Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
MATERNAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL GRADIENTS IN THE EGG SIZE OF AN ITEROPAROUS FISH

Life history theory predicts that organisms inhabiting environments with relatively poor conditions for the growth and survival of their offspring should produce fewer and larger offspring. We examined egg size (an index of offspring size) of an iter- oparous, broadcast-spawning, freshwater fish-the walleye (Stizostedion vitreum)-from 34 populations across 260 of latitude in order to determine whether egg size varied with respect to environmental indices of juvenile habitat quality. Variation among populations (among environments) was compared to variation within populations (among females). Within populations, egg size generally increased with maternal size and age. Slopes of these relationships were much more variable among populations (cv > 100%) than inter- annually within populations (cv 10%) than interannually within populations (cv < 5%), but only slightly more variable than among females within populations (mean cv = 8.5%). Nev- ertheless, among-population variability in egg size was related to environmental conditions. Mean egg size decreased with increasing latitude/decreasing mean annual temperature, contrary to our predictions. However, as predicted, egg size decreased with increasing lake productivity following adjustment for the latitudinal/temperature effect. These results sug- gest that egg size in fishes may be influenced by multiple environmental factors across populations, as well as by maternal effects within populations.
Adsorption Isotherm and Kinetic Studies of Cd (II) and Pb (II) Ions Bioremediation from Aqueous Solution Using Unmodified Bambara Groundnut Husk (Vigna Subterranean)

The global need to clean-up heavy metal contaminated environment cannot be over emphasized. In this study, the adsorption potential of Bambara Groundnut Husk (BGH) with respect to Cd(II) and Pb(II) ions, was studied in order to consider its possible application in the treatment of heavy metal contaminated wastewater. Functional group elucidation was done using Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectrometer. The samples were prepared by diluting the adsorbent to 5% KBr and cast into disks for analysis. Similarly, Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) was carried out to examine the morphology of the adsorbent. Characterization of the treated biomass was done before and after adsorption. The results of the FTIR spectra showed that there was participation of carbonyl, carboxylic and hydroxyl groups of BGH as major sites for the binding of Cd(II) and Pb(II) ions during adsorption. SEM analysis also revealed the porosity of the adsorbent. Equilibrium batch experimental parameters significantly (p˃0.05) influence the overall adsorption process. However, the equilibrium isotherm modelingof data obtained was best fitted to the Langmuir model than the other isotherm models base on the R 2 values of 0.997 and 0.910 for Cd(II) and Pb(II) ions respectively. The monolayer sorption capacity (qe) of Cd (II) was found to be 6.944 mg/g while that of Pb(II) was 13.51 mg/g. The separation factor (RL) was between zero and one (0<RL<1) indicating a favourable adsorption experiment. The low apparent energy of adsorption (<8 kJ/mol) of the D-R isotherm model and the low Langmuir constant (KL) values, suggests that the adsorption process was largely due to physisorption mechanism. Kinetic modeling result followed the pseudo-second order model due to the high linear regression values (R 2 ) obtained and the closeness of the calculated sorption capacity(qcal) to the experimental sorption capacity(qex). In conclusion, the study generally show that bambara groundnut husk (BGH) is a potential low cost and efficient adsorbent that could be explore for the bioremediation of heavy metal contaminated industrial wastewater. 35 Tatah Verwiyeh Silas et al.: Adsorption Isotherm and Kinetic Studies of Cd (II) and Pb (II) Ions Bioremediation from Aqueous Solution Using Unmodified Bambara Groundnut Husk (Vigna Subterranean)
Physico-chemical, textural and crystallinity properties of oxidized, cross- linked and dual- modified white sorghum starch

The isolated white sorghum (Sorghum bicolor) starch was chemically modified employing oxidation, cross-linking, and dual-modification (oxidation followed by cross-linking). The native and modified starches were analyzed for their physicochemical properties such as water binding capacity, paste clarity, swelling power and solubility and textural properties. The starches were also analyzed for thermal properties using differential scanning calorimeter, pasting properties using rapid visco-analyzer and crystallinity properties with the help of X-ray diffractometer. The amylose content of the modified starches was low in comparison to native starch and varied from 4.11 to 22.4%. Oxidation and dual-modification decreased the swelling power but increased the solubility of starch. A significant increase in hardness value of starch pastes was recorded after modification and it varied from 1.28 to 6.9 N. Chemical modification improved the thermal and pasting properties of white sorghum starch. Cross-linked starch showed the lowest value (1244 cp) whereas dual-modified starch showed the highest value (3110 cp) for peak viscosity. The native and modified starches showed ‘A’ crystallite pattern.
FROM THE MIDDLE MIOCENE OF CENTRAL PARATETHYS

SZCZECHURA, J.: Microproblematics Bolboforma and Bachmayerella from the Middle Miocene of Central Paratethys. Acta Palaeont. Polonica, 31, 3 4 , 213-220, 1986 (issued 1987). Middle Miocene (Badenian) microproblematics, known as Bolboforma Daniels et Spiegler, 1974 and Bachmayerella Rogl et Franz, 1919, from the Central Paratethys (Poland, Czechoslovakia, Austria, Bulgaria and Romania) have been examined here. It has been stated that they are important for biostratigraphy, especially for distinguishing the Upper Badenian deposits from the older ones. Bolboforma taenifera sp.n. is described. K e y w 0 r d s: Calcareous microproblematics, plankton, paleoecology, taxonomy, biostratigraphy, Miocene, Central Paratethys. Janina Szczechura, Zaktad Paleobtologii, Polska Akademta Nauk, at. Zwtrki i Wigury 93, 02-089 Warszawa, Poland, Recetved: September, 1985.
HIV-1 genotypes and phenotypes associated with mother to child transmission

Many viral as well as host factors can be associated with the risk of HIV-1 mother to child transmission (MTCT). The better understanding of such factors as well as the molecular interactions involved will ultimately lead to the development of new products with the capacity to inhibit transmission. In this thesis we aimed to better define the viral gp120 envelope characteristics, both genotypic and phenotypic, associated with HIV-1 transmission and more so via the MTCT route. We also aimed to address whether the anti-malarial drug chloroquine (CQ) can be used to modulate HIV-1 gp120 envelope characteristics associated with HIV-1 infection and whether this drug could be effective at lowering HIV-1 loads in breastfeeding mothers.
Parasitism of banana by Heterodera oryzae

SUMMARY A large population of an unidentified species of Heterodera was found parasitizing banana in Senegal, the first report of parasitism of banana by a member of this genus. Under greenhouse conditions this isolate reproduced well on both banana and rice. H. oryzae fr,om the type locality in the Ivory Coast also reproduced on banana. The isolate from banana responded positively to rice root exudates. No morphological or cytological differences were found between the banana isolate and H. oryzae. Reciprocal matings between the banana ‘isolate and El. oryzae were successful producing progeny which reproduccd on rice. It is concluded that the isolate from banana is conspecific with H. oryzae. R~SUME Parasitisme d’ Heterodera oryzae envers le bananier Une population importante d’un Heterodera a ete trouvee sur bananier au Senegal, premiere observation d’une espece du genre sur ce vegetal. Une experimentation en serre a permis de preciser que c,ette population se reproduit sur bananier et sur riz et que H. oryzae (population topotype) se reproduit sur bananier ; d’autre part la population isolee de bananier repond positivement aux exsudats radiculaires de riz. Aucunes differences morphobiometriques ou cytologiques n’ont pu etre notees entre ces deux populations. Les fecondations croisees entre individus des deux populations ont ete positives et ont donne des descendants se reproduisant sur riz. De ces observations, l’auteur conclut que la population isolee du bananier appartient a l’espece Heterodera oryzae.
NOTES ON TAIWANESE SPECIES OF THE GENUS SAPRINUS (COLEOPTERA: HISTERIDAE), WITH REDESCRIPTIONS OF S. OPTABILIS AND S. SPLENDENS

OHARA, M. 2003. Notes on Taiwanese species of the genus Saprinus (Coleoptera: Histeridae), with redescriptions of S. optabilis and S. splendens. Ins. matsum. n. s. 60: 31-41,6 figs., I Tab. Two species of the genus Saprinus are recorded from Taiwan. S. optabilis and S. splendens are redescribed and illustrated.
Estimation of digestibility of compound diets for rabbits using the in vitro gas production technique

The in vitro gas production technique was used to predict the digestibility of ten diets in rabbits. Using a step-wise linear regression approach, relationships were established between the in vivo coefficients of digestibility of dry matter (dDM), organic matter (dOM) and energy (dGE) and in vitro organic matter losses (OM) and potential gas production (A, ml.g -1 ). The best prediction equation was: dDM (%) = - 40.2 + 1.026 OM/(%) + 0.150 A (ml.g -1 ) (R 2 = 0.748 and RSD = 3.66). In conclusion the results suggest that the in vitro gas production technique could be a promising method to predict the nutritive value of rabbit diets. Nevertheless because of the limited number of diets used for this study, the accuracy and the usefulness of this method has to be confirmed.
A Genetic and Biochemical Analysis of Sulfolobus Spindle-Shaped Virus 1

Viruses of thermophilic Archaea are unique in both their structures and genomic sequences. The most widespread and arguably best studied are the lemon-shaped fuselloviruses. The spindle-shaped virus morphology is unique to Archaea but widespread therein. The best studied fusellovirus is SSV1 from Beppu, Japan, which infects Sulfolobus solfataricus. Very little is known about the function of the genes in the SSV1 genome. Recently we have developed genetic tools to analyze these genes. In this study, we have deleted three SSV1 open reading frames (ORFs) ranging from completely conserved to poorly conserved: vp2, d244, and b129. Deletion of the universally conserved ORF b129, which encodes a predicted transcriptional regulator, results in loss of infectivity. Deletion of the poorly conserved predicted DNA-binding protein gene vp2 yields viable virus that is indistinguishable from wild-type. Deletion of the well-conserved ORF d244 that encodes a predicted nuclease yields viable virus. However, infection of S. solfataricus with virus lacking ORF d244 dramatically retards host growth, compared to the wild-type virus.
Morphology and ontogeny of tannin-producing structures in two tropical legume trees

Two legume trees largely known as tannin producers — Dimorphandra mollis Benth. (Caesalpinioideae) and Stryphnodendron adstringens (Mart.) Coville (Mimosoideae)— were used as models to elucidate the morphology and ontogeny of tannin cells. Vegetative parts of plants were processed for observation using light and electron microscopy (scanning and transmission). Idioblasts, found even in young plants of both species, and secretory trichomes, observed in vegetative buds of mature plants of S. adstringens, are respon- sible for tannin production. The tanniniferous idioblasts originate from protoderm and also from ground meristem cells. The ground meristem proved to be the best place to study the development of tanniniferous idioblasts at different stages of development, which allowed us to monitor the production and accumulation of tannins in the same tissue. Our data indicate that there is a relationship between the production of tannins and the process of vacuolation of tanniniferous cells. The results also indicate the probable performance of rough endoplasmic reticulum (RER) and plastids in the production of tannins. Resume : Deux arbres-legumineuses bien connus comme producteurs de tannins — Dimorphandra mollis Benth. (Caesalpin- ioideae) et Stryphnodendron adstringens (Mart.) Coville (Mimosoideae) — ont ete utilises comme modeles afin d'elucider la mor- phologie et l'ontogenie des cellules atannin. Les parties vegetatives des plants ont ete traitees en vue de leur observation par microscopie optique et electronique (abalayage et atransmission). Les idioblastes, trouves meme chez les jeunes plants des deux especes, et les trichomes secretoires, observes dans les bourgeons vegetatifs des plants matures de S. adstringens, sont respon- sables de la production de tannins. Les idioblastes tanniferes proviennent des cellules du protoderme ainsi que du meristeme fondamental. Le meristeme fondamental s'est avere le meilleur endroit pour etudier le developpement des idioblastes tanniferes adifferents stades de developpement, ce qui a permis aux auteurs de suivre la production et l'accumulation de tannins dans le meme tissu. Les donnees indiquent qu'il existe une relation entre la production de tannins et le processus de vacuolisation des cellules tanniferes. Les resultats indiquent aussi que le reticulum endoplasmique rugueux (RER) et les plastides jouent probable- ment un role dans la production de tannins. (Traduit par la Redaction) Mots-cles : cellules atannin, legumineuse, ontogenie, microscopie electronique atransmission, idioblastes, trichomes.
A PRACTICAL REAL-TIME POWER QUALITY EVENT MONITORING APPLICATIONS USING DISCRETE WAVELET TRANSFORM AND ARTIFICIAL NEURAL NETWORK

Determining the events that affect Power Quality (PQ) disturbances is remarkable for consumers. The most important aspects in the assessment of PQ disturbances are real-time monitoring of PQ disturbances and their fast interpretation. In this study, Artificial Neural Networks (ANNs) was used as a classifier benefiting from estimated parameters in PQ disturbances based on Discrete Wavelet Transform (DWT) on the real-time environment for determining the disturbances in power systems. Voltage signals (sag, swell, interruption, transient, harmonic and normal) used in this study were recorded from real grids. DWT was used for featuring the extraction and calculation of the wavelet coefficients, and subsequently, calculated energy levels were used as an input to ANN. The results revealed analyzing the real data processed with DWT and ANN with 100% accuracy proved the superiority of this study. Based on the results of this study, identification of real-time PQ disturbances provided an important advantage for the firms and industry. Particularly, the reasons for the failures in the system related to PQ disturbances were simultaneously diagnosed, as well.
INVESTIGATING THE SUPPRESSION OF EXTERNAL SOURCES OF DECOHERENCE IN TRANSMON QUBITS

Circuit quantum electrodynamics using superconducting qubits as elements of quantum information is a promising architecture to realize a quantum computer. The great experimental challenge to date is achieving the long qubit coherence times necessary for quantum computing. Like all open quantum systems, the qubits are however subject to various dissipation and dephasing effects which destroy its quantum coherence. One source of decoherence is believed to be the tunneling of quasiparticles generated by the external radiation present in the cryogenic apparatus. To suppress this radiation we embedded the sample and its holder in an absorptive medium and then compared the relaxation and dephasing times at various qubit transition frequencies before and after the embedding. Similar measurements without embedding were then performed on a new sample with a transmon having an increased gap between its finger capacitors. We observed an improvement in coherence times by a factor of 2-3 times and a clear dependance on the qubit frequency. Finally a possible model fitting this dependency was developed and compared to recent experiments, suggesting that it is 1/f noise from two-level fluctuators that could be affecting the coherence of our qubits at the current stage.
A Parameter Study for Improving the Performance of the Production Target for the Fermilab Muon g-2 Experiment

The target station of the Muon g-2 Experiment is one of the central pieces for the production of secondary pions which eventually will decay to the desired muons. In this paper, we report adjustments made to optimize its performance. For instance, in the simulation we vary the size of the primary incoming beam and examine its impact on the downstream production. We then compare this with the actual measured beam size upstream of the target. In addition, we examine the sensitivity in performance with the strength of the lithium lens and the distance between lens and target. We compare measured data with simulation results.
Metabolic reserves and enzyme activities with food deprivation in immature American eels, Anguilla rostrata (LeSueur)

Changes in tissue metabolic reserves and enzyme activities have been evaluated after food depriving immature American eels (Anguilla rostrata) for 6 months. Tissue carbohydrate status was maintained, but significant depletion of insoluble myofibrillar protein occurred. Plasma free fatty acids increased and muscle lipids generally increased; the source of these additional fats is not known. Activities of glycolytic, gluconeogenic, and amino acid metabolizing enzymes were generally conserved in liver and red and white muscles, consistent with a lack of change in soluble tissue protein. The few exceptions were decreases in muscle phosphorylase and white muscle fructose-1,6-bis-phosphatase. Activities of gluconeogenic enzymes were found in red muscle, but the significance of this result could not be evaluated. The pattern of branched-chain amino acid metabolizing enzymes is quite distinct from that reported for mammalian tissues, implying an altered whole body turnover of these amino acids in the eel (and pro.
Genetic structure and patterns of gene flow among populations of the endangered Ethiopian wolf

Populations of endangered mammals are often small, fragmented and have low genetic variability that can reduce the ability to evolve in response to environmental changes. The endangered Ethiopian wolf (Canis simensis) is a habitat specialist restricted to six small, isolated pockets of Afroalpine habitat, with a total population of fewer than 500 adult animals. The degradation of the Ethiopian highlands because of human expansion is ever increasing, potentially leading to further population fragmentation and local extinctions. In order to assist Ethiopian wolf conservation management, we quantified the genetic diversity, population structure and patterns of gene flow of the species using up to 14 microsatellite loci. FST, analysis of molecular variance, principal coordinates analysis and Bayesian clustering analyses revealed geographic population structuring delimited by three mountain ranges, in concert with a previous study based on mitochondrial DNA. Bayesian analysis showed that current gene flow is low, unidirectional and limited to geographically proximate populations. Given the small census size and strong population structuring with low gene flow, demographic stochasticity is likely to be the highest threat to the long‐term persistence of this species. The protection of the remaining suitable habitat, especially narrow ridges linking habitat patches within mountain blocks, is therefore essential. The genetic survey presented by this study provides vital and much needed information for the future effective management of Ethiopian wolf populations.
Emotional Intelligence in Relation to Gender among Secondary School Students in Athi- River Sub-County, Kenya

An individual with high level of emotional intelligence is more likely to handle life challenges more effectively than an individual with low level of emotional intelligence. Children in the age bracket of 13-19 are in a critical phase of life that usher them to early adulthood. This phase is characterized by heightened emotionality hence considered as stressful by many. As such, it is imperative that they acquire necessary skills that will enable them identify, understand and manage their emotions as they progress to adulthood. The aim of this study was to examine gender differences in emotional intelligence of secondary school students. The study used quasiexperimental design and results are at baseline analysis. The sample comprised of 120 students ranging between 13-18 years studying in secondary schools in Athi-river Sub County. Purposive, simple and systematic sampling techniques were used to select four private secondary schools and the participants. Bar-On Emotional Quotient Inventory: Youth Version (EQ-i: YV) tool was used to assess emotional intelligence. Spearman’s correlation and independent t-test were used in data analysis. There was a statistically significant correlation between gender and emotional intelligence with females having higher emotional intelligence mean scores than males. Moreover both genders differed significantly in two dimensions of emotional intelligence; female students showed higher stress management skills while male students showed higher scores on general mood. Based on the findings, it was recommended that the ministry of education should provide for gender-based life skills training to improve emotional intelligence with respect to these gender differences.
Modeling the Relationship Between Organizational Trust, Job Performance, Identity and Organizational Identification

Research Article Purpose – Organizational trust and job performance are important variables for hospitals, employees and patients. Numerous studies emphasize the critical role of organizational trust and employee performance in enhancing organizational performance. The primary aim of the study is to examine the effect of organizational identification and identity on organizational trust, and, as a secondary aim, to investigate the effects of organizational trust, organizational identification and identity on job performance
Linking Knowledge Management with Organizational Performance through Organizational Learning: Evidence from Higher Education Institutions in Pakistan

The present study aimed to examine the mediating role of organizational learning in the relationship between knowledge management and organizational performance in HEI’s, KP, Pakistan. Teachers working in the Universities were considered the sample (n=338) of the study. A structured questionnaire comprised items about research variables administered in order to collect data. Baron and Kenny's (1986) four-step models applied through Preacher and Hayes (2013) Process macro as a data analysis technique. The current study results show that organizational learning acts partially mediates in the association between KM and OP. Moreover, enriching the literature on this understanding, the present study is also of value in managerial perspective as it helps increase higher education institutions’ (HEIs) knowledge on how to boost and enhance the performance of the organization by engaging in KM activities.