Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A life in the fast lane: energetics and foraging strategies of the great cormorant

Body insulation is critically important for diving marine endotherms. However, cormorants have a wettable plumage, which leads to poor insulation. Despite this, these birds are apparently highly successful predators in most aquatic ecosystems. We studied the theoretical influence of water temperature, dive depth, foraging techniques, and prey availability on the energetic costs of diving, prey search time, daily food intake, and survival in foraging, nonbreeding great cormorants (Phalacrocorax carbo). Our model was based on field measurements and on data taken from the literature. Water temperature and dive depth influenced diving costs drastically, with predicted increases of up to 250% and 258% in males and females, respectively. Changes in water temperature and depth conditions may lead to an increase of daily food intake of 500‐800 g in males and 440‐780 g in females. However, the model predicts that cormorant foraging parameters are most strongly influenced by prey availability, so that even limited reduction in prey density makes birds unable to balance energy needs and may thus limit their influence on prey stocks. We discuss the ramifications of these results with regard to foraging strategies, dispersal, population dynamics, and intraspecific competition in this avian predator and point out the importance of this model species for our understanding of foraging energetics in diving endotherms. Key words: diving behavior, diving endotherms, energetics, foraging strategies, great cormorants, insulation, Phalacrocorax carbo, prey density. [Behav Ecol 10:516‐524 (1999)]
Rickiella edulis and its phylogenetic relationships within Sarcoscyphaceae

Rickiella edulis is reported from Argentina for the first time and is documented with photographs of fresh specimens and molecular data. Previously the species was known as R. transiens (= Phillipsia transiens) and was reported from southern Brazil and Paraguay. Phylogenetic analyses based on SSU rDNA and LSU rDNA shows its placement in a monophyletic family, the Sarcoscyphaceae. The relationship of Rickiella, Phillipsia and Nanoscypha however could not be resolved from phylogenetic analyses of the ITS, SSU, and LSU rDNA sequences. The excipular tissue of Rickiella is shot through with regularly spaced channels and cavities. Because of this feature, the genus Rickiella is recognized as distinct from Phillipsia. Phillipsia and Nanoscypha are morphologically distinct but diversity within Phillipsia remains a topic for further research. A new tribe in the Sarcoscyphaceae is proposed to accommodate the genus Wynnea.
The Relationship between Major Oil Products Consumption and Efficiency of Industry Sector in Selected Oil Exporting and Importing Countries

The aim of this study is to investigate the realization of the law of diminishing returns in usage of major oil products in the industry sector of some oil exporting and importing countries during 2002- 2008. To achieve this aim, in a first stage the efficiency of industry sector of countries has been calculated using DEA window analysis and then in the second stag the existence of an inverted U' shape relationship between major oil product consumption and efficiency has been tested in the context of dynamic panel data (GMM) approach. The results confirm this relationship in each group of countries except that the turning point in the case of oil importing countries is much higher than oil exporting countries. This firstly suggests that oil dependence in oil importing countries is more than oil exporting countries and secondly indicates that the industry sector of oil importing countries have advanced technology and high scale and capacity so that they can take benefits of oil products consumption without decrease in efficiency.
Early and Middle Miocene dinoflagellate cyst stratigraphy of the Central Paratethys, Central Europe

Marine organic-walled dinoflagellate cysts have been studied from the Early and Middle Miocene of the Central Paratethys in Austria (Vienna and eastern Alpine Foreland basins) and Hungary (Pannonian Basin), and compared with assemblages of similar age from the Atlantic Ocean and Mediterranean Sea. The presence of a diverse flora of 71 taxa, including such biostratigraphical markers as Apteodinium spiridoides, Cerebrocysta poulsenii, Cordosphaeridium cantharellus, Cribroperidinium tenuitabulatum, Exochosphaeridium insigne, Glaphyrocysta reticulosa s.l. , Habibacysta tectata, Labyrinthodinium truncatum subsp. truncatum, Palaeocystodinium miocaenicum, and Unipontidinium aquaeductus, has allowed the establishment of five biozones that characterize the Ottnangian, Badenian and Sarmatian local stages (collectively equivalent to the mid-Burdigalian, upper Langhian and Serravallian stages). This is the first study to demonstrate the applicability of dinoflagellate cysts for detailed stratigraphic correlation and palaeoenvironmental interpretation in the Early and Middle Miocene of the Central Paratethys area.
Fruit yield, growth and leaf-nutrient status of mangoes grafted on two rootstocks in a marginal growing area (South-East Spain)

Introduction . Mango (Mangifera indica L.) production is rising in various subtropical zones throughout the world. The main polyembryonic rootstocks used by growers in South-East Spain are Gomera 1 and Gomera 3 (from the Canary Islands) and the most commonly used cultivars are Osteen and Keitt (from Florida, US). In this marginal environment for mango growing, it is important to determine the different rootstock qualities in order to optimise fruit production. The objective of our study was to evaluate the performance of mango cv. Osteen and Keitt on the two aforementioned rootstocks, as measured by fruit yield, scion growth and mineral nutrition. Materials and methods . A 3-year study was conducted in a mature mango orchard (14 years old) of a total of 24 trees, where eight were grafted onto cv. Osteen, another eight onto Keitt (four trees with each of the G1-Ost, G3-Ost, G1-Kt and G3-Kt combinations) and eight were ungrafted rootstocks. Fruit yield and pomological characteristics were evaluated by measuring fruit length, width and weight. Height and canopy diameter, as well as the trunk circumference of the tree, were recorded. Throughout the study period, chemical foliar measurements were taken from all trees. Results . Fruit yield in G1-Ost and G3-Kt trees proved significantly higher than that in the others. The fruit weight and length with the G3-Kt combination were greater than those with G1-Kt. Both cultivars grafted on Gomera 3 rootstock had the highest height and canopy volume. The tree-size data confirmed the vigorous feature of the Gomera 3. The N and P foliar concentration was significantly higher for Gomera 3 than for Gomera 1 in both cultivars. The K concentration was higher in G3-Kt leaves than in G1-Kt ones, but higher in G1-Ost than in G3-Ost. The leaf Mn and Cu concentrations with G3-Kt significantly exceeded those of G1-Kt. Conclusion . The height, trunk cross-sectional area, and canopy volume and diameter proved to be the greatest with Gomera 3, reflecting the vigour of this rootstock. The combinations G1-Ost and G3-Kt registered the highest fruit yield, offering promising possibilities for boosting subtropical productivity in mango.
The influence of exercise-induced arousal on processes of memory and metamemory

The benefits of exercise for both physical and psychological wellbeing are well established. The present study aimed to further investigate whether exercise is beneficial for memory and metamemory. Forty-one adults were randomly assigned to either exercise prior to encoding (n = 21) or not exercise (n = 20). Participants studied 100 word pairs and predicted the likelihood of recalling and recognising the target word in a memory test. There were no differences in mean number of words recalled between the exercise and control condition. Exercise had an effect on discrimination and confidence for JOLs, where the exercise condition was worse at discriminating between remembered and forgotten items (p = .003, d = 1.08) and had inflated confidence (p = .019, d = 0.78). There was also an effect of exercise on discrimination for FOKs, where those who exercised were worse at discriminating between items they remembered versus forgot (p = .077, d = 0.69). Although this difference did not reach statistical significance, it was a moderate to large effect. There was no effect of exercise on confidence. The data suggests that exercise prior to studying may be detrimental to both memory performance and the ability to accurately judge one’s memory.
Effect of Nano-silica Deposition on Cellulose Fibers on the Initial Hydration of the Portland Cement

The surface modification of cellulose fibers was studied, and its influence on the initial hydration of fiber-cement mixtures was evaluated. The fiber modification was conducted through deposition of nano-silica on their surface via the sol-gel method. The fibers were characterized by scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, and the Brunauer-Emmett-Teller method to determine their porosity and specific surface area. The inhibition index (II) was determined in order to evaluate the effect of fibers at the initial hydration of the Portland cement. Modified fibers (MF) presented a homogeneous surface coating formed by spherical nano-silica. The crystallinity index of the fibers was reduced 15% and the specific surface area, volume, and pore diameter increased 209%, 134%, and 10%, respectively, after modification. Regarding the initial hydration, the results showed that the nano-silica present on the surface of the MF slightly accelerated the process of hardening and did not inhibit the hydration of the cement paste (without limestone and additives). The inhibition index of the composites was impaired when limestone (30%) and additives (2%) were added as partial replacement of cement, as well as when the water:cement ratio increased, retarding the initial hydration of the cement.
• EFFECT OF SUSPENDED PARTICLES ON THERMAL INSTABILITY OF WALTERS’ (MODELB^') FLUID IN A BRINKMAN POROUS MEDIUM

In this paper, the effect of suspended particles on thermal instability of incompressible Walters’ (ModelB^') elastico-viscous fluid in a porous medium is considered. For the porous medium, the Brinkman model is employed. By applying normal mode analysis method, the dispersion relation has been derived and solved analytically. It is observed that the medium permeability, suspended particles, gravity field and viscoelasticity introduce oscillatory modes. For stationary convection, it is observed that the Darcy number has stabilizing effect whereas the suspended particles and medium permeability has destabilizing effects on the system. The effects of suspended particles, Darcy number and medium permeability has also been shown graphically.
Micropolitics of School and EFL Teachers’ Professional Interests: The Case of Schools for Gifted Students in Iran

The aim of this qualitative study is to explore the role of the micropolitics of schools for gifted students in the EFL teachers’ professional interests in the workplace. Results of interviews revealed that to establish their professional interests, teachers involved in conflict and rivalry as well as collaboration and coalition. Furthermore, teachers’ micropolitical actions were interrelated with their efficacy beliefs. Self-interests such as public recognition and high visibility were sought as they provided a positive feedback on teachers’ professional behavior and substantiated their efficacy. Material interests such as the use of the smart boards, the Internet, and extra resources were further means through which they could present their informed and efficacious character to others. Organizational interests also confirmed teachers’ efficacy since only effective teachers were recruited in schools for gifted students. Teachers’ social interests achieved through developing affinity and rapport with others, particularly the principals, were the prerequisite for the establishment of all other professional interests. The findings were discussed with reference to the importance of fostering micropolitical literacy and the effect of information on school micropolitics on teachers’ ability to develop appropriate coping strategies.
Determination of the width of the output angular power distribution in step-index multimode optical fibers

Two functions for calculating the width of the output angular power distribution are tested for light launched centrally along the axis of a step-index plastic optical fiber. It is found that the more recent of the two agrees better with experimental measurements. The other function (Gloge’s) underestimates the output width for longer fiber lengths, which is attributed to it not accounting for an appropriate boundary condition at the critical propagation angle.
FERTILITY ASSESSMENT OF SOILS UNDER RICE CULTIVATION IN KADAWA, GARUN MALLAM LOCAL GOVERNMENT KANO STATE

This research was conducted in Kadawa, Garun Mallam local government of Kano State with aim of assessing the fertility of soils under rice cultivation in the area. Ten (10) composite samples were randomly collected from the top (0-20cm) in the sites. The samples were analyzed for some soil fertility index parameters using standard routine laboratory tests. In addition, Mean values of soil parameter determined were computed so as to compare the results with the critical limits for interpreting levels of soil fertility. The findings indicated that the soil texture was generally sandy loam with brown colour. The soil was moderately acidic with mean pH values of 6.07 and 5.95 in water and CaCl 2 respectively. The electrical conductivity (ECE) ranged from 0.027 to 0.2 dS/m with a mean of 0.097 dS/m. The total nitrogen (TN) ranged from 0.035 to 0.053% with a mean of 0.05%. The organic matter content (OM) ranged from 0.79 to 1.87% with a mean of 2.61%. The Available phosphorus (AP) ranged from 9.63 to 87.50ppm with a mean of 54.87ppm. Furthermore, The Exchangeable K ranged from 0.11 to 0.87Cmol/kg with a mean value of 0.24Cmol/kg and Cation Exchange Capacity (CEC) ranged from 5.0 to 11.0Cmol/kg with a mean of 7.57. it was recommended that organic manure and inorganic fertilizer should be applied to the soils in order to improve nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium levels.
Postoperative evaluation of posterior tibial tendon transfer: An alternative for cases of drop-foot

Objectives: To analyse and report the advantages of posterior tibial tendon transfer amongst patients with drop-foot as well as evaluate the degrees of foot biomechanical restoration and patient quality of life improvement. Methods: Seven patients diagnosed with drop-foot received surgery in which the posterior tibial tendon was transferred via the syndesmotic membrane, and the tendon was fixed to the lateral cuneiform bone using an interference screw. Results: The patients completed the Stanmore questionnaire before and after surgery to report their improvements with regard to all of the questionnaire criteria. Conclusion: The adopted surgical technique is an effective method of disease correction, with associated pain improvement, resumption of wearing shoes, elimination of the regular use of an ankle-foot orthosis (AFO), muscle strength gain, and functional capacity improvement. Level of Evidence IV; Therapeutic Study; Case Series.
Hydroclimatology of the Southeastern USA

We provide an overview of the hydroclimatology of the Southeastern USA, and review the primary factors that influence hydroclimatic variability on seasonal to interannual timescales. The Southeastern USA is characterized by high mean annual precipitation, but with significant variability. Precipitation variability is on the rise in this region, with more frequent, longer duration dry periods and infrequent, short duration, but heavy precipitation events. Hydroclimatic extremes are a relatively common occurrence in the region. Seasonal to interannual hydroclimatic variability in the Southeast is primarily controlled by El Niño/Southern Oscillation (ENSO), the Pacific North American (PNA) pattern, the Bermuda High, and tropical cyclones. Future research should focus on providing a better understanding of current and future drivers of hydroclimatic variability, including interactions between human-dominated components, such as urban areas, and the hydroclimatic system. Additional research is also needed on hydroclimatic extremes (droughts and floods).
Kalahari sand soils: spatial heterogeneity, biological soil crusts and land degradation

This paper identifies spatial associations between surface nutrients, biological soil crusts and vegetation in the Kalahari. Four locations, with different land use and substrate characteristics were used to determine the extent of biological crust cover and the factors affecting the spatial heterogeneity in soil nutrients and ecology. Despite the sandy texture of Kalahari soils and regular surface disturbances, there is a significant biological soil crust cover (19–40%) at all locations. This is due to a combination of resistance to trampling, sub‐canopy niches protected from disturbance and the prevalence of Microcoleus vaginatus cyanobacteria, which are able to rapidly reform crusts. Crust cover and diversity is enhanced on ironstone and calcrete soils. The spatial variability of soil nutrients is low but is increased by grazing‐induced bush encroachment. The preferential development of nitrogen‐fixing biological soil crusts under bushes could enhance the competitive advantage of Acacia mellifera favouring further bush encroachment. Whether this constitutes land degradation is dependent upon the extent to which sub‐bush canopy niches retain palatable grass species. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
METAL-ASSISTED AND MICROWAVE-ACCELERATED DECRYSTALLIZATION

In this study, we demonstrated a unique application of our Metal-Assisted and Microwave-Accelerated Decrystallization (MAMAD) technique for the de-crystallization of uric acid crystals, which causes gout in humans when monosodium urate crystals accumulate in the synovial fluid found in the joints of bones. Given the shortcomings of the existing treatments for gout, we investigated whether the MAMAD technique can offer an alternative solution to the treatment of gout. Our technique is based on the use of metal nanoparticles (i.e., gold colloids) with low microwave heating to accelerate the de-crystallization process. In this regard, we employed a two-step process; (i) crystallization of uric acid on glass slides, which act as a solid platform to mimic a bone, (ii) de-crystallization of uric acid crystals on glass slides with the addition of gold colloids and low power microwave heating, which act as “nano-bullets” when microwave heated in a solution. We observed that the size and number of the uric acid crystals were reduced by >60% within 10 minutes of low power microwave heating. In addition, the use of gold colloids without microwave heating (i.e. control experiment) did not result in the de-crystallization of the uric acid crystals, which proves the utility of our MAMAD technique in the de-crystallization of uric acid.
Health and Growth

Inarguably the most important question is about the unequal distribution of income among countries. Development economists have recently turned to health for an answer. This dissertation investigates the effect of health on cross-country income. The first essay sheds new light on the impact of AIDS on cross-country income levels. We control for a variety of factors that are potentially related to income as suggested by our empirical model and existing related literature. Using the extended (for human capital) Solow model as our baseline empirical specification, we consider cross-sectional and panel estimation. For the full sample it is shown that AIDS has a negative and significant effect on the level of income in both the cross-sectional, and panel estimations. When we arbitrarily split our full sample into OECD and non-OECD countries, we find that the AIDS coefficient continues to be negative and significant for the non-OECD subsample. The second essay constructs gender-specific human capital inequality measures using the Gini coefficient. It also considers a new channel through which infant mortality affects economic growthfemale human capital inequality. It is inequality in education among women that affects infant mortality and the latter affects economic growth and development. We consider cross-sectional and panel data analysis and use common instruments to correct for endogeneity of infant mortality. Our analysis suggests diverting general education subsidy money directly into the education of the least educated women, especially in less-developed countries.
IMPLEMENTATION BALANCING IDEA IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF CRIMINAL LAW IN INDONESIA

Development of national criminal law has long been a study and discussion for academics, practitioners and law enforcement in Indonesia. Development or renewal of criminal law would become ideals of the nation to realize laws for all society, because the Criminal Code at this time is considered not answer legal issues in Indonesia, in particular recent developments tends to evoke dissatisfaction of society in law enforcement. Renewal and development of criminal law can not be done on an ad-hoc (partial) but should be fundamental, comprehensive and systemic in the recodifikation form which includes three main problems of criminal law, namely the formulation of the act against the law (criminal act), criminal liability (criminal responsibility) both of the perpetrators as natural human (natural person) nor corporate (corporate criminal responsibility) and the criminal and actions can be applied. Criminal law occupies an important position in the entire legal system in a country. Although it is still questionable benefit in collating orderly and peaceful society, but increasingly important for studying it facets to support the whole life system in society.
Land Use Planning in Integrated Watershed Development Program for Improving Livelihoods

Globally, rain-fed agriculture plays an important role to achieve food security (Rockstrom et al. 2007) as 80% of the world’s agricultural land area is rainfed and generates 58% of the world’s staple foods (SIWI 2001). Most food for poor communities in the developing countries is produced in rain-fed areas for e.g. in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) more than 95% of the farmed land is rain-fed, whereas the corresponding figure for Latin America is nearly 90%, for South Asia about 60%, for East Asia 65% and for Near East and North Africa 75%. In India, 60% of 142 million ha (Mha) arable land is rain-fed. The rain-fed areas are the hot spots of poverty, malnutrition, water scarcity, severe land degradation; and the investments in the rainfed agriculture pose serious challenges as large numbers of households are small land holders (Wani et al. 2009). These areas are also prone to more adverse impacts of climate change due to lack of technologies and necessary resource to cope with the challenges of global warming.
Optimization of Different Queries using Optimization Algorithm (DE)

The biggest challenge in modern web is to tackle tremendous growth of data, scattered and continuously updating in nature. Processing of such unscattered data by human or machine remains a tedious task. Semantic Web; as a solution has already been invented. But, still there are some other challenges, like as optimization of the query. We introduce a new approach for real–time SPARQL query optimization with different forms and different triple patterns. The strategy introduces rearrangement of order of triple pattern using Differential Evolution(DE). The experimental study focus on main-memory model of RDF data and ARQ query engine of Jena. We compare the result of proposed approach with the Ant Colony Optimization(ACO) different versions and some other approaches. Results shows that proposed approach provides better execution time as compare to the other approaches.