Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Modeling The Effect Of Spatial Externalities On Invasive Species Management

Changes in production conditions associated with biological invasions can be complex. As a result, modeling invasive species management decisions can be difficult. Modeling these decisions is further compounded by externalities associated with spatial relationships among growers. In order to calculate optimal management decisions, an accurate bioeconomic model of the feedback between grower decisions and the new biological interactions created by an invasive species population is needed. In this paper, a bioeconomic model is used to explicitly analyze how externalities caused by spatial relationships among agricultural producers affect optimal invasive species management decisions. The example of the coordinated greenhouse whitefly management in the Oxnard, CA, area is discussed. This is an interesting example because of the complex cycle of host crops used by the whitefly and the effect this cycle has on the optimal whitefly management decisions for strawberry growers. Three research objectives achieved in this paper include first, using the model to assess how the spatial relationship among growers affects incentives for regional invasive pest management. Second, analyze whether current policies could be adjusted to substitute for coordination among growers. Third, the use of the bioeconomic model to identify factors for this specific case that affect whether or not growers may voluntarily coordinate their management decisions. We find that spatial relationships among growers affect the need for coordination in the strawberry/whitefly case. Whitefly migrations across host crop fields require growers to manage the whitefly on a regional basis in order to maximize strawberry producer welfare. The results also indicate that the amount of effort needed to achieve coordination required is limited; the only requirement is that information related to field management be shared among growers of whitefly host crops. The results from the bioeconomic model describe the biological and economic feedback of the grower's decision which allows policymakers to identify the willingness of producers to coordinate at various times of year. In the Oxnard strawberry/whitefly case, for example, growers will not find it optimal to adjust their application timing for a second immigration of adult greenhouse whiteflies when they occur near the end of the season, such as in May or June, but will for earlier points in the season. Three policy implications of the results from the strawberry/whitefly case are also discussed in the paper. First, adjustments to current policies regulating whitefly management do not remove the need for coordination among growers to them. Also, it was found that current policies do not, by themselves, generate the need for coordination. Finally, the results show it is not always necessary to create a central agency for regional invasive species management.
Effect of Plant Population on the Growth and Yield of Mucuna Flagellipes (Vogel ex Hook) in an Ultisol, South Nigeria

The effect of plant population on the growth and yield Mucuna flagellipes (Vogel ex Hook) was conducted for two cropping seasons (2013 and 2014) in the Teaching and Research farm, Department of Agronomy, Cross River University of Technology Obubra, Cross River State. The experimentwas laid out in a randomized complete block design (RCBD). Treatments comprised four plant populations of 33,333, 16,666, 10,000 and 8,333 plants/ha and there were three replications. Data collected were statistically analyzed using Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) procedure for a randomized complete block design. Close spacing with high plant population significantly (p < 0.05) reduced the number of leaves, branches and dry matter of plant fractions per plant. The longest vine of 594.1 and 651.3cm and leaf area index of 7.462 and 7.609 were produced in plant population of 33,333 plants/ha at 24 WAP in 2013 and 2014 cropping seasons respectively. Pod and seed yield per plant were higher in plots with the least plant population of 8,333 plants/ha as compared with other higher plant population of 33,333 and 16,666 plants/ha. The highest Mucuna flagellipes seed yield of 2.85 and 2.91 tons/ha were produced from plots with 33,333 plants/ha in 2013 and 2014 cropping seasons.
THREATS TO BIODIVERSITY CONSERVATION IN CROSS RIVER NATIONAL PARK, NIGERIA

Cross River National Park (CRNP) is a naturally endowed “biodiversity hotspot” with diverse resources ranging from picturesque topography, rivers, fauna and flora. However, the rate of illegal activities in the park is posing serious threats to these resources. This study investigated different forms of threats facing biodiversity conservation in the park between 1991 and 2012. The study revealed that logging, fishing/water poisoning, illegal entry and collection of Non Timber Forest Products (NTFP) were the common forms of threats in the park. Logging was ranked as the major threat to biodiversity conservation in the park by 42.05% of the respondents, while illegal entry posed the least threat (2.27%). Management constraints identified as threats to biodiversity conservation were inadequate funding, inadequate patrol equipment, unmotivated staff (poor salary) and inadequate support from communities bordering the park. The highest arrest of poachers (79) was recorded in 2008. Implications of these threats are loss of habitat, reduction in fauna resources amongst others.
Evaluation of yield of components of sorghum/cowpea intercrops in the Sudan Savanna ecological zone

An experiment to evaluate the performance of some improved cowpea genotypes intercropped with sorghum in single alternate row arrangement was conducted at Minjibir, Kano, Nigeria. 30 cowpea genotypes differing in maturity and growth habits and local sorghum variety were used. The results indicated that a medium maturing genotype, IT95K-222-14 produced the highest grain yield while Danila, a medium maturing improve local cultivar, recorded the highest fodder yield. Some late maturing, spreading cowpea genotypes produced little or no grain yield. The yield and yield components of sorghum were not affected by cowpea genotype. Analysis of the intercrop productivity (LER) demonstrated that intercropping sorghum with IT95K-222-14 gave the highest value (1.88). Based on high grain and fodder yields, intercrop productivity Danila, IT90K-277-2, IT95K-1091-3, IT96D-759, IT96D-666 and IT95K-222-14 could be selected for improving the productivity of sorghum/cowpea mixture in the Sudan savanna.
Challenging Conformity: A Case for Diversity

Why do diverse groups outperform homogeneous groups in some settings, but not in others? We show that while diverse groups experience more frictions than homogeneous ones, they are also less conformist. Homogeneous groups minimize the risk of miscoordination, but they may get stuck in an inefficient equilibrium. Diverse groups may fail to coordinate, but if they do, they tend to attain efficiency. This fundamental tradeoff determines how the optimal level of diversity varies with social and economic factors. When it is vitally important to avoid miscoordination, homogeneous groups are optimal. However, when it is critical to implement new and efficient practices, diverse groups perform better.
Evidence from authigenic uranium for increased productivity of the glacial subantarctic ocean

Authigenic uranium is precipitated in reducing sediments and therefore responds both to changes in particulate organic carbon flux to the sediment and to changes in the oxygen concentration of bottom waters. By examining a large number of cores over a wide latitudinal and depth range in the Atlantic sector of the Southern Ocean, we hope to distinguish between a predominantly productivity-driven authigenic U signal and a circulation or sediment-focusing signal. We find little to no authigenic U in Holocene sediments throughout the South Atlantic Ocean. Glacial sediments north of ∼40°S lack authigenic U, whereas sediments from the Subantarctic Zone show substantial enrichments in authigenic U relative to the Holocene (up to ∼5.3 ppm). The widespread distribution of glacial U enrichment, even in cores with no glacial-interglacial change in mass accumulation rate, implies that U deposition was not caused by an increased supply of organic carbon via sediment focusing. Authigenic U and organic carbon in a shallow core (∼1000 m) from the Subantarctic region show the same glacial increase found in the deep cores. Because this site was well ventilated during the Last Glacial Maximum, its record provides further evidence that increased glacial productivity of the Subantarctic region contributed to the high concentrations of authigenic U found in the glacial sections of deep cores.
Communicating expectancies about others

The linguistic expectancy bias hypothesis predicts that, in general, person impressions are shared with others via subtle differences in the level of linguistic abstraction that is used to communicate expected and unexpected information about an individual. In a two-part communication experiment, we examined this hypothesis. In the first part of the experiment communicators were asked to provide a description of an event where a good friend had behaved in an expected or unexpected way. In the second part, recipients of these stories who were blind to the conditions under which the description was generated judged whether the story target's behavior was due to dispositional or situational factors. Behaviors in expected events were judged to be more dispositional relative to behaviors in unexpected events. As predicted, the level of linguistic abstraction mediated this effect. It is concluded that person impressions may be transmitted and formed at an interpersonal level via differential language use. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Process data descriptions for the production of synthetic organic materials : input data for the MATTER study

This report describes technologies for the production of synthetic organic materials. It is a result of the MATTER study (MATerials Technologies for CO2 Emission Reduction). The MATTER study focuses on reduction of CO2 emissions caused by the use of energy and materials. This report aims at providing input data for the MARKAL model at ECN.
High and Low Frequency Correlations in Global Equity Markets

This study models high and low frequency variation in global equity correlations using a comprehensive sample of 43 countries that includes developed and emerging markets, during the period 1995-2008. These two types of variations are modeled following the semi-parametric Factor-Spline-GARCH approach of Rangel and Engle (2008). This framework is extended and modified to incorporate the effect of multiple factors and to address the issue of non-synchronicity in international markets. Our empirical analysis suggests that the slow-moving dynamics of global correlations can be described by the Factor-Spline-GARCH specifications using either weekly or daily data. The analysis shows that the low frequency component of global correlations increased in the current financial turmoil; however, this increase was not equally distributed across countries. The countries that experienced the largest increase in correlations were mainly emerging markets.
Effects of 1-methylcylopropene ( 1-MCP ) and Modifed Atmopshere Packing ( MAP ) on postharvest browning and microbial growth of loquat fruit

"Champagne de Grasse" loquat fruits were initially treated with 0 (control), 312.5 ppb and 625 ppb of 1-methylcylopropene (1-MCP) for 6 h at 20°C. After 6 h, treated fruits were divided into the two main groups: within the fi rst main group, 1-MCP treated fruits were placed in Modifed Atmopshere Packing (MAP) and stored for 12 days at 5°C with 90% of relative humidity (RH). Control fruits without exposure to 1-MCP were placed in MAP and maintained under the identical storage conditions. Within the second main group, 1-MCP treated fruits were subjected to two different storage temperatures. The fi rst were placed in trays and then kept for 12 days of storage at 5°C with 90% of RH and the second group was stored for 9 days at 20°C with 60% of RH. Similarly, the control not subjected to 1MCP treatment was maintained under the same condition. Treatment groups and control were examined for the following parameters: the fl esh fruit fi rmness, total soluble solid (TSS) content, titratable acidity (TA), color value (L and Chroma), browning index and microbial quality. Unpacked 1-MCP treatments (312.5 and 625 ppb) improved the storage quality of loquat fruits, but, the most effi cient treatment was achieved with 625 ppb of 1-MCP. However, the combination of 1-MCP and MAP revealed a better effect on maintaining the fruit quality as indicated by the delay of softening, deterioration rates, TA, browning rate and the signifi cant inhibition of total aerobic mesophiles, psychrotrophic aerobic bacteria, yeast and molds during the whole storage period. The results indicated that the most effi cient application in all treatments was obtained using the combination of 1-MCP (625 ppb) with MAP at 5°C storage.
Carbon fluxes in coral reefs. II. Eulerian study of inorganic carbon dynamics and measurement of air-sea CO2 exchanges

Air-sea CO, exchanges and the par t~al pressure of CO, were measured in surface water overlying 2 coral reefs: Moorea (French Polynesia, austl-a1 lvlnter, August 1992). where coral di\ ,ers~ty and surface cover are low, and Yonge Reef (Great Barr~er Reef, a~istral summer, December 1993), where coral diversity and cover are comparatively h ~ g h e r A procedure is proposed to estimate the potential CO2 exchange with the atmosphere by t a k ~ n g ~ n t o account both the saturation level of oceanlc seawater and the equilibration process occurring after water leaves the reef. It is shown that both sites were net sources of CO2 to the atmosphere as a result of the effect of calcification on the dynamics of the inorganic carbon system. The potential global CO2 evasion from the ocean to the atmosphere is about 4 times higher at Yonge Reef than at Moorea. It is also demonstrated that, at both sites, the major exchange of CO2 from sea to air occurs as seacvater returns to chemical equilibrium after it has crossed and left the reef. The dynamics of inorganic carbon were studied using the so-called homogeneous buffer factor [ P = dln(pC02)/dln(D1C)] (where pCO, 1s the CO2 partial pressure In surface ivdter and DIC 1s d~ssolved Inorganic carbon), which gave estimates that approximately 80% of the change In inorganic carbon was related to photosynthesis and respiration. This approach showed that the calc~fication rate was proportional to the net organic production during the day and to the respiration rate at night.
DC supply of low-voltage electricity appliances in residential buildings

This full paper concentrates on the results of technical and economical analyses of DC supply of low-voltage electricity appliances and application of low-voltage DC (LVDC) networks in electrificati on of real estates. This paper illustrates possible advantage that can be achieved by using DC voltage inside the premises. The main contribution of this paper relates to the suitability of electricity appliances for low-voltage DC and the influences of LVDC real estate distribution networks on the energy- and cost-efficiency of electricity distribution.
Ablation of inducible nitric oxide synthase does not alter Alzheimer's like pathology in transgenic mice

The progression of Alzheimer's disease is theorized to progress from amyloid pathology to tau pathology as shown in the amyloid cascade hypothesis. The pathway for this progression is, as of yet, unknown. Previous studies have shown a correlation between the presence of inducible nitric oxide synthase and the severity of Alzheimer's disease mouse models. Using mice carrying mutations in the amyloid precursor protein crossed with mice lacking inducible nitric oxide synthase we examined the link between disease progression and the presence of nitric oxide synthase. Additionally, mice carrying the amyloid precursor protein (APP) mutation in conjunction with a mutation in the caspase cleavage domain of APP were studied in the context of the ablation of inducible nitric oxide synthase. The mice were evaluated in terms of amyloid plaque load, levels of amyloid beta protein, and levels of hyperphosphorylated tau protein. There was no obvious correlation between the ablation of inducible nitric oxide synthase and the severity of Alzheimer's-like pathology. Mice carrying the caspase cleavage mutation showed a significant increase in amyloid plaque load when completely lacking inducible nitric oxide synthase compared to mice carrying the same mutations but with one copy of the inducible nitric oxide synthase gene
SALT observations of southern post-novae

We report on recent optical observations of the stellar and the nebular remnants of 22 southern post-novae. In this study, for each of our targets, we obtained and analysed long-slit spectra in the spectral range 3500-6600 A and in H$\alpha$+NII narrow-band images. The changes in the emission lines' equivalent widths with the time since the outburst agree with earlier published results of other authors. We estimated an average value $\alpha$=2.37 for the exponent of the power law fitted to the post-novae continua. Our observations clearly show the two-component structure of the V842 Cen expanding nebulae, owing to the different velocities of the ejected matter. We discovered an expanding shell around V382 Vel with an outer diameter of about 12 arcsec.
CORRELATION BETWEEN FASTING BLOOD GLUCOSE, POSTPRANDIAL BLOOD GLUCOSE AND GLYCATED HEMOGLOBIN IN NON-INSULIN TREATED TYPE 2 DIABETIC SUBJECTS

Background: Diabetes mellitus (DM) comprises a group of common metabolic disorders that share phenotype of hyperglycemia. Objectives: This study was conducted to determine the correlation between glucose monitoring by fasting blood glucose or two hours postprandial blood glucose with glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) in type 2 diabetic patients. Method: A cross sectional study was conducted over a period of six month in the Department of Biochemistry. Institute of Medical, Tribhuvan University Teaching Hospital. Sixty inpatients with Diabetes mellitus type 2 were assessed for daily fasting and postprandial blood sugar for 15 consecutive days. HbA1c was measured on the 15th day. Result: Both postprandial blood glucose and fasting blood glucose significantly correlated with HbA1c. Postprandial blood glucose showed better correlation to HbA1c than fasting blood glucose (r = 0.630, P <0.001 vs. r =0.452, P = 0.05). Conclusion: These results show that postprandial blood glucose correlated better than fasting blood glucose to HbA1c. Thus, postprandial blood glucose predicted overall glycemic control better than fasting blood glucose. This finding has potential implications for treatment and monitoring of metabolic control in type-2 diabetes. DOI: http://dx.doi. org/10.3126/stcj.v1i1. 8654 Sunsari Technical College Journal Vol.1(1) 2012 18-21
Biological Synthesis of Silver Nanoparticles by Cell-Free Extract of Spirulina platensis

The present study explores biological synthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) using the cell-free extract of Spirulina platensis. Biosynthesised AgNPs were characterised by UV-Vis spectroscopy, SEM, TEM, and FTIR analysis and finally evaluated for antibacterial activity. Extracellular synthesis using aqueous extract of S. platensis showed the formation of well scattered, highly stable, spherical AgNPs with an average size of 30–50 nm. The size and morphology of the nanoparticles were confirmed by SEM and TEM analysis. FTIR and UV-Vis spectra showed that biomolecules, proteins and peptides, are mainly responsible for the formation and stabilisation of AgNPs. Furthermore, the synthesised nanoparticles exhibited high antibacterial activity against pathogenic Gram-negative, that is, Escherichia coli, MTCC-9721; Proteus vulgaris, MTCC-7299; Klebsiella pneumoniae, MTCC-9751, and Gram-positive, that is, Staphylococcus aureus, MTCC-9542; S. epidermidis, MTCC-2639; Bacillus cereus, MTCC-9017, bacteria. The AgNPs had shown maximum zone of inhibition (ZOI) that is in P. vulgaris. Use of such a microalgal system provides a simple, cost-effective alternative template for the biosynthesis of nanomaterials of silver in a large scale that could be of great use in biomedical applications.
The influence of dietary conjugated linoleic acid isomers and selenized yeast on the fatty acid profile of the spleen, pancreas and kidneys of rats

The influence of 1.2 ppm dietary selenium added in the form of selenized yeast (Se-yeast) and of a mixture of conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) isomers added to a level of 1 or 2%, of cis9trans11CLA (c9t11) added to 1%, and of trans10cis12CLA (t10c12) added to 1% on the body and organ gains of rats and on the concentration of CLA isomers and other fatty acids in the spleen, pancreas and kidneys was investigated. Total fatty acids in the studied organs were separated as methyl esters using long-capillary gas-liquid chromatography with flame-ionization detection, while nonmethylated fatty acids containing conjugated double bonds were examined using silver-ion liquid chromatography with fotodiode detection. Free fatty acids were obtained by mild saponification, whereas their methyl esters, by base- and acid-catalyzed methylation. Feeding t10c12 and Se-yeast resulted in the highest increase in rat growth and organ gain. All diets enriched in CLA isomer(s) significantly elevated the concentration of CLA isomers in the organs; the highest concentration of CLA isomers was found in the pancreas, the smallest, in the spleen. The addition of Se to diets containing CLA isomer(s) usually showed a statistical tendency or increase in the concentration of CLA isomers in the organs. Our results demonstrate that t10c12 was metabolized faster than c9t11 in the pancreas and kidneys, whereas the addition of Se-yeast to the diets with CLA isomer(s) reduced the rate of t10c12 metabolism. A 2% dietary content of a mixture of CLA isomers or of t10c12 usually tended to increase or significantly increased the concentration of linoleic, linolenic, and arachidonic acids and of n-3 long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 PUFA) in the organs. Dietary c9t11 and a 1% content of the mixture of CLA isomers weakly influenced the concentrations of these fatty acids in the organs, whereas the diet enriched simultaneously in c9t11 and Se-yeast resulted in a statistical tendency or increase in the concentration of long-chain n-3 PUFA and the
Fire Propagation Behavior Of Electrical Cables

Results are presented for the vertical fire propagation for 0.508 and 1.29 m long electrical cables in oxygen concentrations of 40 and 30%, respectively. The bottom 40% of the 0.508 m long cable and 16% of the 1.29 m ~ong cable are exposed to external heat flux with a peak value of 50 kW/m. In the experiments, measurements are made for heat release rates, generation rates of chemical compounds and optical density of smoke. The vertical fire propagation rate for cables is found to be proportional to the ratio of the chemical heat release rate to thermal response, a relationship suggested by various fire propagation theories. Conditions where self-sustained fire propagation is not expected to occur have been identified: 1) critical or minimum heat flux for ignition> 20 kW/m2; 2) vertical fire propagation rate V < 1.0 x 103 m/s; and 3) chemical heat release rate/thermal response-< 0.55 secl 12 . These conditions are satisfied in larger-scale fire propagation experiments for cables. The analysis suggests that it is possible to design a small-scale standard fire test for cables based on ignition, fire propagation and heat release rate.