Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Clinal variation at putatively adaptive polymorphisms in mature populations of Sitka spruce (Picea sitchensis (Bong.) Carr.)

ii Table of contents iii List of tables v List of figures vii Acknowledgements viii 1 Chapter: Introduction 1 1.1 Local adaptation at the molecular level 2 1.2 Adaptation to cold in trees 4 1.3 Climate change and local adaptation 6 1.4 Ecological genetics of Sitka spruce 7 1.4. 1 Spatial structure of Sitka spruce 8 1.4. 2 Local adaptation at the genomic level 10 1.5 Genotype-environment associations and clinal variation at putatively adaptive loci . 10 1.5. 1 Examples of environmental associations in the literature 11 1.5. 2 Disentangling the effects of population structure from local adaptation 13 1.6 Research objectives and hypotheses 14 2 Chapter: Rangewide patterns of variation 18 2.
Articulatory Analysis of Palatalization in Anaang

This paper examines the Articulatory features of palatalisation in the phonology of Anaang language. Anaang is a developing language spoken by the Anaang people in Akwa Ibom State of Nigeria. Genetically, Anaang is a Lower Cross Language of the Benue-Congo sub-family of the Niger-Congo Language Phylum. The objectives of the study are to investigate the articulatory features of Anaang and how palatalisation is formed in the language. The population is made of sixteen informants, two from each of the eight local government areas in Anaang speaking areas. Collection of data is based on interviews, participant observation and personal interaction with the informants. In achieving this, fifty items were used from SIL Comparative African Wordlists. Interviews were both formally and informally recorded in a digital midget. Formally, the recordings were done on the knowledge of the informants who were asked to pronounce words in Anaang. Informally, data were recorded unknowingly to the informants in social gatherings. Articulatory Model by Browman & Goldstein (1990) is adopted as the theoretical frame for the analysis. The theory recognizes gestures as abstract, discreet and dynamically defined units which are invariant, but overlap in time due to their internal spatio-temporal organisation. The findings of the investigation show that palatalisation in Anaang is formed when a non-palatal consonant is followed be a high front vowel [i]. For palatalisation to occur there must be a target which is usually a non palatal consonant and a trigger which must be a high front vowel. Palatalisation in Anaang involves partial assimilation as there is no total shift in place feature, but an overlap in internal spatio-temporal organisation. Though articulatory examination is not so accurate and empirical it prised open further research into acoustic investigation which is more scientific and reliable.
A GIS-based application for volume estimation and spatial distribution analysis of tephra fallout: a case study of the 122 BC Etna eruption

In this study, we demonstrate the use of a geo-spatial information system for volume estimation of fallout deposits and for identification of syn-eruptive and post-eruptive depositional mechanisms. For the first time, we present thickness distribution maps, isopachs maps, and fallout deposit volumes for the single stratigraphic units (A-F) of the 122 BC Plinian eruption of Etna, the most powerful eruption of this volcano in historical times. Thickness data collected during the field survey were organized into a geo-referenced database, and several interpolation algorithms were used to calculate the volumes of the six fallout layers of eruption (units A-F). The results are compared with those obtained using the Pyle method, which bases volume calculations on the exponential thickness-decay law of the deposits. Differences in the two methods are analyzed through applying two-dimensional (2D) and 3D geo-statistical analysis to thickness data, with an 'ideal' fallout deposit used as reference. Our approach allowed both identification of stratigraphic sections where the deposits were affected by secondary erosional or accumulation phenomena, and assessment of whether the secondary processes were caused by local morphologic conditions or by variations in eruptive dynamics (e.g., rotation of dispersal axis direction).
The effect of prevalence and its interaction with sample size on the reliability of species distribution models

Prevalence (the presence/absence ratio in the training data) is commonly thought to influence the reliability of the predictions of species distribution models. However, little is known about its precise impact. We studied its effects using a virtual species, avoiding the presence of unaccounted-for effects in the modeling process (false absences, non-explanatory predictors, etc.). We sampled the distribution of the virtual species to obtain several data subsets of varying sample size and prevalence, and then modeled these data subsets using logistic regressions. Our results show that model predictions can be highly accurate over a wide range of sample sizes and prevalence scores, provided that the predictors are truly related to the distribution of the species and the training data are reliable. The effect of sample size becomes apparent for datasets of less than 70 data points, and the effect of prevalence is significant only for datasets with extremely unbalanced samples ( 0.99). There is also a strong interaction between sample size and prevalence, indicating that the most negative factor is the sample size of each event (absence and/or presence), and not biased prevalence, as previously thought. We suggest that, in the real world, an interaction must exist between the sample size of each event and the quality of the training data. We discuss that biased prevalences can be a desirable property of the data, instead of a problem to be avoided, also pointing out the importance of using the best absence data possible when modeling the distribution of species of narrow geographic range.
Factors influencing implementation of CRM technology among small and medium sized enterprises

This study aims to identify the factors that influence the implementation of customer relationship management (CRM) technology among small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). From the existing literature six factors: relative advantage, cost effectiveness, top management support, information technology (IT) knowledge, government support and competitive pressure were identified to influence CRM technology implementation in organizations in general. The effect and relative importance of these factors on CRM implementation was examined in the context of SMEs in Singapore. Top management support emerged as the most important factor followed closely by relative advantage. The influence of competitive pressure, government support, costeff ectiveness and IT knowledge were found to be not significant.
Synthesis and Evaluation of Antiproliferative activity of 1, 2, 4-Triazole Derivatives Against EAC Bearing Mice Model

groups were found to reduce tumor volume, viable cell count and increase the tumor weight (%) inhibition, ascites cells (%) inhibition and non-viable cell count and increase in life span (%ILS). All the compounds exhibited the significant (P< 0.01) anticancer activity compared to control and the compound 4d is found to be the most potent one. The standard drug was used as 5-Fluorouracil (20mg/kg, body weight).
Seroepidemiology of toxoplasmosis in high-school students in the metropolitan area of Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico

AIMS: To determine the prevalence of specific antibodies and the associated risk factors for toxoplasmosis in students attending high-shool in Zapopan, Jalisco, Mexico. METHODS: Toxoplasma gondii-specific IgG and IgM antibodies were detected by using a home-made indirect immunofluorescence antibodies test. Socio-demographic variables and risk factors were recorded. The correlation was measured by Odds Ratio (95% CI), using Chi-square or Fischer test for statistical significance. RESULTS: Blood samples from 174 randomly recruited students were collected. The age range was 14 to 25 years old. In terms of gender, 65 (37%) were male and 109 (63%) were female. Prevalence of Toxoplasma gondii-specific IgG and IgM antibodies were 17.8% and 4.6%, respectively. We did not find statistically significant differences due to age or gender. From the risk factors studied, the consumption of undercooked meat associated to Toxoplasma gondii specific IgG antibodies was X2 = 18.0, p< 0.0001, O.R=10.9, IC (2.9-40.3). Other variables were not statistically significant. CONCLUSIONS: Prevalence of Toxoplasma gondii specific IgG and IgM antibodies were 17.8% and 4.6%, respectively. Students who had consumed undercooked meat had a 10.9 times greater risk of acquiring Toxoplasma gondii infection.
Effects of Bupropion on Cognitive Function in Schizophrenia: A Double Blind Randomized Controlled Trial

Smoking habits are common in schizophrenic patients. Nicotine can suppress negative symptoms and cognitive impairments. The aim of this study was to determine the efficacy of bupropion on cognitive function in schizophrenic patients. This study is a double blind randomized controlled trial in a large referral psychiatric university hospital in Iran. Ninety smoker schizophrenic patients were randomly allocated (based on DSM -IV TR criteria) in two groups (46 patients for case group and 44 patients in control group). They get risperidone up to 6 mg/d and bupropion up to 400 mg/d . clinical assessment (Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS), Brief psychiatric rating scale (BPRS) were taken in beginning of study, 14 th and 28 th days of study. Cognitive assessment (Stroop, Digit Span, and Wechsler, Wisconsin) were taken in begging of study, the days 2 nd , 7 th , 14 th , 28 th . All data were analyzed by SPSS Ver. 17 with analytic and descriptive tests. Mean age of patients was 37.66±1.01. Mean duration of disorder was 11.63±. 98 years. The scores were significantly lower at the day 28 th compared to the beginning of the study in both groups in Wechsler, Stroop color word , Stroop word , Stroop color , BPRS, PANSS p value ≤0.05 . The difference between the two treatments was not significant as indicated by the effect of group, the between-subjects factor p value ≥0.05. In this study, the side effects were examined and there was no significant difference between the two groups p value ≥0.05. Augmentation of bupropion to routine treatment improves cognitive symptoms of schizophrenia in abstinence of tobacco.
Prioritizing critical success factors of knowledge management using FAHP: A case study in Refah Bank branches of Iran

Therefore, this research has explained the critical success factors of knowledge management, for this purpose following previous research and literature review, research prototype was developed. In the next stage, the prototype was given to experts and after implementing amendments based on a consensus of experts opinion the components and model parameters of Li Huang’s model (2012) was the basis of the research. He has introduced the critical success factors in six categories, including cultural factors, environmental factors, organizational characteristics, individual characteristics, information technology infrastructures and knowledge management features. On the other hand, due to the influence of various factors on the process of knowledge management implementing, the multi-criteria decision making techniques were used and based on this the decision making issue was structured in three hierarchical levels. And linguistic words with their meanings were replaced in the form of triangular fuzzy numbers by gaining the knowledge and information of decision makers in the form of linguistic words through related paired comparisons questionnaire. Then the obtained data was arranged in matrix form in Excel and finally prioritization was done based on fuzzy hierarchy analysis using code writing in Excel and with the help of Super decision software. Results of this research could be used as a guide of way and a supplement for implementation of knowledge management so that the organization devote its resources such as financial and time resources to achieve and improve critical success factors of knowledge management according to the priorities of the key success factor of knowledge management. Normal 0 false false false RU X-NONE X-NONE /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Обычная таблица"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-priority:99; mso-style-qformat:yes; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; mso-para-margin-top:0cm; mso-para-margin-right:0cm; mso-para-margin-bottom:10.0pt; mso-para-margin-left:0cm; line-height:115%; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:11.0pt; font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;}
Teaching Case Analysis of an Electronic Voting System

This teaching case discusses the analysis of an electronic voting system. The development of the case was motivated by research into information security and management, but as it includes procedural aspects, organizational structure and personnel, it is a suitable basis for all aspects of systems analysis, planning and design tasks. The material is based on real life analysis of currently used electronic voting systems, which have been generalized so as to highlight the wider issues and to not identify with any particular implementation of electronic voting. Suggested project deliverables are described in the teaching case, and these are complemented by the associated teaching notes which detail sample solutions and discussion points for class.
XPS Study of Chemical Changes on the La/Ce Treated Surface of A361 Aluminium Alloy Exposed to Air at Temperatures up to

The chemical changes that take place on the rare earth treated surface of the A361 aluminium alloy exposed to air at temperatures between 100 and have been examined using X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The most notable features discussed in this work are the disappearance of Mg and Si signals at the tested temperatures and disappearance of the Ce signal at temperatures of 400–. The biphasic microstructure of the A361 alloy, constituted by close to 12 wt% Si and the Al matrix, plays an important role in many of the results obtained. The notable growth of aluminium oxide across the conversion coating in the case of the Ce-treated surface is related to the structural transformation experienced by the cerium oxide coating at 400–.
Fairness Means More to Some Than Others

We examined when job embeddedness might serve as a boundary condition between interactional fairness and employee behavior. Specifically, we explored whether elements of affective attachment associated with job embeddedness moderated relations of supervisors’ interactional fairness with citizenship behavior and production deviance. Results from a field and a scenario study supported the idea that interactional fairness exerts a stronger effect on these outcomes for employees embedded in their jobs than for their less attached coworkers. We found this result even after controlling for turnover intent. Practical implications and directions for future research are discussed.
Determining relationships among plant CharaCteristiCs relateD to plant seeD YielD of BroaD Bean (Vicia faba l.) sown in winter anD summer seasons in transitional Climate areas of turkeY

DUZDEMIR, Oral and Ali ECE, 2011. Determining relationships among plant characteristics related to plant seed yield of broad bean (v icia faba l.) sown in winter and summer seasons in transitional climate areas of Turkey. Bulg. J. Agric. Sci., 17: 73-82 The aims of the study were to investigate growing possibilities of broad bean sown in winter and summer seasons in transitional climate areas and determine the relationship between yield and other plant characteristics of broad bean. The experiments were carried out under Tokat-Turkey ecological conditions for two years dur ing (2002-2003). Field experiments were utilized a randomized complete blocks design with three replications. Sowing dates (November 9 th 2001 and November 7 th 2002 for winter sowing; March 2 nd 2002-2003 for summer sowings) were placed to main plots whereas varieties were located in sub-plots. Three certified varieties (Filiz,
Oxidative Lung Injury in Virus-Induced Wheezing

Abstract : Over the past year we have focused on the role of the transcription factor Nrf2 in controlling expression of antioxidant genes in the lung of RSV-infected mice. In particular, we have shown that an Nrf2-inducing agent, BHA, can restore in part expression of the antioxidant genes SOD1 and catalase following RSV infection. We have also established a colony of Nrf2 KO mice and shown that lack of this transcription factor results in enhanced airway disease and viral replication in the lung. We have also identified a new strategy to increase level of Nrf2 expression in the lung by the use of adenovirus-associated vector 2 (AAV2). We have also initiated a fast backcross breeding protocol to generate Nrf2 KO mice in the BALB/c strain. We continue enrolling children with viral bronchiolitis and have validated a new FDA-approved Luminex xTAG Respiratory Viral Panel for the identification of co-infections and their role in mediating oxidative injury in infants. This panel has been designed to simultaneously probe for 12 viral targets in a single patient specimen (RSV/A, RSV/B, Influenza A, Influenza A subtype H1, Influenza A subtype H3, Influenza B, PIV-1, PIV-2, PIV-3, hMPV, Rhinovirus, and Adenovirus). We have published a peer-reviewed paper in the Am J Physiology and a comprehensive review in Antioxidant & Redox Signaling. Some of the data have been presented at the ESPID meeting in Milan, Italy.
Isolation and Characterization of Avirulence Genes in Magnaporthe oryzae

Magnaporthe oryzae is a fungal pathogen contributing to rice blast diseases globally via their Avr (avirulence) gene. Although the occurrence of M. oryzae has been reported in Sarawak since several decades ago, however, none has focused specifically on Avr genes, which confer resistance against pathogen-associated molecular pattern-triggered immunity (PTI) in host. The objective of this study is to isolate Avr genes from M. oryzae 7’ (a Sarawak isolate) that may contribute to susceptibility of rice towards diseases. In this study, AvrPiz-t, AVR-Pik, Avr-Pi54, and AVR-Pita1 genes were isolated via PCR and cloning approaches. The genes were then compared with set of similar genes from related isolates derived from NCBI. Results revealed that all eight Avr genes (including four other global isolates) shared similar N-myristoylation site and a novel motif. 3D modeling revealed similar β-sandwich structure in AvrPiz-t and AVR-Pik despite sequence dissimilarities. In conclusion, it is confirmed of the presence of these genes in the Sarawak (M. oryzae) isolate. This study implies that Sarawak isolate may confer similar avirulence properties as their counterparts worldwide. Further R/Avr gene-for-gene relationship studies may aid in strategic control of rice blast diseases in future.
Studies on the threonine requirement in growing pigs

The aim of the present studies was to give more precise information about the threonine requirement. In the first study the effect of different dietary fibres on endogenous protein/threonine losses in pigs was examined. However, the amounts of protein and amino acids of endogenous origin appearing at the terminal ileum as determined in cannulated animals do not represent the total amount of losses associated with endogenous secretion. Therefore, in the present study an alternative indirect approach was used, where the reduction of N retention in a threonine limiting diet was taken as a indicator for fibre associated threonine losses. Observations from this study show that corrected N retentions were affected by fibre level and source. In the second study all available data reported in the literature are compiled which determined and evaluated the optimum threonine : lysine ratio (T:Lopt) in the diets of growing pigs. Based on these experiments an attempt was made to ascertain the factors affecting the T:Lopt. The NDF concentration in the diet had a significant effect. It can be concluded from both studies that dietary fibre increases threonine requirement and T:Lopt in the diets for growing pigs.
CHROMOSOME ABERRATIONS AS A BIOMARKER FOR GENOMIC INSTABILITY IN CELL CULTURES ORIGINATED FROM BOVINES, CANINES AND EQUINES INFECTED WITH PAPILLOMAVIRUS

Chromosomal abnormalities or aberrations were investigated in ten bovines, three canines and three equines presenting cutaneous papillomatosis. The aim of the present study was to evaluate possible chromosomal abnormalities as a biomarker of genomic instability induced by the interaction of the viral genome with the chromatin of the host cell in peripheral blood lymphocytes and skin warts lesion cultures. Genomic DNA was extracted from blood samples and epithelial biopsies. Amplification products from PCR using degenerated primer pair FAP59/FAP64 were sequenced. Peripheral blood lymphocytes and tumor cell cultures were performed. Structural chromosomal aberrations were verified as associations, chromosomal fragments, centric fusions, open chromatids, gaps, rearrangements and rings. Several levels of premature chromosome condensation were observed in both cultures. Numeric abnormalities as aneuploidy were also detected and hipoployd cells were found in a larger number than the hiperployd cells. This cytogenetic study in detecting premature chromosome condensation in the three species investigated describes by the first time the structural and numerical abnormalities in canines and equines presenting papillomatosis lesions. These abnormalities are similar of the three groups of animals, but virus specific. Int J Appl Sci Biotechnol, Vol 4(1): 104-112
What do young athletes implicitly understand about psychological skills

One reason sport psychologists teach psychological skills is to enhance performance in sport; but the value of psychological skills for young athletes is questionable because of the qualitative and quantitative differences between children and adults in their understanding of abstract concepts such as mental skills. To teach these skills effectively to young athletes, sport psychologists need to appreciate what young athletes implicitly understand about such skills because maturational (e.g., cognitive, social) and environmental (e.g., coaches) factors can influence the progressive development of children and youth. In the present qualitative study, we explored young athletes’ (aged 10–15 years) understanding of four basic psychological skills: goal setting, mental imagery, self-talk, and relaxation. Young athletes (n= 118: 75 males and 43 females) completed an open-ended questionnaire to report their understanding of these four basic psychological skills. Compared with the older youth athletes, the young.
A SOA-based Middleware to Integrate Chatterbots in e-Learning Systems

In recent years, artificial intelligence conversational agents, usually known as chatterbots, have become very popular in the Internet. In this paper we show how chatterbots can be integrated in e-learning systems. To perform such integration the Service Oriented Architecture programming paradigm is adopted. A middleware is provided for enabling the integration and reuse of chatterbots by e-learning systems supporting a tight control of their operation. Such middleware takes into account several issues such as user authorization, instance creation, data transfer to and from the chatterbot, permission assignment to users and subscription to events. Our approach is applied to the specific case of TQ-Bot, which is used to track and supervise the progress of the students, and to provide answers orienting them to the more appropriate course contents.