Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Inspirations by plant in the decorative motifs of St. Mary’s Basilica in Kraków (Poland)

The aim behind this study was to identify the plants which are the floristic motifs of ornaments inside of Church of Our Lady Assumed into Heaven in Krakow. The art techniques used in ornaments submitted to the analysis were: paintings, sculptures and stained glass-works. The analysis was based on the photographs of various parts of the St. Mary's Basilica taken between 2017 and 2018. Identified species of plants were presented in the table. In the analysis performed here, the author was focused on the symbolism of chosen floral art motifs, since the artist’s botanical knowledge was not the only inspiration for utilising such decorations. Due to its symbolism, the motif of flowers was commonly used in the religious art, highlighting the dignity and majesty of this beautiful place of worship. Even though the meaning of plants as a symbol often depends on the cultural basis in which the work is done, there are some examples of plants that are widely known as religious symbols by everyone.
ENABLING SUSTAINABLE SECURITY THROUGH CORPORATE EDUCATION INVESTMENT IN THE NIGER DELTA REGION: LESSONS FROM THE SHELL PETROLEUM DEVELOPMENT COMPANY’S (SPDC) CRADLE TO CAREER SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAMME

The problem of insecurity in the Niger Delta region has continued to attract widespread concerns both from policy commentators and academics alike. In fact, an attempt to cluster the literature on insecurity alone can amount to a whole institutional library given credence to the volume of work done in this regard. This notwithstanding, very little has been done to examine how corporate investment in education can contribute to the security of the region in a sustained manner. It is against this foregoing that this paper examined how corporate organizations are enabling sustainable security through investment in education in the Niger Delta region using the SPDC Cradle to Career (C2C) secondary school scholarship programme as a reference point. To achieve this broad objective, data were elicited from a sample of 302 respondents comprising of 240 Cradle to Career Scholars, 50 External Relations Staff of SPDC and 12 in-depth interview participants made up of chiefs of beneficiary communities and management staff of SPDC. The instruments used for data collection were the questionnaire and in-depth interview. A combination of stratified random, simple random and purposive sampling techniques were adopted to select the respondents. The data gathered through the use of questionnaire were analyzed using frequencies, percentages and chi square ( statistical techniques, while interview related information were analyzed using the thematic method. The findings of the study revealed that given its target population, the SPDC Cradle to Career scholarship investment has significant potential to reduce insecurity in the Niger Delta region. However, the challenge with the programme is its choice of elite schools that are too expensive and this clearly undermines sustainability. In light of this, the paper recommends that SPDC should scale down on cost and consider a partnership option as a way of sustaining the programme.
The Mechanism of α1-Antitrypsin Polymerization Probed by Fluorescence Spectroscopy

Abstract The polymerization of α1-antitrypsin within the hepatic cell leads to α1-antitrypsin deficiency. Both the conformational changes and the kinetics of the polymerization process are poorly understood. Here we describe fluorescence experiments investigating the polymerization reaction using the fluorescent probe4,4′-dianilino-1,1′-binaphthyl-5,5′-disulfonate (bis-ANS) which bound to both native and polymerized α1-antitrypsin. Biphasic changes in bis-ANS fluorescence were observed during formation of α1-antitrypsin polymers. Initially a rapid increase in fluorescence signal was observed; it was followed by a gradual reduction in fluorescence signal. The first phase is a conformational change in which the A β-sheet of α1-antitrypsin opens, whereas the second phase represents the insertion of the reactive center loop into the A β-sheet of another molecule and therefore determines the rate of the polymerization process.
Musical aesthetics below ground: volcanic action and the geosocial in Sigur Rós’s “Brennisteinn”

ABSTRACT This article presents a musicological and ecocritical close reading of the song “Brennisteinn” (“sulphur” or, literally, “burning rock”) by the acclaimed post-rock band Sigur Rós. The song—and its accompanying music video—features musical, lyrical, and audiovisual means of registering the turbulence of living in volcanic landscapes. My analysis of Sigur Rós’s music opens up a window into an Icelandic cultural history of inhabiting a risky Earth, a condition captured by anthropologist Gísli Pálsson’s concept of geosociality, which emerged from his ethnography in communities living with volcanoes. Geosociality allows for a “down to earth” perspective that accounts for the liveliness of the ground below our feet. Likewise, in Sigur Rós’s “Brennisteinn”, we encounter a musical imagination of the geologic that poses a challenge to hegemonic concepts of nature founded on notions of equilibrium and permanence. The article culminates with a consideration of what such a geologically minded aesthetics can offer us in the age of the Anthropocene.
Entropy generation analysis for the design of a flat plate solar collector with fins

This article describes the optimal design of a flat-plate solar collector with fins, based on the minimum entropy generation criterion. The design parameters were optimized, considering entropy generation due to heat transfer and airflow. The latter has not been considered in previous works. The flat plate in the collector is assimilated to a finned heat sink. The dimensionless entropy generation variation is analyzed to increase values of the number of fins, as well as for different plate thicknesses and heights. We also considered variations in airflow velocity. Our data shows that airflow velocity greatly influences entropy generation. Values other than the optimum found, caused a considerable growth of total entropy. For a collector area of 4 m2, and an outlet temperature of 50°C, the optimum parameters that minimize the entropy generation rate were: 9 fins on each side of the collector plate, a height of 5 x10-2 m, a thickness of 25x10-3m, and an air velocity variable between 0.015 and 0.046 m/s. This development is relevant to the design of flat plate solar collectors, for grain drying applications.
Chlorate-resistant, Nitrate-utilizing (crn) Mutants of Fusarium moniliforme (Gibberella fujikuroi)

SUMMARY: Five crn loci have been identified in Fusarium moniliforme. Mutants at these loci were chlorate resistant and able to utilize nitrate. The crnl locus was closely linked to, and may be allelic with, nit3, a regulatory gene controlling induction of the nitrate reductase pathway. The crn2 locus was linked to, but distinct from, the nit5 gene coding for a molybdenum-containing cofactor. The crn3 and crn4 loci were unlinked to any known gene affecting nitrate reduction. The crn5 locus was clearly linked to the nit1 gene coding for the nitrate reductase enzyme. Mutants of crn1 and crn5 had low but detectable levels of nitrate reductase activity; these mutations may be leaky alleles of nitrate reduction genes. crn2 mutants had normal nitrate reductase activity, and may be altered in nitrate uptake.
Interspecific and Intraspecific Interactions Via Plant Responses to Folivory: An Experimental Field Test

I tested the hypothesis that phytophagous insect species compete interspe- cifically on shared host plants by inducing chemical, physical, and phonological changes in the plant that either directly reduce insect growth and survival or indirectly alter attack by natural enemies. I manipulated levels of simulated folivory on branches within eight trees of Qiiercus emor vi in a complete randomized block design. Survival and causes of mortality, including attack by natural enemies, of a dominant leafminer, Catneraria sp. nov., were monitored over two growing seasons. Survival varied significantly among trees but not among treatments. Causes of mortality also varied significantly among trees. Death from premature leaf abscission increased significantly with increasing levels of branch damage, while mortality from other causes, including death from bacterial and fungal attack, declined significantly with increasing levels of damage. However, neither of these changes in mortality was sufficient to cause changes in overall survival. Leaf damage did not influence attack by macroscopic natural enemies (hymenopteran parasitoids or vertebrate and invertebrate predators). By far, the most important factor affecting survival and causes of mortality within trees was the presence of co-occurring larvae on leaves (i.e., intraspecific competition). Simulated folivory in the first growing season did not affect folivory by Cameraria or other folivorous arthropods in the next season. Colonization, survival, rate of attack by natural enemies, and amount of herbivory by other arthropods in the second growing season were not affected by levels of leaf damage in the first one. Neither survival nor causes of mortality of Cameraria in the second growing season were associated with folivory by endemic leafchewing arthropods. Simulated folivory in the first growing season did, however, reduce leaf production in the second season. These results do not support the hypothesis that insect species compete interspecifically via induced plant responses and their effects on the third trophic level (natural enemies of the herbivores). The effects of simulated (first growing season) and insect (second growing season) folivory via induced plant responses on the Cameraria population was negligible relative to intraspecific interactions. Further, my results do not support the notion that folivore-induced responses are defensive and that plants have evolved these responses to manipulate the third trophic level. In natural settings, other factors that influence population dynamics of phytophagous insects, such as intraspecific competition and interactions with microparasites, may obscure any negative effects of herbivore-induced plant responses on interactions among herbivore species and their macroscopic natural enemies.
Behavior, Movements, and Apparent Survival of Rehabilitated and Free-Ranging Harbor Seal Pups

Post-release studies are essential to determine the efficacy of wildlife rehabilitation. Although an increasing number of Pacific harbor seal (Phoca vitulina richardsi) pups are admitted to rehabilitation centers, few studies have been conducted to monitor the behaviors and survival of rehabilitated pups released back into the wild. Our objectives were to compare diving behaviors, activity patterns, movements, and survival between rehabilitated pups (n = 29) and wild pups (n = 24). Pups were radiotracked for 5 months after release at Pebble Beach, California, during 1995, 1996, and 1998. Mean duration of dives (t 27 = 0.90, P = 0.37) and surface intervals (U = 52, P = 0.20) of rehabilitated pups did not differ from that of wild pups. Rehabilitated pups spent a greater proportion of their time in the water (t 18 = 2.12, P= 0.047) than did wild pups. Most pups traveled north from Pebble Beach, and movements were variable. Seal group (F 1 31 = 1.33, P= 0.26) or sex (F 1 31 = 0.22, P= 0.64) had no effect on maximum distance traveled. Survival curves between rehabilitated and wild pups were similar during 1995 (X 2 = 0.40, P> 0.05) and 1998 (X 2 = 1.34, P> 0.05), whereas rehabilitated pups had lower survival than wild pups during 1996 (X 2 = 3.94, P 0.05). In summary, the overall behavior, movement, and apparent survival of rehabilitated pups appeared similar to wild pups. Future studies should be conducted to assess the long-term survival of rehabilitated and free-ranging harbor seal pups.
Circus Ring to Zoo to Museum: The Fragility of Factors in Characteristic-based Asset Pricing Models

Economically relevant factors in asset pricing models should impound information on the future path of state variables that drive asset risk premia. Imposing this condition, we investigate which publicly available characteristics predict individual stock returns during the sample period used by Fama and French (1993) i.e. their discovery period and the post-1993 or out-of-sample period. We find four characteristics have significant predictive power, in the cross-section, over and above that of their factors. In the out-of-sample period, five new characteristics become significant predictors. Similar results are seen for the Chen and Zhang (2010) model. Next, we find that characteristics that forecast stock returns before and after major economic events are very different. Finally, we find that the ability of characteristics to reflect economic uncertainty and sentiment changes in sign and magnitude over time- often vanishing altogether. Our results suggest that the search for a unique characteristic-based asset pricing model is unlikely to be fruitful given the secular variation in the relation between the sources of macroeconomic risks and firm-level characteristics.
Demography of Two Mexican Spotted Owl Populations

Abstract: The Mexican Spotted Owl (Strix occidentalis lucida) is a threatened subspecies of the southwestern United States and northern Mexico. Although threatened, little is known about its population status. We studied the demography of the Mexican Spotted Owl in one study area in Arizona and one in New Mexico from 1991 to 1997. We estimated annual survival rates (φ), fecundity rates ( b), and abundance ( N) to test the hypothesis that population trends were stationary. Although annual fecundity rates ( for Arizona and 0.380 for New Mexico) and annual juvenile survival rates ( for Arizona and 0.109 for New Mexico) differed in magnitude between the study areas, they exhibited similar temporal patterns. Annual survival for territorial owls varied randomly in Arizona but declined linearly in New Mexico. Mean annual survival for territorial owls was 0.814 in Arizona and 0.832 for owls ≥3 years old and 0.644 for owls 1–2 years old in New Mexico. Based on survival and fecundity estimates, the annual rates of change (λ^) indicated that both populations were declining at ≥10% a year. These estimates were corroborated by observed declines in abundance. Some regional factor may have been affecting fecundity, whereas a combination of factors may have been affecting survival. Two possible reasons for the population declines are declines in habitat quality and regional trends in climate.
FLOCKING AND FEEDING IN THE GREAT TIT PARUS MAJOR–AN EXPERIMENTAL STUDY

Summary Some aviary experiments designed to investigate the survival value of flocking in the Great Tit Parus major are described. An individual searching for a source of food is less likely to find it if he is on his own or in a pair than when in a flock of four. This is a result of local enhancement: with more pairs of eyes searching, some member of the flock is likely to come across the food sooner than would a lone bird, and once one finds the food, others in the flock more or less immediately assemble at the food source. Once the birds have found a source of food, dominance interactions play a role in determining which individuals obtain the most food. If one bird finds a single item of food, both it and the other members of the flock rapidly alter their searching behaviour, concentrating their attention in the general area and /or type of place where the food item was found. Even if a bird searches in a place and does not find food, the others in the group show some increase in searching effort in the same area or type of place. The extent to which they do this depends on whether they are used to finding food in clumps or dispersed. The relevance of these findings to birds in the wild is discussed. It seems likely that local enhancement does occur in natural flocks, and the flocking in Great Tits is of benefit to the participants because they increase their effectiveness in finding food. However, the question of the survival value of mixed-species flocks of titmice remains unresolved.
New lives, new challenges: access to intimate partner violence services for portuguese-speaking immigrant women

Intimate partner violence is a global health issue and the most common form of violence experienced by women. This study explored barriers to accessing help to Intimate partner violence related health services among Portuguese-speaking immigrant women in Toronto, Canada. Exploratory study conducted by a survey and focus group discussions with 12 Portuguese-speaking immigrant women. Results clarify the struggles faced by Portuguese-speaking immigrant women and their pathways to care and help-seeking. Participants reported that the fear of being deported, obtaining evidence of abuse, and lack of language-specific services were the key barriers to seeking help. When available, language-specific community-based services, along with faith and religion, were noted as key factors that supported women’s resilience. Nurses who provide care and services to women who are dealing with Intimate partner violence should rethink the scope of their advocacy actions toward addressing these structural barriers by building alliances with organizations to better serve and protect women in such vulnerable situations.
A Study of the Absorption and Utilization of Phosphate by Young Barley Plants I. THE EFFECT OF EXTERNAL CONCENTRATION ON THE DISTRIBUTION OF ABSORBED PHOSPHATE BETWEEN ROOTS AND SHOOTS

SUMMARY The effect of the external concentration on the distribution of phosphate absorbed by young barley plants was studied in experimental periods varying from i hour to 7 days. The experiments were carried out in water culture with radioactive phosphorus as a tracer. The concentration of labelled phosphate sup plied to the plants ranged from 0-0003 to over 30 p.p.m. P. When the external concentration of phosphate is reduced below 10 p.p.m. P, the proportion of the absorbed phosphate found in the shoots is markedly reduced. Plants which have been treated with low concentrations of phosphate lose recently absorbed phosphate to the outer medium when transferred to phosphate-free solutions. Plants treated with higher concentrations lose a smaller proportion of recently absorbed phosphate. Different balances of other nutrients do not affect the general relationship between the absorption and distribution of phosphate, though quantitative changes occur. It is concluded that the retention of phosphate in the roots induced by dilute media is a direct consequence of the small quantity of phosphate entering the roots and is not attributable to the effects of other ions which may be simultaneously absorbed.
On a Periodic Structure in Many Insect Scales, and the Cause of Their Iridescent Colours

Ever since the distinction between the pigmentary and the structural colours of insects was recognised, there has been discussion as to the cause of the latter phenomenon, but no satisfactory explanation has yet been given. A great variety of theories has been suggested, but the very unsatisfactory and controversial state of the problem may be gathered from Prof. R. W . Wood’s statement in a recent paper,* to the effect that not only are the existing theories inadequate to explain the phenomena, but that these “ cannot be explained by any of the common laws of Optics with which we are familiar. ” The theories that have been advanced to account for these metallic colours fall under the following headings :—• (1) The diffraction of light at the surface of a grooved structure or “ grating. ” (2) The interference of light at the surfaces of “ thin films,” which may be either single or multiple. (3) The scattering of the shorter light-waves by bodies composed of particles smaller in diameter than the waves themselves, which allow the longer red waves to pass unhindered. The blue of the sea, snow, and sky is of this nature. It has sometimes been called “ blue due to scattering by small particles,” and that expression will be adopted in this paper.
Effect of Four-week Honey-treatment on Blood Glucose and Lipid Profile in an Experimental Model of Diabetic Neuropathy

Background and Aim: Honey is a natural substance with various medicinal properties which include antibacterial, antihypertensive, hepatoprotective, hypoglycemic and antioxidant effects. However, the role of honey in the management of neuropathic morbidities in diabetic neuropathy has not been studied. Especially, the effect of honey on fasting blood glucose and lipid profile in diabetic neuropathy has not been assessed. Therefore, in the present study we have assessed the effect of honey treatment on blood glucose and lipid profile in animal diabetic neuropathy model. Methods: Twenty-four healthy male Wistar albino rats of 10-12 weeks age, weighing 200±30 g were obtained from JIPMER central animal house. After one week of habituation, rats were divided into three groups randomly. After developing diabetic neuropathy, Fasting Blood Glucose (FBG) and lipid profile, Aspartate Transaminase (AST) and Alanine transaminase (ALT) were measured in blood sample in the rats before and after honey treatment. Results: Significant increase in FBG, AST, ALT and lipid profile except HDL cholesterol was seen in diabetic neuropathy when compared with normal healthy rats. There was a significant reduction in all these parameters except HDL-cholesterol after four-week honey treatment in comparison with diabetic neuropathy rats without treatment. Conclusion: Honey, given at a dose of 0.5 gm/kg BW for four weeks is effective in reducing blood glucose, atherogenic index and lipid profile and improving liver functions in albino rats.
Effect of age of pre‐ and post‐pubertal castration of bulls on growth rates and carcass quality

Abstract Groups of bulls were castrated at birth (CB), 6 months of age (C6), or 12 months of age (C12) to test the hypothesis that age at castration had no effect on subsequent liveweight or carcass weight but can be used to manipulate carcass fatness. There was no significant difference in carcass weight among the groups (287, 292, and 288 ± 3 kg for CB, C6, and C12, respectively). Liveweight gain (LWG) from birth to 6 months was lower for CB than for C6 or C12 (1.08 ±0.02 kg d‐1 versus 1.15 ± 0.02 kg d‐1 P < 0.01). For several measures of carcass fatness there was a linear trend for increasing fatness with decreasing age at castration. For example, fat depth increased (6.9, 7.7, and 9.3 ± 0.06 mm, P < 0.05) and weight of channel fat increased (7.95, 8.64, and 9.03 ± 0.55) for the C12, C6, and CB treatments, respectively. Varying the age of castration may be used as a tool to manipulate carcass fatness to meet market specifications.