Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Spurious thresholds in the relationship between species richness and vegetation cover

Aim Thresholds often exist in the relationship between species richness and the area of remaining habitat in human-modified landscapes, prompting debate about the mechanisms responsible. We hypothesize that if speciesarea relationships differ with underlying factors such as landscape productivity, and such factors correlate with patterns of habitat clearance, then spurious thresholds can arise where the separate speciesarea relationships intersect. We assessed whether this phenomenon could explain landscape-level speciesarea relationships for birds occupying 31 landscapes of 100 km2 in eastern Australia. Location Eastern Australia. Methods Landscape-level species richness estimates were modelled as a function of the percentage of native vegetation remaining in the study landscapes. The performance of traditional speciesarea curves and continuous and discontinuous piecewise models was compared using an information theoretic approach. Separate models for high- and low-productivity and high- and low-fragmentation landscapes were examined to determine whether they implied different speciesarea relationships. Results The speciesarea relationship exhibited a rapid change-point at approximately 40% vegetation cover, but this was most parsimoniously explained by two disjunct slopes rather than a continuous threshold model or a classic speciesarea curve. Exploration of models fitted separately to high- and low-productivity landscapes suggested that such landscapes may differ in their characteristic speciesarea relationships. Main conclusions The observed pattern is consistent with the spurious threshold hypothesis, and opens a new avenue of enquiry into the processes behind apparent ecological thresholds. This hypothesis may be valid in other regions where clearing history is confounded by underlying factors such as landscape productivity, and demands further research. In such systems, real thresholds for different landscape types may occur at different levels of cover, or might not exist at all. If so, a simple space-for-time substitution may not be valid, and management prescriptions based on threshold values (e.g. 40%) will be flawed.
Arsenic Removal from Water Using Various Adsorbents:Magnetic Ion Exchange Resins, Hydrous Ion Oxide Particles, Granular Ferric Hydroxide, Activated Alumina,Sulfur Modified Iron, and Iron Oxide-Coated Microsand

The equilibrium and kinetic adsorption of arsenic on six different adsorbents were investigated with one synthetic and four natural types (two surface and two ground) of water. The adsorbents tested included magnetic ion exchange resins (MIEX), hydrous ion oxide particles (HIOPs), granular ferric hydroxide (GFH), activated alumina (AA), sulfur modified iron (SMI), and iron oxide-coated mic rosand (IOC-M), which have different physicochemical properties (shape, charge, surface area, size, and metal content). The results showed that adsorption equilibriums were achieved within a contact period of 20 min. The optimal doses of adsorbents determined for a given equilibrium concentration of Ceq = 10 µg/L were 500 mg/L for AA and GFH, 520–1,300 mg/L for MIEX, 1,200 mg/L for HIOPs, 2,500 mg/L for SMI, and 7,500 mg/L for IOC-M at a contact time of 60 min. At these optimal doses, the rate constants of the adsorbents were 3.9, 2.6, 2.5, 1.9, 1.8, and 1.6 1/hr for HIOPs, AA, GFH, MIEX, SMI, and IOC-M, respectively. The presence of silicate significantly reduced the arsenic removal efficiency of HIOPs, AA, and GFH, presumably due to the decrease in chemical binding affinity of arsenic in the presence of silicate. Additional experiments with natural types of water showed that, with the exception of IOC-M, the adsorbents had lower adsorption capacities in ground water than with surface and deionized water, in which the adsorption capacities decreased by approximately 60–95%.
Consumer characteristics and decision states: A study of new product purchase intention

While a number of studies have examined the measurement of certain consumer innovation characteristics during the purchase of a high-involvement product, the importance of these constructs can vary depending on the decision state of the consumers in relation to the particular product. This paper presents preliminary results of an online survey of 1495 people as they consider the purchase of a DVD recorder. We test the validity of six consumer characteristic constructs and other socio-demographic variables and compare how these consumer characteristics influence four decision states (Unaware; Aware but not in the market; Aware and in the market; and Already purchased). The results indicate that there are significant relationships between particular consumer characteristics and the decision states.
Bristol and the eruption of memory: Making the slave-trading past visible

This article describes the work undertaken by the public authorities of Bristol to construct, for this old slaving port, a collective memory of the trade in Africans. It shows how the use of urban space is necessary to resurrect that past and implies a visual model to inform a new gaze on the city. Through intensive action on the memory of slavery, the author suggests, from the work of Paul Ricoeur, the passage from silence to 'too much memory'. This excess can be viewed as the result of a political instrumentalization linked to the requirements of the British multicutural model. Further, these actions on memory reveal distinctly divergent intentions for the different communities of the city.
Elastic analysis of an inhomogeneous quantum dot in multilayered semiconductors using a boundary element method

In this work, we examine the elastostatic field due to a buried quantum dot (QD) in multilayered semiconductors using a boundary element method. Since the integral kernels employ a special Green’s function that satisfies the interfacial continuity and boundary conditions for a multilayered matrix, coupled with the conventional Kelvin-type Green’s function for the QD, the present method only requires discretization along the interface between the matrix and QD to solve the problem. With this method, the QD can be modeled in general as an inhomogeneity relative to the matrix. We have examined a practical semiconductor multilayer system of an InAs wetting/GaAs spacer with a buried cuboidal QD of either wetting or a spacer medium. The QD is correspondingly modeled by either the inhomogeneity or inclusion approach. Two crystallographic orientations of the spacer medium, GaAs(001) and GaAs(111), are considered. The analytical results have shown that these two approaches generally result in considerable differen.
How Has Regulation FD Affected the Performance of Financial Analysts

We examine persistence of analyst forecast accuracy before and after the passage of Regulation FD. Individual analysts are ranked based on their forecast accuracy and we track their ranking over time. Before Regulation FD we find that analysts exhibit a degree of persistence in that top ranked analysts tend to maintain their ranking while bottom ranked analysts also tend to remain below average. We find that after the passage of Regulation FD these effects are accentuated with top analysts consistently achieving an even higher average rank than before the act. We hypothesize that these effects are due to Regulation FD’s removal of management as a source of information. Our results suggest that once analysts are left to their own, they become more distinctive persistent in their performance.
Pollen Sources for Melipona capixaba Moure & Camargo: An Endangered Brazilian Stingless Bee

Pollen samples were collected in three different periods from 11 Melipona capixaba Moure & Camargo hives and analyzed with melissopalynological methodology. A total of 33 pollen types were identified, of which 23 genera and 15 families were identified. The following families showed the highest pollen richness: Fabaceae (7), Myrtaceae (3), Solanaceae (3), Arecaceae (2), Asteraceae (2), Euphorbiaceae (2), Melastomataceae/Combretaceae (2), Rubiaceae (2), and Sapindaceae (2). The most frequent pollen types (>45%) were Eucalyptus, which generated great similarities between the samples, except one in which the Tibouchina was predominant. Although the majority of the pollen types showed low percentage values, the results demonstrated that M. capixaba has taken advantage of the polliniferous sources available in the Atlantic Rainforest as well as in the “Capoeira” (brushwood, secondary forest) and “ruderal” (field) plants, probably implying its importance as a pollinator of the native flora and of the exotic species.
An Evaluation of the Impact of Economic Sanctions on Science Teaching and Learning at Secondary Level in Zimbabwe’s Mbire District of Mashonaland Central

This article takes stock of the effects of economic sanctions imposed on Zimbabwe in 2000 on science teaching and learning at secondary level. This study was conducted using a descriptive survey design. This method was chosen because it allows the use of a representative sample from a population and that it allows the researcher to handle a larger number of schools within a given period. The impact of sanctions is evaluated for the years between 2006 and 2010 in Mbire district of Mashonaland Central. Four indicators were specifically assessed; these are science teacher- pupil ratio, science laboratories and equipments, brain drain and finally pass rate against overall enrolment. In this article, subjects like integrated science, physical science and mathematics have been selected as subjects of focus for they are central to both economic and technological development. This research has been prompted by high failure rate in these subjects at ordinary level in Mbire which has resulted in high incidences of school dropouts. This could be attributed, probably to social, economic and political pressures mounting on students as a result of sanctions. The researcher feels this has something to do with the nature and quality of educational instruction those pupils in Mbire have been exposed to, resulting in the frustrated child without a full ordinary level certificate. For a period of four years, 2006-2010 Mbire districts in Mashonaland Central has been recording 0% pass rate in science subjects at ordinary level. Shortage of qualified science teachers has been used to explain these dismal results. The research gathered that between 2000 and 2010 about 80% of secondary schools in this district were manned by either untrained teachers or primary trained teachers
Molecular and atomic gas along and across the main sequence of star-forming galaxies

We use spectra from the ALFALFA, GASS and COLD GASS surveys to quantify variations in the mean atomic and molecular gas mass fractions throughout the SFR-M* plane and along the main sequence (MS) of star-forming galaxies. Although galaxies well below the MS tend to be undetected in the Arecibo and IRAM observations, reliable mean atomic and molecular gas fractions can be obtained through a spectral stacking technique. We find that the position of galaxies in the SFR-M* plane can be explained mostly by their global cold gas reservoirs as observed in the H I line, with in addition systematic variations in the molecular-to-atomic ratio and star formation efficiency. When looking at galaxies within ±0.4 dex of the MS, we find that as stellar mass increases, both atomic and molecular gas mass fractions decrease, stellar bulges become more prominent, and the mean stellar ages increase. Both star formation efficiency and molecular-to-atomic ratios vary little for massive MS galaxies, indicating that the flattening of the MS is due to the global decrease of the cold gas reservoirs of galaxies rather than to bottlenecks in the process of converting cold atomic gas to stars.
INTERACTION BETWEEN ORGANIC RESOURCE QUALITY, AGGREGATE TURNOVER, CARBON AND NITROGEN CYCLING IN THE CENTRAL HIGHLANDS OF KENYA 'l ~ VO<}AGNES MUMO

Combined use of organic (OR) and mineral sources (MR) of nutrients is accepted as one of the most appropriate ways to address the problems of declining soil fertility and poor crop yields facing small-scale farming in sub-Saharan Africa. A field study was conducted at Embu in Central Kenya to investigate the effect of OR and MR management on aggregate turnover, C sequestration and N stabilization. The study comprised of ORs of differing quality; Tithonia diversifolia (high quality), Calliandra calothyrsus (medium quality), Zea mays stover (medium quality), Grevillea robusta sawdust (low quality) and farmyard manure applied at a rate of 4 ton C hawith or without 120 kg N ha' mineral fertilizer. Soil organic matter (SOM) fractions from soils sampled from the top soil (0-15cm depth) at the establishment of the field trial in 2002 and before the long rains in 2005 were analyzed for C, Nand C-13 signatures, All the data collected was analyzed with the PROC MIXED procedure of SAS and the means separated at (p~ 0.05). The quality of ORs did not significantly affect the proportions of aggregates size classes. A significant positive interaction between OR and mineral fertilizer was observed on the sawdust treatment resulting in a higher proportion of large macroaggregates. There was a general increase in C and N for the soils amended with calliandra, stover and manure (for both combined and the sole applications) compared to the total C and N contents of the soils at the beginning of the trials. Higher concentrations of C and N were also observed in the microaggregate intra particulate organic matter (iPOM) compared to the macroaggregate iPOM indicating accumulation of SOM in the smaller aggregate classes. High and medium quality ORs (class I and II) had the highest C and N input into the SOM pool compared to low quality (class IV) ORs. This was indicated by the high C and N contents of small macro aggregate distinct SOM fractions as well as the more negative C-13 signatures observed within the macro aggregate and microaggregate free light fractions and iPOM fractions amended with high and medium quality ORs compared to the low quality ORs C, N and C-13 signatures. The knowledge generated in this study is therefore essential in devising soil management options that contribute to short-term plant production, C sequestration to mitigate increasing CO2, N retention to mitigate N losses and long-term soil fertility.
Comparison of The Endoparasite Fauna of Hoplias Malabaricus and Hoplerythrinus Unitaeniatus (Erythrinidae), Sympatric Hosts in the Eastern Amazon Region (Brazil)

Summary Hoplias malabaricus and Hoplerythrinus unitaeniatus are Erythrinidae family widely distributed in the Amazon River system of great value to both commercial and subsistence fishing for riverine populations. As such, the objective of the present study was to investigate the endoparasite communities of H. malabaricus and H. unitaeniatus of a tributary of the Amazon River in the north of Brazil. The endoparasite communities of H. unitaeniatus and H. malabaricus were taxonomically similar (85%) and consisted of Clinostomum marginatum, Contracaecum sp. , Guyanema seriei seriei, Procamallanus (Spirocamallanus) inopinatus, Pseudoproleptus sp. and Gorytocephalus spectabilis, although the dominant endoparasite was C. marginatum, which was the most prevalent and abundant. All the specimens of both H. malabaricus and H. unitaeniatus were parasitized, with a total of 1237 helminths collected in the former host and 1151 helminths collected in the latter. Hoplerythrinus unitaeniatus possessed greater parasite species richness. Both hosts had an aggregate dispersion of parasites, and the abundance of C. marginatum, Contracaecum sp. and G. spectabilis correlated positively with the weight and length of the hosts. The condition factor was not affected by parasitism, but the abundance of C. marginatum and Contracaecum sp. increased when the condition factor of the hosts decreased. This is the first report of G. seriei seriei for H. malabaricus and Pseudoproleptus sp. for H. unitaeniatus.
e-Service quality, ease of use, usability and enjoyment as antecedents of e-CRM performance: an empirical investigation in Jordan mobile phone services

Electronic Customer relationship management performance E-CRM is a comprehensive business and marketing strategy that integrates people, process, technology and all business activities for attracting and retaining customers over the internet and mobile phone to reduce costs and increase profitability by consolidation the principles of customer loyalty. Therefore, the results of E-CRM performance are repeat purchase, word of mouth, retention, cross buying, brand loyalty and customer satisfaction. The keen competitive in the communication and mobile phone service market place and the increasing numbers of mobile phone users all over the world has influence the researchers to investigate ease of use, usability, enjoyment and e- service quality as antecedents of electronic customer relationship management performance in mobile phone services industry. 488 questionnaires have returned and analyzed. Four factors been tested to investigate the relationship with E-CRM performance. The analysis shown that e- service quality, ease of use and usability was positively significant towards E-CRM performance. Enjoyment has failed to predict E-CRM performance. This paper makes a theoretical and methodological contribution and suggestion for
La transplantation d'organes : un commerce nouveau entre les êtres humains

Consideree comme la plus grande avancee therapeutique du dernier tiers du XXe siecle, la transplantation d'organes pose un probleme inedit. Avec le « greffon », ou organe a transplanter, une nouvelle ressource sociale apparait, ressource essentiellement produite par la mort. Du coup, la mort elle-meme devient une ressource qu'il faut optimiser. La loi, les relations familiales et la technologie medicale y contribuent, mais sans parvenir a produire un volume suffisant de greffons. A la difference du plasma ou des gametes, l'organe est « incorpore » et « appartient » a ce titre a la personne. Sous reserve de l'accord de celle-ci ou de sa famille, il peut certes passer d'un corps a un autre, mais sans jouir pour autant d'un statut juridique clair qui lui permettrait d'entrer de plain-pied dans le commerce social. Cette grande question contemporaine est pour la premiere fois abordee dans toutes ses dimensions par Philippe Steiner. La transplantation d'organes a deja entraine la transgression de deux frontieres : celle de la vie et de la mort et celle de la peau. Elle suggere maintenant d'en franchir une troisieme, celle du commerce marchand. Deja l'Iran a legalise la vente d'organes, et la Chine s'est faite exportatrice des greffons preleves sur les condamnes a mort executes. La traverse de telles frontieres politiques pose le probleme de la commercialisation de l'humain et, au-dela, celui de notre humanite. En ce sens, la sociologie economique de la transplantation proposee par Philippe Steiner est une forme de l'anthropologie politique du monde contemporain.
Salivary α-Amylase and Albumin Levels in Patients with Chronic Periodontitis and Poorly or Well Controlled Type II Diabetes Mellitus

Recent studies suggest that chronic periodontitis (CP) and type2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) are bidirectionally associated. Analysis of saliva as a mirror of oral and systemic health could allow identification of α amylase ( α-Am) and albumin (A1) antioxidant system markers to assist in the diagnosis and monitoring of both diseases. The present study aims at comparing the clinical periodontal parameters in chronic periodontitis patients with poorly or well controlled Type 2Diabetes Mellitus, salivary α-Am, A1, flow rate (FR) and pH then correlate between biochemical, physical and clinical periodontal parameters of each study and control groups. Materials and Methods: 80 males, with an age range of (35-50) years were divided into four groups, (20 subjects each): two groups had well or poorly controlled Type 2Diabetes Mellitus both of them with chronic periodontitis, group of patients with only chronic periodontitis and control group with healthy periodontium and systemically healthy. From all subjects unstimulated whole salivary samples were collected to measure FR, pH, Al and α - Am, then clinical periodontal parameters (plaque index, gingival index, bleeding on probing, probing pocket depth and clinical attachment level)were recorded. Results: Patients had chronic periodontitis with poorly controlled Type 2Diabetes Mellitus demonstrated the highest median values of all clinical periodontal parameters and highest increase in levels of salivary α-Am and Al with lowest median values of FR and pH, in addition to the highly significant differences among the study and control groups regarding biochemical and physical parameters. Positive correlations were revealed between α-Am with Al and both of them with all clinical periodontal parameters but, they were negative with FR and pH. Conclusion: Patients with poor glycemic control had more severe periodontal tissue break down with decrease in FR and pH also obvious increase in levels of A1 and α- Am so, these biochemical markers will provide an objective phenotype to allow practitioners for early diagnosis, which is essential for improved prognosis and effective delay of clinical complications associated with chronic periodontitis and DM and an important strategy to lower the incidence of both diseases world wide. Keywords: Periodontitis, Type 2Diabetes Mellitus, salivary albumin and α-amylase. (J Bagh Coll Dentistry 2016;
Mathematical Modeling for Nanofluids Simulation: A Review of the Latest Works

Exploiting nanofluids in thermal systems is growing day by day. Nanofluids having ultrafine solid particles promise new working fluids for application in energy devices. Many studies have been conducted on thermophysical properties as well as heat and fluid flow characteristics of nanofluids in various systems to discover their advantag‐ es compared to conventional working fluids. The main aim of this study is to present the latest developments and progress in the mathematical modeling of nanofluids flow. For this purpose, a comprehensive review of different nanofluid computational fluid dynamics (CFD) approaches is carried out. This study provides detailed information about the commonly used formulations as well as techniques for mathematical modeling of nanofluids. In addition, advantages and disadvantages of each method are rendered to find the most appropriate approach, which can give valid results.
The cyclicality of Irish fiscal policy ex-ante and ex-post

The cyclicality of fiscal policy in Ireland in the budgetary plans put before parliament and expost is considered. Data in budgetary documents and particular econometric estimation procedures help address endogeneity issues and provide numerous variable-estimation procedure combinations for assessing cyclicality. Fiscal policy in Ireland is found to be pro-cyclical on both ex-ante and ex-post bases. The evidence is mixed between policy being more pro-cyclical ex-post than was intended at Budget time and there being no difference. With the preventive arm of the Stability and Growth Pact now applying to Ireland, a continuation of pro-cyclical fiscal policy would endanger its requirements being met.
Thermodynamic properties of polydisperse hard spheres

The virial expansion of a polydisperse system of hard spheres has been studied. The virial coefficients are shown to be a function of the total number density and the first three moments of the diameter distribution. The small number of moment variables identified is used to construct a simple but physically reasonable model of a polydisperse hard sphere crystal. Analytical expressions for the pressure and the moment chemical potentials are obtained.