Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Evolutionary dynamics of migration and breeding in wild birds: genetic architecture, sexual conflicts and evolutionary constraints

Our knowledge of the evolutionary potential of traits involved in different selective episodes, especially in natural populations, is still limited. This is true for questions such as the genetic basis and inheritance of traits, how natural and sexual selection acts on them, and how selective conflicts influence the evolutionary response to selection. In my thesis, I investigate these questions, using a long term study population of great reed warblers (Acrocephalus arundinaceus) with known pedigree, as a model system. I have focused on traits at the interface between migration and breeding and worked both in the field, the DNA lab and used powerful statistical tools in quantitative genetics and quantitative trait locus (QTL) mapping. Moreover, using new technology (geolocators), I describe full migratory paths showing a unique case of small songbirds flying rapidly (probably non-stop), over the Mediterranean Sea and the Sahara Desert, where after birds spread out to winter over a huge range covering the entire sub-Saharan West Africa to the Congo Basin in the east. Early spring arrival to the breeding site is decisive for breeding success in song birds. I found that arrival date is a heritable trait, with higher genetic variance in experienced (≥ 2 year old) as compared with inexperienced (1 year old) birds. Traits are not independent units which can constrain their evolution. However, I found no sign of a morphological ‘migratory syndrome’ (genetic correlations between migration traits) on the population level, and no evolutionary constraint acting through morphology on arrival date. Wing length was negatively correlated with arrival. I found a strong intralocus sexual conflict acting on wing length, where males are selected for long wings and females for short wings. Also I present a large-effect QTL for wing length located on chromosome 2, which recently has been confirmed in the zebra finch, suggesting its generality among birds. I also present a conceptual framework for the study of intralocus sexual conflict. An analysis of 13 traits suggested that traits within a population can be in very different stages of the conflict. I have also investigated potential evolutionary constraints through genetic correlations between traits in ten long-term study populations of wild birds and found evolutionary constraints on morphology, but mainly on current selection. Finally I investigate a potential source of genetic variation in a hybrid zone between great reed warblers and clamorous warblers (A. stentoreus). No sign of introgression was found, suggesting that hybrids are sterile or offspring inviable. These studies make an important contribution to our knowledge of evolutionary dynamics in the wild.
Fact and Fiction about Low-Risk Investing

Low-risk investing within equities and other asset classes has received a lot of attention over the past decade. An intensive academic debate has spurred, and been spurred by, the growing market for low-risk strategies. This article presents five facts and dispels five fictions about low-risk investing. The facts are as follows: Low-risk returns have been (1) strong historically, (2) highly significant out-of-sample, (3) robust across many countries and asset classes, and (4) backed by strong economic theory but, nevertheless, (5) can be negative when the market is down. The fictions this article dispels are that low-risk investing (1) delivers weaker returns than other common factor premiums, (2) is mostly about betting on bond-like industries, (3) is especially sensitive to transaction costs and only works among small-cap stocks, and (4) has become so expensive that it cannot do well going forward. Lastly, the article dispels the fiction that (5) the capital asset pricing model (CAPM) is dead and so is low-risk investing—this statement is a contradiction. If the CAPM is dead, then low-risk investing is alive. TOPICS: Factor-based models, style investing, volatility measures Key Findings • Low-risk investing has historically delivered significant risk-adjusted returns, both in-sample and out-of-sample. • Low-risk investing can be applied across asset classes, with strong returns in equities, government bonds, credit markets, and beyond. • Low-risk investing can be applied based on statistical risk measures (e.g., beta) or fundamental risk measures (e.g., stable profits).
Student worksheet based on inquiry with vee map to improve students’ scientific reasoning ability in physics learning in senior high school

Scientific reasoning is a skill in the 21st century that can be used to see one’s ability to hypothesize the results of thought. Scientific reasoning in physics can be seen from practicum activities and results that contain questions that follow several indicators of scientific reasoning. But so far it hasn’t been done well. One effort to improve scientific reasoning ability is to use guided inquiry learning models. But in practice, there are still difficulties experienced by students. Therefore, the researcher offers a solution by creating an inquiry-based student worksheet based on the Vee map. Student worksheets contain concepts and methodologies that are interrelated to make it easier for students to answer the given problem. This study uses a qualitative method with instructional design to develop worksheets for students conducted in senior high school MIPA XI classes. Based on the results of the study, it can be concluded that the inquiry-based student worksheet assisted by the Vee map can be used for inquiry-based learning, so it is expected to improve the scientific reasoning abilities of senior high school physics students.
Temporal and spatial variability of nutrients and oxygen in the North Aegean Sea during the last thirty years

Inorganic nutrient and dissolved oxygen data collected in the North Aegean Sea during 1986 - 2008 were analyzed in order to evaluate the role of the inflowing Black Sea originated surface water (BSW) in the nutrient regime of the area. In periods of high buoyancy inflow from Dardanelles strait, a reduction of inorganic nutrients in the surface layer is observed along the north-west route of the BSW; in parallel, the underlying layer of Levantine intermediate water revealed an increase of inorganic nutrients, receiving the degradation material from the surface layer. The above spatial patterns suggest a contribution of the BSW to the observed enhanced production of the North Aegean Sea. Anomalously low buoyancy inflow of BSW combined with severe winter meteorological conditions promote deep water formation events. The physical and chemical characteristics of the deep waters found in the different basins of the North Aegean Sea in 1997 (following the deep water formation in winters of 1992-1993) differed from those observed after the formation in winter 1987. These differences were probably related to the drastic changes occurred in the deep waters of the Eastern Mediterranean in the early 1990, by the Eastern Mediterranean Transient. Considering that deep water formation processes provide occasionally inorganic nutrients to the euphotic layer, it seems that BSW through its uninterrupted supply of small quantities of nutrients should play an additional role in the production in the North Aegean Sea.
Identification et caractérisation fonctionnelle d'un gène codant un facteur de transcription de type WRKY chez la Vigne, VvVRKY1 : implication dans les mécanismes de défense

Afin de comprendre le role des facteurs de transcription WRKY dans les reactions de fefense de la Vigne (Vitis vinifera) contre des agents pathogenes, nous avons identifie un ADNc, VvWRKY1, codant une proteine presentant de fortes homologies avec les membres de cette famille multigenique. Apres avoir verifie la fonctionnalite de la proteine, traduite par sa capacite a se lier a l'ADN specifiquement au niveau des boites W, l'etude de l'expression de ce gene chez la Vigne a ete realisee. VvWRKY1 est ainsi fortement regule au cours du developpement des feuilles et des baies de raisin. Des molecules de stress comme l'acide salicylique, l'ethylene, le peroxyde d'hydrogene induisent son expression dans les feuilles de Vigne alors que l'acide jasmonique la reprime. L'analyse fonctionnelle de VvWRKY1 a ete entreprise par sur-expression chez le Tabac, Arabidopsis thaliana et la Vigne. Les resultats suggerent une reelle implication de cette proteine dans la defense contre des champignons pathogenes. Effectivement, une sensibilite differente est observee dans les plantes transgeniques par rapport aux plantes sauvages vis-a-vis de differents champignons. Toutefois, les mecanismes sous-jacents n'ont pas encore ete identifies mais des experiences d'hybridation sur puces a ADN comparant les Vignes transgeniques et les Vignes sauvages ont permis d'identifier des genes potentiellement regules par VvWRKY1 dont deux genes codant des lipoxygenases
On the Analytical Estimation for Isotropic Approximation of Elastic Properties applied to Polycrystalline Cubic Silicon used at Solar Cells

The present contribution is concerned with the effective mechanical parameters of polycristalline silicon used for solar cells. Thereby, an analytical scheme for the prediction of elastic properties of polycrystals is reviewed, applied and verified. Emphasis is on first-order bounds and derived estimates. Based on cubic symmetry of a single crystal the projector representation is exploited for the description of the constitutive equations. The elasticity tensor is developed for several assumptions which stem from rather classical homogenization schemes. This results in a rational representation and determination of linear elastic material parameters of a homogeneous, macroscopically isotropic comparison material. The analytically determined parameters are compared to experimental data. It is found that the present procedure reproduces the experimental results in very close proximity.
Feeling valued versus abandoned: Voices of persons who have completed a cognitive assessment.

AIM To describe older persons' experiences of a cognitive assessment and possible neuropsychiatric symptoms [NPS] related to a neurocognitive diagnosis. BACKGROUND A cognitive assessment in primary care is offered to persons with suspected dementia with subsequent referral to a specialist clinic if required. The assessment process, with the likelihood of receiving a dementia diagnosis, is surrounded by uncertainty with long waiting times. Although NPS are common among persons with cognitive impairment persons are not routinely asked about these symptoms during a cognitive assessment. METHOD Interviews were held with 18 participants who had completed a cognitive assessment. The Neuropsychiatric Inventory [NPI] was incorporated into one of the interview questions enabling participants to self-report NPS, if present. Interview data were analysed using Interpretive Description. RESULTS Two main themes were identified: a matter of trust and making sense of a cognitive diagnosis. Experiences of the assessment process ranged from feeling valued to abandoned with variations of trust in the process. A diagnosis of mild cognitive impairment was experienced as an abstract diagnosis devoid of follow-up support. A lack of preparedness for the assessment existed among participants. Some experienced the process as standardised. One half of participants self-reported the presence of one to four NPS, regardless of neurocognitive diagnosis. Irritability and depression were most common NPS identified. CONCLUSIONS Experiences of a cognitive assessment varied from feeling valued by society to abandoned in the absence of follow-up support. The assessment was viewed as a standardised procedure failing to see the person behind the testing. Diagnosis disclosure conversations were experienced as diffuse with participants unprepared for a dementia diagnosis. The NPI enabled participants to identify and report the presence of NPS which otherwise could go undetected during the cognitive assessment, impacting on the person's well-being and daily life.
SURVEY ON PESTS AND DISEASES OF CABBAGE

Survey on cabbage in 40 villages in the Nilgiris district of Tamil Nadu revealed the severity of the diamond back moth. Plutella xylestella, the cutworm, Agrotis ipsilon the semilooper, Trichoplusia ni, the aphid, Lipaphis erysimi, the club root, Plasmodiophora brassicae, the black rot, Xanthomonas campestris pv. campestris, and the white rot, Sclerotinia sclerotiorum and their importance as key pests and diseases. The larval parasitoid Apanteles plutellae on diamond backmoth and the predatory coccinellid beetle, Menochilus sexmaculatus on the aphid were the predominant bicontrol agents in the cabbage ecosystem in the Nilgiris district of Tamil Nadu.
Comportamiento inicial de dos especies de morera en fase de establecimiento

Se investigo el comportamiento inicial de la mora blanca ( Morus alba , Lin) y la mora negra ( Morus nigra Lin) en el macizo montanoso Nipe-Sagua-Baracoa durante la fase de establecimiento. Para ello se trabajo en una plantacion en condiciones de secano y sin fertilizacion, ubicada a 475 msnm. Se muestreo a los 60 dias posplantacion y se determino el numero de ramas, la longitud de las ramas, el numero de hojas y la supervivencia. Ademas, se cuantificaron los porcentajes de materia seca residual (MSR), proteina bruta (PB), fibra bruta (FB) y minerales (ceniza, Ca, P y Mg), y se identifico la presencia de elementos antinutricionales. Los resultados evidenciaron que M. alba presento un comportamiento superior a M. nigra durante el periodo evaluado. Se observaron ademas variaciones, en rangos estrechos, entre ambas especies en todos los indicadores quimicos analizados y una gran variedad de sustancias quimicas comunes de amplia actividad biologica y toxicologica.
Effect of Bureau De Change Establishment on the Stability of Exchange Rates in Nigeria

The purpose of this study is to examine the effect of Bureau de change establishment on the stability of the exchange rate in Nigeria. Ex post-facto and correlation research designs are employed for this study. The sample relied on for the purpose of this work was for the period from 2008-2018. The study relies on secondary data sources such as books, journals, magazines, newspapers, internet, speeches, and document from CBN, NSE and Bureau for public enterprises. The data estimation technique used was ordinary least squares. The findings of the study revealed that the bureau de change establishment impact the stability of the exchange rate in Nigeria. The result indicated that is the long-run relationship between Bureau De change and stability of the exchange rate. The study recommended that participants in the foreign exchange market should undertake forward transactions to serve as an insurance cover (shield) for their spot transactions. The exchange rate of the bureau de change should be closely monitored by monetary authorities to reduce the gap between these rates and the official rates. The government should adopt measures that would bring down the exchange rate of the naira to a US dollar so that Nigerian producers who make use of imported raw materials can continue in business. Keywords: Bureau De Change, Exchange Rate, Stability, Monetary, Naira. DOI: 10.7176/EJBM/12-6-01 Publication date: February 29 th 2020
Receptive or Restrictive: A Comparative Analysis of Local Refugee News Coverage in the United States

Abstract In 2015 and 2016, the word, “refugee,” filled newspaper headlines. While refugees have received considerable media attention, few recent scholarly works address local level news coverage in the United States. Using quantitative and qualitative analysis, we find that local news coverage of both local stories and national/international news is largely receptive toward refugees. However, we find variation across local contexts that receive the most and the fewest refugees, lending support to the role that intergroup contact plays in media reporting.
Teacher interaction strategies and situated willingness to communicate

This study explores variation in willingness to communicate (WTC) in English between whole-class interaction and dyadic and group interaction, and teacher interaction strategies identified to sustain students’ WTC in whole-class interaction that primarily followed the initiation–response–feedback (IRF) pattern. Data were collected from a regular English class at a university in China through audio-recording of a lesson, classroom observation, self-rating of WTC by 23 students, and stimulated recall interviews with four focal students. The results indicate that WTC in whole-class interaction did not significantly differ from WTC in dyadic and group interaction. Teacher interaction strategies, including the use of open or referential questions in the I-move and F-move, manipulation of wait time following prompts, and monitoring private speech and contextual or multimodal clues of students’ WTC, functioned to sustain classroom WTC. Implications for adopting teacher interaction strategies in line with lesson plans within the framework of IRF pedagogic discourse are discussed.
Do Paediatric Physiotherapists Promote Community-Based Physical Activity for Children and Youth with Disabilities? A Mixed-Methods Study.

Purpose: Although the importance of increased physical activity for children with disabilities is widely acknowledged, formal links between rehabilitation practitioners and community physical activity programmes are often lacking. The role of physiotherapists in the promotion of community physical activity is also often unclear. This study set out to describe the beliefs, knowledge, and practices of Canadian physiotherapists related to promoting community-based physical activity for children with disabilities. Method: We used a mixed-methods design: a survey of Canadian physiotherapists and qualitative focus group interviews with physiotherapists. Results: A total of 116 therapists participated in the survey. Of these, 80 (69.0%) considered the promotion of community-based physical activity programmes to be a physiotherapy role, and 89 (76.7%) recommended programmes to families. Therapists with less than 6 years of paediatric experience were less likely to recommend programmes to families (χ2 4 = 40.46, p < 0.001). Qualitative analysis resulted in three themes: (1) lack of clarity regarding the physiotherapy role, (2) "it's not easy" - challenges related to community-based physical activity promotion, and (3) one size does not fit all. Conclusions: Various factors shaped physiotherapists' ability to promote community physical activity, specifically their knowledge, practice setting expectations, and beliefs about their role. Concerted efforts to promote community-based physical activity may increase community capacity to support all children in physical activities.
Motivations and Barriers for Seasonal Camp Employment

Each year, many summer camps deal with the challenges related to retaining quality seasonal staff. Retaining seasonal staff from year to year requires knowing what motivates staff to return and understanding the factors that drive voluntary turnover. While research on employee retention and turnover is abundant in management literature, few studies have focused on seasonal summer camp staff. This study used a mixed-methods design and involved a national sample of 997 returning camp staff from a variety of camp types. Respondents completed an online survey that included a 40-item questionnaire measuring staff motivations to return to camp and a series of open-ended questions on drivers of retention and turnover. Exploratory factor analysis and confirmatory factor analysis revealed 7 latent constructs that drive motivation. Within the whole sample, Job Impact had the highest subscale mean score followed by Camp Embeddedness, Value Alignment, Staff Development, Management, Job Fit, and Compensation. Analysis of open-ended responses confirmed that Job Impact and Camp Embeddedness were the primary motivations for seasonal camp staff to return and that Compensation, Poor Job Fit, and Other Opportunities were likely drivers of turnover. This study helps paint a picture of the key factors that bring back seasonal staff and the factors, both controllable and uncontrollable, that lead camp staff to pursue other opportunities. Findings may be especially useful to professionals in the camping industry interested in seeking out potential camp staff and retaining staff year over year.
Root and Pattern Effects in the Processing of Spoken Non-Words in Arabic

Words in Arabic are formed by mapping roots into patterns. Conducting a series of priming experiments, Boudelaa and Marslen-Wilson (2015, p. 955) have concluded that “root and word pattern morphemes function as abstract cognitive entities, operating independently of semantic factors and dissociable from possible phonological confounds” In the present study, plausibility of this conclusion is tested by investigating native Arabic speakers’ sensitivity to the presence of roots and patterns when processing spoken non-words in Arabic. 50 native Arabic speakers were given a 7-point word-likeness rating task. In this task, participants were asked to rate the word-likeness of 132 auditorily presented non-words in Arabic. 88 of these non-words were created by using real Arabic roots (e.g. /mlk/) that varied in their type and token frequencies and were mapped into two different types of pseudo patterns. Results have shown that native Arabic speakers are sensitive to the presence of roots in the non-words. Specifically, root type frequency had the strongest effect on subjects’ ratings of the non-words in both types of patterns. Implications of these findings to theories of the Arabic mental lexicon will be discussed.
Taxonomic, Phylogenetic, and Functional Diversity of Ferns at Three Differently Disturbed Sites in Longnan County, China

Human disturbances are greatly threatening to the biodiversity of vascular plants. Compared to seed plants, the diversity patterns of ferns have been poorly studied along disturbance gradients, including aspects of their taxonomic, phylogenetic, and functional diversity. Longnan County, a biodiversity hotspot in the subtropical zone in South China, was selected to obtain a more thorough picture of the fern–disturbance relationship, in particular, the taxonomic, phylogenetic, and functional diversity of ferns at different levels of disturbance. In 90 sample plots of 5 × 5 m2 along roadsides at three sites, we recorded a total of 20 families, 50 genera, and 99 species of ferns, as well as 9759 individual ferns. The sample coverage curve indicated that the sampling effort was sufficient for biodiversity analysis. In general, the taxonomic, phylogenetic, and functional diversity measured by Hill numbers of order q = 0–3 indicated that the fern diversity in Longnan County was largely influenced by the level of human disturbance, which supports the ‘increasing disturbance hypothesis’. Many functional traits of ferns at the most disturbed site were adaptive to the disturbance. There were also some indicators of fern species responding to the different disturbance levels. Hence, ferns may be considered as a good indicator group for environmental stress.