Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Breeding Bird Communities On Four Watersheds Under Different Forest Management Scenarios in the Ouachita Mountains Of Arkansas

INTRODUCTION Concern for many migratory landbird species has led to an increased emphasis on managing ecosystems at scales beyond the stand level. Birds are often viewed as indicators of ecosystem health due to their sensitivity to environmental variability (Maurer 1993). Growing evidence suggests that populations of many species of neotropical migratory birds (NTMB), (species that migrate each year between temperate breeding areas and tropical wintering areas) are declining and that these declines have accelerated in recent years (Robbins and others, 1989; Askins and others, 1990; Finch 1991). Available information suggests that these populations may be limited by circumstances on both their wintering and breeding habitat, as well as along their migration routes (Sherry and Holmes 1993). Factors that have been implicated on their breeding range include habitat destruction/alteration, forest fragmentation, increased nest parasitism by brown-headed cowbirds (Molothrus ater), and increased predation, especially in edge-dominated habitat.
The effect of land uses on physicochemical water quality at Three Rivers in Sungai Endau watershed, Kluang, Johor, Malaysia.

This study was conducted to determine physical and chemical water quality for three rivers which flowed through different land uses. Water quality was surveyed from November 2008 to June 2010 at five identified stations which were located at three rivers in Sungai Endau watershed (Dengar, Madek and Mengkibol river) Kluang, Johor. There were two types of data obtained from the river water quality sampling exercise, i.e. in-situ and laboratory analyses data. A total of five water quality parameters were measured namely pH, dissolved oxygen, conductivity, temperature and turbidity by using a multi parameters probe Model YSI 6920 with 650 MDS Display/Logger as well as single parameter probe. While, for laboratory analysis, there were seven parameters measured; namely Biochemical oxygen Demand (BOD), Suspended Solid (SS), Phosphate, Nitrate and Sulphate, Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD) and Ammoniacal Nitrogen (AN). Based on the results, it was found that Mengkibol river (urban river) recorded high conductivity, temperature, salinity, turbidity, COD, BOD5, ammoniacal nitrogen, nitrate, phosphate and total suspended solid, while Madek (logging) and Dengar (oil palm plantation) stations including the reference (Hulu Dengar) and back-up reference stations (Gunung Berlumut) recorded high DO concentrations and at the same time and there was no distinct variation between stations for pH. The Water Quality Index (WQI) results for all the rivers were under class I & II except Mengkibol river that was under class III when compared with the Malaysian's WQI guideline.
Human Obese Gene Expression: Adipocyte-Specific Expression and Regional Differences in the Adipose Tissue

The obese (ob) gene, the mutation of which results in severe hereditary obesity and diabetes in mice, has recently been isolated through positional cloning. In this study, we isolated a full-length human ob complementary DNA (cDNA) clone and examined the tissue distribution of ob gene expression in humans. The nucleotide sequences of the human ob cDNA coding region were 83% identical to those of the mouse and rat ob cDNA coding regions. Analysis of the deduced amino acid sequences revealed that the human ob protein is a 166–amino acid polypeptide with a putative signal sequence and is 84 and 83% homologous to the mouse and rat ob proteins, respectively. Northern blot analysis using the cloned human ob cDNA fragment as a probe identified a single messenger RNA (mRNA) species 4.5 kb in size found abundantly in the adipose tissues obtained from the subcutaneous, omental, retroperitoneal, perilymphatic, and mesenteric fat pads. However, no significant amount of ob mRNA was present in the brain, heart, lung, liver, stomach, pancreas, spleen, small intestine, kidney, prostate, testis, colon, or skeletal muscle. The ob mRNA level in the adipose tissue varied from region to region even in the same individual. Furthermore, in the human adipose tissue, ob gene expression occurred in mature adipocytes rather than in stromal-vascular cells. This study is the first report of the elucidation of ob gene expression in human tissues, thereby leading to better understanding of the physiological and clinical implications of the ob gene.
Contingent Capital: The Case for COERCs

In this paper we propose a new security, the Call Option Enhanced Reverse Convertible (COERC). The security is a form of contingent capital, i.e. a bond that converts to equity when the market value of equity or capital falls below a certain trigger. The conversion price is set significantly below the trigger price and, at the same time, equity holders have the option to buy back the shares from the bondholders at the conversion price. Compared to other forms of contingent capital proposed in the literature, the COERC is less risky in a world where bank assets can experience sudden, large declines in value. Moreover, the structure eliminates concerns of an equity price “death spiral” as a result of manipulation or panic. A bank that issues COERCs also has a smaller incentive to choose investments that are subject to large losses. Furthermore, COERCs reduce the problem of “debt overhang,” the disincentive to replenish shareholders’ equity following a decline.
Complex Imbricate Systems in the Southern Caribbean Basin, Offshore Northern Colombia: Advanced Structural and Stratigraphic Analysis, and Implications for Regional Oil Exploration

Imbricate thrust structures are common in deep-water environments of active margins worldwide, including the Southern Caribbean basin, offshore northern Colombia. The imbricate systems in this region are part of the accretionary prism that resulted from the transpressional collision between the Caribbean and South American plates during Tertiary times. The Southern Caribbean basin offers an extraordinary opportunity to study imbricate thrust systems, as these structures are extremely well imaged at deep levels in seismic reflection profiles and because they preserve growth strata that record fold kinematics. Using fold shape, fault plane reflections, and patterns of growth sedimentation, we model the geometry and kinematics of this imbricate system using combined fault-bend folding and shear fault-bend folding theories. This imbricate system is formed above an Oligocene (? ) weak decollement layer of variable thickness at the base of fault ramps. Individual fault-related folds within this imbricate system are characterized by long planar backlimbs that dip less - or much less - than the associated fault ramps, with increasingly shallower dips to growth strata, suggesting a component of progressive limb rotation. Forelimbs are short compared to backlimbs, but growth strata show more consistent dips that suggest a component of folding by kink-band migration. Growth sediments are deposited in piggyback basins formed over the backlimbs of individual imbricates and as onlapping sequences against the forelimbs. The growth stratigraphy consists of distal marine, fine-grained sediments; turbidite deposits, and condense sections. We present forward models of both break-forward and break-backward imbricate shear faultbend fold systems with the correspondent patterns of growth sedimentation derived using high resolution seismic data from similar imbricate systems in the deepwater Niger Delta, West Africa. Unlike conventional imbricate fault-bend folds, break-forward imbricate shear fault-bend folds are characterized by decreasing ramp and dip angles in adjacent thrust sheets toward the hinterland. The decrease in ramp and dip angles, effectively produce an increase in accommodation space for growth sedimentation, and a decrease in the structural relief. We use these models and the resulting patterns of growth stratigraphy to solve the sequences of imbrication in the Southern Caribbean Basin, which are key in the assessment of the exploration potential in this region.
A physical model for seismic noise generation by turbulent flow in rivers

Previous studies suggest that the seismic noise induced by rivers may be used to infer river transport properties, and previous theoretical work showed that bedload sediment flux can be inverted from seismic data. However, the lack of a theoretical framework relating water flow to seismic noise prevents these studies from providing accurate bedload fluxes and quantitative information on flow processes. Here we propose a forward model of seismic noise caused by turbulent flow. In agreement with previous observations, modeled turbulent flow‐induced noise operates at lower frequencies than bedload‐induced noise. Moreover, the differences in the spectral signatures of turbulent flow‐induced and bedload‐induced forces at the riverbed are significant enough that these two processes can be characterized independently using seismic records acquired at various distances from the river. In cases with isolated turbulent flow noise, we suggest that riverbed stress can be inverted. Finally, we validate our model by comparing predictions to previously reported observations. We show that our model captures the spectral peak located around 6–7 Hz and previously attributed to water flow at Hance Rapids in the Colorado River (United States); we also show that turbulent flow causes a significant part of the seismic noise recorded at the Trisuli River in Nepal, which reveals that the hysteresis curve previously reported there does not solely include bedload, but is also largely influenced by turbulent flow‐induced noise. We expect the framework presented here to be useful to invert realistic bedload fluxes by enabling the removal of the turbulent flow contribution from seismic data.
Polymorphisms in the methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) gene, intakes of folate and related B vitamins and colorectal cancer: a case–control study in a population with relatively low folate intake

Folate is key in one-carbon metabolism, disruption of which can interfere with DNA synthesis, repair, and methylation. Efficient one-carbon metabolism requires other B vitamins and the optimal activity of enzymes including 5,10-methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR). We report a population-based case–control study of folate intake, related dietary factors and MTHFR polymorphisms (C677T, A1298C) and colorectal cancer in a population with relatively high colorectal cancer incidence and relatively low folate intake. A total of 264 cases with histologically confirmed incident colorectal cancer and 408 controls participated. There was no clear trend in risk with reported intakes of total, or dietary, folate, riboflavin, vitamin B12 or vitamin B6, nor were there interactions between folate intake and the other B vitamins or alcohol. For C677T, risk decreased with increasing variant alleles (multivariate OR for CT v. CC = 0·77 (95 % CI 0·52, 1·16); OR for TT v. CC = 0·62 (95 % CI 0·31, 1·24)), which, although not statistically significant, was consistent with previous studies. For A1298C, compared with AA subjects, CC subjects had modest, non-significant, reduced risk (multivariate OR = 0·81 (95 % CI 0·45, 1·49)). There were significant interactions between total folate and C677T (P = 0·029) and A1298C (P = 0·025), and total vitamin B6 and both polymorphisms (C677T, P = 0·016; A1298C, P = 0·033), although the patterns observed differed from previous studies. Seen against the setting of low folate intake, the results suggest that the role of folate metabolism in colorectal cancer aetiology may be more complex than previously thought. Investigation of particular folate vitamers (for example, tetrahydrofolate, 5,10-methylenetetrahydrofolate) may help clarify carcinogenesis pathways.
THE EUROPEAN DIMENSION OF THE COMPETENCE-BASED SCHOOL EDUCATION IN UKRAINE

The adoption of the Lisbon Strategy (2000) and of the European Reference Framework on Key Competences for Lifelong Learning (2006) launched a competence-based approach in the EU member states education systems. During the last decade the concept of competence greatly influenced the education policy, school curricula and assessment models. The competence approach serves as an Europeanisation tool harmonising the education systems in order to raise their quality and, thus, to make the EU economy competent in the world. The Ukrainian education is under great influence of pan-European tendencies and policies that results in its Europeanisation. The competence approach is one of the tools of this process at the level of school education. Ukraine has travelled long pass from the discussion and definition of competences to the selection and adoption at the nationwide level. Still, this process is accompanied by a number of challenges that make the European experiences significant for the Ukrainian education in the process of its integration into the European education space.
Exporters and Shocks: Dissecting the International Elasticity Puzzle

We use micro data for Ireland to estimate how export participation and the export revenue of incumbent exporters respond to tariffs and real exchange rates. Both participation and revenue, but especially revenue, are more responsive to tariffs than to real exchange rates. Our estimates translate into an elasticity of aggregate exports with respect to tariffs of between -3.8 and -5.4, and with respect to real exchange rates of between 0.45 and 0.6, consistent with estimates in the literature based on aggregate data. We argue that forward-looking investment in customer base combined with the fact that tariffs are much more predictable than real exchange rates can explain why export revenue responds so much more to tariffs.
Distribution and Habitat Characteristics of the Indo-Pacific Humpback Dolphin (Sousa chinensis) in the Northern Beibu Gulf, China

Studies on the distribution and habitat characteristics of the Indo-Pacific humpback dolphin (Sousa chinensis) indicate a general preference toward estuarine environments. However, quantitative connections between this preference and estuarine characteristics are seldom investigated. Distribution of the humpback dolphin in the northern Beibu Gulf, China, was evaluated through systematically designed surveys and was compared to oceanographic characteristics from on-board measured and remotely sensed variables. The humpback dolphins' core distribution zone, measured by the 50% kernel density estimate (50% KDE), was confined to the Dafengjiang River Estuary in a 50.23 km(2) area, with a steep-edged underwater sand bar below and locally high chlorophyll-a concentration. The surface salinity distribution showed an eco-cline environment in which riverine runoff mixes with sea water in the 50% KDE. We found significant relationships between distribution probability and two oceanographic variables: (1) water depth and (2) chlorophyll-a concentration. This associates the distribution preference of humpback dolphins with regional productivity and biodiversity peaks that may facilitate prey aggregation. As humpback dolphins inhabit comparable environments in other locations throughout their range, the oceanographic features of the 50% KDE may help to provide proxies to identify other key habitats over a broader spatial scale.
Land Acquisition in India

Land continues to remain important for production and rural livelihoods in developing economies like India. But, globalisation and liberalisation in these economies has brought up land as an important policy issue as various stakeholders lay claims to it as never before. Although India is not a victim of land grab unlike many African and Asian countries, there has been a rush for acquiring and retaining land for various purposes which has led to local level conflicts. This article examines the question of acquisition of land in its scarcity context in India. It attempts to understand the process of land acquisition and the role of the state at various levels, as it is a state (provincial) subject in India. It examines various facets of land acquisition Act for their fairness and equity aspects including the proposed and now withdrawn amendments to it. The article proposes and examines alternative mechanisms and options to manage land resource in a sustainable way and yet avoid land-related conflicts.
Material Postcraneano de Proterochampsa barrionuevoi Reig 1959 (Diapsida: Archosauriformes) del Triásico Superior del Centro-oeste de Argentina

Abstract. POSTCRANIAL MATERIAL OF PROTEROCHAMPSA BARRIONUEVOI REIG, 1959 (DIAPSIDA: ARCHOSAURIFORMES) FROM THE UPPER TRIASSIC OF CENTRAL-WESTERN ARGENTINA. Proterochampsids are members of the clade Archosauriformes, a group distinguished from others because of its depressed skulls transversely expanded at the posterior end, narrow and longitudinally long snout, nares located close to the midline, absence of postfrontals, and presence of an assymmetric pes. The family Proterochampsidae includes five genera recorded in Triassic formations of Argentina and Brazil. In this family is included the Argentinean species Proterochampsa barrionuevoi Reig, from the Late Triassic Ischigualasto Formation. This taxon was known from skulls and cervical vertebrae, but the rest of the postcranium remained unknown until now. Herein, a new and almost complete specimen of Proterochampsa barrionuevoi is described in detail (PVSJ 606). The specimen includes skull, complete vertebral series, scapulae, coracoids, pelvic girdle, right humerus, right radius and ulna, both femora, and complete right hindlimb. An emended diagnosis considering neurocranial features —semilunar depression ventrolaterally exposed, basisphenoidal fossa surround by a rostrolateraly V-shaped ridge with convex branches— is provided. The features distinguishing P. barrionuevoi from the Brazilian species P. nodosa are: snout becoming narrow anteriorly in a less gradual manner than in P. nodosa, lower occiput, nares lanceolate with narrow anterior and posterior ends, and frontal less irregular that in P. nodosa.
Does Venture Opportunity Variation Matter? Investigating Systematic Process Differences between Innovative and Imitative New Ventures Does Venture Opportunity Variation Matter? Investigating Systematic Process Differences between Innovative and Imitative New Ventures

ABSTSRACT The central thesis in the paper is that the venture creation process is different for innovative vs. imitative ventures. This holds up: the pace of the process differs by type of venture as do, in line with theory-based hypotheses, the effects of certain human and capital predictors. Importantly, and somewhat unexpectedly, the theoretically derived models using HC, SC and certain controls are relatively successful for explaining progress in the creation process for the minority of innovative ventures, but achieve very limited success for the imitative majority. This may be due to a rationalistic bias in conventional theorizing and suggests there is need for considerable theoretical development regarding the important phenomenon of new venture creation. Another important result is that the building up of instrumental social capital, which we assess comprehensively and as a time variant construct, is important for making progress with both types of ventures, and increasingly so over the duration of the process. This result corroborates with stronger operationalization and more appropriate analysis method what previously published research has only been able to hint at. ABSTRACT The central thesis in the paper is that the venture creation process is different for innovative vs. imitative ventures. This holds up: the pace of the process differs by type of venture as do, in line with theory-based hypotheses, the effects of certain human and capital predictors. Importantly, and somewhat unexpectedly, the theoretically derived models using HC, SC and certain controls are relatively successful for explaining progress in the creation process for the minority of innovative ventures, but achieve very limited success for the imitative majority. This may be due to a rationalistic bias in conventional theorizing and suggests there is need for considerable theoretical development regarding the important phenomenon of new venture creation. Another important result is that the building up of instrumental social capital, which we assess comprehensively and as a time variant construct, is important for making progress with both types of ventures, and increasingly so over the duration of the process. This result corroborates with stronger operationalization and more appropriate analysis method what previously published research has only been able to hint at.
The Study of Reflective Radiation and Surface Albedo of Alpine Meadow Vegetation

The Sun total radiation (Eg) and surface reflective radiation (Er) were higher in Haibei alpine meadow area of Qilian mountain. The Eg and Er were 4227.049 MJ·m -2 , 973.556 MJ·m -2 respectively, during plant growing season (from April to October) by the analysis of observed data in 2000. The Eg and Er had obvious diurnal change pattern. The instant maximum of Eg and Er appeared about from 13:00 to 14:00, and were more than 1200 W·m -2 and 220 W·m -2 , respectively. The change of Eg was influenced not only by suns altitude but also by weather and climate in seasonal change during plant growing period. The Eg was higher if suns altitude was more and climate was dry, whereas the change of Er was followed by change of Eg. The Eg and Er reached the maximum in July, then in May. The Eg and Er were lower because of wet climate during the later plant growing period. The soil surface albedo (A) showed as a "U" type change not only in a day but in seasonal change during plant growing period. The minimum of the soil surface albedo was 0.19, appeared at noon about in a day. The minimum of the soil surface albedo was about 0.21, appeared from May to June during the process of seasonal change, and it will decreased to 0.21, too, in other seasons if soil moisture was different. The average soil surface albedo was about 0.23 in Haibei alpine meadow area of Qilian mountain druing whole plant growing period.
Individual and coupled influences of AMO and ENSO on regional precipitation characteristics and extremes

Understanding the influences of Atlantic multidecadal oscillation (AMO) and El Niño southern oscillation (ENSO) on regional precipitation extremes and characteristics in the state of Florida is the focus of this study. Exhaustive evaluations of individual and combined influences of these oscillations using, descriptive indices‐based assessment of statistically significant changes in rainfall characteristics, identification of spatially varying influences of oscillations on dry and wet spell transition states, antecedent precipitation prior to extreme events, intraevent temporal distribution of precipitation and changes in temporal occurrences of extremes including dry/wet cycles are carried out. Rain gage and gridded precipitation data analysis using parametric hypothesis tests confirm statistically significant changes in the precipitation characteristics from one phase to another of each oscillation and also in coupled phases. Spatially nonuniform and uniform influences of AMO and ENSO, respectively, on precipitation are evident. AMO influences vary in peninsular and continental parts of Florida and the warm (cool) phase of AMO contributes to increased precipitation extremes during wet (dry) season. The influence of ENSO is confined to dry season with El Niño (La Niña) contributing to increase (decrease) in extremes and total precipitation. Wetter antecedent conditions preceding daily extremes are dominant in AMO warm phase compared to the cool and are likely to impact design floods in the region. AMO influence on dry season precipitation extremes is noted for ENSO neutral years. The two oscillations in different phases modulate each other with seasonal and spatially varying impacts and implications on flood control and water supply in the region.