companion. For large mutual inclinations, the Lidov-Kozai mechanism secularly excites large eccentricity and inclination oscillations of the inner binary. The maximal eccentricity attained, $e_{\rm max}$ is simply derived and widely used. However, for mildly hierarchical systems (i.e. the companion is relatively close and massive), non-secular perturbations affect the evolution. Here we account for fast non-secular variations and find new analytic formula for $e_{\rm max}$, in terms of the system's hierarchy level, correcting previous work and reproducing the orbital flip criteria. We find that $e_{\rm max}$ is generally enhanced, allowing closer encounters between the inner binary components, thus significantly changing their interaction and its final outcome. We then extend our approach to include additional relativistic and tidal forces. Using our results, we show that the merger time of gravitational-wave (GW) sources orbiting massive black-holes in galactic nuclei is enhanced compared with previous analysis accounting only for the secular regime. Consequently, this affects the distribution and rates of such GW sources in the relevant mild-hierarchy regime. We test and confirm our predictions with direct N-body and 2.5-level Post-Newtonian codes. Finally, we calculate the formation and disruption rates of hot-Jupiters (HJ) in planetary systems using a statistical approach, which incorporates our novel results for $e_{\rm max}$. We find that more HJ migrate from further out, but they are also tidally disrupted more frequently. Remarkably, the overall formation rate of HJs remains similar to that found in previous studies. Nevertheless, the different rates could manifest in different underlying distribution of observed warm-Jupiters.
The Face 1 Running Head: THE FACE IN THE CROWD EFFECT ACROSS CULTURES Searching for Happiness Across Cultures

Using the face-in-the-crowd paradigm, the detection of happy and angry facial expressions was investigated across cultures in English and Japanese participants. Visual search displays used photographs of real Caucasian and Japanese faces with the targets and distractors differing in identity (Experiment 1). Under such realistic search conditions, participants in both cultural groups were faster to detect a happy target, irrespective of the ethnicity of the faces in the visual search display. Experiment 2 attempted to induce a search advantage for angry faces by using target and distractor photographs of the same individual, posing different expressions. The speeded search advantage for happy targets was maintained in our English sample, but was absent in our Japanese sample. Experiment 3 reinstated the search advantage for happy faces in our Japanese sample by using culturally relevant instructions. This detection advantage for happy targets was strongest when the faces in the display differed in ethnicity from the participant.