Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
An investigation of public perception of quality of education in both public and private universities in Pakistan

Both public and private universities in Pakistan are playing vital role in developing human resources as per spectral demand, it is only possible by providing the quality of education. The objective of this research was to investigate the public perception of quality education in both public and private universities in Pakistan by knowing the impact of factors like Augmented Facilities, Faculty Characteristics and Administrative role on quality of education. The research was based on primary data which was collected through field survey by means of 200 questionnaires. The searched population was the general public and students of some selected both public and private universities of Pakistan. The data was analyzed through SPSS software, in order to reviel the research objectives correlation and regression analysis were made. The research results showed that, in correlation analysis there is positive significant relationship among all the variables and in regression analysis the research results indicated that model is fit and each independent variable has the significant impact on dependent variable. This research is helpful for the parents and students of Pakistan for selecting the qualitative institutions. This research will also help the both public and private universities to enhance the quality of education by keeping in mind the above given factors. Keywords: Public And Private Universities, Augmented Facilities, Faculty Characteristics, Administrative Role
Government Spending and Expectations

This paper documents the impact of fiscal policy on the expectations of the consumers and offers an alternative explanation for crowd-in effect of government spending on private consumption. I construct fiscal news variable using survey data to account for the fiscal foresight and show that this variable carries out relevant information about future government spending. I find significant positive response of consumer confidence and consumption to the anticipated government spending (fiscal news) shocks. The further analysis shows that confidence is pivotal in the transmission of fiscal policy on the real variables since the anticipated government spending shock crowds out private consumption when the response of confidence is held fixed. I develop DSGE model with informational frictions to identify the link between fiscal policy and expectations. The agents revise their expectations about future income, consumption and output to a higher level after fiscal news shock if government demand signal is clearer (less noisy) relative to the tax signal. The revised expectations of higher personal and aggregate income and output can be seen as a theoretical counterpart of the increase in consumer confidence found in the empirical part. The higher expected demand relative to the higher expected taxes by the agents associated with the anticipated government spending shock is the key in the more optimistic expectations and improvements in confidence that eventually increases private consumption along with the output in the equilibrium.
microsatellite analyser (MSA): a platform independent analysis tool for large microsatellite data sets

In molecular ecology the analysis of large microsatellite data sets is becoming increasingly popular. Here we introduce a new software tool, which is specifically designed to facilitate the analysis of large microsatellite data sets. All common microsatellite summary statistics and distances can be calculated. Furthermore, the microsatellite analyser (msa) software offers an improved method to deal with inbred samples (such as Drosophila isofemale lines). Executables are available for Windows and Macintosh computers.
A three-way contact zone between forms of Patella rustica (Mollusca: Patellidae) in the central Mediterranean Sea

Previous studies have reported the occurrence of three differentiated mtDNA lineages within Patella rustica in the Mediterranean Sea. Two hypotheses have been proposed to explain these observations: (1) the maintenance of ancestral polymorphism within a single species; (2) the occurrence of cryptic species not identified previously. To distinguish between these hypotheses, we screened the genetic variability at nine allozyme loci, an intron from the α-amylase gene and a mitochondrial gene for 187 individuals of P. rustica sampled from seven Mediterranean localities. Eight additional localities were screened for the last two markers to place the differentiated lineages in a clear geographic context. Our results demonstrate that the three mtDNA lineages correspond to three distinct nuclear genotype clusters and provide further details on their distribution: the cluster corresponding to the mtDNA lineage from the Atlantic and western Mediterranean extends as far as the south coast of Italy, whereas the remaining two clusters occur in sympatry in the eastern Mediterranean. One of the eastern Mediterranean clusters is highly differentiated and seems to be reproductively isolated from the codistributed form; we therefore suggest that it corresponds to a new species. The remaining two clusters are less differentiated and form a contact zone across south Italian shores. This three-way contact zone constitutes an interesting model for the study of speciation in the marine realm. © 2010 The Linnean Society of London, Biological Journal of the Linnean Society, 2010, 100, 154–169.
Inheritance of increased oleic acid concentration in high-erucic acid Ethiopian mustard

In comparison with canola oil, zero-erucic acid Ethiopian mustard (Brassica carinata A. Braun) oil is characterized by a low concentration of the monounsaturated oleic acid and high concentrations of the polyunsaturated linoleic acid and linolenic acid. Because of the low oxidative stability of oils rich in polyunsaturated fatty acids, the increase of oleic acid concentration in zero-erucic acid Ethiopian mustard is needed. Increased oleic acid concentration is currently available only in high erucic acid backgrounds. The objective of the present research was to study the inheritance of increased oleic acid concentration in the high-erucic acid Ethiopian mustard mutant N2-3591. The mutant was reciprocally crossed with the high-erucic acid line C-101, with the standard composition of C18 fatty acids. Partial maternal and cytoplasmic effects for oleic acid concentration were observed in the analysis of F1 seeds and F1 plants, respectively, from reciprocal crosses. Standard oleic acid concentration in C-101 was partially dominant over increased oleic acid concentration in N2-3591. Oleic acid concentration of F2 seeds segregated following a 3:1 (standard-intermediate: increased) ratio, suggesting monogenic inheritance. This was confirmed in the BC1 to N2-3591, which segregated following a 1:1 (intermediate: increased) ratio. The separation of the standard and intermediate oleic acid classes was not possible, probably because of the partial dominance of standard over increased oleic acid concentration. The monogenic inheritance of increased oleic acid levels in the high-erucic acid N2-3591 line will facilitate the transfer of this trait to zero-erucic acid Ethiopian mustard germplasm.
Modelling the influence of silicon and phosphorus limitation on the growth and toxicity of Pseudo-nitzschia seriata

Pseudo-nitzschia seriata (Cleve) H. Peragallo isolated from Scottish west coast waters was studied in laboratory batch culture. The neurotoxin domoic acid was produced in both P- and Si-limited stationary phase, but in greater quantities when Si was the limiting nutrient. A mathematical model based on cell quota kinetics was used to simulate P. seriata growth and toxin production. The model was capable of simulating changes in cell density and carbon biomass in the independent Si- and P-limited experiments using a single parameter set. In the model, toxin production was related to C cell−1 and triggered by nutrient stress, defined by low values of the carbon-based cell quota of the limiting nutrient. The study therefore suggests that simple models, based on easily measured quantities, are capable of simulating Pseudo-nitzschia growth and toxin production.
FGF signals guide migration of mesenchymal cells, control skeletal morphogenesis and regulate gastrulation during sea urchin development

The sea urchin embryo is emerging as an attractive model to study morphogenetic processes such as directed migration of mesenchyme cells and cell sheet invagination, but surprisingly, few of the genes regulating these processes have yet been characterized. We present evidence that FGFA, the first FGF family member characterized in the sea urchin, regulates directed migration of mesenchyme cells, morphogenesis of the skeleton and gastrulation during early development. We found that at blastula stages, FGFA and a novel putative FGF receptor are expressed in a pattern that prefigures morphogenesis of the skeletogenic mesoderm and that suggests that FGFA is one of the elusive signals that guide migration of primary mesenchyme cells (PMCs). We first show that fgfA expression is correlated with abnormal migration and patterning of the PMCs following treatments that perturb specification of the ectoderm along the oral-aboral and animal-vegetal axes. Specification of the ectoderm initiated by Nodal is required to restrict fgfA to the lateral ectoderm, and in the absence of Nodal, fgfA is expressed ectopically throughout most of the ectoderm. Inhibition of either FGFA, FGFR1 or FGFR2 function severely affects morphogenesis of the skeleton. Furthermore, inhibition of FGFA and FGFR1 signaling dramatically delays invagination of the archenteron, prevents regionalization of the gut and abrogates formation of the stomodeum. We identified several genes acting downstream of fgfA in these processes, including the transcription factors pea3 and pax2/5/8 and the signaling molecule sprouty in the lateral ectoderm and SM30 and SM50 in the primary mesenchyme cells. This study identifies the FGF signaling pathway as an essential regulator of gastrulation and directed cell migration in the sea urchin embryo and as a key player in the gene regulatory network directing morphogenesis of the skeleton.
Emiliania huxleyi specific growth rate dependence on temperature

A revised estimate of the relationship between the maximum growth rate (μmax, d−1) of Emiliania huxleyi and temperature (T, °C) was made using quantile regression and literature data from culture experiments (n = 1415). For modeling E. huxleyi bloom formation and coccolithophore functional group growth rate, this relationship is commonly assumed to follow an exponential relationship, as is the case for photosynthetic algal species in general. However, data specific to E. huxleyi show that this relationship is better described by a power function. Direct comparison with growth rate‐temperature relationships used to model E. huxleyi from the literature shows that they overestimate growth rate by up to 250% over a wide range of temperatures. It is recommended that the revised relationship of μmax = 0.1419T0. 8151 be used in future models incorporating temperature‐dependent maximum growth rate estimates of E. huxleyi and of coccolithophores as a functional group.
COMPOSITION OF COLOSTRUM AND MILK FROM SOWS RECEIVING DIETARY RAPESEED MEAL OR SOYBEAN MEAL

The gross composition of colostrum and milk, and the fatty acid composition of colostral and milk fat were studied for 15 sows of four genetic backgrounds receiving diets containing either 0 or 8% rapeseed meal as an isonitrogenous replacement for soybean meal and wheat, during growth, reproduction or both. Dietary rapeseed meal for growth was associated with significantly higher fat levels in colostrum and an apparent increase in fat levels in milk. Total solids were higher in the colostrum of sows receiving dietary rapeseed meal during either growth or reproduction than for sows receiving soybean meal. There were no other differences in composition associated with dietary treatment or sow litter group.The gross composition of colostrum and milk as a percentage, ignoring dietary treatment was, respectively: total solids, 22.9, 19.4; solids-not-fat, 15.7, 12.2; fat, 7.3, 7.2; protein, 10.4, 5.4; lactose, 4.6, 6.0; and ash, 0.64, 0.75. The fatty acid composition of colostral and milk fat as a percent by we.
Geospatial modeling of the Birch River: Distribution of Carmine Shiner (Notropis percobromus) in Geomorphic Response Units (GRU): Carmine Shiner distribution in GRUs

Carmine Shiner (Notropis percobromus) is a threatened cyprinid with a limited distribution in Canada occurring only in a few tributaries in the Winnipeg River watershed in southern Manitoba. The Geomorphic Response Unit (GRU) method was used to identify potential critical habitat of Carmine Shiner. The GRU method is a promising geospatial modeling technique that allows the identification of river reaches that exhibit similar geomorphic structure and provides a link between the hydrological regime and species habitat preference. Carmine Shiner catch data from June and July 2011, Geographic Information System (GIS), and multivariate-derived GRUs were used to characterize possible Carmine Shiner spawning sites in the Birch River. Results indicate that immature Carmine Shiner (58%) prefer geomorphically variable reaches while mature Carmine Shiner (50%) prefer low-sinuosity reaches punctuated by increases in slope. Identifying spatial patterns in the distribution of Carmine Shiner during spawning has the potential to increase understanding of habitat requirements and can aid in management efforts for this threatened species.
Cell biology of bordered-pit formation in balsam-fir trees

A mature bordered pit in secondary xylem of Pinaceae comprises a circular border of secondary-wall material that protrudes into the tracheid lumen and is punctuated by a centralized aperture through which sap flows. The overarching border encloses a pit chamber within which is a “membrane”, or diaphragm, consisting of a central torus and margo strands. Bordered-pit pairs are abundantly present in all woods, and their membranes serve as swinging-diaphragm check valves regulating sap flow between adjoining tracheary elements, simultaneously trapping emboli and particulates in water as it moves from roots to leaves. The cell biology of bordered-pit formation in cambial derivatives of Abies balsamea (L.) Mill. was investigated by light and scanning electron microscopy during early stages of cellular differentiation of cambial derivatives into secondary xylem tracheids. A bordered-pit template (BPT), a bordered-pit organelle (BPO), a bordered-pit basal disk, and additional novel structures were found to be ass.
In Silico Modelling of Complex Biological Processes with Applications to Allergic Asthma and Cancer

Regardless of their origin or pathology, many, if not all, diseases have long been regarded as complex. Yet, despite the progression in the understanding of complexity and the development of systems biology, the majority of biomedical research has been derived from qualitative principles. In comparison to the ethical, temporal and logistical limitations of human experimentation, in vivo animal models have served to provide a more advantageous means to elucidate the underlying disease mechanisms. However, given the additional limitations presented by such models, in silico models have emerged as an effective complement, and, in some cases, a replacement for in vivo experimentation. The in silico models presented in this thesis were developed using mathematical and computational methods to investigate the evolution of two complex, diverse diseases from a systems biology perspective: allergic asthma and cancer. We generated two novel in silico models of allergic asthma aimed at clarifying some dynamic aspects of allergic responses. Experimentally, we utilized an in vivo murine model of chronic exposure to the most pervasive aeroallergen worldwide, house dust mite (HDM), for up to 20 weeks, equivalent to at least 20 human years. Using a range of HDM concentrations, experimental data were collected to study local and systemic effects. The first model applied empirical mathematical techniques to establish equations for airway inflammation and HDM-specific immunoglobulins using an iterative approach of iii experimentation and validation. Using the equations generated, we showed that the model was able to accurately predict and simulate data. The model also demonstrated the non-linear relationship between HDM exposure and both airway inflammation and allergic sensitization and identified system thresholds. The second model used mechanistic mathematical techniques to investigate the trafficking of eosinophils as they migrated from bone marrow to the blood and, ultimately, to the lungs. Making use of a limited data set, the model determined the effect of individual processes on the system. We identified eosinophil production, survival and death as having the greatest impacts, while migration played a relatively minor role. Furthermore, the model was used to simulate knockout models and the use of antibodies in silico. In the context of cancer growth and metastasis, we developed a theoretical model demonstrating the spatio-temporal development of a tumour in two-dimensions. The model was encoded to create a computer graphic simulation program, which simulated the effects of various parameters on the size and shape of a tumour. Through simulations, we demonstrated the importance of the diffusion process in cancer growth and metastasis. Ultimately, we believe the greatest benefit of each in silico model is the ability to provide an understanding of each respective disease recognized as dynamic and formally complex, but predominantly studied in reductionist, static or un-integrated approaches.
Comparison of different electronic devices for detecting Heterobasidion root rot.

Root rot caused by Heterobasidion spp. is one of the most important pathogens in Norway spruce (Picea abies (L.) Karst. ) stands in Latvia. It is estimated that in Latvia on average 22.9% of Norway spruce stumps are infected with Heterobasidion spp. The aim of this study was to compare four different electronic devices for Heterobasidion root rot detection in Norway spruce. In the autumn of 2009, in a sample plot located in the forests of Kalsnava district 27 trees were used to compare the possibility of instruments to detect root rot. The results show that IML-RESI F400 accuracy for detecting root rot in Norway spruce is high and the instrument is usable for detecting root rot, but additional accumulators are needed for large sample plots. Rotfinder’s accuracy for detecting root rot varies from probe to probe taken from one tree. Conditiometer AS-1 and Arbo-Sonic decay detector show slightly higher average values for infected trees, but the difference for both instruments between healthy and decayed trees is not significant, thus leaving the usage of instruments questionable.
Quantifying Species Abundance Trends in the Northern Gulf of California using Local Ecological Knowledge

Abstract Ecosystem-based fisheries management requires data on all parts of the ecosystem, and this can be a barrier in data-poor systems. Marine ecologists need a means of drawing together diverse information to reconstruct species abundance trends for a variety of purposes. This article uses a fuzzy logic approach to integrate information from multiple data sources and describe biomass trends for marine species groups in the northern Gulf of California, Mexico. Forty-two species groups were analyzed, comprising fish, invertebrates, birds, mammals, turtles, and algae. The most important new data series comes from recent interviews with fishers in the northern part of the gulf. Respondents were asked to classify the abundance of various targeted and untargeted marine species groups from 1950 to the present. The fuzzy logic method integrates their responses with catch-per-unit-effort series, intrinsic vulnerability to fishing determined from life history parameters, biomass predicted by a Schaefer harvest model, and other simple indices. The output of the fuzzy logic routine is a time series of abundance for each species group that can be compared with known trends. The results suggest a general decline in species abundance across fished and mulshed taxa, with a few exceptions. Information gathered from interviews indicated that older fishers tended to recognize a greater relative decrease in species abundance since 1970 than did younger fishers, providing another example of Pauly's (1995) shifting cognitive baselines.
Genetic diversity of canadian soybean cultivars and exotic germplasm revealed by simple sequence repeat markers

Genetic diversity assessment of improved crop germplasm can facilitate the expansion of the genetic base in a plant breeding program, but little effort has been made to assess the Canadian soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr. ] gene pool established over the past century. Simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers were applied to assess the genetic diversity of 45 Canadian soybean cultivars released from 1934 to 2001 and 37 exotic germplasm accessions. Thirty-seven SSR primer pairs were applied and 234 polymorphic bands were scored for each accession. The frequencies of the scored bands ranged from 0.01 to 0.90 and averaged 0.17. The proportion of total SSR variation occurring between exotic and Canadian germplasm was 9%; among the Canadian cultivars of three breeding periods 10%; and between the cultivars of maturity groups 0 and 00 4%. More diversity was found for exotic germplasm than the Canadian. More diversity was observed in the cultivars of the recent breeding period than the early. The Canadian cultivars were clustered into seven major groups, partially congruent to the known pedigrees, and they were more related to germplasm from Russia, Sweden, and Ukraine and less to the Asian germplasm. The six genetically most distinct cultivars were PS86 RR, Gaillard, Manitoba Brown, Beechwood, Maple Isle, and 92B91. These findings are useful for the selection of genetically distinct or less related soybean materials to improve the genetic background of the soybean gene pool.
Collective Action and Adaptive Capacity of Communities During Disasters: The Case of Oil Spill in Guimaras, Philippines

Under conditions of limited time, resources, and attention, appraisal of responses to threats of industrial pollution presents formidable challenges for governance and disaster preparedness. A community’s social dynamics could very well explain how the responses to such perturbations are made and what inherent traits of the household/community make them adaptive to disasters. Using both qualitative and quantitative approaches in research, this study looked at the collective action and adaptive capacity of communities affected by an oil spill. Questionnaire was fi elded out to elicit data on communities’ quantitative level of adaptive capacity and focus group discussions, in-depth interviews, observations, and narrative analysis were employed for qualitative data. The oil spill experience reveals three forms of collectivity: actions through formal organizations, informal organizations and spontaneous actions -- all anchored on residents’ varying motives, and intentions. Collective action when harnessed by personal agency results into desired trajectories thus strengthening communities’ adaptive capacity. A household adaptive capacity index (HACI) consisting of demographic structure, economic well-being, interconnectivity to higher level processes, and dependence on a resource-- as indicator of measuring adaptive capacity was devised and employed in selected communities affected by oil spill in Guimaras, Philippines. Ten percent or 88 households were randomly selected as survey respondents. In the outcome, the communities were fairly adaptable (with HACI of 55.43) to the perturbations. It was concluded that a strong social capital, high economic well-being, and less dependence on a single resource for livelihood made the household highly adaptable to environmental stresses. Key words: collective action; adaptive capacity; oil spill; Guimaras, Philippines