Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The Maintenance of Species Diversity by Disturbance

Hypotheses that relate disturbance to the production and maintenance of species diversity are reviewed. The hypotheses have been classified traditionally by the effect of the disturbance on the community: Those that involve selective mortality, which maintains the species diversity of a community in equilibrium, and those that invoke causing random, localized, mass mortality, which prevent the community from reaching and equilibrium. Regardless of this difference, most hypotheses predict that the greatest number of species will occur at intermediate leves of disturbance. We develop graphical models for equilibrium and nonequilibrium situations, which we show to differ only in respect to temporal and spatial scale. We maintain that the usual outcome-the greatest number of species at intermediate levels of disturbance-can be explained by assuming that there are trade-offs in species-specific abilities that place constraints on immigration to, and extinction in, patches. Changes in immigration and extinction, the process that govern patch diversity, depend on species-specific abilities to fend off competitors or to endure disturbances. Members of a species can resist competitors or resist disturbance, but they cannot excel at both. If this trade-off does not exist, then the highest level of species diversity will not occur at intermediate levels of disturbance. Furthermore, we show that if this assumption is relaxed or if interactions between the frequency and magnitude of disturbances are considered, other unexpected outcomes are posible.
Cross-cultural competence: a comparative assessment of engineering students

As many recent reports and accreditation guidelines acknowledge, engineers are increasingly expected to work effectively acrosscountries and cultures. This trend has helped establish and legitimate a mandate for providing more engineering students witheducational experiences that enhance their global competency. However, there remain questions about what global competency means,and how it might develop and be assessed. This study addresses these themes by first arguing that cross-cultural competence is a keyfacet of global competency for engineers. It then presents an empirical study of US engineering students (n=147), using the Miville-Guzman Universality-Diversity Scale—Short form (MGUDS-S) to determine their openness to and appreciation of cultural diversity.An analysis of the dataset reveals significantly higher levels of cross-cultural competence among three groups of students opting intoglobal engineering programs as compared to a baseline group of first-year students. Additionally, a pre/post-experience study focusedon one of the global groups (n=55) indicates that an immersive research experience abroad significantly enhanced the cross-culturalcompetence of participating students. Also reported are variations in results based on factors such as gender and prior experience livingabroad. The paper concludes by discussing some practical implications of our findings and opportunities for further research.
Carabid life‐cycle strategies and climate change: a study on an altitude transect

Abstract. 1 There was little overlap in the species composition of carabid beetle assemblages sampled below 450 m and above 800 m on an altitude transect and the first axis of a DECORANA ordination was closely correlated with altitude (r11= 0.93, P < 0.001), probably reflecting the differing temperature requirements of different species. 2 Life‐cycle strategies of two low‐altitude species, found predominantly below 600 m, and two species caught above 600 m a.s. l. , have been determined, using mandible wear to identify whether the females breed in the calendar year that they emerge as adults or in the year following. 3 Nebria salina has an annual cycle at 630 m. Pterostichus madidus and Calathus fuscipes were both biennial at altitudes above 300 m although predominantly annual at low altitude. N.gyllenhali was biennial above 600 m and it is not known whether it is able to switch to an annual cycle at low altitude. 4 Both N.salina and N.gyllenhali ceased activity soon after emergence, an adaptation which preserves their mandibles from wear. 5 At altitudes of 305 m and 430 m, P.madidus and C.fuscipes entered the breeding season with 33% and 56% reduction in mandible tip length, possibly reducing their reproductive output. 6 The necessity for relatively sharp mandibles on entry into the breeding season may restrict the capacity of carabids to respond to a temperature change by switching from annual to biennial cycles, and vice versa, adding support to the suggestion that carabids are more likely to respond to climate change by shifting distributions than by physiological adaptation.
The Implications of Innovations in the Financial Sector on the Conduct of Monetary Policy in East Africa.

Executive Summary The rapid adoption of electronic payment systems such as M-Pesa in Kenya has dramatically reshaped the operations and practices of individuals, firms and financial institutions such as banks. Nationally representative data from Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda shows that the use of new financial products grew rapidly over a three year period from 2006 to 2009. For instance the adoption of ATM/debit cards in Kenya and Tanzania doubled over this period. Despite this impressive growth in adoption these products have been overshadowed by the phenomenal growth in the adoption of mobile money products such as M-Pesa. In 2009, just two years after the introduction of M-Pesa into the marketplace, close to 40% of the Kenya population had sent or received a transfer through the system. Current estimates suggest that 70 percent of households and 60 percent of adults regularly use the system (Jack and Suri, 2011). Data from the Central Bank of Kenya (CBK) also reveal the ubiquity of mobile money. In 2011, close to 18 million Kenyans were registered mobile money users, whereas 1.4 million had an ATM card and a 7 million had a debit card (CBK, 2011). Moreover, the data show that close to 1 trillion shillings was transferred through mobile money in 2011, which far exceeded the value of transactions via ATM cards. As such, most of the report will focus on the monetary policy implications of mobile money systems as they represent the largest electronic payment medium in East Africa. Since these products are also relatively new and their macroeconomic effects are not yet well understood, thus we further aim to highlight their effects on the aggregate economy. While Kenya, is far ahead of its neighbours in terms of mobile money adoption, there is evidence of some convergence in adoption rates across the three East African Nations. Recent survey data shows that 52 percent of Kenyan adults made a mobile money transaction in a 30 day reference period, Tanzania and Uganda seems to be closing the gap with 24 percent and 15 percent of adults conducting a mobile money transaction (Kendall and Maurer, 2012). Kendall and Maurer also show that adoption rates in other African countries was significantly lower than in East Africa, suggesting that the ubiquity of mobile money systems in East Africa could generate macroeconomic effects which would not be observed in other parts of the continent. The widespread use of these …
Patterns of diversity and gaps in vascular (hemi-)epiphyte flora of Southwestern Amazonia

Vascular epiphytes are common in tropical forests and represent a considerable part of the biodiversity in Southwestern Amazonia. The aim of this study was to determine the floristic composition, patterns of species richness, and geographical distribution and knowledge gaps (collection effort) of the epiphytic vascular flora of the Brazilian State of Acre. We analyzed the database of the Flora of Acre and found a total of 331 species and 32 families of angiosperms and ferns. Almost half of the epiphytic flora of Acre (48% of species) occurs only in Northern Brazil. Of the total species, 56% are restricted to Amazonia. The distribution of the number of collections of epiphytes is concentrated in a few locations in the state and there is a positive correlation between the number of collections of epiphytes and the general index of collection density. The low and unequal sampling effort of epiphytes across the State, the high proportion of specimens identified at best to genus, and the still steep species/sampling curve indicates that the true diversity of epiphytes in Southwestern Amazonia is expressively higher than recorded thus far. This highlights the need for efforts specifically focused on documenting under-represented taxonomic groups as well as more thorough inventory of the canopy flora in this region of Amazonia.
Haematological Effects of Paraquat Dichloride on Clarias Gariepinus.

Haematological (Hb, PCV, WBC, N and L) effects of Paraquat Dichloride on Clarias gariepinus were studied. Thirty - eight juvenile fishes of Clarias gariepinus (mean weight, 149.21 + 1. 44g SD; mean length, 26.25 + 2.10cm SD) were exposed to Chronic and acute levels of Paraquat Dichloride, an organophosphate pesticide. The range of concentrations used for the definitive test were 0.00ppm, 0.05ppm, 0.10ppm, 0.20ppm, 0.30ppm and 0.40ppm. There were fluctuations in the blood parameters. Haemoglobin and PCV had their highest values 43.1 + 0.00 SD and 33.6 + 0.24 SD respectively at 0.4ppm concentration of the toxicant. WBC had the least value of 93 + 0.00 SD. Lymphocytes on the other hand increased steadily with increase in the concentration of the toxicant ranging from 85.70 + 0.17 SD at 0.00ppm of toxicant to 88.30 + 0.17 SD at 0.40ppm
BENEFICIAL AND PEST INSECTS ASSOCIATED WITH TEN FLOWERING PLANT SPECIES GROWN IN QUÉBEC, CANADA

Preventive measures are very important in organic agriculture to minimize pest problems. Conservation biological control is one preventive approach. It includes habitat manipulation through which the agroecosystem may be designed to encourage the activity of beneficial insects. The use of flowering strips is one way to do that. This 3-year study was performed on the Organic Agriculture Innovation Platform in Saint-Bruno-de-Montarville, Quebec. Canada. It comprises data on insect abundance and composition on ten flowering plant species. Data are collected on beneficial insects such as coccinellid predators and predatory bugs. Are also included in this study observations and counts of insect pests which could also be attracted to this flowering plant species and build up in numbers close to the crop which we are aiming to protect.
Comparison of physical and chemical properties of high pressure- and heat-treated Lychee (Litchi chinensis Sonn.) in syrup

Lychee usually has white flesh, but its flesh is very sensitive to thermal and enzymatic impairment and ultimately changes in color. This investigation was intended to study the magnitude of color change in lychee by high pressure and thermal processing. The lychee was packed in syrup prior to being processed. Pressurized lychee was performed at 600 MPa at 30°C or 50°C for 20 min, while the pasteurized sample was heated at 90°C for 3 min. It was found that pressurization induced lower color L*, a* and b* values, including low anthocyanin content. For enzymatic activities, high pressure could reduce the activity of polyphenoloxidase by 33–51%, whereas pasteurization markedly reduced that activity by 90%.
ESTIMATION OF GENETIC AND PHENOTYPIC PARAMETERS OF SOME REPRODUCTIVE TRAITS OF BLACK BENGAL DOES

The objective of this study was to evaluate genetic and phenotypic parameters for some reproductive traits of Black Bengal does. Genetic parameters were estimated by Residual Maximum Likelihood procedure, fitting an animal model ignoring maternal genetic or permanent environmental effects. The least-squares means of litter size at birth (LSB), litter size at weaning (LSW), litter weight at birth (LWB), litter weight at weaning (LWW) and gestation length were 1.50, 1.29, 1.58 kg, 6.37 kg and 144.71 days, respectively. The effect of parity of doe was significant for LSB, LSW, LWB and LWW. In general, LSB, LSW, LWB and LWW increased with the progress of parity. The effect of season of kidding was significant for LSW, LWB and LWW. Estimates of heritability for LSB, LSW, LWB, LWW and gestation length were 0.08, 0.13, 0.10, 0.00 and 0.18, respectively. The low estimates of heritability obtained for reproductive traits indicated that selection based on the doe’s own performance may result in slow genetic improvement.
An evaluation of the effect of four herbicides on some aquatic organisms

Studies were carried out on the effect of four commonly used herbicides (2,4-D atrazine, atrazine + metolachlor and paraquat) on some aquatic organisms in simulated aquatic ecosystem at 100 ppm, 150 ppm and 200 ppm of the herbicides active ingredients (ai). The effects of the herbicides on pH, blue-green alga – Aphanocapsa sp, aquatic weed – Lemna sp, tadpole ( Bufo regularis ) and bacterial species were investigated. While 2,4-D resulted in significant decreases in pH value; paraquat resulted in significant increases (p < 0.05). Atrazine and atrazine + metolachlor treatments impacted the most on the lysis of Aphanocapsa sp as all the cells were lysed at 2 days after application. Paraquat treatments at all concentrations resulted in the death of all (20) tadpoles at 2 days after application. Complete tadpole death in atrazine + metolachlor was observed at 8 days after application at 150 ppm and at 12 days after application at 100 ppm. A general decrease in bacterial counts relative to concentrations and days of treatment was observed with paraquat impacting the most on decreases in bacterial counts. Bacterial species isolated from untreated water samples (control) included- Proteus sp, Enterobacter aerogenes, E. coli, Bacillus sp, Pseudomanas sp, Citrobacte r sp, Staphylococcus aureus and Flavobacterium sp; while Bacillus (41.2%) and Pseudomonas (56.3%) species were the most frequently isolated bacteria from herbicide treated water samples after 14 days of treatment. Conclusively, herbicides from agricultural run-offs can impair the normal balance of the flora and fauna of the aquatic ecosystem. Keywords: Herbicides, aquatic ecosystem, pH, bacteria
Effectiveness of Skin- to Skin Contact on duration of third stage of labor in Baghdad Teaching Hospital: Comparative Study.

Objectives: To determine the effectiveness of the skin-to-skin contact on duration of 3rd stage of labor. Methodology: A quasi-experimental design study conducted at the delivery room in maternity department at Baghdad teaching Hospital in Baghdad city. Data collection was started at 2nd January to end of March /2012. Purposive sample consisted of (80) mother and her neonate, (40) mother considered "skin-to-skin contact" group and other (40) considered "control group" and they receive the routine care of the hospital. An assessment tool was constructed for the purpose of the study, it was comprised of Socio-Demographic Data, Mother reproductive health history, assessment of placental separation time, Assessment of mothers third stage. Data were collected through the utilization of application, observation, assessment tool, and the interview techniques as a mean of data collection process. Pilot study was conducted on (10) Mothers on 2nd January to 10th January 2012. To make instrument valid, it was presented to a panel of (20) experts, the reliability of study, correlation coefficient of third stage of labor was (0.76). Data were analyzed through the application of descriptive statistical data analysis approach (i.e., frequency, percentage,) and inferential statistical data analysis approach (correlation coefficient, and chi- square & t test). Results: The study demonstrates that the highest percentage (27.5%) of study sample was in age group (21-25) years, while the control (16-20) years, concerning the educational level for mothers (55%) (47.5%) respectively for both study and control groups are primary school graduates. Concerning the occupation for mother: highest percentages for both study & control groups (87.5%) (80%) were housewives. There are significant differences between study and control group in third stage of labor assessment, in (complete placental separation, Uterus contract immediately after birth, uterus position between umbilici and pubic bone, absent of any abnormal signs of uterine atony or postpartum hemorrhage, & giving Methargen). Recommendations:-continuous educational and training program to all midwife work in delivery room on the implementation of skin-to skin contact for all mothers in delivery room, and clarify the benefits on mother and her neonate.
Identifying Predators and Nest Fates of Bobwhites in Southern Texas

Abstract Predation is the primary cause of nest failure for northern bobwhites (Colinus virginianus). There are few reliable data documenting the species diversity and relative importance of bobwhite nest predators in southern Texas, USA. We used infrared video-monitoring systems to document nest fates of 127 bobwhite nests over 4 nesting seasons from 2002 to 2005 in southern Texas. A majority of depredation events (83%) were caused by 4 species: coyote (Canis latrans), striped skunk (Mephitis mephitis), southern fire ant (Solenopsis xyloni), and badger (Taxidea taxus). Observed bobwhite nest fates for the study period were 0.50 successful, 0.34 depredated, and 0.16 abandoned or undetermined. A universal approach to mitigating nest predation is not likely to be applicable in regions similar to southern Texas, with high nest-predator diversity (e.g., fire ants, rodents, and mammalian carnivores). We believe that infrared video surveillance is a valuable tool for documenting baseline information on predator context and nest fate for many avian species, considering the limitations of past methods (e.g., postfate evidence).
Hepatitis B surface antigenaemia among pregnant women in a tertiary health institution in Ekiti State, Nigeria

Background : It has been recognized that Hepatitis B virus infection is endemic in Nigeria. Despite this, routine screening in pregnancy and treatment are not widely practiced in the country. Objective : To identify the prevalence and pattern of the disease among the obstetric population in Ekiti State. Materials and Methods : A review of the records of 505 consecutively booked and consenting pregnant women at the antenatal clinics of the Ekiti State University Teaching Hospital, Ado - Ekiti. The duration of the study was from April 2011 to November 2011. All the patients were screened for Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg). Using a questionnaire, information retrieved included their socio-demographic characteristics, possible risk factors (blood transfusion and surgery) and HBsAg screening result. Results : 20 of the 505 pregnant women were seropositive for HBsAg giving prevalence of 4.0%. Multiparous women aged between 30 - 34 years and with secondary education had the highest proportion of infected people although these associations did not reach significant levels. More women in the latter half of pregnancy were HBsAg seropositive (p < 0.05). Conclusion : It is recommended that all pregnant women be routinely screened for HBV, and preventive measures emphasized to reduce the burden of HBV infection. Keywords : Hepatitis B surface antigen, pregnancy, seroprevalence, Ekiti
Distribution and vitality of xylem rays in relation to tree leaf area in douglas-fir

The factors that determine sapwood width and volume in a tree are not known. This study asked whether sapwood width is related to a need for stem storage sites. Experiments were conducted on 12 34-year-old Douglas-fir [(Pseudotsuga menziesii (Mirb.) Franco] trees with a 6-7 fold range of leaf areas and leaf area/sapwood volumes. Because of declining ray frequency but constant average ray area, ray volume declined for the first 6-10 growth rings, then remained constant, and did not vary with height (breast height vs. 10 nodes from the top). Fewer of the ray parenchyma cells had nuclei in inner than outer sapwood. Inner sapwood had ray parenchyma with smaller rounder nuclei than did outer sapwood, and there was no effect of height. There was a positive relationship between leaf area and the relative volume of ray in outer sapwood at breast height (r = 0.646, p = 0.02), supporting the hypothesis that Douglas-fir trees with larger leaf areas have higher ray volume than do trees with smaller leaf areas. However, correlations of leaf area I sapwood volume with leaf area at either height were not significant, nor were correlations of either leaf area or leaf area/sapwood volume with measures of ray vitality (nuclear frequency in outer sapwood, or the ratio of nuclear frequency in the middle I outer sapwood or in inner I outer sapwood). These latter correlations give no evidence that Douglas-fir trees determine their sapwood volume based on a need for quantity of vital xylem rays.
Molecular Cloning and Expression of Cellulase Genes from Ruminococcus albus 8 in Escherichia coli Bacteriophage λ

A genomic library of Ruminococcus albus 8 DNA was constructed by using the Escherichia coli bacteriophage λDASH. Recombinants were screened for cellulolytic activity by plating in soft agar (0.7%) overlays containing either 1% (wt/vol) carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC), 4-methylumbelliferyl-β-d-cellobioside (MUC, 1 mg/ml), or 1% (wt/vol) Ostazin brilliant red-hydroxyethyl cellulose (OBR-HEC). One hundred and three recombinant phage exhibiting activity against OBR-HEC were found, and these fell into different classes based on the size of the zone of hydrolysis. Twenty-one recombinant phage exhibiting activity against CMC and 19 recombinant phage exhibiting activity against MUC were isolated. Four OBR-HEC+, five CMC+, and seven MUC+ clones were further analyzed by restriction endonuclease mapping and cellulase substrate specificity to identify unique clones and to determine their cellulase type. Three different clone types representing endoglucanase activity were identified. Three clones that appeared to encode exoglucanase type activity and four clones that had a mixed specificity, including β-glucosidase activity, were also identified.
COMPLEMENTARY THERAPY IN PATIENTS WITH MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS

Background &Aim : Given the high cost of medical treatment to control the symptoms of Multiple Sclerosis (MS) and the resulted numerous complications, the use of complementary therapy has been increased by these patients. This study aims to determine the status of complimentary therapy in patients with MS who refer to MS Association in Tehran in 2008. Material & Methods : It was a descriptive cross- sectional study. Two hundred patients with MS were recruited by convenience sampling. Data was collected by a researcher made questionnaire using face-to-face interviews and analyzed by descriptive and inferential (Chi-square and ANOVA) statistics using SPSS-PC (v. 11.5). Results : More than half of sample (60%) has used complimentary therapy. All of them had used non-pharmacological treatment as a supplement and not as a replacement to therapy. The most frequently used methods were exercise, meditation, nutrition therapy, herbal medicines, energy therapy, acupuncture and acupressure respectively. The results also showed that the majority of participants (44/5%) have used one non-pharmacological method and just 11.5% have used two methods or more. The findings showed that there is o significant relationship between using complimentary therapy and demographic characteristics of patients except for educational level (P=0/04). Conclusion: Regarding the widespread use of complementary therapy by patients with MS, these patients are exposed to potential risks and side effects of the treatments. So it is recommended that patients be provided with necessary training. Doing more research on the methods of complimentary therapy and assessment of the reasons for tendency to this type of treatment is also recommended.