Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Sampling bias in snow leopard population estimation studies

Funding information AZA Conservation Endowment Fund; BBC wildlife Fund; Cheyenne Mountain zoos; Columbus Zoo and Aquarium; David Shepherd Wildlife Foundation; Disney Worldwide Conservation Fund; Kolmarden Zoo; Nysether Family Foundation; Whitley Fund for Nature; Woodland Park Zoo Abstract Accurate assessments of the status of threatened species and their conservation planning require reliable estimation of their global populations and robust monitoring of local population trends. We assessed the adequacy and suitability of studies in reliably estimating the global snow leopard (Panthera uncia) population. We compiled a dataset of all the peer-reviewed published literature on snow leopard population estimation. Metadata analysis showed estimates of snow leopard density to be a negative exponential function of area, suggesting that study areas have generally been too small for accurate density estimation, and sampling has often been biased towards the best habitats. Published studies are restricted to six of the 12 range countries, covering only 0.3–0.9% of the presumed global range of the species. Re-sampling of camera trap data from a relatively large study site (c.1684 km) showed that small-sized study areas together with a bias towards good quality habitats in existing studies may have overestimated densities by up to five times. We conclude that current information is biased and inadequate for generating a reliable global population estimate of snow leopards. To develop a rigorous and useful baseline and to avoid pitfalls, there is an urgent need for (a) refinement of sampling and analytical protocols for population estimation of snow leopards (b) agreement and coordinated use of standardized sampling protocols amongst researchers and governments across the range, and (c) sampling larger and under-represented areas of the snow leopard's global range.
Inflation, Exchange Rate, and Money Supply Nexus in Tanzania:

The interrelationships among inflation, money supply, and exchange rates are a widely researched area. However, the findings and conclusions are yet contentious hence, our knowledge of the nexus among the variables remain elusive. Using annual time series data (1970-2015) from Tanzania, the study examines the nexus among inflation, money supply, and exchange rate. Using the ARDL bounds testing approach, the study reveals the existence of a long-run equilibrium relation among inflation, money supply, and exchange rates. Furthermore, money supply and exchange rate also have a short-run dynamic causal effect on inflation. The estimated error correction coefficient of -0.73 suggests about 73 percent of the disequilibrium is corrected within a year. This speed of adjustment towards the equilibrium is quite high. Study’s findings support the contention that inflation is a monetary phenomenon in Tanzania. Similarly, the exchange rate pass-through is also a very notable phenomenon. In light of the findings, proper monetary policies such as tightening money supply is required to continue keeping inflation low and stable.
The effects of warming up strategies for sprint performance

Warm-up procedures have become relevant for coaches, researchers and sports professionals in recent years. Several studies have been conducted to verify the effects of different preactivities, regarding differing volume, intensity, rest, and specificity, and the warm-up is now widely accepted as essential practice to improve performance. Research is now focusing on the effects of static and dynamic stretches, the post-activation potentiation phenomenon and the optimisation of waiting periods with passive warm-up approaches. In this brief review we critically analyse the emerging methods and strategies of warm-up that have been investigated and used before competitive events. Key-Words: Competition; Pre-exercise; Heating; Training; Sports performance
Attraction of Ambrosia Beetles (Coleoptera: Curculionidae: Scolytinae: Xyleborini) to Semiochemicals in Vietnam, with New Records and a New Species

Abstract In 2015, a trapping effort was initiated to collect individuals of the polyphagous shot hole borer, Euwallacea nr. fornicatus (Eichhoff), at five sites in northern Vietnam. The traps tested the usage of quercivorol (paramenthenol), a-copaene, cubeb oil, conophthorin, and ethanol as potential lures. These compounds have been effective in collecting individuals in the USA but have not been tested within the species' putative native range. As reported for the USA, the species responded best to the quercivorol lure. Throughout the duration of the study, 21 species were collected. Among them were Ambrosiophilus nodulosus (Eggers, 1941), Beaverium magnus (Niisima, 1910), new combination, Xyleborus glabratus Eichhoff, 1877, and Xylosandrus discolor (Blandford, 1898), all of which are new country records. Arixyleborus nudulus Smith, Rabaglia, and Cognato, new species, was also collected and is described and illustrated.
Dampak penerapan basis akrual terhadap kualitas transparansi fiskal pemerintah

Tujuan makalah ini untuk mengukur seberapa efektif penerapan basis akrual pada sistem akuntansi pemerintah Indonesia dan dampaknya terhadap kualitas transparansi fiskal. Efektifitas diukur dalam konteks Polices, People, Processes dan Systems. Penelitian ini dilakukan di 85 Kementerian Lembaga (K/L) melibatkan 149 responden menggunakan instrumen kuesioner, dan wawancara mendalam dengan 77 ahli. Analisis data menggunakan pendekatan Statistik Deskriptif dan Statistik Inferensial dengan metode Structural Equation Modeling (SEM). Hasil penelitian mengungkapkan bahwa meskipun efektifitas penerapan basis akuntansi akrual masih berada di level cukup, namun berdampak signifikan terhadap kualitas transparansi fiskal pemerintah. Dampak tersebut terlihat nyata dalam hal pelaporan fiskal dan perkiraan fiskal dan anggaran pemerintah menjadi lebih baik. Namun dalam hal pengelolaan dan analisis resiko fiskal belum terlihat maksimal.
Pigeon circoviruses from feral pigeons in Australia demonstrate extensive recombination and genetic admixture with other circoviruses

ABSTRACT Like other avian circovirus species, Pigeon circovirus (PiCV) is known to be genetically diverse with a relatively small circular single-stranded DNA genome of 2 kb that encodes for a capsid protein (Cap) and a replication initiator protein (Rep). Recent paleoviral evidence hints towards a probable Gondwanan origin of avian circoviruses, paralleling the evolution and dispersal of their hosts. Limited availability of PiCV genome sequence data in Australia has hindered phylogeographic studies in this species, so we screened clinically normal rock doves (Columba livia) in regional New South Wales, and demonstrated a high prevalence (76%) of PiCV infection by PCR. We also recovered 12 complete novel PiCV genomes and phylogenetic analyses revealed that PiCV circulating in Australian feral pigeons formed two strongly supported monophyletic clades. One clade resided with PiCV genomes from Poland, Australia, United Kingdom, Belgium, China, and Japan, and another basal clade was more closely related to PiCV genomes from Poland. A novel more distantly-related PiCV rep gene formed a solitary clade with weak posterior support. So we further analysed all selected partial rep gene sequences to demonstrate a likely naturally occurring spillover infection from a passerine circovirus candidate. The findings suggest that there is a high degree of genetic variation within PiCV in Columbiformes with potential greater admixture between avian circoviruses within Australia than previously known. RESEARCH HIGHLIGHTS Confirmed high prevalence rate of PiCV circulating in Australian wild pigeons. Highlighted extensive recombination events within Australian PiCV. Demonstrated a likely naturally occurring spillover infection from a passerine circovirus candidate.
Effects of the IMF Direction on Atmospheric Escape From a Mars‐like Planet Under Weak Intrinsic Magnetic Field Conditions

Direction of the upstream interplanetary magnetic field (IMF) significantly changes the magnetospheric configuration, influencing the atmospheric escape mechanism. This paper investigates effects of IMF on the ion escape mechanism from a Mars‐like planet that has a weak dipole magnetic field directing northward on the equatorial surface. The northward (parallel to the dipole at subsolar), southward (antiparallel), and Parker‐spiral IMFs under present solar wind conditions are compared based on multispecies magnetohydrodynamics simulations. In the northward IMF case, molecular ions escape from the high‐latitude lobe reconnection region, where ionospheric ions are transported upward along open field lines. Atomic oxygen ions originating either in the ionosphere or oxygen corona escape through a broader ring‐shaped region. In the southward IMF case, the escape flux of heavy ions increases significantly and has peaks around the equatorial dawn and dusk flanks. The draped IMF can penetrate into the subsolar ionosphere by erosion, and the IMF becomes mass‐loaded as it is transported through the dayside ionosphere. The mass‐loaded draped IMF is carried to the tail, contributing to ion escape. The escape channels in the northward and southward IMF cases are different from those in the Parker‐spiral IMF case. The escape rate is the lowest in the northward IMF case and comparable in the Parker‐spiral and southward IMF cases. In the northward IMF case, a weak intrinsic dipole forms a magnetosphere configuration similar to that of Earth, quenching the escape rate, while the Parker‐spiral and southward IMFs cause reconnection and erosion, promoting ion escape from the upper atmosphere.
O papel de contingências de competição no autorrelato de crianças sobre seus desempenhos em um jogo computadorizado

Este estudo verificou como contingências de competição, quando o participante está ou não em desvantagem em relação a um oponente virtual, influenciam a acurácia do autorrelato de crianças sobre seus desempenhos em um jogo computadorizado. Participaram seis crianças com desenvolvimento típico expostas às seguintes condições experimentais: Linha de Base, que avaliou a acurácia dos autorrelatos dos participantes sobre seus desempenhos sem contingências planejadas de competição; Competição-Vantagem, cujo objetivo foi verificar o papel de contingências de competição, em que o participante se encontrava em vantagem em relação ao oponente, sobre o autorrelato; e Competição-Desvantagem, que avaliou a influência de contingências de competição, em que o participante se encontrava em desvantagem em relação ao adversário, sobre a acurácia do autorrelato. Os resultados indicaram a influência de contingências de competição na correspondência do autorrelato de três dos seis participantes, indicando a contingência de competição como variável de controle da correspondência verbal/não verbal.
Examination of RAD51 gene G135C polymorphism in gastric cancer patients in northeastern Anatolia

Polymorphisms of DNA repair and genome integrity genes are associated with DNA repair capacity and elevated cancer risk. To establish an association between the pattern of polymorphism and the incidence of any type of cancer, studies across different populations are required. Polymorphic regions have been identified in the RAD51 repair gene in various cancer types; however, the influence of specific genetic variants on gastric cancer prevalence has not been empirically demonstrated. We conducted a case-control study with 76 gastric cancer patients and 78 healthy individuals from northeastern Anatolia to examine the association between polymorphism and gastric cancer. We genotyped the previously identified G135C polymorphism of RAD51 in all individuals and estimated the allele and genotype frequencies in the two groups. Our results indicated that the two groups differed both in allele and genotype frequencies. Additionally, a significant and elevated odd ratio (3.53) of gastric cancer for the C allele of RAD51 was observed. The genotypes GC and CC had also significant and high odd ratios (>3.75). Our results indicate that G135C polymorphism of the RAD51 gene was associated with an increased risk of gastric cancer in the examined population.
Light ternary fission products: probabilities and charge distributions. [Reviews, data systematics]

A survey was made of experimental information pertinent to the probability of ternary fission and the charge distribution of the light ternary fission products. A new prescription is presented for the ternary fission probability as a function of incident particle energy and certain compound nucleus properties. Based upon systematics, a method for obtaining charge distributions of the light ternary products is presented.
Effect of moisture content on crackability of bambara groundnut using a centrifugal cracker

One of the most tedious operations in processing bambara groundnut is the shelling operation. However, moisture content normally affects the handling and processing of agro-materials, such as nut shelling/cracking. This study was conducted to determine the effect of moisture content on shelling efficiency of bambara groundnut using a centrifugal cracker. A 50 kg bag of bambara groundnut obtained from Damboa Local Government Area of Borno State, Nigeria, was divided into three groups. These groups were prepared for tests by soaking them in ordinary water at room temperature for different periods of 0, 60 and 90 min to obtain different levels of moisture content. Moisture content of each sample was determined by oven drying at 130°C for 6 h. The moisture content levels were found to be 5.3,9.6, and 12.2% (d.b.) for samples A, B and C, respectively. The samples were subjected to impact energy through a centrifugal impaction device operating at an angular velocity of 1920 r.p.m. , using three different types of impellers. Data obtained on the percentage of fully shelled pods and unbroken seeds, fully shelled pods with broken seeds, partially shelled pods and unshelled pods were statistically analysed. Results showed that both moisture content and impeller angulations have a significant effect on these performance indices. The most effective performance was obtained at moisture content of 5.3% (d.b.), at which the shelling efficiency, percentage of damaged seeds, percentage of partially shelled pods and percentage of unshelled pods were 96, 3.4, 0.6 and 0, 86.6, 3.6, 5.6 and 4.2, 85, 2.4, 5.4, and 7.2% for the forward facing impeller, radially positioned impeller and the backward facing impeller, respectively. The study farther showed that development of a centrifugal impact bambara groundnut sheller with winnower would eliminate the tediousness of the present manual pod cracking methods.
INFERRING GENETIC DIVERSITY AND DIFFERENTIATION OF THE ENDANGEREDCHINESE ENDEMIC PLANT SAUVAGESIA RHODOLEUCA (OCHNACEAE)USING MICROSATELLITE MARKERS

Sauvagesia rhodoleuca is one of the most endangered species in China. It has a narrow distribution in the evergreen broadleaved forest of southern China. Up to now, only six populations remained in two provinces. In this study, eight microsatellite loci were used to examine genetic diversity in these populations. We found very low levels of genetic diversity within populations of S. rhodoleuca with average observed and expected heterozygosity (HO and HE) of 0.069 and 0.186, respectively. Estimated inbreeding coefficients (FIS) within populations were high suggests the probable selfing in the species.Combination of the UPGMA dendrogram and the INSTRUCT analysis show that six extant populations could be classified into three distinct genetic groups and no pattern of isolation by distance was detected among populations. The low genetic variation within populations and high genetic differentiation among populations indicate that the management for the conservation of genetic diversity in S. rhodoleuca should aim to preserve every population.
Adaptation to risks related to ecotourism: development at Boabeng in the Bono East Region, Ghana

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to evaluate adaptation strategies developed by residents in order to minimize the risks caused by the ecotourism project at Boabeng in the Bono East region of Ghana. Research methodology: Data collection instruments included schedules and interview guides. A sample of 404 heads of households was randomly selected for the administration of schedules, whilst 12 respondents each were purposively selected for focus group discussions and indepth interviews. Household data were analyzed using percentages, frequencies and mean responses. Findings: Findings indicate that households adapted to ecotourism risks by patrolling and farming off the feeding range of the monkeys. Limitations: Household heads and opinion leaders were made to assess the ecotourism project in terms of how they cope with it. These community leaders, some of whom were direct beneficiaries of the projects, may not give the right information and this may affect the results of the study. Respondents were however; assured of confidentiality of their responses so as to enable them give the right information on their adaptation to risks related to the ecotourism project in the community. Contribution: This study recommends the intensification of livelihood diversification schemes in the study area. Keywords: Destination, Limitations, Livelihood diversification, Local community, Local households, Monkey sanctuary, Vulnerable households
The influence of diet-induced weight loss and aerobic exercise on skeletal muscle mass in obese older adults.

INFLUENCE OF DIET-INDUCED WEIGHT LOSS AND MODERATE AEROBIC EXERCISE ON SKELETAL MUSCLE FIBER AREA IN OVERWEIGHT OLDER ADULTS. Chomentowski P, University of PittsburghWhile diet-induced weight loss is a common method for the reduction of excess fat-mass, there is also a concomitant reduction in lean fat-free mass. This loss of lean muscle mass could exacerbate the loss of muscle mass, i.e. sarcopenia, that normally occurs in older men and women. However, the effects of intentional diet-induced weight loss on the loss of muscle mass in older adults have not been elucidated. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of diet-induced weight loss, alone and in combination with moderate aerobic exercise, on skeletal muscle mass in older adults. METHODS: Twenty-nine overweight(BMI=31.81±3.37kg/m2) older(67.23±4.2years) men(n=13) and women(n=16) completed a 4-month intervention consisting of diet-induced weight loss(WL) with or without or exercise(WL/EX). The WL intervention consisted of a 10% reduction in total body weight(kg) through a caloric restriction of 500-1000kcal/day.The WL/EX group achieved the same weight loss and exercised 3-5 times a week, 35-45 minutes, at a heart rate 65-75% of maximal predicted. Whole body DEXA, thigh computed tomography(CT) and a percutaneous muscle biopsy on the left vastus lateralis were collected to assess changes in skeletal muscle mass. RESULTS: Mixed ANOVA demonstrated both groups had decreases in mean bodyweight (WL, -9.2%; WL/EX, -9.1%) and whole body fat mass (WL, -17%; WL/EX, -21%). However, whole body fat-free mass decreased in the WL (-4%) and didn't change in the WL/EX (-1%). Similarly, Type I muscle fiber area decreased in the WL (-19%) and remained unchanged in the WL/EX (<1%). Type IIA fiber area decreased in both groups (WL, -15%; WL/EX, -8%). There was no change in Type IIX fiber area between WL and WL/EX. Thigh muscle cross-sectional area by CT decreased in both groups (WL, -5%; WL/EX, -4%). CONCLUSION: Diet-induced weight loss in the absence of increased physical activity significantly decreased fat-free muscle mass in older adults. Further, the addition of moderate aerobic exercise to intentional weight loss attenuated or prevented the loss of muscle mass in overweight to obese older adults.
Native milk fat globule size and its influence on the natural creaming properties of buffalo milk

We investigated the influence of the physical characteristics of fat globules on the creaming properties of buffalo milk and on the fatty acid profile of the various fractions separated by natural creaming. A total of six bulk buffalo milk samples were taken from one individual farm in central Italy. An aliquot of each fresh raw milk sample underwent gravity separation and three fractions were separately collected: the bottom, middle, and top. The top and medium fractions showed a significantly (P<0.01) higher average diameter of the milk fat globules and a higher percentage of large globules. The top fraction was also made up of more densely packed globules as revealed by the higher (P<0.01) number of globules per ml. The smallest globules however tended to remain in emulsion, by virtue of the greater amount of membrane per unit volume, which makes them compatible with the aqueous phase. As a result the highest percentages of small globules were found in the bottom phase. The creaming capacity of buffalo milk was lower compared to cow milk. Despite the higher contribution of lipids in the top fraction, there were more fatty acids that are considered beneficial to human health, such as C18:0 (P<0.01), C18:2 cis9, 12; C18:2 cis9, t11 (rumenic acid) and C20:3 n6. In conclusion, natural creaming can act on the quality of the products by selecting globules with different diameters and nutritional quality, thus increasing the nutritional value of dairy products.
Application of Wheat Cultivars and Pathogenic Fungus Combination against the Lesser Grain Borer, Rhyzopertha dominica (Col.: Bostrichidae) and the Red Flour Beetle Tribolium castaneum (Col.: Tenebrionidae)

The objective of the present study was to investigate the effect of two wheat cultivars (the Sirvan and Mihan) on the interaction between Beauveria bassiana strain EUT116, Rhyzopertha dominica and Tribolium castaneum at 25± 1°C, 85±5% RH and darkness. The results of bioassay by submersion method showed that the lethal concentrations and times of the fungus were significantly different between the Sirvan and Mihan. The mortality of R. dominica was significantly lower on the Mihan infected with a dose rate of 1 g/kg than the Sirvan. The mortality of Rhyzopertha dominica was remarkably higher for the adults exposed to the dose rate of 1 g/kg than the adults exposed to 0.25 g/kg. The mortality of Tribolium castaneum was remarkably higher for the adults were exposed to the dose rate of 1 g/kg than the adults were exposed to 0.25 g/kg. The highest mortality occurred for R. dominica infected with 1 g of B. bassiana per kg of the Sirvan. The pathogenicity of dose rate 1 g/kg on the Sirvan was higher against R. dominica than T. castaneum. The 0.25 g of B. bassiana per kg of the Mihan differentially caused higher mortality on R. dominica than T. castaneum. It seems that planting the Sirvan cultivar in the field can be more helpful to decrease the population of stored grain beetles rather than the Mihan in post-harvest conditions. According to our results, B. bassiana strain EUT116 was a promising candidate as a biocontrol agent to suppress the storage grain beetles, especially, R. dominica.
Multinuclear magnetic resonance study of Li2OSiO2 SolGel glasses

A multinuclear magnetic resonance study of some solgel prepared Li2OSiO2 glasses and of their crystallization is presented. The glasses, all of which have been heated to 400°C, are found to contain a large amount (ca. 20 mol‐%) of H2O, mostly in the form of OH. The local structure is very different from melt‐formed glasses in that the major modifier is H2O rather than Li2O, with the formation of Si(OSi)3OH units. The glasses start to crystallize at a lower temperature than melt‐formed glasses, with the first crystalline product being lithium metasilicate even for very silica rich sol‐gel compositions.