Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Determinants of home range size and space use patterns in a protected wolf (Canis lupus) population in the central Apennines, Italy

Large carnivores are amongst the most susceptible species to human activities, and human-modified environments pose a threat to carnivore conservation. Wolves (Canis lupus Linnaeus, 1758) in the central Apennines, Italy, have coexisted with humans since historic times and represent a good case study to assess their spatiotemporal response to anthropogenic factors. From 2008 to 2010, we investigated the spatial behavior of wolves (seven wolves in five packs and six floaters) in the Abruzzo Lazio and Molise National Park. Orographically corrected annual home ranges of resident wolf packs, estimated through the Brownian bridge movement model, averaged 104 ± 24 km2 (mean ± SD), whereas floaters used two- to fourfold larger areas (293.8–408.7 km2). We did not detect any seasonal effect on home range size, but home ranges were larger during the night and in areas of greater road density, especially during summer. By estimating core areas through an individual-based approach, we also revealed a habitat-mediated response to human presence and activity, as resident wolves preferentially established core areas at greater elevation and in the more forested and inaccessible portions of the home range.
Corporate Managerial Ability, Earnings Smoothing, and Acquisitions

Abstract This paper examines whether high-ability managers’ earnings smoothing is motivated by the need to mitigate the adverse effects of heightened information asymmetry triggered by mergers and acquisitions (M&As) on managers’ reputation capital (job loss) and firm value. We document that acquirers led by high-ability managers engage in more pre-acquisition earnings smoothing and experience more significant announcement abnormal returns and operating performance in post-M&A periods than their low-ability counterparts. This result is consistent with the theory of managerial response to asymmetric information, amplified by M&As, where high-ability managers use earnings smoothing as a signaling device to ensure that the market quickly discovers their superior abilities, to increase acquirers’ future growth prospects and avoid the adverse effects of information asymmetry on managers’ job security and career prospects in a competitive executive labor market.
Combining SCADA and vibration data into a single anomaly detection model to predict wind turbine component failure

Reducing downtime through predictive or condition-based maintenance is a promising strategy to help reduce costs associated with wind farm operation and maintenance. To help effectively monitor wind turbine condition, operators now rely on multiply sources of data to make informed operational decisions which can minimise downtime, increasing availability and profitability of any given site. Two of such approaches are SCADA temperature and vibration monitoring, which are typically performed in isolation and compared over time for both fault diagnostics and reliability analysis. Presenting two separate case studies, this paper describes a methodology to bring multiple data sources together to diagnose faults by using a single-class support vector machine classifier to assess normal behaviour model error, with results showing that anomalies can be detected more consistently when compared to more standard approaches of analysing each data source in isolation.
Regulation of ClC-1 and KATP channels in action potential–firing fast-twitch muscle fibers

Action potential (AP) excitation requires a transient dominance of depolarizing membrane currents over the repolarizing membrane currents that stabilize the resting membrane potential. Such stabilizing currents, in turn, depend on passive membrane conductance (Gm), which in skeletal muscle fibers covers membrane conductances for K+ (GK) and Cl− (GCl). Myotonic disorders and studies with metabolically poisoned muscle have revealed capacities of GK and GCl to inversely interfere with muscle excitability. However, whether regulation of GK and GCl occur in AP-firing muscle under normal physiological conditions is unknown. This study establishes a technique that allows the determination of GCl and GK with a temporal resolution of seconds in AP-firing muscle fibers. With this approach, we have identified and quantified a biphasic regulation of Gm in active fast-twitch extensor digitorum longus fibers of the rat. Thus, at the onset of AP firing, a reduction in GCl of ∼70% caused Gm to decline by ∼55% in a manner that is well described by a single exponential function characterized by a time constant of ∼200 APs (phase 1). When stimulation was continued beyond ∼1,800 APs, synchronized elevations in GK (∼14-fold) and GCl (∼3-fold) caused Gm to rise sigmoidally to ∼400% of its level before AP firing (phase 2). Phase 2 was often associated with a failure to excite APs. When AP firing was ceased during phase 2, Gm recovered to its level before AP firing in ∼1 min. Experiments with glibenclamide (KATP channel inhibitor) and 9-anthracene carboxylic acid (ClC-1 Cl− channel inhibitor) revealed that the decreased Gm during phase 1 reflected ClC-1 channel inhibition, whereas the massively elevated Gm during phase 2 reflected synchronized openings of ClC-1 and KATP channels. In conclusion, GCl and GK are acutely regulated in AP-firing fast-twitch muscle fibers. Such regulation may contribute to the physiological control of excitability in active muscle.
Energy Efficient Rapid Removal of Arsenic in an Electrocoagulation Reactor with Hybrid Fe/Al Electrodes: Process Optimization Using CCD and Kinetic Modeling

Threats due to insufficient, inadequate and costlier methods of treating contaminants such as arsenic have emphasized the significance of optimizing and managing the processes adopted. This study was aimed at the complete elimination of arsenic from an aqueous medium with minimum energy consumption using the electrocoagulation process. Arsenic removal around 95% was rapidly attained for optimized conditions having a pH of 7, 0.46 A current intensity, 10 mg/L initial concentration and only 2 min of applied time duration using the energy of 3.1 watt-hour per gram of arsenic removed. Low values of applied current for longer durations resulted in the complete removal of arsenic with low energy consumption. Various hydroxide complexes including ferrous hydroxide and ferric hydroxide assisted in the removal of arsenic by adsorption along with co-precipitation. Surface models obtained were checked and found with a reasonably good fit having high values of coefficient of determination of 0.933 and 0.980 for removal efficiency and energy consumption, respectively. Adsorption was found to follow pseudo-first-order kinetics. Multivariate optimization proved it as a low-cost effective technology having an operational cost of 0.0974 Indian rupees (equivalent to USD 0.0013) per gram removal of arsenic. Overall, the process was well optimized using CCD based on response surface methodology.
A new species of antbird (Passeriformes: Thamnophilidae) from the Cordillera Azul, San Martín, Peru

ABSTRACT We describe a distinctive new species of antbird (Passeriformes: Thamnophilidae) from humid montane forest (1,340–1,670 m above sea level) of the Cordillera Azul, San Martín Region, Peru. Plumage, voice, and molecular evidence distinguish this species from its sister taxon Myrmoderus ferrugineus (Ferruginous-backed Antbird), which is found in lowland Amazonian rainforests of the Guiana Shield and Madeira-Tapajós interfluvium. The new species is presently known only from one ridge in the Cordillera Azul, and therefore we recommend further fieldwork to better estimate its distribution and population size.
Using niche centrality within the scope of the nearly neutral theory of evolution to predict genetic diversity in a tropical conifer species‐pair

Estimating genetic diversity is key for understanging biogeographic and evolutionary processes. However, gathering genetic information is not feasible for all taxa or populations, particularly in the tropical regions. Identifying proxies for inferring such values has thus become essential. Here, we built on the niche centrality hypothesis (NCH; or central‐abundance hypothesis) and the nearly neutral theory of evolution (NNT) to identify some of such proxies using a montane tropical conifer species‐pair as model. The NCH predicts more genetic diversity under optimal ecological conditions, which should also allow for more efficient purifying selection, according to the NNT.
Climate Drivers and Sources of Sediment and Organic Matter Fluxes in Intermittent Rivers and Ephemeral Streams (IRES) of a Subtropical Watershed, USA

Climate-driven hydrological models rarely incorporate intermittent rivers and ephemeral streams (IRES) due to monitoring difficulties and their perceived minor effect on river networks. Worldwide, IRES represent approximately 50% of river networks and up to 60% of annual flow and are recognized as conduits and processors of organic matter (OM). Climate induced changes in precipitation and discharge (Q) may impact OM fluxes from IRES. We assessed storm-driven source and flux of total suspended solids (TSS) and OM from small IRES in Mississippi, USA. We used linear Pearson correlations to evaluate relationships between water and storm characteristics (e.g., discharge). Stepwise regression was used to predict change in flux. Dissolved OM was derived from saturated flow through soil whereas particulate OM was derived from channel extension during storms. A power log relationship between Q and materials flux indicated that Q was the driver for flux. A 5% increase in Q within IRES may result in flux increase of 2% TSS and 1.7–2.8% OM. Climate change projections of increased storm intensity over a shorter water year will increase channel extension and soil water transfer resulting in higher material flux to downstream reaches. Climate-driven hydrological models of OM flux should incorporate IRES.
Identification of oligoclonal agamospermous microspecies: taxonomic specialists versus microsatellites.

There has been a decrease in the ability of biologists to identify their material correctly, particularly plants of complicated genera with common agamospermy, where old clonal entities are accorded the rank of species (microspecies). Agamospermous microspecies are taxonomic entities recognizable from one another by a set of minute morphological features. The knowledge of microspecies is confined to a few specialists. Specialists use microspecies names but there could be inconsistencies in the taxonomic concepts used by different, geographically remote experts. A selection of nine widespread, generally recognized agamospermous microspecies of Taraxacum sect. Taraxacum, which are characterized by means of eight microsatellite loci, were used to evaluate the ability of four European Taraxacum specialists to identify these microspecies consistently. With two exceptions (and one unclear result) for 125 plants coming from an area extending from Finland to central Europe, the experts identified the microspecies consistently, exclusively on the basis of morphological differences. Another problem studied was within-species variation. The within-species microsatellite variation corresponded to the mutational clone cluster hypothesis, with a single unclear result. Each microspecies consisted of one, more or less dominant, clone and several minority clones, each usually confined to a single plant. A combination of the traditional microspecies identification by experts and the characterization of microspecies by a set of molecular markers opens the field of microtaxonomy to a wider group of researchers.
Relative Adequacy of ZNSO4.7H2O and ZN EDTA on the Photosynthetic Characters and Yield Attributes of Pearl Millet (Pennisetum glaucum L)

Pearl millet (Pennisetum glaucum L.) the vital arid and semi-arid crop of India (Ramesh et al., 2006) cultivated as both food and feed in over 8.3 m ha (Yadav et al., 2011) and 27 m ha everywhere throughout the world. It is one of the major crops of China, India, South Eastern Asia, Sudan, Pakistan, Russia and Nigeria and comprises around 75 per cent of the total cereal production and represents an essential part of local diets (Lestienne et al., 2005). In India major pearl millet growing states are Maharashtra, Gujarat and Rajasthan where pearl millet contributes for 20 to 63 per cent of the total cereal consumption (Rao et al., 2006). On account of its resilience to difficult growing conditions, it tends to be grown in areas where other cereal crops, such as maize or wheat wouldn’t survive. The ongoing spurt in costs of wheat, rice and maize and growing demand for non-food uses (cattle and poultry feed, alcohol and starch industries) pearl millet become cheaper alternative sources (Reddy et al., 2013). Further, the nutritional value of these crops International Journal of Current Microbiology and Applied Sciences ISSN: 2319-7706 Volume 9 Number 8 (2020) Journal homepage: http://www.ijcmas. com
Genetic diversity and marker–trait association analysis for agronomic traits in Aconitum carmichaelii Debeaux

ABSTRACT The root of Aconitum carmichaelii Debeaux is used in Oriental folk medicine, but its cultivation is very labour intensive. Therefore, it is important to dissect the genetic mechanism of agronomic traits to breed elite cultivars for commercial cultivation. We analyzed the genetic diversity of 126 genotypes of A. carmichaelii collected from the major productive regions in China based on 280 amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP) loci. The values of the coefficient of gene differentiation, Nei's gene diversity index, and Shannon's information index, and the results from a hierarchical analysis of molecular variance analysis indicated that there is more genetic variability within populations than between populations. Marker–trait association analyses were conducted under a general linear model without controlling for population structure, and under a relative kinship model. In total, 59 loci were identified under both models for plant height (PH), stem diameter (SD), lateral root number (LRN), fresh weight and dry weight of stem (FWS and DWS, respectively), fresh weight and dry weight of leaves per plant (FWL and DWL, respectively), and fresh weight (FWR) and dry weight of individual lateral roots (DWR). Thirty-eight loci were associated with two to eight traits. For example, P1M1-39 was associated with variations in DWR, DWS, FWS, SD, DWL, FWL, FWR and PH, and P1M1-14 was close to a locus associated with variations in DWR, DWS, FWS, DWL, FWL, PH, FWR and LRN. Loci associated with favourable traits should be combined in commercial varieties to improve the yield and quality of A. carmichaelii.
Multi‐resolution incremental 4D‐Var for WRF: Implementation and application at convective scale

The current four‐dimensional variational (4D‐Var) data assimilation (DA) algorithm, available in the community Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) model's DA (WRFDA) system, can run only at the same resolution as that of the WRF model forecast, which makes it computationally prohibitive for operational applications at convective scale. The Multi‐Resolution Incremental 4D‐Var (MRI‐4DVar) has been developed in this study in order to speed up WRF 4D‐Var through a three‐stage procedure in each outer loop. One key aspect of WRF MRI‐4DVar is the introduction of the inverse control variable transform within WRFDA that allows the proper resolution change between different outer loops for the control variables projected in the vertical empirical orthogonal function (EOF) space. MRI‐4DVar's computational efficiency and forecast performance are demonstrated by applying it to an afternoon thunderstorm event over northern Taiwan with a 2 km model resolution setting. Comparing to the full‐resolution 4D‐Var experiment, two MRI‐4DVar configurations with a speed‐up of 4.5 and 7.5 times performed similarly well in terms of Fractions Skill Score (FSS) of 6‐hr accumulated rainfall forecasts and hourly variation of total rainfall amount, indicating MRI‐4DVar's potential for operational applications at convective scale.
Antioxidative and Antidiabetic Effect of Goldenberries juice and pomace on Experimental Rats Induced with streptozotocin In Vitro.

This study aimed to observe antidiabetic and antioxidant activities of Physalis peruviana L. (Solanaceae) fruit juice and pomace in streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rats. Physalis peruviana L is well- known as a goldenberry or harankash in Egypt, is used to administer diabetes and its problems. Diabetes was induced using STZ (65 mg/kg, b.w). Four days after STZ induction, diabetic rats received daily 5.0 mL/kg/ body weight of P. Peruviana crude fruit juice and P. Peruviana fruit pomace at 10% level mixed with the diet for 35 days. Metformin (0.5 mg/kg, orally) as a reference. The serum urea and creatinine were measured. In addition to CAT, SOD enzymes, and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) were evaluated in pancreas tissue. P. peruviana fruit juice and pomace significantly (P < 0.05) normalized levels of glucose in blood compared to STZ control group. Serum biochemical parameters including lipid profile and antioxidant status were significantly (P < 0.05) restored toward normal levels in P. peruviana fruit juice and pomace -treated rats as compared to STZ control animals. The protective effect was further confirmed by histological improvements in pancreatic cells of the treated diabetic rats. Encouraging nature medication of hyperglycemia and diabetic complications by Physalis peruviana L. fruit juice and pomace.
Improving Emergency Preparedness to Cascading Disasters: A Case‐Driven Risk Ontology Modelling

With the acceleration of urbanization, cascading disaster risks (CDR) as a typical risk mode have become the main threat to cities. After experiencing several cascading disasters, such as typhoon Lekima, how to clarify the basic features of CDR and achieve risk modelling has turned to be increasingly significant for building resilient city. However, the complexity of CDR brings about the difficulty to quickly map such risk mode depending entirely on expertise. Therefore, this paper attempts to provide a CDROntology system built by concepts and relations, and make full use of the historical cases to drive the modelling of the target CDR with case‐based reasoning. Firstly, we describe the basic structure and content of CDR and give a three‐level CDROntology system with the explanation of modelling primitives. Then, taking CDROntology system as the basis, a case‐driven selection process is proposed to provide the modelling source for the target CDR. Furthermore, set covering and manual correction methods are adopted to model the evolutionary risk chain and the specific risk scenario of the target case. Finally, a case study is given to illustrate the use of CDROntology system and case‐driven method for building a predictive risk model in typhoon‐triggered cascading disasters.
One student at a time: How an innovative charter school succeeds with dropout recovery

In this paper, the authors examine how a charter high school in a large upper-Midwest city is successfully serving students who have not succeeded in the traditional school system and are in danger of experiencing the school-to-prison pipeline. The school accomplishes this through its enactment of five key qualities: 1. A casual, family-like atmosphere; 2. Commitment to a small, close-knit community; 3. Creative responses to absenteeism; 4. Extreme patience and flexibility in the classroom; 5. Innovative, trade-focused programs. The authors also examine the central challenges the school faces as it works to serve this group effectively. The paper describes an overarching model for serving adolescents who have had adverse childhood experiences (ACES) – a philosophy and practice of pedagogical and institutional plasticity.
EFFECTS OF MOTIVATIONAL FACTORS ON EMPLOYEE PERFORMANCE: IN THE CASE OF OROMIA POLICE COLLEGE; ADAMA, ETHIOPIA

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of motivational factors on employee performance at Oromia Police College. The descriptive research method was employed as it was the appropriate method that enables the research to describe the effects of motivational factors on employee performance in Oromia police college and the explanatory research method goes on to identify the reasons for something that occurs. Primary data were collected utilizing survey questionnaires, interviews, and FGD from Oromia police college officers. Two hundred fourteen survey questionnaires were distributed to Oromia police college officers’ respondents. Two hundred seven questionnaires were filled and properly received from the respondents. Data collected were analyzed with the use of percentages, frequency, regression, and regression coefficients. The major findings of the study revealed that the nature of work, working condition, salary, appreciation for work done, the opportunity for advancement, responsibility, leadership style, relationship with peers were motivational factors determine the level of employee motivation and employee qualification, the experience of employee, competitive working environment, job security, compensation package support from other colleagues, age and health condition, retirement and other benefits, task autonomy, performance-based pay strategy and righteously positioning were also major factors that determine the level of employee performance. The study also revealed that motivational factors have effects on employee performance. So it is recommended that Oromia police college managements come out with a reviewed and improved on motivational strategy whether monetary or non-monetary, to motivate employee consistently and regarding the level of employee performance determinant; it recommended that Oromia police college managements come up with reviewing and making improvement to bring change and betterment on employee performance and Since motivation have effects on performance, it is recommended that, properly implementing motivation strategy and making improvements on motivational factors leads to better performance.
Fungal siderophore biosynthesis catalysed by an iterative nonribosomal peptide synthetase†

Siderophores play a vital role in the viability of fungi and are essential for the virulence of many pathogenic fungal species. Despite their importance in fungal physiology and pathogenesis, the programming rule of siderophore assembly by fungal nonribosomal peptide synthetases (NRPSs) remains unresolved. Here, we report the characterization of the bimodular fungal NRPS, SidD, responsible for construction of the extracellular siderophore fusarinine C. The use of intact protein mass spectrometry, together with in vitro biochemical assays of native and dissected enzymes, provided snapshots of individual biosynthetic steps during NPRS catalysis. The adenylation and condensation domain of SidD can iteratively load and condense the amino acid building block cis-AMHO, respectively, to synthesize fusarinine C. Our study showcases the iterative programming features of fungal siderophore-producing NRPSs.