Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
THE USE OF NATURAL MARKINGS IN STUDIES OF LONG‐FINNED PILOT WHALES (GLOBICEPHALA MELAS)

Photo-identification using natural markings has been used for pilot whale (Globicephala melas) studies. However, none of these studies investigated the reliability of the marks used. To identify which mark types are reliable and which could improve the method, fifteen mark types, and their distribution within the population, were described. The rates of gain and loss of each mark type were calculated and the variability in visibility was investigated. Although the mark types associated with the current photo-identification method, the notch and the protruding piece, appear to be permanent, they allowed us to identify only 33% of our sample. The prevalence of all but two mark types is independent of the identifiability of a photograph. One of these is already used in the current photo-identification method. This independence indicates that the proportion of the population that is currently identifiable does not differ from the rest of the population in its susceptibility to factors causing marks, such as predation, and thus appears to be representative of the whole population. Using saddle patches in combination with the current photo-identification method would double the percentage of the identifiable individuals. However, due to limitations of matching software, the current method is easier to use.
Optical Gamification (OG); Serial Versus Random Model to Improve Pre-Service Physics Teachers' Concept Mastery

OpticalGamification (OG) is an information and communication technology (ICT)-based gamification-application that applies the elements of game design in a serious context of optics. Through setting for the variations in pre-service physics teachers’ (PPTs) access to the topics presented in this application, two OG application models are generated, namely: 1) serial model; designed to facilitate PPTs who study sequentially, and 2) random models; designed to facilitate PPTs who study randomly depends on their choices. This research is quasi-experimental with pretest posttest nonequivalent multiple group design involving 48 PPTs enrolled in wave and optics course, specifically on the topics of interference and diffraction. The results of this research indicate that there is no significant difference in the improvement of PPTs’ concept mastery in the serial and random group. Both of these models can be used as references in designing ICT-based gamification-applications for a more effective and efficient learning in the future.
Exopolysaccharide Production from Lactic Acid Bacteria Isolated from Fermented Foods

Isolates of lactic acid bacteria were obtained from non-dairy fermented foods (Mettwurst salami, Prosciutto ham and black olives). Their species were identified and they were investigated for their ability to produce exopolysaccharides. A reference yoghurt culture (Streptococcus thermophilus) and an exopolysaccharide producing isolate (Leuconostoc mesenteroides - Isolate 3) were grown in mESM broth under aerobic conditions at 25°C. They produced up to 600 mg/L and 530 mg/L of exopolysaccharide, respectively. Viscosities of the final fermentation broths were much higher in comparison to the isolated exopolysaccharide solutions. The addition of whey protein concentrate (0.2% w/v) to the extracted exopolysaccharides slightly increased the viscosity of the solutions.
Reasons behind admission and death taking place in the Intensive care of a specific clinic, in Ethiopia

Many studies have been conducted in the intensive care unit (ICU). But little is known about the outcomes of ICU admissions. This is particularly the case in the ICU of developing countries. Thus, the aim of this study was to assess reasons and outcomes of admissions in the ICU of Jimma University Specialized Hospital (JUSH). A longitudinal study was conducted in the ICU of JUSH from February 7 to April 15, 2011. All patients admitted to the ICU during the study period were followed till discharge or death. Data was coded and entered into the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) windows version 16.0 to generate descriptive statistics. Sixty nine patients admitted to the ICU during the study period were followed prospectively till discharge or death. Diseases of cardiovascular origin (30.4%) followed by surgical interventions (18.8%) were the major reasons of ICU admission. There were 26 (37.7%) deaths during the study period in the ICU. Mortality rate in the ICU was found to be significantly high. Diseases of cardiovascular origin were the major reasons for ICU admission. Hence, responsible bodies need to seek for possible ways of reducing this unacceptably high mortality in the ICU by devising quality control mechanisms.
DNN Based Moth Search Optimization for Video Forgery Detection

Recently, video tampering process becomes easier due to the rapid advancements in user-friendly editing software and multimedia technology (e.g., Mokey by Imagineer Systems, and Photoshop and Premiere by Adobe). This technologies may highly tamper the original videos, so that the audience gets mislead. Nowadays, MPEG-4 codec is included in a large proportions of video cameras and surveillance systems. Therefore the double compression detection process included as an initial step in the video forensic is receiving a high significance. In this paper, the double compression artifacts is detected by adopting the Markov based features, which identifies the interpolated original videos. The double compressed frames are then segmented by introducing an SLIC super pixel segmentation technique. Here, the feature extraction is performed by applying the scale information that is obtained from the multi-scale Gabor filters. The features of this Gabor scale accurately extract the structural features and also reduce too much of redundancy. This extracted features are then provided to DNN (deep neural network) for forgery detection. In this video forensic process, DNN classifier is included for forgery detection. The CNN classifier is included in various existing forgery detection techniques. But, in our work we include DNN because it contains number of hidden layers which provide accurate results for this forgery detection process. To improve the DNN performance, Moth Search Optimization (MSO) algorithm is introduced in this forgery detection technique. Every nook and corner of this world we can able to find the surveillance cameras for security purpose. But, some fraudsters perform forgeries in this recorded videos for their own benefits. To identify this, a lot of forgery detection techniques are coming into existence. So in this work, we introduce the DNN based MSO to perform the forgery detection in videos.This implementation is processed in python simulation platform. The parametric evaluations are taken in terms of F1- Score, average accuracy, Precision, Recall and. Experimental results will provide improved performance in video forgery detection.
Bird populations in the Kluane Mountains, southwest Yukon, with special reference to vegetation and fire

Bird populations were studied in relation to vegetation communities in the Kluane Ranges, Yukon. Information on species diversity and abundance was collected on 39 linear 4-ha plots in eight communities by noting birds heard and seen on repeated walks over each plot. Bird populations in tundra and subalpine communities were dissimilar from the six lowland communities, the latter all showing a marked similarity (lowland willow shrub, upland willow shrub, spruce–poplar forest, mature spruce, riparian poplar forest, balsam poplar parkland). Communities with greatest species diversity also had greatest total abundance. The tundra ranked lowest in diversity and abundance. Subalpine, however, held a high number of species, reflecting its ecotone position. Subalpine was distinctive in having few species of intermediate density compared with the density–dominance structure of birds in the other communities. The close similarity between bird populations in the lowland communities, despite distinctive differences i.
Field Evaluation of 1080 and Pindone Oat Bait, and the Possible Decline in Effectiveness of Poison Baiting for the Control of the Rabbit, Oryctolagus Cuniculus.

Two types of oat grain bait, one containing 1080 (sodium monofluoroacetate) and the other pindone (2-pivalyl-1,3-indandione) were tested in south-western Australia for effectiveness in rabbit control. No significant difference was found between the performances of the two poisons in the dry summer. 1080 was more effective in summer than in the wet winter, whereas the difference in seasonal performance of pindone was not significant. The most likely reason for this is that 1080, unlike pindone, is readily soluble in water. The above trials of 1080 poison (made in 1971-75) were then compared with earlier trials, undertaken in 1958-62; this comparison suggests a marked decline in the effectiveness of poison baiting in Western Australia. Selection for neophobia in rabbit populations is suggested as a possible cause of this decline.
The conspecificity of Ceramium pacificum and Ceramium washingtoniense (Ceramiaceae, Rhodophyta)

Carlile A.L. , Cho T.O. and Waaland J.R. 2010. The conspecificity of Ceramium pacificum and Ceramium washingtoniense (Ceramiaceae, Rhodophyta). Phycologia 49: 336–344. DOI: 10.2216/09-19.1 Ceramium pacificum and Ceramium washingtoniense are two corticated Ceramium species recognized by their prolific side branches. Molecular analysis of specimens, including those from the type localities and the type specimens, indicates that these two species are conspecific. Two of the characters used to distinguish these species, colour and size, are plastic features that do not define these as separate species. The other character, degree of cortication in younger branches, is shared by both species. This study also shows the value of historic herbarium specimens and why they continue to be a vital resource for taxonomists.
Mathematical Modelling for Predicting Rejection of Trace Organic Contaminants by the Nanofiltration Membrane NF270

This study implemented multiple linear regression model to predict rejection of trace organic contaminants (TrOCs) by the nanofiltration (NF) membrane NF270. Multiple regression analysis by the Statgraphics Centurion software were used to find an optimal mathematical modeling that combines interactions between molecular width, molecular height, molecular length, molecular weight and log D of TrOCs for predicting rejection. The result shows a relatively good agreement between the predicted rejection and the observed rejection and an acceptable R-squared correlation coefficient were found (R = 91.42 %) for the best model. In conclusion, a unified general multiple linear regression equation was able to predict rejections of TrOCs during nanofiltration with the explanatory variables of molecular width, molecular height, molecular length and molecular weight. Moreover, the present approach is a basis to continue investigation using multiple regression analysis techniques for understanding rejection of TrOCs by the NF membranes.
Self-Protective Response Behavior Into Account

can be found at: Sociological Methods & Research Additional services and information for http://smr.sagepub. com/cgi/alerts Email Alerts: http://smr.sagepub. com/subscriptions Subscriptions: http://www.sagepub. com/journalsReprints.nav Reprints: http://www.sagepub. com/journalsPermissions.nav Permissions: http://smr.sagepub. com/cgi/content/refs/36/2/266 SAGE Journals Online and HighWire Press platforms): (this article cites 12 articles hosted on the Citations
Cyto and genotoxicities of graphene oxide and reduced graphene oxide sheets on spermatozoa

Concentration-dependent cyto and genotoxicities of graphene oxide (GO) and reduced GO (rGO) sheets on spermatozoa were studied. rGO sheets with various surface chemical states were achieved using hydrazine (N2H4) hydrothermal (HT) reactions and green tea polyphenols (GTPs). Although 0.1 μg mL−1 graphene could not change sperm viability and kinetic parameters, <40% and 20% of spermatozoa were viable and progressively motile, after 2 h incubation with 400 μg mL−1 GO or rGO, respectively. All the graphene nanomaterials induced concentration-dependent reductions of adenosine triphosphate and NAD+/NADH produced by spermatozoa for motility and metabolic activity. While GO, N2H4–rGO, and HT-rGO sheets caused increasing reactive oxygen species and sperm nitric oxide production, GO sheets reduced by antioxidant GTPs decreased them. Hence, physical trapping of spermatozoa by graphene (particularly GTP–rGO) is one of the important mechanisms describing the cytotoxicity, in addition to the other reactions, resulting in the inactivation and/or death of spermatozoa. Graphene genotoxicity was initiated by 1.0 μg mL−1 of N2H4–rGO and HT-rGO and 10 μg mL−1 of GO and GTP–rGO sheets. The extremely sharp edge and/or high mobility of N2H4–rGO provided easy penetration of the sheets into spermatozoa to interact with cell nuclei. In contrast, the steric effect induced by GTPs attached on rGO caused a lower genotoxicity.
Species Diversity Gradients: Synthesis of the Roles of Predation, Competition, and Temporal Heterogeneity

We suggest that the "predation" and "competition" hypotheses of community organization and species diversity are complementary. Maintenance of high diversity by competition appears to be relatively more important at higher trophic levels, while maintenance of high diversity by predation seems relatively more important at lower trophic levels. Further, predation is probably the dominant organizing interaction in trophically complex communities, while competition is probably the dominant organizing interaction in trophically simple communities. These hypotheses are supported on a local scale by experimental studies in the rocky intertidal communities of New England and the West Coast. A probable consequence of its greater temporal heterogeneity (i.e., a less stable, less predictable, and more stressful environment) is that the East Coast is trophically more simple and has an increased incidence of competitive exclusion. As a result, diversity is lower on the East Coast compared with the West Coast. A similar interpretation is possible for differences in diversity along other gradients of temporal heterogeneity such as the shallow to deep-sea soft-sediment communities. In structurally simple environments, competition reduces diversity through competitive exclusion. On the other hand, predation first increases and then decreases diversity in spatially simple environments, presumably because refuges are few and hence overexploitation of a resource is more probable. In structurally complex environments, competition may increase diversity through increased habitat specialization. Such environments undoubtedly have more refuges and reduce predator foraging efficiency, both of which may allow the coexistence of more species. Predator-mediated escapes by primary producers from herbivores may explain the apparent importance of interspecific competition in certain primary producer associations.
Cranial histology of pachycephalosaurs (Ornithischia: Marginocephalia) reveals transitory structures inconsistent with head-butting behavior

Abstract Modern histological techniques allow paleontologists to investigate the internal microstructure of bone tissue. We apply high resolution images of histological thin sections from an ontogenetic series (not conspecific) of pachycephalosaurid frontoparietal domes to test the hypothesis that these Late Cretaceous dinosaurs used their heads as battering rams, analogous to the behavior of the bighorn sheep, Ovis canadensis, or as a thermoregulatory device. Our analysis reveals that the internal structure of the pachycephalosaur dome is a dynamic tissue that reflects the changeable expansion and vascularity of the dome throughout ontogeny. The radiating structures within the frontoparietal dome, used previously to support “head-butting” hypotheses, are unexpectedly transitory, diminishing in mature individuals and nearly absent in adult skulls where head-butting behavior is presumed to occur. The unique architecture of the pachycephalosaurid dome is dividable into three distinct Zones. We demonstrate that the relative vascularity, associated tissue structures, and orientation and density of Sharpey's fibers within these Zones are modified during growth. Evidence for an external dome covering in vivo precludes the determination of the final shape of the pachycephalosaur skull. On the basis of these new observations, we propose that cranial display in support of species recognition and communication is a more parsimonious interpretation of the function of the pachycephalosaurid dome. Sexual display behaviors were probably secondary.
Self-Reliant Rover Design for Increasing Mission Productivity

Achieving consistently high levels of productivity has been a challenge for Mars surface missions. While the rovers have made major discoveries and dramatically increased our understanding of Mars, they often require a great deal of effort from the operations teams, and achieving mission objectives can take longer than anticipated. The objective of this work is to identify changes to flight software and ground operations that enable high levels of productivity with reduced reliance on ground interactions. This will enable the development of Self-Reliant Rovers: rovers that make use of high-level guidance from operators to select their own situational activities and respond to unexpected conditions, all without dependence on ground intervention. In this paper we describe the system we are developing and illustrate how it enables increased mission productivity.
Rectal gland morphology of freshwater and seawater acclimated bull sharks Carcharhinus leucas

To compare rectal gland morphology of bull sharks Carcharhinus leucas, animals captured in the freshwater reaches of the Brisbane River, Australia, were acclimated to sea water over 17 days with 1 week in the final salinity. A control group was left in fresh water for 17 days. Animals in fresh water and sea water were strongly hyper- and hypo-ionic with respect to plasma Na+ and Cl–, respectively. This difference necessitates NaCl secretion by the rectal gland in sea water and conservation of NaCl in fresh water. Structural differences in the rectal gland of freshwater and seawater acclimated bull sharks were limited. There was no difference in rectal gland cross-sectional area, lumen area, rectal gland vein area, number of secretory tubules or secretory cells per secretory tubule in freshwater and seawater acclimated animals. At a cellular level, there was no difference between the degree of basolateral and lateral folding, number of mitochondria or number of desmosomes per tight junction. Tight junction width was significantly greater in seawater acclimated animals. The number of red blood cells in the interstitial tissue was also significantly higher in seawater acclimated animals, possibly as a result of increased blood perfusion of the secretory epithelia. The lack of major structural changes in the rectal glands of bull sharks acclimated to fresh water and sea water most likely represents the salinity gradient in the Brisbane River where animals are found throughout the river and can experience large fluctuations in salinity over short distances. Differences in rectal gland morphology of bull sharks in fresh water and sea water are discussed in terms of their relevance to osmoregulation in elasmobranchs.
Properties of Tyrosinase from Pseudomonas melanogenum

The properties of the tyrosinase from Pseudomonas melanogenum was investigated with the crude enzyme preparation. Optimum temperature and pH of the enzyme were 23°C and 6.8, respectively. l-Tyrosine, d-tyrosine, m-tyrosine, N-acetyl-l-tyrosine and l-DOPA were utilized as a substrate by the enzyme. The value for Km obtained were as follows: l-tyrosine 6.90 × 10−4 m, d-tyrosine 1.43 ×10−3 m and l-DOPA 9.90 × 10−4 m. The enzyme was inhibited by chelating agents of Cu2+ l-cysteine, l-homocysteine, thiourea and diethyl-dithiocarbamate and the inhibition was completely reversed by the addition of excess Cu2+ From these results it is concluded that the enzyme is a copper-containing oxidase.
Human Capital Development and Nigerian Economy in long-Term Perspective: Empirical Evidence

Received: September 14, 2019 Accepted: October 12, 2019 Published: November 30, 2019 Volume: 1 Issue: 6 Economic development is characterized by a reduction in poverty, a reasonable rate of employment, equality in distribution of national resources and wealth; which all culminate to enhanced standard of living in general. For the past four decades, the role of human capital in the achievement of economic development has been at the centre stage of discourse amongst development economists. In spite of both the theoretical foundations and empirical evidence for the contributions of human capital to the economy, the empirical linkage especially for Nigeria is yet to be settled and thus remain inconclusive. This has been partly linked to variations in the study periods, as well as the difference in methodologies adopted. This study therefore contributes to the literature by empirically investigating the long run relationship between human capital and economic development in Nigeria within the framework of autoregressive distributed lag model. Adopting the bounds testing approach of the autoregressive distributed lag (ARDL) technique, the relationship between GDP per capita and measures of human capital development such as gross enrolment ratios at the three levels of education subsisting in Nigeria are examined. Also due to the imperative of government policy through her investments in developing human capital as noted by the endogenous growth theorists, measures such as total government expenditure on education and health are relevant in Nigeria context and are therefore incorporated into the research. The results of the study reveal that most of the human capital variables adopted except government health expenditure are statistically insignificant in explaining economic development. Following from the findings, it is suggested that measures that will enhance quality human capital formation through skills acquisition in order to ensure labour productivity, job creation and sustainable economic development should be encouraged by the stakeholders. Furthermore, proper institutional framework which ensures effective, quality and efficient utilization of government resources allocated to both the education and health sectors should be pursued with vigour and put in place. KEYWORDS
Fire Frequency and Community Heterogeneity in Tallgrass Prairie Vegetation

Pattern in plant communities is a function of many biotic and abiotic factors and these factors operate on different species at different spatial scales (Pielou 1960, Greig-Smith 1979, Legendre and Fortin 1989). One product of the nonrandom distribution of species at different spatial scales is community heterogeneity. In this paper, spatial heterogeneity is the mean degree of dissimilarity in species composition from one point to another in a community (Inouye et al. 1987, Collins 1990). Heterogeneity differs from pattern analysis in that the latter is a measure of the degree of spatial autocorrelation, or distance decay in the case of gradients, in a community (Palmer 1988, Legendre and Fortin 1989).