Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Flight Altitude of Migrating European Honey Buzzards Facing the Open Sea

Abstract Migrating birds adjust their behaviour in order to reach their final destination safely and in a timely manner. In doing so, they fly at different altitudes, but unlike passerines, raptors do not explore all air levels searching for the best tailwind assistance. Soaring species migrate over the mainland using updrafts to optimize soaring-gliding flight and reaching higher altitudes during midday. However, there is little information on which variables affect their flight altitude when facing the open sea, where thermals are very weak and they are forced to use powered flapping flight for a long time. To fill this gap, we recorded the flight altitude of migrating European Honey Buzzards Pernis apivorus as they crossed the Tyrrhenian Sea (Central Mediterranean) and passed over a small island. During four migratory seasons, we recorded the altitudes of birds when they reached the NE coast of Ustica, a volcanic island between Sicily and central Italy, and analysed data in relation to several variables. The results showed that the tendency to continue migrating, flock size, and wind speed are the most important features in explaining height variation in migrating European Honey Buzzards facing the open sea.
Polycrystalline CdS thin films and their role in CdS/CdTe photovoltaic devices

This thesis represents a systematic study of polycrystalline CdS thin films and their role as an n-type window layer in CdS/CdTe photovoltaic devices. This work encompasses the growth of CdS, primarily by the solution deposition method, and the subsequent characterisation of these films in isolation and as part of thin film CdS/CdTe device structures. A novel solution deposition approach was devised in order to grow high quality CdS thin films. Structural, electrical and chemical characterisation methods applied to these have shown that in their as-grown state they are highly oriented (in either the c[l1l] or h[002] direction), possess a small grain size of approximately 10-15 nm, and contain a considerable level of compressive strain. Annealing treatments in the presence of the fluxing agent CdCl(_2) have been shown to strongly modify the properties of these films, they are converted to a polycrystalline hexagonal structure with a significantly reduced level of strain, possess a larger grain size (27-28 nm) and a considerably enhanced crystalline quality. Novel 'hybrid' films comprising two CdS layers grown by different growth methods, one grown directly upon the other, have been studied. It has been shown that there are remarkable differences in morphology between these and films grown by a single growth method alone. Complete CdS/CdTe devices have been fabricated from several types of film grown in this study. Cell efficiencies of 9.80% were attained for a limited batch of devices, suggesting that these films possess good qualities for PV device fabrication. Early results from a novel tubular photovoltaic device concept are presented. This geometry has the potential to reduce manufacturing costs, may open up new routes to enhance the efficiency of CdS/CdTe devices, and is an attractive candidate for PV/solar thermal power generation.
Identification of phytoplasma strains associated with witches’ broom and yellowing in Ziziphus jujube nurseries in Iran

Copyright: © 2020 G. Babaei, S.A. Esmaeilzadeh-Hosseini, M. Zandian, V. Nikbakht. This is an open access, peer-reviewed article published by Firenze University Press (http://www. fupress.com/pm) and distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original author and source are credited.
Editorial: An international context of corporate governance research

The recent issue of Corporate Ownership and Control journal can be referred to a special issue because of the truly international outlook provided by the scholars from more than 10 countries of the world, such as Canada, Australia, the UK, Germany, Italy, Finland, Portugal, Egypt, Thailand, Tunisia, the UAE. All the papers published in this special issue have been divided into several research fields.
Existence and Decontamination of HVC, Infectious Enteric Bacteria and Parasites in Sewaged Soils

A surface sample representing a high contaminated loamy sand soil irrigated with sewage effluent since 30 years and was cultivated with artichoke was collected from Abu-Rawash sewage farm. The existence of HVC, enteric infectious bacteria and parasites in sewaged soil found to be negative for the forward and positive for the latter's. Out of the 30 samples separated from the sewaged soil sample, only 3 samples contained parasitic fauna of developed and undeveloped Ascaris (10%) and five samples contained Entamoeba coli. Results showed that the number of Ascaris eggs/gm soil was 0.017 and the number of E. coli /gm was 0.26. Decontamination of soil parasites was effective using either calcium hypochlorite or potassium permanganate. Salmonella , Vibrio and Campelobacter were detected in the high contaminated sewaged soil and survived for 120 days in the sewaged soil under all control and bioremediated treatments irrigated with either sewage effluent or water.
Will climate change affect sugar beet establishment of the 21st century? Insights from a simulation study using a crop emergence model

Ongoing climate change has been reported to have far-reaching impact on crop development and yield in many regions of the globe including Europe. However, little is known about the potential impact of climate change on specific stages of the crop cycle including crop establishment, although it is a crucial stage of the annual crop cycles. For the first time, we performed a simulation study to pinpoint how sugar beet sowing conditions of the next eight decades will be altered under future climate change and if these variations will affect sowing dates, germination and emergence as well as bolting rates of this crop. We chose Northern France as an important study site, representative of sugar beet growing basin in Northern Europe. Sugar beet emergence simulations were performed for a period between 2020 and 2100, taking into account five sowing dates (mid-February, 1st March, mid-March, 1st April and mid-April). Soil water contents and temperatures in the 0-10 cm soil horizon were first simulated with the STICS soil-crop model using the most pessimistic IPCC scenario (RCP 8.5) to feed the SIMPLE crop emergence model. We also evaluated the probability of field access for the earlier sowings, based on the amount of cumulated rainfall during February and March. When analyzed by sowing date and for successive 20-year period from 2020 to 2100, there was a significant increase in seedbed temperatures by 2°C after 2060 while no change in cumulative rainfall was found before and after sowings, compared with the past. Emergence rate was generally higher for 2081-2100, while time to reach the maximum emergence rate decreased by about one week, compared with other periods, due to higher average seedbed temperatures. The rate of non-germinated seeds decreased, especially for the earlier sowing dates, but the frequency of non-emergence due to water stress increased after 2060 for all sowing dates, including the mid-February sowing. Bolting remains a risk for sowings before mid-March although this risk will be markedly decreased after 2060. The changes in seedbed conditions will be significant after 2060 in terms of temperatures. However, the possibility of field access will be a main limiting factor for earlier sowings, as no significant changes in cumulative rainfall, compared with the past, will occur under future climate change. When field access is not a constraint, an anticipation of the sowing date, compared to the currently practiced sowing (i.e. mid-March), will lead to decreased risks for the sugar beet crop establishment and bolting. The use of future climate scenarios coupled with a crop model allows a precise insight into the future sowing conditions, and provide helpful information to better project future farming systems.
Morphological assessment of Rheodreissena (Bivalvia: Veneroida: Dreissenidae) with an updated diagnosis of the genus, descriptions of two new species, redescription of R. lopesi, and the first account of larval brooding in New World dreissenids

ABSTRACT. Rheodreissena Geda et al. 2018, a recently described genus of Dreissenidae, is represented by living species that inhabit inland freshwaters of Brazil and Venezuela. The type species of Rheodreissena is R. hoeblichi (Schütt 1991a) described from the lower Orinoco basin, Venezuela. Three species are added in this study: R. lopesi (Alvarenga & Ricci, 1989) from the Tocantins and Xingu basins; R. cordilineata n. sp. from the Madeira, Trombetas and Xingu basins, and R. xinguana n. sp. from the Tapajós and Xingu basins. Those three species are recorded from Volta Grande, the stretch of the Xingu River impacted by the Belo Monte dam complex. All Rheodreissena typically attach in shallow clusters to clean, rocky substrates associated with rapids in the main channels of large clear water rivers. Species of Rheodreissena are distinguished by aspects of shell morphology and soft anatomy that presumably reflect adaptations to a rheophilic lifestyle. In Xingu and Tocantins populations of Rheodreissena, larval broods were observed in the ctenidial (R. lopesi and R. xinguana) and pallial cavities of females (all three species). Examples of pallial broods included a few prodissoconch-1 (D-shaped) larvae in R. xinguana n. sp. , 24 larvae/juveniles representing three different stages (prodissoconch 1 and 2, dissoconch) in R. cordilineata and up to 65 larvae/juveniles representing the same three stages in R. lopesi. In R. cordilineata and R. lopesi, the prodissoconch is attached to the parental mantle via a modified velum (adhesivelum), and dissoconchs attain lengths of 800 µm and 987 µm, respectively. For larvae brooded in the pallial cavity, a biphasic growth pattern was demonstrated statistically in R. lopesi and determined by observation in R. cordilineata. Juveniles are presumably released gradually into the environment at the crawl-away dissoconch stage. Biphasic brooding (ctenidial and pallial) was previously described for the European cave-dwelling dreissenid species Congeria kusceri; differences between brooding in Congeria and Rheodreissena are noted. Various morphological and lifehistory traits of species of Rheodreissena are summarized and compared to the other living species of Dreissenidae: Mytilopsis leucophaeata, M. sallei, Dreissena polymorpha, D. rostriformis (ex. bugensis), and the three nominal species of Congeria.
Developing the Material Guidebook on Parents Gathering to Improve Parents and Teachers’ Knowledge of Children Care

This research has the aim of developing a material guidance on parents gathering to improve the knowledge of children care among parents and teachers. Despite the themes in the material guidebook, there are fifteen titles available. This research is a developmental research using Borg and Gall model. The data collecting technique uses questionnaire with scale instrument. The technique of data analysis was done in a quantitative way. The result of the research shows that the development of the guidebook prototype of parents gathering is worthy to have a trial test in the field with some revisions. This could be seen from the judgment of material experts that show the score average of material validation as big as 63.4 or 64% (adequately worthy). Besides, the result of readability test by 42 teachers show the data that 3 teachers (7,2%) stated that it is very good, 32 teachers (76%) stated that it is good, and 7 teachers (16.8%) sated that it is good enough. Next the scoring data from media validator gains the average score of 95,8% or 96% (worthy).
Diversity on British boards and personal traits that impact career progression from AIM towards FTSE 100

JEL Classification: G30, G38 DOI: 10.22495/cocv17i4art15 This study proposes a new approach to examining executive remuneration and manager characteristics disaggregated by market index peer clusters and analyses personal attributes that differentiate managers across companies of different market caps (proxied my market indices such as FTSE 100, FTSE 250, FTSE SmallCap, and AIM). Our sample is composed of biographical data on 790 executive directors from 125 UK financial firms covering a 2004-2016 time period. The results show that network and education are the most important factors for career progression. On average, FTSE 100 executive directors are three times better connected and two times better educated than FTSE SmallCap and AIM board members. The larger the firm, the more diverse the board with more international (non-British) and female directors (even though male executives mostly dominate). The higher position is associated with greater age, while new executives tend to be younger and better connected. We highlight a change in the new managers‟ skill-set after the financial crisis which may presumably be explained by risk aversion. New directors appointed after 2008 are, on average, older and better educated. Even though after the crisis we document that all the boardrooms, except FTSE SmallCap, appear to have become more gender diverse, the female presence in the boards is scarce and the highest number of women was mainly employed during the financial crisis. After 2008, British boards have become less nationality diverse. Thus, for the purpose of maintaining companies‟ competitive advantage in increasingly diverse markets, it requires further attention from policy regulators.
A Scoping Review of Immersive Virtual Reality in STEM Education

Although virtual reality (VR) simulation training has gained prominence, review studies to inform instructors and educators on the use of this technology in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) are still scarce. This article presents various VR-supported instructional design practices in K-12 (primary and secondary) and higher education in terms of participants’ characteristics, methodological features, and pedagogical uses in alignment with applications, technological equipment, and instructional design strategies. During the selection and screening process, 41 (n = 41) studies published in the period 2009–2019 were included for a detailed analysis and synthesis. This article's results indicate that many studies were focused on the description and evaluation of the appropriateness or the effectiveness of applied teaching practices with VR support. Several studies pointed out improvements in learning outcomes or achievements, positive perspectives on user experience, and perceived usability. Nevertheless, fewer studies were conducted to measure students’ learning performance. The current scoping review aims to encourage instructional designers to develop innovative VR applications or integrate existing approaches in their teaching procedures. It will also inform researchers to conduct further research for an in-depth understanding of the educational benefits of immersive-VR applications in STEM fields.
RELAÇÕES ENTRE PROPRIEDADES QUÍMICAS, FÍSICAS E ENERGÉTICAS DA MADEIRA DE CINCO ESPÉCIES DE CERRADO RELATIONSHIPS AMONG CHEMICAL PROPERTIES, PHYSICAL AND ENERGY WOOD PROPERTIES OF FIVE CERRADO SPECIES

This work aimed at characterizing and evaluating the influence of the chemical properties (lignin, holocellulose and extratives contents) of five Cerrado wood species (Pterodon pubescens, Dalbergia miscolobium, Sclerolobium paniculatum, Stryphnodendron adstringens and Vochysia thyrsoidea) on density and shrinkage wood; gravimetric yield and apparent density of charcoal. The samples were collected in area of forest management in Brasilia (Brazil, DC), from three trees of each species, thus making a total of 15 samples. No significant differences among species were detected for wood extractive content and charcoal gravimetric yield. Pterodon pubescens, Dalbergia miscolobium and Sclerolobium paniculatum stood out by presenting, respectively, the highest basic density (0.82, 0.80 and 0.78 g/cm 3 ); the greatest content of lignin (31.74, 32.31 and 31, 42%), the highest charcoal apparent density (37, 43 and 37%). On the other hand, Stryphnodendron adstringens and Vochysia thyrsoidea stood out by presenting, respectively, the highest content of holocellulose (72.22% and 74.84). The lignin showed positive and significant correlation with the basic density and wood charcoal apparent density; showed no significant correlation with the volumetric shrinkage neither gravimetric yeild. The holocellulose content showed negative and significant correlation with the density of the wood, and charcoal apparent density. The total extractives not provided with any significance studied of variables.
In Silico Analysis of the FOXP3 Transcription Factor Associated with T-Cell Oncogenesis

Background: The X chromosome encoded FOXP3 gene is a unique regulator of the T-cell differentiation and immunosuppressive function. The nuclear transcription factor FOXP3 gene regulates lineage-specific differentiation in the Treg crucially maintenance of the immune homeostasis. The regulatory T-cell (Treg or CD4+ cells) play a role in the immune response for self-antigens, allergens, and tumours. However, FOXP3 gene function is inconsistent in tumorigenesis such as tumour-suppressive and tumour-promoting. A recent report suggested the FOXP3 gene repress tumorigenesis per effects on proliferation and apoptosis. Objective: My objective was to investigate the FOXP3 gene from the FOX family in between Homo sapiens and Musmusculus. The study of the FOXP3 gene is currently mandatory to explore the molecular mechanisms of the Treg differentiation and immunosuppressive function in a particular organism. Methods: I perform bioinformatics and computational tools and technique to the current knowledge of the FOX family in the mammalian genome. My procedure may be useful for future functional analysis of specific gene family in particular organisms. Results: In this study, I conducted a compressive genome-wide survey of the FOX family in mammals. My findings documented the FOX family play an essential role during development. The functional regulation of the FOXP3 gene exhibits tumour suppressor activity. The specific structure, domain, motifs, phylogeny, gene expression, and chromosome locationanalysis suggested that the FOXP3 gene is a T-cell dependent gene. Conclusion: My analysis data concluded the FOX family plays a crucial role during development. In contrast, the restricted expression of the FOXP3 gene in the T-cell is an immune-privileged. The ultimate function of the FOXP3 gene in tumour cells may represent a novel mechanism in the immune system.
Non-classical human leukocyte antigen class I in Tunisian children with autism

Autism spectrum disorders (ASD) are one of the most common childhood morbidities characterized by deficits in communication and social skills. Increasing evidence has suggested associations between immune genes located in the human leukocyte antigen (HLA) complex and etiology of autism. In this study, we investigated whether the non-classical class I HLA-G, -E, and -F polymorphisms are associated with genetic predisposition to autism in Tunisia. We aimed to find a correlation between HLA-G genotypes and soluble HLA-G (sHLA-G) levels. We have analyzed the HLA-G, -E, and -F genotypes of 15 autistic children and their parents. DNA typing of HLA class I genes was performed using PCR-SSP and PCR-RFLP methods. Also, we evaluated the serum levels of HLA-G (1 and 5) by a validated ELISA technique in autistic probands and their parents. No association was found between any polymorphism and autism in the study subjects. Additionally, we found no correlation between sHLA-G1 and sHLA-G5 and autism. Also, no significant difference in sHLA-G testing in parents and offspring was found. However, parents carrying [GG] genotype presented a higher sHLA-G levels than those carrying ([CC]+[GC]) genotypes (p = 0.037). From this preliminary study, we conclude that the investigated polymorphisms of HLA-G, -E, and -F genes did not lead to autism susceptibility in Tunisian children. However, the CGTIGA haplotype was found to be associated with the disease.
Loss of Shh signaling in the neocortex reveals heterogeneous cell recovery responses from distinct oligodendrocyte populations

The majority of oligodendrocytes in the neocortex originate from neural progenitors that reside in the dorsal forebrain. We recently showed that Sonic Hedgehog (Shh) signaling in these dorsal progenitors is required to produce normal numbers of neocortical oligodendrocytes during embryonic development. Conditional deletion of the Shh signaling effector, Smo, in dorsal progenitors caused a dramatic reduction in oligodendrocyte numbers in the embryonic neocortex. In the current study, we show that the depleted oligodendrocyte lineage in Smo conditional mutants is able to recover to control numbers over time. This eventual recovery is achieved in part by expansion of the ventrally-derived wild-type lineage that normally makes up a minority of the total oligodendrocyte population. However, we find that the remaining dorsally-derived mutant cells also increase in numbers over time to contribute equally to the recovery of the total population. Additionally, we found that the ways in which the dorsal and ventral sources cooperate to achieve recovery is different for distinct subclasses of oligodendrocyte-lineage cells. Oligodendrocyte precursor cells (OPCs) in the neocortical white matter recover completely by expansion of the remaining dorsally-derived Smo mutant cells. On the other hand, mature oligodendrocytes in the white and gray matter recover through an equal contribution from dorsal mutant and ventral wild-type lineages. Interestingly, the only population that did not make a full recovery was OPCs in the gray matter. We find that gray matter OPCs are less proliferative in Smo cKO mutants compared to controls, which may explain their inability to fully recover. These studies shed light on the nature of competition and cooperation between dorsal and ventral sources of oligodendrocytes in the developing neocortex. Furthermore, our data point towards differential use of Shh signaling in the development of distinct subclasses of the oligodendrocyte lineage.
Effect of different levels of nitrogen and phosphorus on growth and flowering of Salvia splendens cv. scarlet sage

An experiment to Effect of different levels of nitrogen and phosphorus on growth and flowering of Salvia splendens was carried out at Horticulture section, College of Agriculture Allahabad rabi season of 2017-2018 with sixteen treatment combinations in factorial randomized block design. The treatments comprised of four different levels of nitrogen viz., 0, 40, 60 and 80 kg ha-1 and four different levels of phosphorus viz., 0, 50, 100 and 120 kg ha-1. The result of present investigation revealed that, application of 80 kg ha-1 nitrogen and 120 kg ha-1 phosphorus produced significantly maximum Plant height (cm), Plant spread (cm), Number of branches per plant, Leaves per plant with respect to flowering parameters produced significantly maximum, Number of spikes per plant, Spike length (cm), Number of flowers per spike, Rachis length (cm). The interaction effects were found non-significant. For these parameters, the best treatment combination was 80 kg nitrogen ha-1 + 120 kg phosphorus ha-1.