Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Comparing Filippi and Luiselli's (2000) method with a cartographic approach to assess the conservation status of secretive species: the case of the Iberian snake-fauna

The conservation status of the snake fauna of a given region or territory is often hard to estimate due the secretive habits of these animals, as well as of the lack of long-term demographic studies and generally low population densities. We examined the conservation status of the snakes from the Iberian Peninsula by applying two complementary methods. The first method, created by Filippi and Luiselli for a study of the Italian snakes conservation status, takes into account the ecological and non-ecological attributes which make species vulnerable to extinction. The second is a cartographic analysis which consists of calculating two indexes derived from the comparison of old and recent citations in UTM 10×10 km squares of Iberian snakes by means of extensive database sets. For each species, we calculated the percentage of recent citations, and the percentage of squares with both old and recent citations. Species with low proportion of recent citations and new squares appeared to be in decline. We found considerable coincidence between the two methods in the identification of the most threatened snake species: Vipera latastei, Coronella girondica ,a ndNatrix natrix. We suspect that the ecological specialisation and the low reproductive output make C. girondica and V. latastei prone to extinction when faced with environmental changes (i.e. habitat loss). For N. natrix, we argue that this semi-aquatic snake experiences suboptimal environmental conditions in Mediterranean habitats. A combination of both methods proved adequate to detect vulnerability to extinction of snake species, hence revealing an effective tool for establishing conservation strategies in snakes and other secretive faunas.
Assessment of Copper and Zinc in Soils of a Vineyard Region in the State of São Paulo, Brazil

This soil acidification may increase the bioavailability of copper (Cu) and zinc (Zn) in soils. The objective of this study was to verify the concentrations of Cu and Zn in soils of a vineyard region, including sample acidification, to simulate acid rain. The study was developed in an area of vineyard cultivation, with an adjacent land having other crops grown, in the state of Sao Paulo, Brazil. Soil samples were collected and GPS located under different uses and coverings. The extracted solutions used to determine the available Cu and Zn forms were diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid (DTPA), pH 7.3, and calcium chloride 0.01 M. The total forms were obtained by HNO3 digestion. The amounts of Cu and Zn extracted using DTPA were considered high in most of the samples and were greater in the areas cultivated with vineyards that had received fungicide applications for several decades. The total forms were higher in vineyard soils. The amounts of Cu and Zn extracted using CaCl2 did not have good correlation with vineyards or with other metals' forms. The results confirmed that the soil was enriched with Cu and Zn due to the management of the vineyards with chemicals for several decades.
Habitat Use by Middle Mississippi River Pallid Sturgeon

Abstract Little is known about the habitat preferences and needs of pallid sturgeon Scaphirhynchus albus, which was federally listed as endangered in 1990. To learn more about habitat use and selection by pallid sturgeon, sonic transmitters were surgically implanted in 27 individuals from the middle Mississippi River. Study fish were located 184 times (1–23 times/individual) from November 1995 to December 1999. Of the seven macrohabitats identified, pallid sturgeon were found most often in main-channel habitats (39% of all relocations) and main-channel border habitats (26%); the between-wing-dam habitats were used less often (14%). Strauss's linear selectivity index (Li ) values indicated that study fish exhibited positive selection for the main-channel border, downstream island tips, between-wing-dam, and wing-dam-tip habitats; they showed negative selection for main-channel, downstream of wing dams, and upstream of wing dam habitats. Comparison of Li values for four temperature ranges and three daily me.
FEDERAL RESERVE BANK OF SAN FRANCISCO WORKING PAPER SERIES Interest-Rate Liberalization and Capital Misallocations

We study the consequences of interest-rate liberalization in a two-sector general equilibrium model of China. The model captures a key feature of China’s distorted financial system: state-owned enterprises (SOEs) have greater incentive to expand production and easier access to credit than private firms. In this second-best environment, interest-rate liberalization can improve capital allocations within each sector, but can also exacerbate misallocations across sectors. Under calibrated parameters, the liberalization policy can reduce aggregate productivity and welfare unless other policy reforms are also implemented to alleviate SOEs’ distorted incentives or improve private firms’ credit access.
Rattlesnake Envenomation in Three Dairy Goats

Cases of rattlesnake envenomation in dairy goats are lacking. These cases present three dairy goats presented to a veterinary referral hospital for envenomation of Northern Pacific Rattlesnake (Crotalus oreganus). Treatments and clinical characteristics reported are similar to those for llamas, alpacas, and horses. These cases suggest that quick treatment in the event of a bite may have a more favorable clinical response. Existing rattlesnake bite scoring systems applicable to other species may be applicable to goats, and existing respiratory pathology may predispose goats to a less favorable outcome.
An Efficient Semiparametric Approach for Marker Gene Selection and Patient Classification

Microarray technology has made the genome-wide gene expression problem available simultaneously. The global geneexpression analysis helps biologist and physician to better understand the path physiological mechanisms. More specifically, it helps to better understand the mechanism of a disease, such as cancer, and thus makes improvement in diagnoses and treatment strategies. Microarray gene expression based classification has been considered by [1] for acute leukemia, [2] for classification of p53-regulated genes, [3] for tumor classification, [4] for small round blue-cell tumors, [5] for large B-cell lymphoma, among others. It has been reported by [6,7] that classification using gene expression data is promising in cancer classification and, more generally, disease classification.
Optimized Broadband Extinction Method for Retrieving 500 nm AOD with Long-Term Direct Solar Radiation: Model Test and Application

ABSTRACTA traditional broadband extinction method is improved by introducing the cloud-screening module and aerosol modal adjustment module, and the new approach is known as optimized broadband extinction method (OBEM). Based on OBEM, it could retrieve 500 nm aerosol optical depth (AOD) database with the use of direct solar radiation. Comparison of the monthly average AOD from OBEM and Chinese Sun Hazemeter Network (CSHNET) for 2006–2010 over Beijing site shows that the retrievals and observations display a high degree of consistency. The correlation equation is Y = 1.00X – 0.01 with a correlation coefficient R2 of 0.83 and root-mean-square error (RMSE) of 0.08. The largest relative error for the yearly average value is only 3.85%. So it is clear that the OBEM could serve as an effective tool to retrieve highly accurate historical 500 nm AOD data and implement homogenization with the current observational 500 nm AOD monitored by satellites and sun-photometers. The yearly average AOD of Beijing in 1993–2010 is 0.58 ± 0.03, and the seasonal AODs in MAM (March–April–May) and JJA (June–July–August) are obviously higher than SON (September–October–November) and DJF (December–January–February), with values of 0.70 ± 0.14 and 0.64 ± 0.16, respectively. The long-term 500 nm AOD reveal significant periodic inter-annual characteristics
Testing equality of spectral densities

We develop a test of the hypothesis that the spectral densities of a number m, m ≥ 2, not necessarily independent time series are equal. The test proposed is based on an appropriate L2-distance measure between the nonparametrically estimated individual spectral densities and an overall, ’pooled’ spectral density, the later being obtained using the whole set of m time series considered. The limiting distribution of the test statistic under the null hypothesis of equal spectral densities is derived and a novel frequency domain bootstrap method is presented in order to approximate more accurately this distribution. The asymptotic distribution of the test and its power properties for fixed alternatives are investigated. Some simulations are presented and a real-life data example is discussed.
Nutrient Exports Under Different Harvesting Regimes in Two Types of Larch Plantation with Different Age in Northeastern China

It has been confirmed in studies conducted in different regions and forest types that the harvesting regime has a significant impact on the export of nutrients from a plantation. Through establishing allometric growth equations and studying nutrient distribution patterns, the amounts of nutrients exported from larch (Larix spp.) plantations with different stand ages under different harvesting regimes (removal of stem wood, branches and bark (Rsbb), removal of stem wood and bark (Rsb), and removal of stem wood (Rs)) were determined in the present study. The results showed the following: 1) the organs of 20-year-old and 40-year-old larch trees exhibited basically the same nutrient distribution pattern. However, due to the difference in biomass partitioning in trees of these ages, they showed a significant difference in the cumulative amounts of nutrients in their organs. Specifically, the cumulative amounts of nutrient elements in the leaves and old branches of 20-year-old larch trees were significantly higher than in 40-year-old larch trees. However, the cumulative amounts of various nutrients in the xylem of the trunks of 20-year-old larch trees were significantly lower than in 40-year-old larch trees. 2) Compared with the Rsbb20, Rsbb40 or Rsb20 could result in significant decreases in the annual mean amounts of nutrients exported, the ratio of the annual mean total amount of nutrients exported to the annual net cumulative total amount of nutrients and the proportion of soil nutrients in the 0-30 cm soil layer. Changing the Rsbb20 to an Rsb40 or an Rs40 could further reduce the annual mean amounts of nutrients exported, the ratio of the annual mean total amount of nutrients exported to the annual net cumulative total amount of nutrients and the proportion of soil nutrients in the 0-30 cm soil layer. 3) Among the examined harvesting regimes, the Rs20 resulted in the lowest annual mean amounts of nutrients being exported. However, there was no significant difference in the annual mean amounts of nutrients exported between the Rs20 and the Rs40. The amounts of N, Ca and Mg exported under the Rs20 were slightly higher than under the Rs40, whereas the amounts of P and K exported under the Rs20 were slightly lower than under the Rs40. Hence, the harvesting regime is an important factor that results in the export of system nutrients and a decline in soil fertility. Therefore, prolonging the harvesting cycle and adopting Rs are two options for reducing the nutrients export.
The first generation college student experience: A case study

Background : For first-generation college students–the first in their families to seek postsecondary education--the college experience can be an especially isolating and stressful time. The high-stakes nursing environment may exacerbate the stress experienced by these nursing students. Methods : This article describes the case of a first generation nursing student who personifies the issues many students (FGS) first-generation college encounter in nursing education. The current literature related to barriers faced by FGS is reviewed. The literature was searched in nursing and educational databases (CINAHL, ERIC) for 2011-2016. Keywords used in the search included first generation college students, first generation nursing students, first generation college students and student retention. Results : Academic struggles, difficulty navigating college resources, and lack of a sense of belonging all interfere with the success of first-generation students. Recommendations for nursing faculty to assist these students to be successful are reviewed. Conclusions : Through the use of simple educational strategies, nursing faculty can address the obstacles that hinder first generation students at their institutions, providing them with the tools they need to successful.
Effect of selective logging on floristic and structural composition in a forest fragment from Amazon Biome

This study was conducted in one region of a Seasonal Semideciduous Forest located in Tapurah (Mato Grosso State, Brazil) with the aim of studying its floristic and structural composition. The fixed area method was applied to 10 × 250 m clusters, allocating and measuring five clusters with five subunits of 500 m² each. Species with a diameter at breast height greater than or equal to 10 cm were considered, and the sample sufficiency of the floristic survey was verified by a species accumulation curve. The similarities between the sample subunits were calculated by the Jaccard Similarity Index, and the species diversity with the Shannon Diversity Index and Pielou Evenness Index. The horizontal vegetation structure was characterized by density, frequency, dominance and the values of ecological importance, and diametric distribution were assessed by the Spiegel procedure. The families Vochysiaceae, Fabaceae and Sapindaceae were highly represented, and Qualea paraensis , Aspidosperma discolor and Matayba arborescens were the most important species. A high diversity and low ecological dominance were found, and the diametric structure of the trees presented a negative exponential distribution. In general, the structure, floristic composition and richness of vegetation correspond to a forest with stable and autoregenerative community after selective logging.
Grassland Grazing Contracts and Degradation: Relationship and Mechanism

Is there some relation between the degradation and grazing institution? This paper attempts to find internal mechanism among the institution, herdsman behavior and degradation. The behavior of herdsman once was analyzed in private property of grassland, although once opposed. A grazing contract model under uncertainty was built, with which the herding behavior was checked. To analyze the relationship and mechanism between contracts characteristics and grassland degradation, the relation between and different risk preferences were studied under the decentralized equilibrium of the contract through setting the different parameters to show the basic characteristics of the grazing contract. We reach the following conclusions: the risk preferences of the type of pastoral are important to grassland degradation. The fact means the party to a contract is risk-neutral and will lead to overgrazation. Grassland degradation will arise in some situation expected utility maximization, even when both parties are risk averse. The conclusion is similar Elinor Ostrom’s points in 1990 that private property rights of grasslands may not the only, even not the best solution.
THE BILINGUAL ADVANTAGE IN COGNITIVE CONTROL Does Language Translate to Executive Functions ? Investigating the Bilingual Advantage in Executive Control

Given that twenty-percent of the U.S. population speaks a language other than English at home, it is imperative to assess the effect of a second language on brain structure and function. The bilingual advantage hypothesis claims that command over two languages leads to enhanced non-linguistic cognition. The need of a bilingual to maintain both languages active simultaneously, inhibit one, and flexibly switch between both may transfer to executive control (EC) functions. The present study investigates the effect of monoand bilingualism on inhibitory control and cognitive flexibility across age groups. Implementing an online format, monoand bilinguals (ages 18-89, n = 334) of diverse language parities completed a language background and demographic questionnaire. EC performance was assessed using a Simon task, taskswitching paradigm, and directed forgetting (DF) paradigm. In addition, Shipley-II vocabulary and block patterns tests served to assess crystallized and fluid intelligence. It was hypothesized that bilinguals would outperform monolinguals on all tasks and that this difference would be most pronounced in older ages. Further, it was hypothesized that amongst bilinguals, age of active onset, language proficiency, and amount of language switching would be most predictive of outcomes. A moderated regression showed that after controlling for various lifestyle factors, middle-aged bilinguals showed faster reaction times than their monolingual counterparts, suggestive of a Bilingual Executive Processing Advantage (BEPA) rather than a Bilingual Inhibitory Control Advantage (BICA). Results also revealed that this trend disappeared in the task-switching paradigm, a more demanding task. Finally, young bilinguals showed greater item recall on the DF paradigm, suggesting improved maintenance of information in the presence of interfering information. Multiple hierarchical regressions revealed no significant predictive value of various bilingual experiences on task outcomes, except for a putative role of age of active onset on Simon effect outcomes.
CHEMICAL AND STRUCTURAL EVOLUTION OF "METAMORPHIC VERMICULITE" IN METACLASTIC ROCKS OF THE BETIC CORDILLERA, MÁLAGA, SPAIN: A SYNTHESIS

Nous avons etudie les mineraux de type vermiculite provenant d'une sequence metamorphique des Cordilleres Betiques pres de Mâlaga, dans le sud-est de l'Espagne, au moyen de diffraction X, d'une microsonde electronique, et par microscopie electronique par transmission avec capacite analytique. Nos resultats montrent que la transformation de chlorite a biotite est beaucoup plus complexe qu'on ne l'avait soupconne. En plus de mineraux a feuillets mixtes ayant un rapport mica:chlorite de 2:1 et 1:1, qui avaient deja ete signales, nous trouvons des phases a feuillets mixtes ayant des rapports chlorite:vermiculite tres eleves ou tres faibles, ainsi que la vermiculite classique, comme stades intermediaires dans la transformation de chlorite a biotite. La sequence observee est: chlorite → phases a feuillets mixtes ordonnees ou non ayant un rapport mica-chlorite de 1:2 → une intercalation reguliere 1:1 de chlorite et vermiculite → phases a feuillets mixtes de chlorite et vermiculite enrichies en vermiculite → vermiculite → biotite. Cette sequence est marquee par une augmentation continue de la teneur en cations interfoliaires, et ressemble a celle qui a ete decrite dans le cas de la transformation de smectite a illite, La teneur elevee en Na de la plupart de ces phases fait penser qu'en l'absence de feldspath potassique, deux sites de reactifs, chlorite + phengite et chlorite + albite, agissent en parallele et rendent compte de la formation de phases vermiculitiques et, eventuellement, de la biotite.
Stocking Rate and Weather Impacts on Sand Sagebrush and Grasses: A 20-Year Record

Abstract Understanding how stocking rate or grazing intensity affects the abundance of common plant species is fundamental to the sustainable management of rangelands. We had the unique opportunity to determine the impact of stocking rate on shrub canopy cover and grass basal cover in a sand sagebrush (Artemisia filifolia Torr.) grassland of the Southern Plains, United States. Treatments were imposed over a 20-year time span that included an entire precipitation cycle from wet to dry and back to wet conditions. From 1941 until 1951, continuous stocking treatments of 41, 53, and 82 animal-unit-days ha−1 (AUD·ha−1) were imposed with straight-bred Hereford steers (initial weight of 213 kg ± 11 SE) for about 320 days from mid-November to late September of the next year. From 1952 through 1961, the experimental pastures were grazed yearlong by cow-calf pairs at 45, 60, and 87 AUD·ha−1. Canopy cover of shrubs and basal cover of grasses were measured by the line-intercept method in 1940, 1942, 1949, 1955, 1958, and 1961. Canopy cover of sand sagebrush was not affected by stocking rate. Individual grass species exhibited positive and negative responses to stocking rate in some years, but no grass species responded to stocking rate in a single direction over the entire length of this long-term study. Stocking rate effects were most obvious under favorable conditions of high precipitation, but these effects were absent during drought. Climatic variability and slope gradient exerted the primary controlling influences on sand sagebrush-grasslands in the Southern Great Plains when stocking rates were within the bounds tested in this study.
Empirical Investigation of Service Quality in Ghanaian Hospitals

Service quality within the health sector in Ghana has been of great concern to many. For years, the quality of health services in hospitals has come under intense scrutiny and this has become more worrying in recent times. This study was undertaken to assess perceived service quality in hospitals located in the Greater Accra Region of Ghana. The research was a cross-sectional survey which employed the use of a modified SERVQUAL questionnaire that was administered to 400 outpatients in the Greater Accra region of Ghana. Data obtained from the study was analyzed quantitatively using descriptive statistics, exploratory factor analysis and multiple regressions. Findings of the study revealed that, of the six dimensions used in the study, empathy, tangibility, reliability and affordability were the most significant predictors of service quality in Ghanaian hospitals. Although responsiveness and assurance are also considered in determining service quality, they were of less significance in this study. Furthermore, empathy emerged as the best predictor of service quality. Key words: Perception, Service quality, Ghanaian hospitals
English as a Key Employability Capacity: Perspectives from Vietnamese Students and Lecturers

Building on a research trend that unravels the relationship between English language and employability (e.g., Erling, 2014; Hamid, 2015), this study explored 617 Vietnamese students and six lecturers’ perspectives regarding university students’ English as an employability skill. A mixed method was employed to collect both survey and interview data in three major universities in North Vietnam. The data investigated students’ levels of confidence, in relation to both their English competency and career skills performed in English. The results indicated students’ high level of uncertainty in both their English and career skills performed in English, which corresponded to their insufficient English for employability purposes. Specifically, over 80% of the students indicated their uncertainty about seeking employment that required English. The study provides recommendations for improving pedagogies, policies and practices to promote English as an employable skill for the multifaceted demands of the global job market.
Critical Review: In individuals with sensorineural hearing loss, are there benefits of open-canal hearing aid fittings relative to those of traditional fittings?

This critical review examines the benefits of open-canal hearing aid fittings relative to those of traditional fittings. The relative benefits of open-canal fittings have been described using varying parameters; the occlusion effect, aided sound localization and subjective measures have all been used to demonstrate the advantages of open-canal fittings relative to traditional hearing instrument fittings. Overall, research suggests that fitting patients with open-canal hearing instruments, when appropriate, does decrease the occlusion effect, improve aided sound localization abilities, and leads to an overall increase in subjective patient satisfaction.