Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Tropical Forest Disturbance: Paleoecological Records from Darien, Panama

The first paleoecological data from the Darien of Panama, a remote region rich in endemic species and purported to be one of the last untouched neotropical wilderness, demonstrate a 4000—yr history of human disturbance. Unstable climate is recorded as changes in precipitation inferred from the diatom record, but a more important source of disturbance has been human activity. Pollen, and phytoliths of Zea mays, and charcoal from grass fires confirm historical and archaeological judgments that the region has a long history of human settlement.The data are consistent with depopulation and abandonment of most agriculture following the Spanish conquest, showing that the local modern forest has developed in recent centuries. Four millennia of disturbance that preceded the decline of human populations may have had a profound effect upon the modern forest associations. The apparently pristine forests appear to have regrown in just 350 yr, probably from populations fragmented by previous agricultural disturbance.
Influência do sombreamento no crescimento de mudas de três espécies amazônicas

The objective of this paper was to assess the development of Jacaranda copaia (Aubl.) D. Don. , Hymenaea courbaril L. and Ochroma lagopus (Cav. ex. Lam.) Urban seedlings under different shade levels in the nursery. The experiment was carried out at Experimental Station of Tropical Silviculture (EEST) of Inpa, in Manaus, AM, Brazil. The experiment design was fully randomised blocks with five treatments: two treatments with 50% of shading during 15 and 30 days, respectively and the remaining period under full sun light (0%) and three treatments under 30, 50 and 70% shade, respectively by using black polypropylene screen. Stem diameter, seedling height, root length, leaf area, dry mass of leaves, root and stem, shoot/root ratio and height/diameter ratio were assessed. Hymenaea courbaril had its growth affected under 70% of shade. Ochroma lagopus and Jacaranda copaia seedlings increased their growth under shade, but seedlings quality was poor. In choosing shade levels to grow seedlings, shoot/root ratio and development of root system should be considered.
GENERAL PROPERTIES AND SUBSTRATE SPECIFICITY OF AN INTRACELLULAR NEUTRAL PROTEASE FROM STREPTOCOCCUS DIACETILACTIS

HAL is a multi-disciplinary open access archive for the deposit and dissemination of scientific research documents, whether they are published or not. The documents may come from teaching and research institutions in France or abroad, or from public or private research centers. L’archive ouverte pluridisciplinaire HAL, est destinée au dépôt et à la diffusion de documents scientifiques de niveau recherche, publiés ou non, émanant des établissements d’enseignement et de recherche français ou étrangers, des laboratoires publics ou privés. GENERAL PROPERTIES AND SUBSTRATE SPECIFICITY OF AN INTRACELLULAR NEUTRAL PROTEASE FROM STREPTOCOCCUS DIACETILACTIS M. J. Desmazeaud, Claude Zevaco
Serum calcium levels in response to cholecalciferol and calcium carbonate in the Australian brushtail possum

Abstract Cholecalciferol (vitamin D 3 ) is essential for calcium homeostasis but is toxic in high doses. It is registered as a rodenticide in some countries and is being evaluated in New Zealand as a toxin for the control of marsupial brushtail possums ( Trichosurus vulpecula ). In this study we assessed serum calcium as an indicator of the efficacy of cholecalciferol baits for possums and investigated the relationship between serum calcium and toxicosis in cases of accidental cholecalciferol poisoning using possums as models. Groups of possums were dosed with cholecalciferol, CaCO 3 , or combinations of both compounds. Treatments were designed to achieve a range of hypercalcaemic responses with different levels of mortality. Serum calcium was monitored after treatment and pharmacokinetic parameters were calculated. Maximum serum calcium concentrations did not differ significantly between treatments or between possums that died and possums that survived. The extent of each animal′s exposure to elevated serum calcium (the area under the curve) was not related to mortality. Serum calcium concentrations took significantly longer to peak in possums that died, and a slow development of hypercalcaemia after a dose of cholecalciferol may indicate a greater susceptibility to intoxication. The magnitude of the serum calcium increase, however, was a poor indicator of the severity of the toxicosis. Hypercalcaemia is a key diagnostic sign of cholecalciferol poisoning and the timing of serum calcium increases may help to establish a prognosis, but our findings cast doubt on the practice of monitoring serum calcium to assess the progress of treatment.
ASSESSMENT OF THE WOMEN’S KNOWLEDGE REGARDING CHOLELITHIASIS DISEASES IN DUHOK CITY

Background and Amis: Gallstone disease is one of the most common worldwide biliary tract disease in which the both genetic and environmental factors have roles in its pathogenesis. shortage of knowledge on gallstone disease contributed to poor dealing with cholelithiasis patients. Thus, the main aims of this study to assess the women knowledge regarding the cholelithiasis disease. Method: A cross-sectional study was conducted on 60 inpatient of gallstone disease in Azadi and emergency teaching hospital in Duhok city, A set of questionnaires were used to collect the data about their socio-demographic, and knowledge around gallstone disease by interviewer with selfadministered. A descriptive and inferential statistical analysis used to analyze the data. Result: The majority of the participants were (66%) their age 42.03 ± 12.63 within 42 years old, while the lowest ratio (13.3 %) was <29 years old. more than half (66.67%) of women had poor knowledge, (33.33%) had good knowledge about gallstone disease. However, the results indicated there was correlation between mother knowledge significantly with age (p-value 0.001). Therefore, the level of education had significant relationship to awareness of women toward gallstone disease. Conclusion: In this study, the results indicated that lack of knowledge was the major contributing factor for causing gallstone because due lack of awareness women were do not know the way of decreasing risk factor of gallstone disease. Key word: Women’s Knowledge, Cholelithiasis Diseases, Gallstone, Awareness 1 Assistant Lecturer, Adult Nursing Department, College of Nursing, University of Duhok (UoD),Kurdistan Region, Duhok City, Iraq 2 Lecturer, Medical Education Development Department, College of Medicine, University of Duhok (UoD), Kurdistan Region, Duhok City, Iraq. 3 Assistant Lecturer, Basic Science Department, College of Nursing, University of Duhok (UoD), Kurdistan Region, Duhok City, Iraq * Corresponding author’s email: omed.saadallah@uod.ac Mosul Journal of Nursing DOI: 10.33899/mjn.2020. 164623
Synergistic Activity of Green Silver Nanoparticles with Antibiotics

ObjectiveThe present work represents the green synthesis of silver nanoparticles using Withania coagulans extract and its antibacterial property. The synergy, additive, bacteriostatic and bactericidal effect of silver nanoparticles was determined against Enterococcus faecalis, Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Proteus vulgaris, Salmonella typhi, and Vibrio cholerae. Methods The green silver nanoparticles were characterized by X-ray diffractometry, Transmission Electron Microscopy, Scanning Electron Microscopy and Fourier Transform Infra Red spectroscopy. The Agar dilution, Minimum Inhibitory Concentration and Bacterial Growth Inhibition methods were used for the determination of the antibacterial activity of silver nanoparticles. The Fractional Inhibitory Concentration Index method was performed to check the synergistic activity of conjugated silver nanoparticles. ResultsThe Withania coagulans extract were reduced the silver nitrate into silver nanoparticles which was confirmed by color changes and spectral analysis. The silver nanoparticles were crystalline, elemental and spherical. The antibacterial activity was reported in silver nanoparticles which confirmed by zone of inhibition and pores on the surface of bacteria. The conjugated silver nanoparticles with Levofloxacin have synergy and additive behavior against the tested bacteria. Furthermore, bacteriostatic and bactericidal nature of silver nanoparticles was reported in lower (50 µg/ml) respectively. Conclusion The phenolic compounds of W. coagulans was responsible for the formation of silver nanoparticles. The bacteriostatic and bacteriocidal activity of silver nanoparticles depends upon its concentration. The conjugation of silver nanoparticles with antibiotics may be beneficial due to its synergy and additive effect against the bacteria.
Phosphorus efficiency in a long-term wheat–rice cropping system in China

SUMMARY Long-term (over 14 years) experiments on winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)–rice (Oryza sativa L.) crop rotations were conducted in Southwest China to investigate phosphorus (P) fertilizer utilization efficiency, including the partial factor productivity (PFP), agronomic efficiency (AE), internal efficiency (IE), partial P balance (PPB), recovery efficiency (RE) and the mass (input–output) balance. The seven treatments were Control, N, NP, NK, NPK, NPKM and NPKSt, representing various combinations of inorganic fertilizers (N, P and K), manure (M) and the application of rice straw (St). Without P application, the soil could supply c. 14·7–22·5 kg P/ha annually and produce, on average, c. 1·8 t/ha wheat and 6·0 t/ha rice. Phosphorus fertilization increased crop yields by 65·5 and 11·4% for wheat and rice, respectively, over the 14 years. The PFP values ranged from 80·2 to 177 kg grain/kg P fertilizer for wheat and from 222 to 255 kg/kg for rice in the NPK treatments. However, the mean AE over the 14-year period was 31·9 and 21·3 kg grain/kg inorganic P fertilizer for wheat and rice, respectively. The mean IE was 214 and 318 kg grain/kg P uptake for wheat and rice, respectively, during the cultivation period. The PPB for the whole rotation system over the 14 years ranged from 0·58 to 0·64. However, the mean RE of P fertilizer was 0·26 (varying from 0·22 to 0·29) in the wheat–rice cropping system over the 14-year period. For every 100 kg surplus P/ha per year, the concentration of soil P extracted by 0·5 m NaHCO3 at pH 8·5 (Olsen-P) would increase by, on average, 4·12 mg/kg in soil. For the wheat–rice cropping system, the current P application rate of 55–65 kg P/ha per year is able to sustain annual yields of about 3 t/ha for wheat and 7 t/ha for rice. This study suggests that, in order to achieve higher crop yields, the P fertilizer utilization efficiency should be considered when making P fertilizer recommendations in wheat–rice cropping systems.
Assessment of Nurses Knowledge towards Post thyroidectomy Management in Nineveh Governorate Hospitals

Background and Aim: Complications that may associated thyroidectomy can often be lifethreatening. It is important that nurses have the knowledge and skills to manage the patients with thyroidectomy and potential complications. The study aimed to assess nurses' knowledge towards post thyroidectomy management in Nineveh governorate hospitals. Material and Methods: a descriptive cross-sectional study was performed in two governmental hospitals are included in the study (Tal Afar General Hospital and Al-Salam Teaching Hospital). The study has been conducted from 7 th of October to 30 th of December 2019. The study sample was randomly selected consisting of (60) nurses from both hospitals. A special questionnaire tool was constructed by the researcher, this questionnaire tool consisted of two parts, nurses' demographic characteristics and questions for knowledge about post thyroidectomy management in the form of multiple choice questions. The data were analyzed through the application of descriptive statistical analysis that included frequency,
Molecular switching of osteoblastogenesis versus adipogenesis: implications for targeted therapies

Osteoblasts and adipocytes differentiate from a common precursor, the pluripotent mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) found in bone marrow (BMSC) and adipose tissue (AD-MSC). Numerous transcription factors and multiple extracellular and intracellular signals regulating adipogenesis and osteoblastogenesis have been identified and analyzed. Significantly, inducers of differentiation towards one lineage may inhibit cell differentiation into an alternative lineage. For example, the canonical Wnt/β-catenin pathway induces osteoblastogenesis and inhibits adipogenesis, whereas the peroxisome proliferator activated receptor-γ (PPAR-γ) is a prime inducer of adipogenesis and, as shown in recent studies, inhibits osteoblastogenesis. We have identified two signaling pathways that switch the cell fate decision from adipocytes to osteoblasts by suppressing the transactivation function of PPAR-γ. In the first pathway, the TNF-α- or IL-1-induced TAK1/TAB1/NIK signaling cascade attenuates PPAR-γ-mediated adipogenesis by inhibiting the binding of PPAR-γ to the DNA response element. The second is the noncanonical Wnt pathway through the CaMKII-TAK1/TAB2-NLK (nemo-like kinase) signaling cascade. Specifically, Wnt-5a-induced phosphorylation of NLK triggers formation of a complex with the histone methyltransferase SETDB1 (SET domain, bifurcated 1) that represses PPAR-γ transactivation through histone H3-K9 methylation at the target genes. Thus, two signaling cascades promote osteoblastic differentiation from MSC through two distinct modes of PPAR-γ transrepression.
Conservation genetics of highly isolated populations of the xerothermic beetle Crioceris quatuordecimpunctata (Chrysomelidae)

Xerothermic species are rare and threatened in central and eastern Europe. In light of the continuing loss of steppe-like habitats due to anthropogenic fragmentation and degradation, the evaluation of genetic variation in populations inhabiting them is of immediate importance if appropriate conservation measures are to be undertaken. Here we report on the genetic diversity of the rare leaf beetle Crioceris quatuordecimpunctata, whose populations in central and eastern Europe inhabit highly geographically isolated areas. All of the studied populations (in Poland, Ukraine, and Slovakia) were differentiated at the mitochondrial marker COI. However, with respect to the nuclear marker ITS1, Polish populations were monomorphic, but distinct from all other populations. The distinctiveness of the studied populations was confirmed by Wolbachia screening, which showed that all populations carried different strains (one or two), which were probably transferred independently from other insects. On the other hand, no diversity was found in any marker within particular populations, which could be caused (at least for mtDNA) by a Wolbachia selective sweep. Crioceris quatuordecimpunctata probably consists of isolated populations, which went through narrow bottlenecks leading to a drastic reduction in their genetic diversity. As these populations are reciprocally monophyletic for mtDNA haplotypes and show a significant divergence of allele frequencies at nuclear loci, they could be classified as evolutionarily significant units (ESUs). In addition, DNA barcodes were used to identify Asparagus officinalis as the host plant for members of all studied populations. These data should be valuable in efforts to conserve populations of C. quatuordecimpunctata (e.g., for guiding reintroductions).
Antibacterial Activity of Ethanolic Extract of Kitolod (Hippobromalongiflora) Leaf Against Staphylococcus aureus and Salmonella typhi

Objective: The purpose of this study was to determine at what concentration of ethanol extract of kitolod leaves is active against Staphylococcus aureus and Salmonella typhi. Methods: Ethanolic extract of Kitolod leaves was tested for phytochemical screening by using standard protocol. Antibacterial testing was using the diffusion disc method to measure the inhibition zone against the Staphylococcus aureus and Salmonella typhi with various concentration of Kitolod leaves extract (6.25%, 12.5%, 25%, 50%, and 75%). Results: Phytochemical screening showed that ethanolic extract of Kitolod leaves contain alkaloids, flavonoids and saponins. The antibacterial inhibition of ethanol extract of kitolod leaves against Staphylococcus aureus and Salmonella typhi bacteria at a concentration of 75% had a diameter of 11.3 mm and 12.16 mm with a strong category. Conclusions: Kitolod leaf could be use as a novel antibacterial agent.
Prevalence and distribution of serum neutralizing antibodies to San Miguel sea lion virus types 6 and 7 in selected populations of marine mammals

Neutral17ing antibodies to San M ~ g u e l sea llon virus (SMSV) types 6 and/or 7 were found in sera collected from California sea l ~ o n s Zalophus c californianus in 1977 and 1983 and in sera collected from Steller sea lions Eumetoplas jubatus in 1976 and 1985 The combined prevalence rates of ShlSV anubodies in these 2 species were SMSV-6 19/228 = 8.3 %, and SMSV-7, 4/228 = 1 7 '10 Titers ranged from 1 20 to 1 320 by standard microtlter neutralization assay Seropositive sea lions were dispersed along the eastern Pacific rim from Alaska to the southern California Channel Islands Anhbodies to either agent were not found In sera collected from northern fur seals Callorhlnus urslnus, Pacific walruses Odobenus rosnlarus divergens seals of the family Phocidae, or several cetacean species Both SMSV-6 and SMSV-7 have been isolated from opaleye G~rella nlgrIcans an ocean fish found pnmarily In the southern California coastal zone, the presence of antibody-positive sea llons in more northern waters indicates that these piscine-ongin SMSV types may have a wider distribution in nature than has been previously supposed
The Relevance of ‘Other Surprises’ in Explaining Earnings Announcement Returns

Previous research documents two puzzling findings that cast doubt on the usefulness of accounting information to investors: the declining power of street EPS in explaining earnings announcement returns and the increasing price reactions to earnings announcements. I show this evidence is due to omitting non-street EPS surprises from the earnings announcement analysis. When I control for ‘other surprises’ based on I/B/E/S forecasts for sales, gross margin, EBITDA, operating and net income, GAAP earnings and cash flows, the adjusted R2 increases over fourfold and street EPS lose explanatory power. The ‘other surprises’ are useful on their own and help interpret street EPS surprises, particularly small street EPS surprises, and earnings news of high accrual and growth stocks, and of high institutional ownership firms. Overall, the study identifies an important set of previously omitted variables that investors use in assessing earnings announcement information.
Representation of Culture in EFL Textbooks and Learners’ Preference

This research represents the importance of culture in English as Foreign Language (EFL) Textbooks and learners' preference in the English classrooms. The study analyzes the cultural representation in three types of culture: source, target, and international of English as a foreign language (EFL) textbooks used in English classrooms at public universities in Saudi Arabia. Through the method of content analysis, it was discovered that a cultural representation balance was not maintained, indeed, as the contents were skewed toward target culture representation. Analyses of the study data, including a survey taken by EFL learners (N= 120), showed that source culture was the least interesting for these participants. The analyses also showed that skill development and target and international cultural training were prioritized by the study subjects. The findings of the current study suggest the need for thoroughness in developing rigorous frameworks for EFL textbooks' cultural integration, and for future experimental trials focusing on culture and foreign language research.
Response of Mediterranean grassland to phosphate and stocking rates: livestock production

SUMMARY Three rates of phosphate (0, 25 and 60 kg/ha P2O5) were applied for 7 years to phosphate-deficient grassland at Tel Hadya, north Syria. Liveweight, milk yield, wool production and supplementary feeding of Awassi sheep were monitored for six seasons (1985/86 to 1990/91). The experiment was grazed at low (0·8 sheep/ha per year) and high (1·7 sheep/ha per year) stocking rates from the second to the fourth season, while in the fifth to seventh seasons stocking rates were increased to 1·1 and 2·3 sheep/ha per year, respectively. The experimental site was typical of communally owned, degraded grasslands within the cereal zone of west Asia, where cropping is not possible because of shallow, stony soils and steep slopes. The results showed that annual applications of phosphate, even at 25 kg/ha, improved pasture and sheep productivity. Liveweights were higher on fertilized plots in five out of six years, significantly so in the last three. Milk production was also higher on phosphate-treated plots, and the need for supplementary feeding was reduced, especially in the last three years, when rainfall was below average. The results suggest that stocking rates can be significantly increased by annual applications of small amounts of superphospate, and that doing so is profitable. Use of the results depends on the presence of native legumes, the level of soil phosphate, and the ability of farmers to control grazing of these communally owned grasslands. A strategy to fulfil these criteria is suggested.
Ecological Governance and the Independent Assurance of Sustainability Reporting by Chinese Listed Companies

The purpose of this paper is to examine independent assurance of sustainability reports in a major emerging economy - China. It draws on a theory of ecological governance which offers models, one of which China’s governance model appears to fit. Desk based research has been used to establish the take-up of independent assurance by all Chinese listed companies from 2003 to 2015. The findings are that the take-up of independent assurance by Chinese listed companies has been very low and was falling in 2015. Companies using independent assurance do not fit into the typical types identified by previous Western research and are dominated by financial companies. The key explanation for the low take-up is that Chinese governance based on ecological authoritarianism exercised by the government has little need for public exercises in legitimation such as independent assurance. The practical implications are that through understanding of governance mechanisms in an authoritarian model such as China’s this leads to understanding about a different approach to ecological governance. The paper is original in that it looks at independent assurance in China from a new perspective with emphasis on absence of such assurance, rather than statistical analysis of determinants.
Physiological effects of immune challenge in captive greenfinches (Carduelis chloris)

It is expected that the costs of exploiting an organism's immune system form the basis of many life-history trade-offs. However, the processes responsible for generating these costs have rarely been quantified in terms of energy expenditures and physiological rearrangements in the organism during the immune response. To determine the physiological changes caused by the immune response, we recorded various condition indices of male captive greenfinches (Carduelis chloris) 1, 4, and 8 days after immune challenge with a nonpathological antigen (sheep red blood cells; SRBC). Measured variables included estimates of total and differential leukocyte counts, serum protein concentrations and profile, serum triglyceride concentration, basal metabolic rate, body mass, spontaneous locomotory activity, and serum total antioxidant capacity. On days 4 and 8 post injection, immune-challenged greenfinches significantly reduced their spontaneous locomotory activity, which suggests a switch to energy conservation. Fourteen.