Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Downhill shift of alpine plant assemblages under contemporary climate and land-use changes.

Compositional changes in Himalayan vegetation in response to the major drivers of biodiversity loss, climate change and land-use change, are barely documented. We quantify temporal changes in the alpine vegetation of central Nepal and attribute these changes to temporally varying climatic and landuse factors. We re-surveyed the alpine vegetation of two locations within Langtang National Park, central Nepal, after 25 yr using 127 plots of 100 m. Using ordination, regression, and weighted average regression and calibration techniques, we analyzed the changes in terms of species abundance, frequency, and elevational shift in relation to changing atmospheric temperature, precipitation, and livestock grazing. We found a significant increase in the frequency and relative abundance of the majority of species, which was significantly related to the temporal trends in climatic factors and grazing intensity. Out of 12 species with unimodal responses along the elevation gradient during both surveys, the optima of eight species decreased over the time period. The observed elevations of 62 out of 92 sample plots (hence, species composition) in 2014 were lower than the elevations calibrated from species composition and elevation of 1990, indicating an overall downward shift of species assemblages. However, an upward shift of assemblages was also observed at higher elevations. These results indicate that the observed temporal changes in alpine vegetation, largely contrasting the expected upslope shift of species due to climate warming, are driven most likely by interactions of contemporary climate and land-use changes, especially reduced grazing. The complex interactions and feedback mechanisms between warmer winters, increased precipitation, reduced grazing pressure, and thereby altered species interactions most likely facilitated the downslope shift of alpine species assemblages. Climatic and land-use responses of plant species assemblages should therefore be studied focusing on the potential interactions between both the climatic and the land-use factors because such interactions and feedback mechanisms have potential to mask or modify the expected climatic or land-use response of biodiversity.
STRATEGIC DECISION MAKING, ENTREPRENEURIAL ORIENTATION AND PERFORMANCE: AN ORGANIZATIONAL LIFE CYCLE APPROACH

EntrepreneurialOrientation (EO) and Strategic Decision Making (SDM) have been studied in awide variety of settings. However, there is not enough research available thatcombines both topics and studies the ways in which entrepreneurs make strategicdecisions in early stages of organizational life cycle. The purpose of thisresearch was therefore to examine the effects of the factors associated withthe decision maker influencing EO and performance for two categories of firms.The results were achieved by using empirical data from two independent samplesof firms in different stages of organizational life cycle: start-up stage (n=133) and growth stage (n=173). The results show that SDM andcontrol variables have different effects in the two samples; however, for bothsamples there is significant relation between EO and performance. The paperconcludes with a discussion about the results and suggestions for futureresearch.
A Slip Gap of the 2016 Mw 6.6 Muji, Xinjiang, China, Earthquake Inferred from Sentinel‐1 TOPS Interferometry

ABSTRACT We use Sentinel‐1A/1B Terrain Observation with Progressive Scans (TOPS) data to map coseismic and postseismic displacements for the 25 November 2016 M w 6.6 Muji earthquake in southwestern Xinjiang, China. Two tracks (T27 and T107) of the TOPS data captured the coseismic deformation area with a maximum line‐of‐sight deformation of ∼0.25 m in the descending track (T107). The inverted best‐fitting coseismic slip model in this study shows that the mainshock was a right‐lateral strike‐slip rupture on the western segment of the Muji fault, with an optimal dip angle of 80°±4°. Two separated slip zones exist in the coseismic slip model, with the maximum slip of 1.6 m located in the western slip zone. The total geodetic moment is 9.87×10 18 N·m, equivalent to an earthquake of M w 6.6. Our model shows that a patch between the two slip zones remained unruptured during the mainshock, indicating a potential future seismic risk. Aftershocks recorded in the first 45 days after the mainshock delineate the modeled rupture patches well. The components of the regional Global Positioning System velocities parallel to the Muji fault have been inverted to obtain an interseismic slip rate of ∼10 mm/yr on this structure. The recent large strike‐slip earthquakes in this area, that is, the 2015 M w 7.2 Tajikistan earthquake (left‐lateral) and 2016 M w 6.6 Muji earthquake (right‐lateral), may be an indicator of conjugate fault systems at the west boundary between the Indian and Eurasian plates in response to north–south convergence produced by the collision of the two plates.
Testing Structural Equation Models or Detection of Misspecifications?

Assessing the correctness of a structural equation model is essential to avoid drawing incorrect conclusions from empirical research. In the past, the chi-square test was recommended for assessing the correctness of the model but this test has been criticized because of its sensitivity to sample size. As a reaction, an abundance of fit indexes have been developed. The result of these developments is that structural equation modeling packages are now producing a large list of fit measures. One would think that this progression has led to a clear understanding of evaluating models with respect to model misspecifications. In this article we question the validity of approaches for model evaluation based on overall goodness-of-fit indexes. The argument against such usage is that they do not provide an adequate indication of the “size” of the model's misspecification. That is, they vary dramatically with the values of incidental parameters that are unrelated with the misspecification in the model. This is illustrated using simple but fundamental models. As an alternative method of model evaluation, we suggest using the expected parameter change in combination with the modification index (MI) and the power of the MI test.
The Influence of Annealing Temperature on Microstructure and Magnetic Properties of Fe 74 Co 3 Si 8 B 10 Al 1 Nb 4 Amorphous Alloy Ribbons

Multi-component alloy ribbons with a composition of Fe 74 Co3 Si 8 B 10 Al 1 Nb 4 were prepared by a single roller melt-spinning method. The alloy had a fully amorphous structure, as determined by X-ray diffraction. The alloy ribbons were annealed for 10 min at temperatures of 350, 400, 450, 500, 550 and 600 o C, respectively. Differential scanning calorimetry curves indicated that the glass transition temperature (T g ) and the supercooled liquid range (ΔT x ) of the amorphous alloy ribbon were about 494 o C and 43 o C, respectively. The ribbons showed soft magnetic properties, with a Curie temperature (T c ) at 284 o C, high saturation magnetization (M s ) of 1.18 T, and coercive force (Hc) of 33.66 A/m. In the present study, both saturation magnetization and coercive force of amorphous alloy ribbons increased with increasing the annealing temperature, due to precipitations and growth of α–Fe phase nanocrystals in the amorphous matrix. On the other hand, it was found that the coercive force of alloy ribbons reduced as a consequence of precipitations of Nb 3 Si phase if the annealing temperature reached 600 o C.
THE RATE OF CHLAMYDIA TRACHOMATIS, MYCOPLASMA HOMINIS AND UREAPLASMA UREALYTICUM IN FEMALES WITH HABITUAL ABORTION AND ITS COMPARISON WITH CONTROL GROUP

Females abortion is one of the most important sequela of genital infection with chlamydia trachomatis, Mycoplasma hominis and Ureaplasma urealyticum.In this study frequency of Chlamydia trachomatis, Mycoplasma hominis and Ureaplasma urealyticum was studied in 125 females with habitual abortion by direct and indirect immunofluorescence tests and culture method and compared with 250 normal population. The results obtained were as follow: Mycoplasma hominis was isolated from 18 (14.4%) females with habitual abortion and 18 (7.2%) normal population (P=0.0139). Ureaplasma urealyticum was isolated from 39(31.2%) females with habitual aboration and 48 (19.2%) normal population (P=0.0045). Chlamydia trachomatis was detected by direct immunofluorescence test in 9 (7.2%) of cases and 2 (0.8%) of control groups (P=0.0002). the antibody titer against D-K serotypes of Chlamydia trachomatis was also measured. The valuable titer of antibody (>1/16) was detected in 15 (12% of cases and 8 (3.2%) of control groups (P=0.0004). The results show that chlamydia trachomatis and Ureaplasma urealyticum may be responsible for some cases of abortion.
Genetic Diversity in Malting Quality of some Sorghum Genotypes ( Sorghum bicolor Moench)

Malting qualities were studied in 20 Sorghum genotypes for two years. The objective was to study the performance of the genotypes and classify them based on their malting quality traits. Results indicated that carbohydrates contents range 72.34 – 78.58, α - and β - amylase as determined by the procedure outlined by the American Society of Brewing Science ranged from 55.42 – 169.77 U/100g and 38.11 – 131.04 U/100g respectively. Cluster analysis based on malting quality traits of the genotypes revealed that gain in malting quality may be expected from intercrossing from different breeding program and even within a breeding program. In this study, inter – cluster differences observed between clusters I, II and III implies that genotypes in those different clusters groups can be used as parents in hybridization and are potentially expected to give a wider array segreggants.
An Active Tangible User Interface Framework for Teaching and Learning Artificial Neural Networks

Interactive and tangible computing platforms have garnered increased interest in the pursuit of embedding active learning pedagogies within curricula through educational technologies. Whilst Tangible User Interface (TUI) systems have successfully been developed to edutain children in various research, TUI architectures have seen limited deployment in more complex and abstract domains. In light of these limitations, this paper proposes an active TUI framework that addresses the challenges experienced in teaching and learning artificial intelligence (AI) within higher educational institutions. The proposal extends an aptly designed tabletop TUI architecture with the novel interactive paradigm of active tangible manipulatives to provide a more engaging and effective user interaction. The paper describes the deployment of the proposed TUI framework within an undergraduate laboratory session to aid in the teaching and learning of artificial neural networks. The experiment is assessed against currently adopted educational computer software and the obtained results highlight the potential of the proposed TUI framework to augment students’ gain in knowledge and understanding of abstracted threshold concepts in higher education. Author
Effects of sediment-associated phenanthrene on survival, development and reproduction of two species of meiobenthic copepods

The lethal and sublethal toxlclty of phendnthrene (a polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon, PAH) to 2 species of meiobenthic estuarine harpacticoid copepods (Schfzopera knabeni dnd Nitocra lacustrfs) was ~nvestlgated Individuals of different life stages (naup l~us copepodite, adult male and female) were exposed to sediment-associated phenanthrene In separate 10 d bioassays Overall A' lacustns (10 d LCj, values ranglng from 43 to 105 pg g ' d ~ y wt) was more sensitive than S knabeni (10 d LCSD values ranging from 84 to 349 pg g ' dry \vt) Signlflcant differences In life-stage-speclfic sensitivity wele observed for S knabeni, with the nauplll belng most seniltive tolloived by copepodltes and adults, adult males and females \Yere equally sensltlve For N Iacustris females wele significantly more sensltlve than all other stages no s ign~f~can t d~tferences \yere evldent among the other stages Phenanthrene effects on offspring productlon were invest~gated In the adult 10 d b~oassay Significant decreases in offspring productlon occurred at sublethal concentratlons for S knabenl (as low as 22 1-19 g.' d r y wt) but d t concentratlons In the same lange as the 10 d LC5,values for A' ldcustr~s In addition phenanthrene slgnlficantly prolonged embryonic and larval development and decreased egg hatching success for both species Our results suggest that PAHs have a negative effect on the reproduc t~on of melobenthic copepods at sublethal concentrations mostly due to a decrease In brood produc t~on rate and impalrlnent of hatchlng Overall, deleterious effects were manifested in the same range of concentratlons for both species but deflnite specles-spec~flc differences In the pattern of responses were evident
Impact of Dividend Policy on Stockholders' Wealth: Empirical Evidences from KSE 100-Index

There are two different schools of thought one believes in relevancy of dividend policy with stockholders’ wealth and second believes in irrelevancy of dividend policy. This work was done to study the impact of dividend policy in Pakistani context. For that purpose the financial data was collected from all listed firms in KSE-100 Index for the period of 15 years. The high variation studied within the data. Three methods were chosen for analysis correlation, multistage regression and Granger causality test. Dependent variable market price per share has strongly significant positive relationship with dividend per share and also has strongly significant causal relationship. There was no relationship found between market price per share and capital gain. So it can be concluded from this study that in Pakistani markets investors prefer dividend instead of capital gain because of uncertainty of future prices and it can also be concluded that the dividend policy is relevant to the stockholders’ wealth. Therefore by improving payout policy a listed firm in Karachi Stock Exchange can improve its value but management must be very sound for making best strategic decisions for payout and retention. Keywords: Dividend Policy, Firms’ Value, Relevancy & Irrelevancy Framework, Discrete Returns, Linear Relationship, Causal Relationship, Investors Preferences.
Induction of oxidative stress and antioxidative mechanisms in hyacinth bean under zinc stress.

Zinc toxicity to plants occurs in soils contaminated by mining and smelting activities, in agricultural soils treated with sewage sludge, and in urban and peri-urban soils enriched by anthropogenic inputs of Zn. Zinc-induced stress in Hyacinth bean ( Lablab purpureus ) was investigated by growing seedlings in hydroponics, supplemented with Zinc (0-600 μM), under controlled growth conditions. Changes in growth parameters, enzyme activities and other stress response factors, as a function of Zn uptake are directly or indirectly related to the cellular free radical scavenging systems. These parameters were studied in 10-day old Lablab seedlings over 72 h of exposure. Relative to leaves, roots accumulated ~12-fold higher amounts of Zn. Oxidative stress markers, H2O2, malondialdehyde, ascorbate, proline, soluble sugars, putrescine and spermidine were elevated in both tissues, whereas, glutathione and spermine levels showed a steady decline. Total phenol increased in roots, but decreased in leaves. Zn-stress enhanced antioxidant enzymes, guaiacol peroxidase, glutathione reductase, and polyphenol oxidase in concentration and time dependent manner in leaves, but showed an inverse relationship in roots. Catalase decreased in both leaves and roots. Metabolic enzymes β-amylase and acid phosphatase increased in both tissues. Invertase increased in leaves but declined drastically in roots. The results suggest that primary antioxidative response originates in leaves of Lablab, while roots are involved in direct uptake of heavy metals and are not adept in extrusion. Also, lower concentrations of Zn (up to 100 μM) stimulate growth of Lablab , but higher concentrations proved detrimental to the plant. Keywords: Lablab purpureus, Malondialdehyde, Polyamines African Crop Science Journal , Vol. 20, No. 1, pp. 17 - 29
Body Mass Index in Relation to Sialic Acid and Lipid Profile of Some Nigerian Students

The Body Mass Indices (BMI) and serum concentrations of High Density Lipoprotein (HDL), Total Cholesterol (TC), Total Sialic Acid (TSA) and Free Sialic Acid (FSA) were determined in thirty (30) apparently healthy students of Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria. Statistical analysis showed that the serum concentrations of TSA and FSA were significantly different (p<0.05) in males and females. Also, the Atherosclerotic Indices (AI) and serum concentrations of TC in students that take alcohol were significantly higher (p<0.05) than those that do not. These concentration values were however within normal range. A positive correlation was obtained between HDL and TC in all the students except those that consume alcohol. Between TC and TSA, a positive correlation was obtained in all the students, while between BMI and TSA, it was also positive except for those that do no t take alcohol. A negative relationship existed between B MI and HDL in all the students, while between BMI and TC, all the correlations were positive except in males and smokers. It was also discovered that females and students that consume alcohol in Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, have an increased risk to cardiovascular diseases.
Manufacturing strategy: understanding the fitness landscape

This theoretical paper presents, extends and integrates a number of systems and evolutionary concepts, to demonstrate their relevance to manufacturing strategy formulation. Specifically it concentrates on fitness landscape theory as an approach for visually mapping the strategic options a manufacturing firm could pursue. It examines how this theory relates to manufacturing competitiveness and strategy and proposes a definition and model of manufacturing fitness. In accordance with fitness landscape theory, a complex systems perspective is adopted to view manufacturing firms. It is argued that manufacturing firms are a specific type of complex system – a complex adaptive system – and that by developing and applying fitness landscape theory it is possible to create models to better understand and visualise how to search and select various combinations of capabilities.
Employment dynamics and crises in Latin America

This study presents dynamic labour demand estimates based oninformation for 15 Latin American countries in the last three decades. Itis found that recessions have a direct negative effect on total and wageemployment creation. There is also a positive effect of recessions onemployment-output elasticity and a negative one on employment-wageelasticity. These results can be interpreted as meaning that policies aimedat reducing labour costs would be of limited effectiveness in combatingunemployment during recessions. On the other hand, policies to stimulateaggregate demand would have a stronger positive effect on labour marketperformance at times of crisis. In all cases, the effects are greater for wageemployment than for total employment. This suggests that the increasingflows of workers towards the informal sector during recessions can mitigatethe impact of lower economic growth on total employment.
Title Insights from Game-Theoretic Analysis on theDesign of International Climate Agreements

Game-theoretic approaches have been widely used to examine interactions between countries in the negotiations on climate change, and have emphasized difficulties in designing such a voluntary agreement. This paper presents the current status of international negotiation on climate change control and the observed scientifi c evidence, and provides an overview of literature on game-theoretic analysis of climate coalition formation. The role of some fl exible mechanisms and potential extensions will be discussed to promote participation in the international agreement on climate change.
The use of Histological Techniques to Study the Reproductive Biology of the Hermaphroditic Mediterranean Fishes Coris julis, Serranus scriba, and Diplodus annularis

Abstract The usefulness and importance of histological techniques in reproductive studies have been widely discussed for gonochoristic fish species. In the case of hermaphroditic fishes, histology is a particularly important tool for the proper identification of sexual pattern (i.e., sequential, simultaneous, or nonfunctional hermaphroditism). We used a histological approach to describe hermaphroditism, dynamics of follicle development, and spawning patterns in three species from the northwestern Mediterranean Sea (Balearic Islands, Spain): the Mediterranean rainbow wrasse Coris julis (sequential hermaphrodite), painted comber Serranus scriba (simultaneous hermaphrodite), and annular sea bream Diplodus annularis (nonfunctional hermaphrodite). Development of secondary growth follicles was asynchronous in all three species, and similar peaks in spawning activity occurred between May and July. However, notable differences in sexual cycle and egg production were found. For the painted comber, hydrated follicles were present in ovarian tissue almost every day during the peak of the spawning season, suggesting daily spawning and increasing the chances of autofertilization unless a mechanism to avoid this action is present in this species. Intersexual Mediterranean rainbow wrasses were identified, and the size and age at sex change were estimated to be 132 mm total length and 4 years, respectively. Previous investigators have concluded that the annular sea bream is a protandric hermaphrodite, but our results indicate nonfunctional hermaphroditism. These three species are of little commercial interest and are considered to be bycatch by the artisanal fleet, but they are vulnerable to the impacts of some recreational angling activities. Currently, no specific management plan has been developed for these species. We address the importance of describing sexual pattern and its implications for future conservation efforts.
Computation of the inviscid supersonic flow about cones at large angles of attack by a floating discontinuity approach

The technique of floating shock fitting is adapted to the computation of the inviscid flowfield about circular cones in a supersonic free stream at angles of attack that exceed the cone half-angle. The resulting equations are applicable over the complete range of free-stream Mach numbers, angles of attack and cone half-angles for which the bow shock is attached. A finite difference algorithm is used to obtain the solution by an unsteady relaxation approach. The bow shock, embedded cross-flow shock, and vortical singularity in the leeward symmetry plane are treated as floating discontinuities in a fixed computational mesh. Where possible, the flowfield is partitioned into windward, shoulder, and leeward regions with each region computed separately to achieve maximum computational efficiency. An alternative shock fitting technique which treats the bow shock as a computational boundary is developed and compared with the floating-fitting approach. Several surface boundary condition schemes are also analyzed.