Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Introductory geosciences at the two-year college: Factors that influence student transfer intent with geoscience degree aspirations

ABSTRACT The geosciences continue to lag behind the other sciences in both diversity and degree completion rates of students transferring from two-year colleges (2YCs). Critical to strengthening the transfer student pipeline is the need to identify who takes introductory geosciences courses at the 2YC level and what factors contribute to increased 2YC student transfer intent for those interested in pursuing geoscience degrees. This study uses data collected from 708 student respondents to a pretransfer study survey administered in introductory geoscience courses at 26 unique 2YCs to gain an understanding of the influence that background characteristics, academic engagement experiences (e.g. faculty–student interaction, undergraduate research experiences, and field-based educational experiences), and academic advisor engagement have on 2YC geoscience student transfer intent. Sequential multiple regression findings revealed a number of factors that predict higher geoscience transfer intent, including age, high school math preparation, having taken an Earth science course in high school, the number of science courses taken at the 2YC, student–faculty interaction, and faculty and academic advisors discussing physical science careers. The results also demonstrated that field-based educational experiences have a significant role in increasing student intent to transfer pursuing geoscience degrees. Findings presented point to the need to develop practices focused on transfer student capital acquisition and supports the proposition that 2YCs can serve as an intervention point to broaden participation in the geosciences.
Airborne laser scan data: a valuable tool with which to infer weather radar partial beam blockage in urban environments

Abstract. High-spatial-resolution weather radar observations are of primary relevance for hydrological applications in urban areas. However, when weather radars are located within metropolitan areas, partial beam blockages and clutter by buildings can seriously affect the observations. Standard simulations with simple beam propagation models and digital elevation models (DEMs) are usually not able to evaluate buildings' contribution to partial beam blockages. In recent years airborne laser scanners (ALSs) have evolved to the state-of-the-art technique for topographic data acquisition. Providing small footprint diameters (10–30 cm), ALS data allow accurate reconstruction of buildings and forest canopy heights. Analyzing the three weather C-band radars located in the metropolitan area of Helsinki, Finland, the present study investigates the benefits of using ALS data for quantitative estimations of partial beam blockages. The results obtained applying beam standard propagation models are compared with stratiform 24 h rainfall accumulation to evaluate the effects of partial beam blockages due to constructions and trees. To provide a physical interpretation of the results, the detailed analysis of beam occultations is achieved by open spatial data sets and open-source geographic information systems.
Statistical assessment of somatic mutations and genomic variability using DNA sequence data

The development of new DNA sequencing techniques have made it possible to generate high-resolution genomic data at an unprecedented pace. However, the high dimensionality in combination with the substantial levels of technical errors and biological variability make the analysis challenging. Tailored statistical methods need therefore to be developed and applied in order to facilitate correct biological interpretation. The first two papers in this thesis are focused on finding tumor-specific (somatic) mutations in cancer, while in the third paper a new method to assess genomic variability in microbial communities is developed. In paper I, the aim was to characterize somatic mutations in pheochromocytoma/paraganglioma, and to identify mutations that contribute to malignancy. Statistical analysis of exome sequencing data from nine replicated paired normal--tumor samples revealed 225 unique somatic mutations. A significantly higher rate of mutations was found in malignant compared to benign tumors. In addition, three genes with recurrent somatic mutations, exclusively located in malignant tumors, were identified. In paper II, exome sequencing data was used to detect somatic mutations in 17 patients with acute myeloid leukemia. The identified mutations were evaluated as markers in a more sensitive analysis of remaining cancer cell levels after treatment. All but one of the studied patients were found to have potential markers in their somatic mutation profiles. In paper III, a hierarchical Bayesian model for detecting genetic differences on nucleotide level between groups of microbial communities is proposed. The model is based on a Dirichlet-multinomial distribution and takes both within- and between-sample variability into account. The evaluation of the performance show that the model has a high sensitivity and maintains a low false positive rate even when the between-sample variability is high. The thesis demonstrates the importance of dedicated statistical analysis and understanding of the error structure in DNA sequence data, in order to assure accurate identification of mutations and differences in genomic variability.
Irradiation induced mutagenesis in sugarcane

A study on irradiation induced mutagenesis in sugarcane was undertaken to investigate genetic variability for economic traits and red rot disease. Twelve hundred single bud setts of cv. Co J 64 were irradiated with gamma rays at 0, 10, 20, 25 and 30 Grays (Gy). The experimental material of M1V1 generation was planted during spring 2012 and second generation (M1V2) during 2013. Data was recorded on ten economic and quality traits in addition to reaction to red rot disease. Mutagenic treatments generated significant variation for germination, number of tillers/clump, number of millable canes/clump, cane height, HR brix, leaf length and single cane weight in both M1V1 and M1V2 generations indicating the potential of mutagenic treatments for creating genetic variability for different traits in sugarcane. Average cane height among different treatments ranged from 166.60 to 185.80 cm with a mean of 171.2 cm. Mean leaf length for different treatments varied from 106.30 to 114.80 cm with an average of 111.40 cm; maximum of 114.80 cm being recorded through 10 Gy treatment followed by control. Cane weight an important trait in sugar cane breeding programme ranged from 720.00 to 961.66 g. Maximum single cane weight was recorded for control followed by 10 Gy and 20 Gy treatments. The higher doses had a retarding effect on this trait. Artificial evaluation of irradiated subclones against two red rot pathotypes Cf 08 and Cf 09 using plug method revealed moderate resistance for all the mutagenic treatments. It is inferred that genetic variability could be induced in sugarcane using gamma rays for traits like germination, cane height, leaf length, HR brix, single cane weight and to red rot tolerance. The lower doses of gamma ray (10 and 20 Gy) were more effective to induce variation while higher doses have detrimental effects. The sub clones need to be further evaluated in M1V3 for their consistency in trait manifestation and future use in breeding programme. ___________________________ _____________________ Signature of the Major Advisor Signature of the student
Annotated checklist of the herpetofauna of Petit Saut, Sinnamary River, French Guiana

The Mission Radeau des Cimes to Petit Saut, French Guiana, offered the opportunity to study the herpetofauna of the canopy of the tropical rainforest, an area hardly studied sofar. Two localities at heights of 30 and 35 m could be studied, whereas data on a third site were obtained through information from other participants. The herpetological results of the research in the canopy were meagre. Only the frog Hyla leucophyllata (Beireis) and the lizard Mabuya bistriata (Spix) were observed in the canopy. Additionally the terrestrial herpetofauna was studied extensively and turned out to contain some species that had not been reported before from French Guiana. Also, for many species new distribution data within French Guiana were obtained. Le Mission Radeau des Cimes a Petit Saut, Guyane francaise, offrait l'opportunite d'etudier l'erpetofaune de la canopee d'une foret pluviale tropicale, un domaine presque non etudie jusqu'a present. On etudiait deux sites a altitudes de 30 et 35 m, et on obtenait des dates sur un troisieme site grace a d'information des autres participants. Les resultats erpetologiques de l'etude de la canopee etaient pauvres. Seulement la rainette Hyla leucophyllata et le lezard Mabya bistriata etaient observes dans la canopee. Additionellement on etudiait intensivement l'erpetofaune terrestre avec le resultat que nous avons encontre quelques especes nouveaux pour la Guyane francaise et aussi plusieurs pour lesquelles les dates de distribution constituaient d'information nouveau.
A Rhetorical Analysis of Osagyefo Dr. Kwame Nkrumah’s Independence Speech

The study examines the role of rhetoric in the famous Independence Speech given by the first president of the Republic of Ghana, Osagyefo Dr. Kwame Nkrumah at Old Polo Grounds, Accra, Ghana on 6 th March, 1957 when Ghana won independence from the British rule. Through a rhetorical analysis and specifically using the cannons of rhetoric and the means of persuasion, the study finds that; first, the speech adopts the elements of rhetoric to inform, encourage and persuade its audiences. ; second, the speech is endowed with the richness that the five canons of rhetoric afford. The study reveals that the powerful diction and expressions embedded in the speech follow a rather careful arrangement meant to achieve the objective of rhetoric; third, the speaker adopted the three means of persuasion, namely: ethos, pathos and logos, to drive home the objective of his argument. The findings agree with Ghanaian Agenda’s assertion of the speech as one of the greatest ever written and delivered in Ghanaian geo-politics and rhetorical history. The study concludes that the 1957 Independence Speech by Osagyefo Dr. Kwame Nkrumah owes its world-wide garnered attention to the power of rhetoric, owing to the fact that it affords the speech the craft of carefully laid out rhetorical constructions and principles and hence making the speech a powerful work of rhetoric. Keywords: Rhetoric Analysis, Independence speech, Ghana
Would You Please Stop That!?: The Relationship Between Counterproductive Meeting Behaviors, Employee Voice, and Trust

Purpose – Meetings are ubiquitous in organizational life and are a great source of frustration and annoyance to many employees in the workplace, in part due to counterproductive meeting behaviors (CMBs). CMBs include engaging in irrelevant discussion, complaining about other attendees, arriving to the meeting late, and other similar, disruptive behaviors. Consistent with conservation of resources theory, the purpose of this paper is to examine the potential resource draining effect of CMBs on two key workplace attitudes/behaviors, employee voice, and coworker trust. Design/methodology/approach – The authors used Amazon’s MTurk service to recruit a sample of full-time working adults from a variety of industries who regularly attend meetings. Participants completed a survey with items relating to CMBs, trust, voice, and meeting load. Findings – The authors found that CMBs were indeed negatively related to both employee voice and coworker trust. Further, both of these relationships were even more negative fo.
Natural Radioactivity, Major and Trance Elements Measurements of Surface soil from Al-Madinah Al- Monawarah, Saudi Arabia.

Nine surface soil samples were collected from several localities around Al-Madinah Al-Monawarh and one from the city itself. Samples were analyzed for Aluminum (Al), Iron (Fe) and Calcium (Ca) concentrations in percent as major elements constituents. Lead (Pb) and Arsenic (As) in ppm as trace elements. The concentrations range for Al from (4.48 - 7.65 %), Fe from (3.08 - 4.92 5 %), Ca from (1.66 - 10.60 %), Pb from (14 -27 ppm) and As from (10.5 -30.7 ppm). Major, minor and trace minerals were analyzed, they found to be in the order Quartz, Albeit and Calcite as major minerals. Gamma-ray spectrometer based on HPGe crystal was applied for the concentrations in Bq/kg dry weight, 238 U which ranges between LDL and 12.3, 226 Ra from 7.01 and 15.55 Bq/kg. , 228 Ra ranges from 5.23 to 21.8 Bq/kg and
Effects of Ramadan fasting on neonatal anthropometric measurements in the third trimester of pregnancy

Introduction: Ramadan Fasting is prescribed by Holy Quran for every able-bodied, adult Muslim and is considered an essential practice for all Muslims including pregnant women. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of Ramadan fasting on neonatal anthropometric measurements during the third trimester of pregnancy. Method: This is a cross-sectional study, carried out on 300 delivering women in 2013. All participants were divided into fasting (n=150) and non-fasting (n=150) groups. Neonatal anthropometric measurements were compared in both groups. Data were then analyzed using descriptive statistics and t-test in SPSS Ver. 11.5 at a significant level of 5. Results: There were no significant differences between the two groups in the birth weight (p=0.97), head circumference (p=0.09) and height (p=0.12) of the neonates. Also, the prevalence of LBW was similar in fasting and non-fasting groups (p=0.33). Conclusion: Ramadan fasting in the third trimester of pregnancy has no adverse effects on neonatal anthropometric measurements.
ChemInform Abstract: Ellagic Acid: Biological Properties and Biotechnological Development for Production Processes

Ellagic acid, 2,3,7,8-tetrahydroxy-chromeno[5,4,3-cde]chromene-5,10-dione, is a powerful bioactive compound with many potential pharmacological and industrial applications. In this review, the chemical aspects, biological properties and diverse potential applications of ellagic acid for different industries were described. This review also discussed the advance in ellagitannin biodegradation, focusing on the process of isolation of microorganisms and strain selection, medium and culture optimization, as well as fermentation systems for commercially viable industrial scale production. The performances of various fermentation techniques that have been applied for the production of ellagic acid from residual by-products were compared, while the advantages and disadvantages of each plant source were also discussed. Key words: Ellagic acid, ellagitannin, biodegradation, fungal physiology, solid-state fermentation, submerged fermentation.
Excessive amount of lactose in the diet of two-week-old calves inducesurinary protein changes

Abstract. The present paper was undertaken to analyse and identify urinary proteins that were significantly altered in urine of calves in response to short-term administration of milk replacer with lactose addition. We used 2-D electrophoresis combined with matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionisation and time-of-flight (MALDI-TOF) mass spectrometry. Of all spots analysed, four showed significantly decreased abundance: alpha-1-antiproteinase (A1AT), serotransferrin (TF), sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) and cytochrome P450 2E1 (CYP2E1). One displayed an increased abundance: adenosine triphosphate (ATP)-citrate synthase. The changes in abundance of SHBG and CYP2E1 proteins were caused by the direct effect of an oversupply of sugar, while A1AT, TF and ATP-citrate synthase showed altered abundance probably due to indirect effects. The results of this study confirmed that calves' urine is a very precious biological material to evaluate the renal function, and it may be valuable in veterinary and zootechnical diagnostics.
Positive or negative Poynting effect? The role of adscititious inequalities in hyperelastic materials

Motivated by recent experiments on biopolymer gels whereby the reverse of the usual (positive) Poynting effect was observed, we investigate the effect of the so-called ‘adscititious inequalities’ on the behaviour of hyperelastic materials subject to shear. We first demonstrate that for homogeneous isotropic materials subject to pure shear, the resulting deformation consists of a triaxial stretch combined with a simple shear in the direction of the shear force if and only if the Baker–Ericksen inequalities hold. Then for a cube deformed under pure shear, the positive Poynting effect occurs if the ‘sheared faces spread apart’, whereas the negative Poynting effect is obtained if the ‘sheared faces draw together’. Similarly, under simple shear deformation, the positive Poynting effect is obtained if the ‘sheared faces tend to spread apart’, whereas the negative Poynting effect occurs if the ‘sheared faces tend to draw together’. When the Poynting effect occurs under simple shear, it is reasonable to assume that the same sign Poynting effect is obtained also under pure shear. Since the observation of the negative Poynting effect in semiflexible biopolymers implies that the (stronger) empirical inequalities may not hold, we conclude that these inequalities must not be imposed when such materials are described.
Genotype x environment interaction effects on the iron content of common bean grains

Iron deficiency in the human organism is a serious public health problem throughout the world. In the human food, one of the main sources of this mineral element is legumes, among which the common beans are important. The objective of this experiment was to study the genotype x environment interaction effects on the grain bean iron content to estimate the adaptation and stability of common bean genotypes in three environments. The experiments were carried out in Londrina, Marechal Cândido Rondon and Iguatemi, in Parana state, Brazil, from September to December 1998. Twenty-five common bean genotypes were assessed in randomized complete block designs with four replications. Nitroperchloric digestion was performed and the iron was quantified in ground bean grains, using an atomic absorption spectrophotometer. The genotypes Iapar-57 and Perola are recommended for cropping based on the adaptation and stability results. They showed superior grain iron content, had wide adaptation (Bli = 1) and good predictability (σ 2 di = 0).
Soil physical and biological properties as influenced by growth of vetiver grass (Vetiveria zizanioides L.) in a semi-arid environment of South Africa.

The influence of 15-years of vetiver grass growth on soil quality was assessed by measuring physical and biological properties which were compared with adjacent lands that had been under natural fallow and continuous grazing. Soil properties were better under grass than non-grassed control. Soil in plots under vetiver grass was consistently of better quality than that under natural fallow grass. Increased soil organic matter and microbial biomass contents were considered to be responsible for the improved quality on soils under grass than control plots. The improvement in soil properties was more pronounced under vetiver than natural grass. It is concluded that higher organic matter input from vetiver grass residues and roots, exudation of organic compounds from roots and a large microbial biomass in the rhizosphere of vetiver grass contributed to the improvement in soil properties. The use of vetiver grass is recommended as an affordable and sustainable soil management practice to improve soil quality.
A BARGAINING MODEL OF MIGRATION

This chapter models migration decisions as joint individual and family decisions and develops a model in which family members can migrate on the condition that they remit more than they would have contributed as resident household member. The upper bound on remittances is set by their own net benefits after migration. The paper uses cross-sectional data collected in 2000 from northeast Ghana to investigate the effect of farm household population, family landholding and the perceived soil quality on migration and remittance decisions of members of the farm household in Northeast Ghana. Nested logit and Tobit models estimation techniques are employed. The empirical results confirm the negative effect that per-capita farmland size has on the probability of migration. More livestock sales coincide with fewer remittances. The core factors of the theoretical model could not be confirmed, however. Land quality appears to have no effect on migration or remittances. Local employment conditions help mitigate migration, however.
Effect of School Based Management on Teacher Job-Satisfaction and Job-Performance

Abstract. Introduction of Weber’s organizational structure into Indonesian Educational system since the Dutch colonial resulted in a difficult time. The use of Weber ‘s organizational structure had made it difficult for teachers to make decisions concerning with schools facilities, curriculum, and student recruitment. The school principals usually had to wait for sometimes from their superintendents to make decisions concerning with school facilities, curriculum and student recruitments. Introduction of School based management into Indonesian Educational system since 2003 has made a great impact on teacher job satisfaction and job-performance. Recent studies showed that 57.30% of school based management directly contributed to job satisfaction and indirectly 11.10% contributed to job satisfaction through work motivation. Further investigation reported that total effect of school based management toward job-satisfaction and job-performance were 48.4% and 30.8% respectively. It was concluded that school based management contributed a great impact on teacher job-satisfaction and job-performance. Key words : job-performance, job-satisfaction, school based management
The human stratum corneum prevents small gold nanoparticle penetration and their potential toxic metabolic consequences

Nanoparticles are being used inmultiple applications, ranging from biomedical and skin care products (e.g., sunscreen) through to industrial manufacturing processes (e.g., water purification). The increase in exposure has led to multiple reports on nanoparticle penetration and toxicity. However, the correlation between nanoparticle size and its penetration without physical/chemical enhancers through the skin is poorly understood--with studies instead focusing primarily on skin penetration under disrupted conditions. In this paper, we investigate the penetration and metabolic effects of 10 nm, 30 nm, and 60 nm gold nanoparticles within viable excised human skin after 24-hour exposure usingmultiphoton tomograph-fluorescence lifetime imaging microscopy. After 24 hour treatment with the 10, 30, and 60 nm gold nanoparticles, there was no significant penetration detected below the stratum corneum. Furthermore, there were no changes in metabolic output (total NAD(P)H) in the viable epidermis posttreatment correlating with lack of penetration of nanoparticles. These results are significant for estimating topical nanoparticle exposure in humans where other model systems may overestimate the exposure of nanoparticles to the viable epidermis. Our data shows that viable human skin resists permeation of small nanoparticles in a size range that has been reported to penetrate deeply in other skin models.