Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Latitudinal thermal gradient effect on the cost of living of the intertidal porcelain crab Petrolisthes granulosus

Species with wide latitudinal distributions are exposed to significant abiotic gradients throughout their geographic range. Thermal gradients are especially important for ectothermic spe- cies inhabiting the intertidal zone because they affect their life history traits and fitness. In order to identify the role of latitudinal thermal gradients (specifically the exposition to different thermal max- imums) in the cost of living of intertidal crustaceans, we compared specific fitness-related traits, such as body size and reproductive capacity (reproductive output, size at onset of sexual maturity and egg volume) in Petrolisthes granulosus individuals from 3 sites across an extensive latitudinal gradient (covering ~50% of its total distributional range): Iquique (20° 16' 12" S), Coquimbo (30° 04' 12" S) and Concepcion (36° 40' 45" S). Furthermore, metabolic rate experiments were conducted to assess the energetic cost associated with high temperatures encountered in P. granulosus habitats. We observed that the southernmost population (Concepcion) had a larger body size and presented larger size classes that did not exist in northerly populations. The latitudinal trend shown by growth and repro- ductive capacity traits was negatively linked to the associated thermal gradient. However, no differ- ences were found in the relationship between energetic cost (in terms of metabolic rate) and temper- atures experienced by P. granulosus. Thus, the patterns of body size and reproductive capacity observed for P. granulosus could not be explained by differences in energetic costs generated by the different thermal regimes of the study sites. Further studies should consider other environmental (e.g. quantity and quality of available food) and/or genetic factors that may be influencing the latitudinal patterns observed for body size and reproductive output in P. granulosus.
Zika Virus (ZIKV): A New Emerging Pathogen Transmitted by Aedes Mosquitoes (Diptera: Culicidae) in the Latin American Subcontinent

Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus (Diptera: Culicidae) are two species of synanthropic mosquitoes that are common in outdoor and indoor domiciliary environments in tropical countries. Their vectorial competence and vectorial capacity make them excellent biological vectors for the main arboviruses that affect human beings. Both Aedes species are listed as the primary vectors of dengue (DENV) and chikungunya (CHIKV) viruses, which circulate in many American countries. The recent introduction of Zika virus (ZIKV) into the Latin American subcontinent and its association with microcephaly and Guillain-Barre syndrome has alerted health authorities about the sanitary emergency that the presence of this new virus in the American territory represents. The emergence of this pathogen raises the necessity to improve the epidemiologic and entomologic surveillance systems and to develop new strategies of prevention and control. This review aims to provide an overview of ZIKV and the role of Ae. aegypti and Ae. albopictus in its transmission.
Time - varying state space regression model in fisheries

Linear regression analysis is usually based on the assumption that underlying parameters remain constant. However, in reality, this may not hold true particularly if data is collected over a long period of time. To handle such a situation, time-varying state space regression modelling approach using Kalman filtering technique, needs to be employed. In this paper, this methodology is discussed in detail. As an illustration, a comparative study of above two approaches is carried out using all - India data on marine fish production and marine products export. It is concluded that the latter approach performs much better than the former
The time of the diagnosis of gestational diabetes and perinatal complications

Aim: To assess whether the diagnosis of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) till the 32 nd week of gestation and appropriate treatment can reduce perinatal complications. Methods: A retrospective study was performed of 496 women with GDM, diagnosed by an oral glucose tolerance test according to the WHO recommendations. Data from the group of 372 women diagnosed with GDM and treated until the 32 nd week of gestation was compared with results of 124 women when GDM was diagnosed and treated later. Results. Analysis of our data showed that the weight of the newborns and the incidence of neonatal macrosomia, hypoglycemia and hypobilirubinemia were statistically lower in the group where GDM was diagnosed till the 32 nd week. Conclusions: In order to include more women with glucose intolerance the routine timing of GDM diagnosis should be prolonged until the 32 nd week of gestation.
Laparoscopic Surgery for Gastric Cancer

In patients with gastric cancer, surgical resection is the only treatment that can offer cure or increase long-term survival. With the accumulation of experience in laparoscopic radical gastrectomy and the progress in surgical instruments, laparoscopic surgery for gastric cancer has gained popularity despite initial concerns regarding safety and oncological adequacy. As a result, laparoscopic technique has been widely applied in gastric cancer. Different meta-analyses showed that laparoscopic procedures are associated with less blood loss but longer operation time. Many studies have reported outcomes of laparoscopic surgery for early gastric cancer, but several authors also have shown that a laparoscopic approach can also be used in cases of advanced gastric cancer. We therefore conducted this study to expand our experience and to evaluate laparoscopic gastrectomy step by step in the light of recent reports while defining key points and surgical technique.
Electron-electron and electron-hole interactions in small semiconductor crystallites : The size dependence of the lowest excited electronic state

We model, in an elementary way, the excited electronic states of semiconductor crystallites sufficiently small (∼ 50 A diam) that the electronic properties differ from those of bulk materials. In this limit the excited states and ionization processes assume a molecular-like character. However, diffraction of bonding electrons by the periodic lattice potential remains of paramount importance in the crystallite electronic structure. Schrodinger's equation is solved at the same level of approximation as used in the analysis of bulk crystalline electron-hole states (Wannier excitons). Kinetic energy is treated by the effective mass approximation, and the potential energy is due to high frequency dielectric salvation by atomic core electrons. An approximate formula is given for the lowest excited electronic state energy. This expression is dependent upon bulk electronic properties, and contains no adjustable parameters. The optical f number for absorption and emission is also considered. The same model is applied to the problem of two conduction band electrons in a small crystallite, in order to understand how the redox potential of excess electrons depends upon crystallite size.
Human Walking Pattern Recognition Based on KPCA and SVM with Ground Reflex Pressure Signal

Algorithms based on the ground reflex pressure (GRF) signal obtained from a pair of sensing shoes for human walking pattern recognition were investigated. The dimensionality reduction algorithms based on principal component analysis (PCA) and kernel principal component analysis (KPCA) for walking pattern data compression were studied in order to obtain higher recognition speed. Classifiers based on support vector machine (SVM), SVM-PCA, and SVM-KPCA were designed, and the classification performances of these three kinds of algorithms were compared using data collected from a person who was wearing the sensing shoes. Experimental results showed that the algorithm fusing SVM and KPCA had better recognition performance than the other two methods. Experimental outcomes also confirmed that the sensing shoes developed in this paper can be employed for automatically recognizing human walking pattern in unlimited environments which demonstrated the potential application in the control of exoskeleton robots.
A Survey of Deep Learning Methods for WTP Control and Monitoring

Drinking water is vital for everyday life. We are dependent on water for everything from cooking to sanitation. Without water, it is estimated that the average, healthy human won’t live more than 3–5 days. The water is therefore essential for the productivity of our community. The water treatment process (WTP) may vary slightly at different locations, depending on the technology of the plant and the water it needs to process, but the basic principles are largely the same. As the WTP is complex, traditional laboratory methods and mathematical models have limitations to optimize this type of operations. These pose challenges for water-sanitation services and research community. To overcome this matter, deep learning is used as an alternative to provide various solutions in WTP optimization. Compared to traditional machine learning methods and because of its practicability, deep learning has a strong learning ability to better use data sets for data mining and knowledge extraction. The aim of this survey is to review the existing advanced approaches of deep learning and their applications in WTP especially in coagulation control and monitoring. Besides, we also discuss the limitations and prospects of deep learning.
The Political Sources of Systematic Investment Risk: Lessons from a Consensus Democracy

This study examines the relationships between democratic politics and systematic investment (or capital) risk. Low risk is crucial to any well-functioning economy, as it encourages capital investment, facilitates growth, and enhances overall economic performance. This article distinguishes preelectoral, postelectoral, and institutional factors and examines how these influence systematic investment risk using daily stock market data from Germany. The results suggest that more (less) favorable and reliable investment conditions during the incumbency of right (left)-leaning governments lead to lower (higher) investment risk. This partisan effect is stronger the more inflation increases and depends on whether government is unified or divided. Investors also anticipate the effect of government partisanship: systematic risk decreases (increases) if the electoral prospects of a right (left)-leaning government enhance. Finally, grand coalition governments as well as periods of coalition formation trigger higher investment risk.
Analysis of corporate governance and the performance of pension scheme in Nigeria

This work examined the effect of corporate governance practices on the performance of pension scheme in Nigeria. The objective of this study is to determine the effect of corporate governance practices on the performance of pension scheme in Nigeria. Theoretical and empirical studies of this work relied on the relationship between corporate governance practices and performance of pension scheme in Nigeria. It is also important to note that the new pension reforms and policy thrusts could have impacted more positively on the system if the issue of systemic crisis had reduced considerably. It was concluded in this study that there is significant positive effect of corporate governance best practices on the performance of pension scheme in Nigeria. As such, it was recommended that all stakeholders and employees should be actively involved in the conduct of good corporate governance practices as this is the only way successes could be achieved in its effect on the performance of pension scheme in Nigeria.
Effect of extraction on wood density of western hemlock (Tsuga heterophylla (Raf.) Sarg.)

Extractives can account for between 1 to 20% of the oven-dry weight of wood of various tree species and can influence wood density values appreciably. Removing these chemical deposits (extraction) in wood samples can help establish a consistent baseline for comparing wood densities where extractives are expected to differ between sample parameters. Although western hemlock is a very important timber species in the Pacific Northwest, laboratories that determine wood density may or may not remove extractives prior to density assessment. Wood density values were compared before and after extraction for 19 young-growth western hemlock samples. Extraction was performed using 95% ethyl alcohol-toluene solutions. Ring density values averaged 0.045 g/cm 3 lower for extracted samples compared to unextracted samples across rings. Slightly higher amounts of extractives were found at rings near the pith; however, a general consistency in extractive content existed among samples and along the radial profile.
Theories, Techniques, Methods and Approaches of Second Language Acquisition: a Psychological Perspective

Psychological aspects play an important role in language learning. Motivation is one of the terms used to achieve the language. The theories of second language focus mainly on motivation, nature of motivation, implications of second language acquisition and linguistic process. The theories are practices and used as a teaching method. The instructor can have a clear vision on theories to implement them in the classroom. The learning environment and reinforcement are the important factors in learning psychology. Due to psychological problems and lack of training and guidance, the learners lose hope of learning. Cognitive psychology deals with mental process which involves in language learning. This paper aims at analysing the psychological factors affecting language acquisition and analyses the psychological theories, techniques, methods and approaches to develop the language acquisition.
Ethno-botanical survey of medicinal plants used for the management of depression by Hausa tribes of Kaduna State, Nigeria

The objective of this study is to conduct an ethnobotanical survey of medicinal plants used in management of depression among Hausa tribes in order to establish an informational data base. An ethnobotanical survey was conducted in December 2015 in Zaria, Kaduna State, Nigeria. Data were collected based on an oral interview with the aid of semi structured questionnaire. Only data from willing respondents were obtained and documented. Plant specimens were collected along the line, they were subsequently dried and mounted. It was then taken for identification and authentication in the Herbarium Section of Biological Sciences, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria where specimen voucher numbers were deposited. Information on sources, safety, methods of preparation and administrations, identity, local and botanical names of medicinal plants used in the management of depression among Hausa tribe of Kaduna State was obtained. An informational database was established and specimen with voucher numbers was deposited in the herbarium. Key words: Ethnobotanical survey, depression, botanical names, medicinal plants, safety.
New Career Counseling Model: Imperatives for the Universal Basic Education Program in Nigeria

The current wave of change in the workplace challenges traditional notions of career and career development. This necessitates new ways of thinking about and rendering career counseling services. The critical role of career counseling in the achievement of the objectives of the Universal Basic Education (UBE) program in Nigeria is highly recognized. This is a quantitative study that highlights the need to develop unique and novel approaches to career theory and practice that will give counselors the needed flexibility to render appropriate career guidance to learners in the UBE program in Nigeria. This paper concludes that a new career counseling model is imperative for the successful implementation of the UBE program. It will also enable the learners to find appropriate career path in the 21 st century. Implications for career counseling were identified while suggestions for a way forward were proffered.
ZIGBEE BASED WIRELESS PATIENT MONITORING

Patient monitoring systems are gaining their importance as the fast-growing global elderly population increases demands for caretaking. These systems use wireless technologies to transmit vital signs for medical evaluation. This paper describes the design of a wireless sensor network based on zigbee technology using master and slave communication. It is mainly used for collecting and transferring the various monitoring information about the patients in hospitals or in their homes. This application consists of Zigbee based network, four types of sensors, master, two submaster and slave combination. Since the whole area cannot be covered by a single Master slave combination . For this purpose a master and slave combination is used. Also the cooperative communication technique is used to make sure that the slave is always in range of the master. For this purpose two sub masters units are used. Here the main PC master terminal has the Visual Basic software on it . The PC master terminal is used to monitor the status of all the slaves which covers the whole area. Hence the transmission scheme ensures the successful transmission of these critical messages. It is fast and reliable. Keywords-Cooperative communication, Patient Monitoring, Wireless Sensor, Zigbee Technology
PRO-SOCIAL BEHAVIORS AND IDENTITY STATUSES AMONG ADOLESCENT STUDENTS, ADDIS ABABA ETHIOPIA

Abstract Introduction- The purpose of this study was to investigate prosocial behavior and identity status of adolescent students in Secondary and Preparatory School. Methods- A self report questionnaire was used to collect date from 137 adolescent students using simple random sampling. Quantitative analyses (both descriptive and inferential statistical) were used to analyze the obtained data. Results- The study shows that most students did not achieve their identity. As compared to male students, female students participated more in overall prosocial behavior. More specifically, female students reported higher involvement in emotional, altruism, anonymous and public prosocial behaviors. There was significant mean difference in prosocial behaviors involvements among students categorized under foreclosure, moratorium, and diffusion and achievement identity statuses. Identity foreclosed students reported highest involvement in emotional, dire, compliant, and public prosocial behaviors. Besides, students who have achieved their identity reported more involvement in altruism and anonymous types of prosocial behaviors. However, students with identity diffusion reported least involvement in all forms of prosocial behaviors.
Simulated In-transit Vibration Damage to Watermelons

Vibration generated by vehicles during road transport has an important effect on the agricultural products damage process, particularly vegetable and fruit. Modulus of elasticity is one of the most important mechanical properties of fruits and its variation can be described as one of the damage criteria during transportation. This research was conducted to evaluate the effects of vibration parameters (frequency, acceleration and duration) and fruit position in the bin, on watermelon damage. At first, vibration frequency and acceleration were measured on the different points of a truck-bed in order to obtain the range of vibration frequency and acceleration distribution during transportation. Second, a laboratory vibrator was used to obtain some factors influencing damage during watermelons transportation. The damage was described as a difference in the modulus of elasticity of the watermelon (flesh and hull) before and after the test. According to the results measured on the truck-bed, the vibration frequency mean values were 7.50 Hz and 13.0 Hz for 5-10 Hz and 10-15 Hz frequency intervals, respectively. Furthermore, vibration acceleration mean values were 0.30 g and 0.70 g for 0.25-0.50 g and 0.50-0.75 g intervals, respectively. Vibration frequency and acceleration mean values were used for vibration simulation. Vibration durations were 30 and 60 minutes and damage was measured for watermelons at the top, middle and bottom positions in the bin. Laboratory studies indicated that, vibration frequency, vibration acceleration, vibration duration, and fruit position, which were taken into consideration as controlled variable parameters, significantly affected the damage (P< 0.01). Damage to the watermelon flesh was higher than watermelon hull. Vibration with a frequency of 7.5 Hz, acceleration of 0.70 g, and duration of 60 minutes caused higher damage levels. Fruits located at the top of the bin showed more damage than those in middle and bottom positions (P< 0.05).
Entry and Product Variety with Competing Supply Chains

We study a supply chain model where competing manufacturers located around a circle contract with privately informed and exclusive retailers. The number of brands in the market (determined by the manufacturers’ zero profit condition) depends on the level of asymmetric information within supply chains and on the types of contracts between manufacturers and retailers. With two-part tariffs, wholesale prices fully reflect retailers’ costs. With linear contracts, wholesale prices are constant and independent of retailers’ costs. The number of brands is lower (resp. higher) with asymmetric information than with complete information when contracts are linear (resp. with two-part tariffs). Moreover, the number of brands is always higher with linear contracts than with two-part tari¤s. We also analyze the effects of endogenous entry on welfare.
ALTERATIONS IN ADULT MOUSE TESTIS AFTER SUBACUTE INTOXICATION WITH CADMIUM AND MONENSIN DETOXICATION

Cadmium (Cd) is a heavy metal and a major environmental pollutant. The general population is exposed to Cd mainly via drinking water and food products. We have developed a mouse experimental model to investigate the in vivo effects of Cd and the chelating agent monensin on testis and sperm count during adulthood. Animals were divided into three groups: normal control (receiving distilled water and food): Cd group, exposed to 20 mg kg -1 b.w. Cd(II) acetate for the first 2 weeks of the experimental period and Cd+monensin group, receiving monensin (18 mg kg -1 ) after Cd-intoxication (from 15 th to 28 th day). Histological observations of the testis demonstrated that Cd induced desquamation of germ cell and their assembly in the luminal region of the tubules. Areas in the testis without spermatides in latest steps of differentiation were also observed in this group. Monensin administration to Cd-treated animals restored histology of the testis to normal to a great extent (despite some Sertoli-cell-only tubules). Statistically significant changes in sperm count were not established for any of the experimental groups. Monensin can reduce injury of the testis and normalize its morphology after subacute exposure to Cd. The results of the present study demonstrated that monensin is a good compound in chelating therapy of some heavy metal intoxications.