Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Exploring the contributions of vegetation and dune size to early dune development using unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) imaging

Abstract. Dune development along highly dynamic land–sea boundaries is the result of interaction between vegetation and dune size with sedimentation and erosion processes. Disentangling the contribution of vegetation characteristics from that of dune size would improve predictions of nebkha dune development under a changing climate, but has proven difficult due to the scarcity of spatially continuous monitoring data. This study explored the contributions of vegetation and dune size to dune development for locations differing in shelter from the sea. We monitored a natural nebkha dune field of 8 ha, along the coast of the island Texel, the Netherlands, for 1 year using an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) with camera. After constructing a digital surface model and orthomosaic we derived for each dune (1) vegetation characteristics (species composition, vegetation density, and maximum vegetation height), (2) dune size (dune volume, area, and maximum height), (3) degree of shelter (proximity to other nebkha dunes and the sheltering by the foredune). Changes in dune volume over summer and winter were related to vegetation, dune size and degree of shelter. We found that a positive change in dune volume (dune growth) was linearly related to initial dune volume over summer but not over winter. Big dunes accumulated more sand than small dunes due to their larger surface area. Exposed dunes increased more in volume (0.81 % per dune per week) than sheltered dunes (0.2 % per dune per week) over summer, while the opposite occurred over winter. Vegetation characteristics did not significantly affect dune growth in summer, but did significantly affect dune growth in winter. Over winter, dunes dominated by Ammophila arenaria, a grass species with high vegetation density throughout the year, increased more in volume than dunes dominated by Elytrigia juncea, a grass species with lower vegetation density (0.43 vs. 0.42 (m3 m−3) week−1). The effect of species was irrespective of dune size or distance to the sea. Our results show that dune growth in summer is mainly determined by dune size, whereas in winter dune growth was determined by vegetation type. In our study area the growth of exposed dunes was likely restricted by storm erosion, whereas growth of sheltered dunes was restricted by sand supply. Our results can be used to improve models predicting coastal dune development.
Developing a Framework for the Elicitation and Analysis of Teachers’ Verbal Reports[1]

Abstract abstract Research on teaching has recently focused on the cognitive aspects of teachers’ work, using a variety of verbal report procedures. It is argued that the models implicit in this research frequently underestimate the complexity of teachers’ professional thinking and that teachers’ verbal report data reveal characteristics of teaching which research on teachers’ cognitions fails to acknowledge. It is suggested that a closer examination of the nature of verbal reports and of their status, and a more critical examination of the models that have been brought to the investigation of teachers’ thinking, is required in order to lead to any conceptual advance in this area. [1] This paper was originally presented at an invited symposium at the American Educational Research Association Annual Meeting, San Francisco, 1986.
Pollination effectiveness of different strawberry floral visitors in Ribatejo, Portugal: selection of potential pollinators. Part 2

This study was carried out in a strawberry (Fragaria × ananassa Duch.) field located in Ribatejo, Por- tugal, and aims to describe the qualitative component of the visits for three strawberry floral visitors, attaining the best results in a previous work. The main objectives were: (1) to assess the pollination rate (PR) resulting from a single visit of Apis mellifera L. , Syrphidae and native bees, and (2) to characterize the foraging behaviour of each of these categories in order to select the potential pollinators of strawberry crops under open field con- ditions in the Ribatejo. All analysed categories were shown to be potentially useful pollinators, since there were no significant differences among them in the pollination rates, after a single visit. The observed distinct foraging behaviour among them did not result in significantly different pollination rates. Growers are recommended to take advantage of the several pollinators, either the honey bee or the native pollinators (Syrphidae and native bees). The importance of diversifying pollination sources, avoiding the dependence on a single specific group is stressed. This study also suggests measures which envisage the conservation, establishment and increase of native pollinators' populations in the typical agro-ecosystem of the Ribatejo region.
A classification of all finite index subfactors for a class of group-measure space II_1 factors

We provide a family of group measure space II_1 factors for which all finite index subfactors can be explicitly listed. In particular, the set of all indices of irreducible subfactors can be computed. Concrete examples show that this index set can be any set of natural numbers that is closed under taking divisors.
What's in a name? Racial identity and altruism in post-apartheid South Africa

This paper reports the results of an economic experiment which was designed to test the effect of racial identity on generosity in a non-strategic setting. A sample of undergraduate University students was recruited to participate in a Dictator game, where surnames of individuals were revealed to convey information about racial identity. Results indicate that compared to a set of control experiments where participant identity was kept anonymous, revealing racial identity has a significant and positive impact on the size of the offers made. However, while Black participants did not vary their offers based on the racial identity of their partners, White participants were more generous towards White partners than Black partners, exhibiting insider favouritism in their offers.
NETWORKS: REIFIED METAPHOR OR GOVERNANCE PANACEA?

This article will discuss the contribution of Rod Rhodes to the research on networks. I will focus on networks as a typology of state/society relations and as a particular form of governance. It is not only here that Rhodes has left his deepest mark; most research on networks still falls in one of the two sub-fields. The typology of policy networks, which he developed with David Marsh more than 15 years ago, has become a classic and still forms a major reference point for studies on public policy-making. Rhodes also pioneered the concept of network governance in the study of British politics to capture the profound changes in the Westminister model since the late 1970s. Regarding more recent developments, Rhodes has been among the first to discuss the reflexivity of networks, introducing some postmodernist thinking into public administration research. Finally, Rhodes has helped advance the ‘ethnographic turn’ in network studies.
Phosphorus concentrations and geochemistry in California margin sediments

The ocean history of reactive phosphorus (P) (i.e., dissolved P available to fuel oceanic primary productivity) is of interest because of the role of P as a biolimiting nutrient, and knowledge of P burial in marine sediments is key to testing hypotheses about temporal changes in P input or output fluxes. Our understanding of the history of the P cycle over the Cenozoic has increased substantially with temporal records of reactive P mass accumulation rates from open-ocean Pacific and Atlantic equatorial sites. However, questions about the relative importance of nutrient burial in ocean-margin sediments relative to burial in open-ocean sediments and about the extent of P remobilization in organic-rich, reducing environments characteristic of margin sediments remain unresolved. Nutrient burial in oceanic boundary current systems has been suggested to have a controlling role in oceanic nutrient budgets in certain time intervals (Vincent and Berger, 1985), with higher sediment accumulation rates balancing the limited spatial extent of these sediments. Some investigators suggest that remobilization of P from reducing sediments in margin settings is a significant positive feedback to primary productivity (e.g., Van Cappellan and Ingall, 1994), whereas other results indicate that both P uptake and P release may occur in these settings depending on the balance of organic carbon and iron supply to the sediments and on the oxygenation of bottom waters (McManus et al., 1997). It is important to quantitatively understand the geochemistry of reactive P in margin sediments, where productivity and delivery of organic-rich material to the sediments in relatively shallow-water settings is often sufficient to promote anoxia in interstitial waters. To address these questions, we determined the P concentrations and geochemistry in sediment samples from eight sites drilled during Ocean Drilling Program (ODP) Leg 167, California margin (Sites 1010–1012, 1014, 1016–1017, and 1021–1022). These results are the first records of reactive P concentrations on long time scales— required for the calculation of P accumulation rates—for sediments from a highly productive eastern boundary current setting. In addition, we determined calcium carbonate contents and biogenic silica concentrations to define the environments of sedimentary production, burial, and diagenesis.
Production of biological nanoparticles from bovine serum albumin for drug delivery

Bovine serum albumin (BSA) was used for generation of nanoparticles in a drug delivery system. The size of the fabricated nano-particles was measure by laser light scanning. Several process parameters were examined to achieve a suitable size of nanoparticle such as pH, temperature, BSA concentration, agitation speed, glutaraldehyde concentration, organic solvent adding rate and the ratio of BSA/organic solvent. The smallest size of nanoparticles achieved, was 101 nm and the largest size was 503 nm. The most effective parameters for the fabrication of the nanoparticles were the agitation speed and the media temperature. The minimum size of nanoparticles at the desired incubator of 4°C and constant agitation rate of 300 - 400 rpm was obtained. The impact of protein concentration and additional rate of organic solvent (i.e. ethanol) upon the particle size was investigated. The protein concentration of 5-40 mg.ml-1 was resulted; the main effect on the particle size and minimum mean size diameter gained was 30 mg.ml-1 protein concentration. The nanoparticle sample was purified with 50,000 g centrifuge then followed by dialysis, micro and ultrafiltration and then analyzed by SEM, PCS as well as SDS gel electrophoresis.
Changes of biological communities in the Eastern Gulf of Finland during the last century

Changes in biological diversity of the Neva Estuary (eastern Gulf of Finland), which is one of the largest Baltic estuaries, were assessed by means of BSRP SGEH priority indicators. They include macrophytobenthos, macrozoobenthos, alien species, ichthyofauna, avifauna, mammals and a portion of the territory covered by the protected areas. The most prominent biodiversity changes were observed in the upper freshwater Neva Bay, and moderate changes, in the lower brackish part of the estuary. Eutrophication, alien species and dredging activities are the major threats to biodiversity of the estuary. At present, alien species contribute about 8 per cent of species richness, however, 60-90 per cent of the biomass of bottom animals. Filamentous algae blooms affect biodiversity of zoobenthos in the shallow coastal zone. The climate-mediated fluctuations in near-bottom oxygen conditions are responsible for deterioration of zoobenthos in the open waters of the estuary. The decline of the benthic aboriginal crustaceans led to impairment of food conditions for fish and to a sharp reduction of their populations, which, in turn, was partly responsible for the population decline of ringed seals. Milder winters have also contributed to the decline in the numbers of this species. Dredging activities related to construction of new lands and ports are the main factor affecting fish, submerged macrophytes and waterfowl in Neva Bay. A considerable part of fish spawning grounds and waterfowl habitats in Neva Bay has been lost during the last decades. The long-term measures for conservation and improving of biodiversity should take into account periodicity of climatic changes and planned development of the region.
Institutional Environment and Bank Capital Ratios

We investigate the influence of the institutional environment on bank capital ratios. Using a sample of 149 banks operating in the Middle East and North Africa region for the period 2004 to 2014, we find that, when stock markets have little presence, institutional variables significantly affect risk-weighted regulatory capital ratios but not leverage ratios. Conversely, when stock markets are more developed, only leverage ratios are influenced by institutional factors. Our results also indicate that institutional variables affect non-weighted equity-to-asset ratios of banks that are listed on a stock exchange. Our findings contribute to the bank capital structure literature and have important policy implications for developing countries.
Electronic Structure near the Fermi Surface in the Quasi-One-Dimensional Conductor Li0.9Mo6O17

The electronic properties of the quasi-one-dimensional (1D) oxide conductor Li{sub 0.9}Mo {sub 6}O{sub 17} have been investigated using high-momentum and energy resolution photoelectron spectroscopy at temperatures above and below the metal-semiconductor transition temperature. Considerable spectral intensity at the Fermi energy (E{sub F}) is observed at room temperature, and a sharp feature corresponding to a band crossing E{sub F} is clearly resolved for states along the quasi-1D axis. Below the metal-semiconductor transition at 24thinspthinspK, a gap is clearly observed to open at E{sub F} . Our data do not support the assertion that the low energy excitations of electrons in Li{sub 0.9}Mo {sub 6}O{sub 17} should be described in a Luttinger liquid model. {copyright} {ital 1999} {ital The American Physical Society }
A determination of raw milk quality and the most suitable microbiological test at the milk collection level in two regions of Kenya

A study was conducted in two high dairy potential areas of Kenya to determine the bacteriological and compositional quality of milk produced by small scale farmers and the best microbiological test that could be applied at the milk collection level. A total of 297 milk samples were collected from both study sites. Direct and indirect bacteriological analysis of the milk was done using the total count, coliform count, titratable acidity and resazurin tests. Compositional analysis was done by testing for the fat content, solids not fat (SNF), density, protein and added water using a milk analyzer (Lactoscan). The results obtained from the assessment of the bacteriological and compositional quality were judged against the Kenya Bureau of Standards (KeBS) bench marks. Both regions had most of the samples analysed (≥77%) within the acceptable bacteriological quality levels. Test for correlation was done between the direct and indirect microbiological tests. Significant positive correlation (P<0.05) was found between the Resazurin test and the Total count and Coliform count test in both study areas. No significant correlation was found between the Titratable acidity and the Total count and Coliform count tests. On compositional analysis, the average pH, fat and the freezing point were within the recommended ranges while the SNF, protein and density were below the recommended ranges. Added water was above the limit set indicating presence of adulteration. Most of the milk collected from the study area was within the established bench marks in Kenya. However, there was need to strengthen milk testing at the collection centre level. The resazurin test was found to be a good indicator test for milk quality that could be applied at the collection level.
Effects of dietary conjugated linoleic acid (CLA), n-3 and n-6 fatty acids on performance and carcass traits of broiler chickens

An experiment was conducted on broiler chickens to study the effects of conjugated linoleic acid (CLA), fish oil, soybean oil or their mixtures (at 7% for single and 3.5% + 3.5% for mixtures) as well as up 12% dosage of palm oil, on the performance and carcass traits of broiler chickens. The chicks fed 7% fish oil or 7% CLA diets were found to have the most inferior weight gain in grower and finisher phases, respectively. A significant reduction in feed intake was observed with diets containing 7% fish oil. However, adding CLA to the diets regardless of the associated dietary fat, did not affect birds feed intake. The dietary fish oil and CLA adversely affected the feed conversion ratio as well as carcass yield. Dietary palm oil (at 12% level) and CLA (at 7% level) increased the abdominal fat pad and liver weights, respectively. The results of this study show that the high dosage of fish oil or CLA can reduce broiler chickens performance but their combination with soybean oil as n-6 fatty acid source can moderate these adverse effects.
Testers for combining ability and selection of papaya hybrids resistant to fungal diseases

Genetic resistance represents a sustainable alternative to disease control in papaya crop. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the use of testers to estimate combining ability and select hybrids resistant to black spot, phoma spot and chocolate spot. The experiment was conducted in a randomized block design with two replications and 20 plants per plot. The severity of phoma spot and black spot on leaves and the lesion area of black spot and chocolate spot on fruits were evaluated in two seasons. The combining ability of the following crosses is negative for all traits: tester 'JS 12' with 'Sunrise Solo' and 'Kaphoro Solo PV'; tester 'Americano' with 'Caliman M5', 'Sunrise Solo', 'Baixinho de Santa Amalia' and 'Waimanalo'; and tester 'Maradol' with 'Caliman G', 'Caliman AM' and 'Sunrise Solo PT'. These results may be useful in breeding for disease resistance by hybridization.
Identification of Individuals for Directorship Roles: Evaluation of a University’s Succession Management

Identification of potential individuals for leadership roles is a critical aspect of a succession management programme, as other aspects of the programme depend on an effective identification. This study evaluates how the University of Cape Coast (UCC) in Ghana identifies potential non-academic senior members for directorship roles. We collected qualitative data through in-depth interviewing of nine directors at the university. We analysed the data using constant comparison analysis by developing three themes, under each of which we presented similar categories of data. We found that the criteria for identification of potential directors include seniority; both internal and external sources; and familiarity with the culture, the legal framework, and the higher educational system. We conclude that UCC does not operate a structured, formal succession management but fills leadership vacancies through the traditional recruitment and selection method, an all-inclusive approach which we argue is not suitable for identifying and developing potential individuals for leadership positions.
Deciphering the Local Interstellar Spectra of Primary Cosmic-Ray Species with HelMod

Local interstellar spectra (LIS) of primary cosmic ray (CR) nuclei, such as helium, oxygen, and mostly primary carbon are derived for the rigidity range from 10 MV to ∼200 TV using the most recent experimental results combined with the state-of-the-art models for CR propagation in the Galaxy and in the heliosphere. Two propagation packages, GALPROP and HelMod, are combined into a single framework that is used to reproduce direct measurements of CR species at different modulation levels, and at both polarities of the solar magnetic field. The developed iterative maximum-likelihood method uses GALPROP-predicted LIS as input to HelMod, which provides the modulated spectra for specific time periods of the selected experiments for model–data comparison. The interstellar and heliospheric propagation parameters derived in this study are consistent with our prior analyses using the same methodology for propagation of CR protons, helium, antiprotons, and electrons. The resulting LIS accommodate a variety of measurements made in the local interstellar space (Voyager 1) and deep inside the heliosphere at low (ACE/CRIS, HEAO-3) and high energies (PAMELA, AMS-02).
A prospective study of Mannheim peritonitis index as a prognostic scale in analysis of outcome in hollow viscus perforation

Peritoneum inflammation, called peritonitis, presents most commonly due to localized or generalized infection caused from various probable factors. Secondary peritonitis is the most common and follows an intraperitoneal source usually from perforation of hollow viscera. Acute generalized peritonitis coming forth due to underlying hollow viscus perforation is a critical and lifethreatening medical condition. It is a common surgical emergency in most of the general surgical units, across the world. It is often associated with significant morbidity and mortality. The prognosis and outcome of peritonitis depend upon the interaction of many factors, including patient-related factors, disease-specific factors, and diagnostic and therapeutic interventions. Categorizing patients into different risk groups would help prognosticate the outcome, select patients for intensive care and determine operative risk, thereby helping to choose the nature of the operative procedure, e.g. damage control vs. definitive procedure. various scoring systems have been used to assess the prognosis and outcome of peritonitis. Those used include the Acute Physiological and Chronic Health Evaluation score (APACHE II) (1985), the Mannheim Peritonitis Index (MPI) (1983), the Peritonitis Index ABSTRACT
Carbon budgets for an irrigated intensively grazed dairy pasture and an unirrigated winter-grazed pasture

Abstract. Intensification of pastoral agriculture is occurring rapidly across New Zealand, including increasing use of irrigation and fertiliser application in some regions. While this enables greater gross primary production (GPP) and livestock grazing intensity, the consequences for the net ecosystem carbon budget (NECB) of the pastures are poorly known. Here, we determined the NECB over one year for an irrigated, fertilised and rotationally grazed dairy pasture and a neighbouring unirrigated, unfertilised, winter-grazed pasture. Primary terms in the NECB calculation were: net ecosystem production (NEP), biomass carbon removed by grazing cows and carbon (C) input from their excreta. Annual NEP was measured using the eddy-covariance method. Carbon removal was estimated with plate-meter measurements calibrated against biomass collections, pre- and post-grazing. Excreta deposition was calculated from animal feed intake. The intensively managed pasture gained C (NECB = 103 ± 42 g C m−2 yr−1) but would have been subject to a non-significant C loss if cattle excreta had not been returned to the pasture. The unirrigated pasture was C-neutral (NECB = −13 ± 23 g C m−2 yr−1). While annual GPP of the former was almost twice that of the latter (2679 vs. 1372 g C m−2 yr−1), ecosystem respiration differed by only 68 % between the two pastures (2271 vs. 1352 g C m−2 yr−1). The ratio of GPP to the total annual water input of the irrigated pasture was 37 % greater than that of the unirrigated pasture, i.e. the former used the water input more efficiently than the latter to produce biomass. The NECB results agree qualitatively with those from many other eddy-covariance studies of grazed grasslands, but they seem to be at odds with long-term carbon-stock studies of other New Zealand pastures.