Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Woody Species Diversity and Management in Homegarden Agroforestry: The Case of Shashemene District, Ethiopia

The study was conducted in Shashemene district, Ethiopia. Management-related data were collected using informal and formal surveys. Woody species diversity and related parameters were collected from 60 households. Woody species with ≥5 cm diameter at breast height (DBH) were measured and recorded and below 5 cm were counted and recorded in 10 m 10 m and 1 m 1 m plot, respectively. A total of 36 woody species were recorded, of which 58% were indigenous to the area. The overall mean number of woody species per plot was 3.13. Four woody species, namely, Cordia africana, Croton macrostachyus, Persea americana, and Catha edulis, showed highest importance value index. Farmers’ preference ranks for selected woody species were recorded in order of Cordia africana, Eucalyptus camaldulensis, Croton macrostachyus, and Cupressus lusitanica, respectively. The similarity in woody species composition between the study villages ranged from 0.46 to 0.60. To sustain the management of woody species, farmers implemented pruning, thinning, composting, weeding, digging, and watering activities in the area. Garden availability and market and road accessibility are the major determinants of woody species in homegarden agroforestry. The study revealed woody species diversity, management practices implemented, and factors affecting woody species diversity management in homegarden agroforestry. Therefore, government should be worked on infrastructure, resource reallocation, and awareness creation in communities for the better improvement of species diversity and its sustainable management in homegarden agroforestry.
Effect of the SR-containing hydroxyapatite nanoparticles doping on the polymer fiber morphology within the 3-D artificial scaffolds for bone tissue regeneration

Functionalized 3-D scaffolds based on polycaprolactone (PCL) with strontium-containing hydroxyapatite (Sr-HA) were prepared via electrospinning technique. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) were used to investigate the structure and morphology of the scaffolds. The experimental results revealed that due to incorporation of Sr-HA particles into the polymer fibers, the surface of PCL/Sr-HA hybrid 3-D polymer scaffolds possessed porous and rough structure, which potentially should provide stimulation of adhesion and growth of bone cells.
Morphometric and quantitative analysis of the intestine of Rattus rattus infected by Strongyloides spp.

Strongyloidiasis is caused by Strogyloides spp. , which occurs when the parasite reaches the intestines. It is estimated that more than 370 million people throughout the world are infected with this disease. The aim of this study was to analyze the morphometric alterations and variation in the count of goblet cells of the jejunum of sinantropic rodents infected by Strongyloides spp. , and to compare with non-infected rodents. 157 rodents of the species of Rattus rattus were captured. After identifying the intestinal parasite, 20 rodents were selected. The criteria used were: animals between 20 and 25 cm (n=10), 5 females and 5 males infected by Strongyloides spp. and 5 females and 5 males (n=10) without the parasite. Sedimentation technique was used to identify the parasite. Morphometric and quantitative analysis of the intestinal wall was done through histological processing. In male and female infected rats, the followings were observed: smaller villus height, crypt depth increased, smaller villus area and a larger number of goblet cells in the crypts of the jejunum. The morphologic alterations of the jejunum wall may impair nutrient absorption process. Key words: Goblet cells, crypts, jejunum, sinantropic rodents, villi.
Reassessments of thermo-physical properties of Si-Ti melt at different temperatures

The compositional dependence of thermo-physical properties of Si-Ti liquid alloy has been reassessed using different modeling equations at temperatures 2000 K, 2400 K and 2473 K. The thermodynamic and structural properties of the system have been computed in the frame work of quasi-lattice test. The extent of surface segregation and surface tension of the liquid mixture have been computed using Butler’s equations at afore mentioned temperatures. The results so obtained have been compared with the available literature database. Theoretical investigations shows that the compound forming tendency of the system gradually decreases at elevated temperatures and hence it shows ideal behaviours, as expected. BIBECHANA 17 (2020)
The Burden of Multiple Intestinal Helminthes among Primary School Children in Doma, Doma Local Government Area, Nasarawa State, Nigeria

Intestinal parasitic infections have always been an important public health problem in the tropics particularly in developing countries such as Nigeria for example. A cross-sectional survey involving 440 schools going children of both sexes aged 6 >12 years was conducted in 4 primary schools at a different location in Doma Local Government Area (LGA) of Nasarawa State, Nigeria, between September 2015 to February 2016 to determine the prevalence of intestinal parasites. Of the 440 samples examined 155 (35.22%) were infected with different intestinal parasites. The parasites observed included Entamoeba histolytica (6.59%), bookworm (5.22%), Ascaris lumbricoides (53.40%), Trichuris trichiuria (0.45%), E. coli (4.77%) and mixed infection of Ascaris lumbricoides and hookworm (7.27%) with Ascaris lumbricoides having the highest prevalence. Doma south primary school 38 (34.54) Islamiyya nursery/primary school and Doma west primary school had the lowest prevalence with 36 (32.72%) and 34 (30.90%) respectively. An overall prevalence of Original Research Article Alaku et al.; AJRIZ, 2(4): 1-7, 2019; Article no.AJRIZ. 52293 2 (35.22%) intestinal parasitic infection in school going children is moderately high and of public health concern. There is need to intensified integrated control measure to reduce or completely eradicate the intestinal parasitic infection in school pupils.
Special issue in honour of Prof. Reto J. Strasser - A comparative chlorophyll a fluorescence study on isolated cells and intact leaves of Bouteloua gracilis (blue grama grass)

Bouteloua gracilis (blue grama grass) is one of the most drought and grazing tolerant plants in the short-grass ecosystem. To obtain information on their photosystem activities, we measured the fast (< 1 s) chlorophyll a fluorescence transient (the OJIP curve) from their leaves, and isolated cells grown photoautotrophically in suspension in a culture medium, or with added sucrose. One of our goals was to study the effect of different sucrose concentrations (0, 0.15, 0.3, and 3%) on PSII activity in isolated cells. Our results on cells suspended in culture medium, using the JIP-test, showed a decrease in PSII activity at increasing sucrose concentrations, while the photoautotrophic cells showed an optimal PSII activity, close to that of the leaves. Further, our data on cells grown in 0, 0.15, and 0.3% sucrose, but with added CO2, and measured while the cells were deposited on filter paper, indicate that supplementary CO2 can increase the PSII activity in the presence of sucrose, although further research is necessary to understand these results.
DeepMIP: Model intercomparison of early Eocene climatic optimum (EECO) large-scale climate features and comparison with proxy data

<div> <div> <div>We present results from an ensemble of eight climate models, each of which has carried out simulations of theearly Eocene climate optimum (EECO, &#8764;50 million years ago). These simulations have been carried out in the framework of DeepMIP (www.deepmip.org), and as such all models have been configured with the same paleogeographic and vegetation boundary conditions. The results indicate that these non-CO<sub>2</sub> boundary conditions contribute between 3 and 5<sup>o</sup>C to Eocene warmth. Compared to results from previous studies, the DeepMIP simulations show in general reduced spread of global mean surface temperature response across the ensemble for a given atmospheric CO<sub>2</sub> concentration, and an increased climate sensitivity on average. An energy balance analysis of the model ensemble indicates that global mean warming in the Eocene compared with preindustrial arises mostly from decreases in emissivity due to the elevated CO<sub>2</sub> (and associated water vapour and long-wave cloud feedbacks), whereas in terms of the meridional temperature gradient, the reduction in the Eocene is primarily due to emissivity and albedo changes due to the non-CO<sub>2</sub> boundary conditions (i.e. removal of the Antarctic ice sheet and changes in vegetation). Three of the models (CESM, GFDL, and NorESM) show results that are consistent with the proxies in terms of global mean temperature, meridional SST gradient, and CO<sub>2</sub>, without prescribing changes to model parameters. In addition, many of the models agree well with the first-order spatial patterns in the SST proxies. However, at a more regional scale the models lack skill. In particular, in the southwest Pacific, the modelled anomalies are substantially less than indicated by the proxies; here, modelled continental surface air temperature anomalies are more consistent with surface air temperature proxies, implying a possible inconsistency between marine and terrestrial temperatures in either the proxiesor models in this region. Our aim is that the documentation of the large scale features and model-data comparison presented herein will pave the way to further studies that explore aspects of the model simulations in more detail, for example the ocean circulation, hydrological cycle, and modes of variability; and encourage sensitivity studies to aspects such as paleogeography, orbital configuration, and aerosols</div> </div> </div>
A range-wide assessment of carry-over effects within the full annual cycle of the Great Reed Warbler with a focus on sex and population differences

Movements of long-distance migratory birds are frequently well timed and routed in order to maximise individual fitness. However, individual timing of events or environmental conditions experienced have a potential to carry over into subsequent annual cycle stages and may have delayed fitness consequences. Therefore, knowledge of these seasonal interactions is crucial to identify key periods and regions that limit survival beyond the breeding period and thus to fully understand population dynamics of migratory species. Despite current evidence for seasonal interactions, there is no detailed knowledge of the complex of relationships within the full annual cycle, differences between sexes and populations or impact of environmental conditions during moult in one species. To unveil this system of seasonal interactions within the annual cycle, we directly tracked 103 great reed warblers (Acrocephalus arundinaceus) using light-level geolocators from five breeding sites across the breeding range to obtain information on timing and positions of annual cycle events. We then combined this information with various remotely sensed habitat condition metrics and stable isotopic composition of feathers from the non-breeding grounds to identify and quantify carry-over effects within the full annual cycle. Our results supported the previously suggested domino effect between timing of consecutive events within migratory phases and buffering capacity of the non-breeding period preventing events to carry over between migratory periods. Contrary to our predictions, we did not identify any strong or moderate effect of habitat quality experienced during the whole nonbreeding period but, interestingly, variability of vegetation condition during moult affected both spring migration course and timing of breeding site arrival. Moreover, the carry-over effects appeared to be strongest in the southernmost breeding population compared to central and north European population and did not differ between males and females. Our results provide a first full picture of carry-over effects within the annual cycle in the species and we recommend integrating these results into detailed population models that could better explain species population dynamics. We also suggest future studies to focus on the effect of inter-specific interaction on the non-breeding grounds on the subsequent annual cycle stages. Finally, as the number of tracking studies is steadily growing, we suggest summarising the current knowledge on seasonal interactions across species and populations in a quantitative review to unveil more general trends.
Shareholders’ activism as a moderator of the relationship between corporate governance and return on investment

The purpose of shareholders’ involvement in the process of governance is to add corporate value and achieve better governance and firm performance (FP). However, corporate governance (CG) practices can vary from country to country and change over time. This study examines the moderating influence of shareholders’ activism (SA) on the CG effectiveness – FP relationship in non-financial companies listed in the Libyan Stock Market between 2007 and 2016. CG effectiveness was the independent variable and consisted of five dimensions: board of directors, monitoring committee, audit committee, nomination and compensation committee, and ownership. Leverage, firm age and firm size were used as control variables. Return on investment was used to assess the corporate performance. SA was tested as a moderating variable using the interactive regression models. The study found out that the CG effectiveness is positively and significantly related to return on investment (beta = 0.608, p &lt; 0.01). This relationship was strengthened by SA (R2 = 0.053, P &lt; 0.05). Overall, the study shows that SA boosts the relationship between CG and FP in the Libyan Stock Market.
Comparative and Demonstrative Study Between the Liquidity of Islamic and Conventional Banks in a Financial Stability Period: Which Type of Banks Is the Most Liquid?

Due to the failure of several conventional banks and the closure of some Islamic banks around the world, both types are exposed to the risk of liquidation and bankruptcy. Theoretically, knowledge production has until recently been the monopoly of academic research (Vinck, 2000). The choice of the most liquid type of bank and which maximizes the liquidity of its customers is a problem to be solved. Since most of the previous studies that have dealt with relative or comparative banking liquidity are unconfirming, our research interest is to overcome these constraints in order to provide a more optimistic answer. Two samples were removed from two reference populations over the period (2010-2018). Samples were selected from 16 countries. Basic populations consist of all existing conventional and Islamic banks in the selected countries. The choice of banks is limited to countries whose banking systems incorporate both types. Subsequently, the list for each type of banks was reduced on the basis of qualitative and quantitative filtering criteria. Therefore, each conventional bank has its closest Islamic equivalence in terms of capital and size taken from the same country. This restriction reduced the sample size to 63 large banks each. All selected banks were listed in different stock exchanges around the world. Empirical results showed that Islamic banks are more liquid than conventional banks during a financial stable period.
Enhanced anti-oxidant activity of neoagarooligosaccharides produced by β-agarase derived from Aquimarina agarilytica NI125

The neoagarooligosaccharides have received growing attention owing to their physiological activities. The aim of this study was the isolation of agarase-producing bacteria for production of agar hydrolysates with special emphasis on their anti-oxidant potential. An agarolytic strain NI125 was isolated from Nelson's Island, Alexandria, Egypt. Based on 16S rRNA analysis and extensive phenotypic characterization, it was identified as Aquimarina agarilytica. Maximum enzyme production was achieved after 24 h incubation at 20°C, and tryptone was recorded to be the best nitrogen source for agarase production. Extracellular agarase was partially purified by ammonium sulfate precipitation. The substrate specificity assay using p-nitrophenyl-α/β-D-galactopyranoside revealed the cleavage of the β-linkage rather than the α-linkage. Neoagarooligosaccharides produced by the partially purified β-agarase expressed promising anti-oxidant properties, with 23% free radical scavenging potential. Notable enhancement of the anti-oxidant potency of the oligosaccharides was achieved (up to 87% scavenging ability) by sulfation of the agar prior to hydrolysis for 12 h with β-agarase. Results obtained suggest the potential application of the produced neoagarooligosaccharides anti-oxidants as promising additives in food and feed products.
Morphometric analysis of some external and internal body characteristics of honey bee Apis mellifera queens treated with Paenibacillus larvae larvae

ABSTRACT The present investigation has been conducted to characterize morphological changes in virgin honey bee Apis mellifera queens challenged, in 4th larval instar, with a sub-lethal dose of Paenibacillus larvae larvae, causative agent of American foulbrood (AFB) the most threatening bacterial disease of honey bee brood. It provides direct tests to assess the quality of treated queens in terms of their external physical characters of the body (body weight, body length, abdomen length, thorax width, fore wing length and head width) and internal body characteristics (ovary size and number of ovarioles per ovary) in comparison with normal ones.The estimated LD20 was 1.07 x102 CFU/queen. This dose was enough to immunize queens and did not cause high mortality rate, so it was used in the subsequent tests during this study. The results indicated that the bacteria-treated queens didn't undergo any significant changes in their external body characteristics than normal ones. This reflects the difficulty of discrimination between normal and disease-tolerant queens in the field. Additionally, the number of ovarioles per ovary didn't show any significant changes between normal and treated queens. In contrast, ovaries of treated queens showed an increase of their sizes as compared with normal queens. These results indicate that the bacterial treatment has no impact on the development of queen`s ovary.
Optimal Operation of Battery Storage for a Subscribed Capacity-Based Power Tariff Prosumer—A Norwegian Case Study

The cost of peak power for end-users subject to a demand charge may be substantial, expecting to increase further with the vast growth of power-demanding devices. In cases where load-shifting is not a viable option for cost reduction, battery storage systems used for peak shaving purposes are emerging as a promising solution. In this paper, the economic benefits of implementing battery storage into an existing grid-connected photovoltaic system for a medium-scale swimming facility is studied. The objective is to minimize the total cost of electricity for the facility, including the cost of energy and peak power demand, while ensuring the longevity of the battery. An optimization model based on multi-integer linear programming is built, and simulated using a one-year time horizon in GAMS and Matlab. The main results reveal that installing a battery storage system is economically attractive today, with net savings on the total system cost of 0.64% yearly. The cost of peak power is reduced by 13.9%, and the savings from peak shaving operation alone is enough to compensate for the yearly cost of the battery. Moreover, the battery ensures additional revenue by performing price arbitrage operations. When simulating the system for an assumed 2030 scenario, the battery is found to be more profitable with a yearly net savings of 4.15%.
Diagnostic Value Of Resistin And Hepcidin In Neonatal Sepsis

Diagnosis of sepsis-attributed morbidity and mortality in the neonates still constitute a great challenge. Several attempts have been described to evaluate new diagnostic markers. Resistin and hepcidin are relatively new biomarkers that have been investigated and suggested as possible markers of infection in adult. The aim of this study was to evaluate hepcidin and resistin as new biomarkers of neonatal sepsis (NS) in comparison to the established diagnostic methods as C-reactive protein (CRP), blood culture and detection of bacterial 16S rDNA by PCR. The study included 150 neonates with suspected NS who were subjected to sepsis screen scoring. Complete blood count, CRP and automated blood culture were performed. Broad range bacterial 16S rDNA was detected by PCR without prior enrichment. Resistin and hepcidin serum levels were measured by enzyme immunoassay. Klebsiella was the most common isolated organism (9 isolates) followed by coagulase negative Staphylococci (8 isolates). PCR results for 16S rDNA were positive in 40 cases. Resistin level was significantly elevated in 84 cases; 80 of the sepsis groups and 4 in the control group. Hepcidin level was found to be elevated in 62 cases; 59 of the sepsis groups and 3 cases of the control group. Both resistin and hepcidin levels were significantly elevated in neonates with sepsis and were positively correlated with CRP and band cells count. However, resistin had greater diagnostic value compared to hepcidin. Both of these markers had an efficacy comparable to that of CRP in the diagnosis of NS. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Date of Submission: 02-06-2018 Date of acceptance: 18-06-2018 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Heterogeneity and the Provision of a Public Good in Leading and Lagging Regions

The literature on leading and lagging regions has paid scant attention to how heterogeneity between the two regions impacts the provision of a public good. Given this lacuna, our contribution is to construct a game-theoretic model of an aggregate economy consisting of a leading and a lagging region and to then analyze this model. We show how two kinds of heterogeneity affect the provision of a public good such as higher education. In addition, we focus on decentralized and centralized public good provision and comment on the resulting welfare implications. We obtain two key conclusions. First, under decentralization, there exist several situations in which it is optimal for only one region to provide the public good. Second, under centralization, this exclusive provision is not optimal but the amount of the public good provided can be larger or smaller than the amount provided under decentralization. Our research tells policymakers that population size and values differences between the two regions and the use of majority voting are key factors to consider when pondering the optimal provision of a public good.