Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Impacts of ecotourism on consumption, poverty and environment in three communities of the Mae Wang watershed, Chiang Mai province

The research investigates the impacts of eco-tourism in the Mae Wang Watershed, Chiang Mai Province, Northern Thailand. It answers a set of policy-related questions concerning the effects of eco-tourism on consumption, poverty and the natural environment in three village communities, whose residents are of three different ethnic groups: Karen, Hmong and the northern Thai. Detailed analyses presented in this research drew from both secondary data on basic needs and primary data from household surveys and interviews. The results show that the average household head was male, 51 year olds, and presided over a family of four people whose total income was 8,365 Thai baht per month. Household data demonstrated that although the Karen village has attracted foreign tourists through a tour company, the share of tourism income actually accruing to the community has been relatively limited. Consumption in the watershed results in high levels of spending over relative income. This finding highlights the importance of two main groups of consumption. The primary expense is food, which averages 39,007 Thai baht per household per month, far surpassing average household income; while non-food is 6,061.89 per month. The Karen village has the lowest Gini at 0.147, the Thai village ranked second at 0.244, and the Hmong village had relatively severe inequality at 0.350. Elephant riding and bamboo rafting benefit household income per capita across all community members. Income redistribution was hampered because income was more heavily concentrated in the hands of non-minority Thai people. This in turn is due to the political relationship between local government, business owners and the State. Nevertheless, satellite photographs attest to the positive ecological impact that forest area after eco-tourism activity began. Eco-tourism can therefore support natural resource conservation.
Local patterns and trends of the Standard Precipitation Index in southern Portugal (1940-1999)

Abstract. This paper analyzes the yearly changes in precipitation from 1940 to 1999 on local and regional scales over the southern region of continental Portugal, which has large areas threatened by desertification. The Standard Precipitation Index (SPI) time series with the 12-month time scale is calculated for 43 meteorological stations. A geostatistical approach is used to evaluate the temporal dynamics of the spatial patterns of precipitation. The spatial homogeneity of the SPI is evaluated for each decade. Afterwards, a geostatistical simulation algorithm (direct sequential simulation) is used to produce 100 equiprobable maps of the SPI for each year. This gridded data set (6000 maps with 800 m × 800 m grid cells) is then used to produce yearly scenarios of the SPI from 1940 to 1999, and uncertainty evaluations of the produced scenarios. The linear trend of SPI values over the sixty years period is calculated at each grid cell of the scenarios' maps using a nonparametric estimator. Wilcoxon-Mann-Whitney one-sided tests are used to compare the local median of the SPI in 1940/1969 with its median in 1970/1999. Results show that moderate drought conditions occur frequently over the study region, except in the northwest coast. Severe drought frequency patterns are found in areas of the centre and southeast regions. A significant trend towards drying occurs in the centre region and in the northeast. Considering the amount of water consumption and irrigation already required in some municipalities, water shortage due to drought is a viable threat in most of the Alentejo region if those local trends persist.
A Study in Splitting the Ant Complex Monomorium antarcticum (Fr. Smith) (Hymenoptera: Formicidae)

This work provides new information about the native Southern Ant complex Monomorium antarcticum. In the first experimental chapter (chapter two) the diversity of species within the complex, the utility of DNA barcode molecular data in such taxonomic work and how DNA barcode data combines with traditional morphological and morphometric data is investigated. The second experimental chapter (chapter three) explores the genetic structuring of the complex and how that relates to the complexs recent biogeographic history and the dispersal potential, both natural and human mediated. The two experimental chapters (chapters two and three) in this thesis have overlap of portions of the methods and results as they have been written as a pair of papers so as they can be read independently from each other.
Phosphorylation of Neuralized at Serine 73 and 74 is Required for Proper Regulation of Neuralized and Notch Signaling during Drosophila development

The Notch (N) pathway plays a crucial role in metazoan development. Neuralized (Neur), an E3 ubiquitin ligase, is responsible for ubiquitination and endocytosis of the N ligands Delta (Dl) and Serrate (Ser). While much is known about the functions of Neur, how it is regulated is less understood. I have been studying the potential role of phosphorylation in the regulation of Neuralized and Notch signaling and identified a potential aPKC phosphorylation site at amino acid S73S74. I conclude that phosphorylation at S73S74 is not required for Neur function during embryonic neurogenesis, however, overexpression of non-phosphorylatable or phosphomimetic forms of Neur at these sites disrupt sense organ development. I also show that Neur localization in non-polarized cells is unaffected, as well as the ability to bind PIPs. I hypothesize that these post-translational modifications play a role in regulating developmental signaling pathways at different stages of development.
Can Language Affect Thought? An Overview of the Sapir-Whorf Hypothesis and Examination of the Grammatical Gender in Regard to the Theory

2 Introduction . 3 1. Can Language Shape The Way We Think? 2 1.2 In the Words of Whorf . 2 2. Whorf on Hopi in regard to time . 6 2.1 Different perception of time for speakers of different languages . 8 2.2 Thinking-for-Speaking as a Tool for Understanding Linguistic Relativity . 9 3. The effect of Linguistic Relativity on Grammatical Gender Assignment . 10 Conceptual Gender vs. Grammatical Gender . 11 3.2 Does Gender Assignment vary between different Speakers of the Same Language? 12 4. Method . 12 4.1 Participants . 13 4.2 Materials . 14 4.3 Results & Discussion . 15 5. Opposition to the Hypothesis . 17 5.1 Limitations to be considered . 18 6. Conclusion . 19 References . 20
The Impact of the Use of Agricultural Accounting on the Financial Performance of Broiler Industry: A Comparative Evaluation Approach on Broiler Industry in Jordan

The main objective of this study was to introduce a comparative analysis to demonstrate the impact of the use of agricultural accounting on the financial performance of broiler farms in Jordan. Broiler farmers in Jordan constituted the study’s population. A sample size of 65 broilers farms was randomly selected. Simple random sampling (SRS) procedure was followed. A structured questionnaire was used to obtain data from the interviewed farmers. Returns, costs (fixed and variable), net income and other related financial items were the main items covered in the survey. Data were collected during the period from March 15 th 2014 to January 30 th 2015. The financial performance of the investigated broiler farms was assessed using financial indicators related to benefit-cost analysis procedure. To achieve study objectives, the Net Present Value (NPV), the Internal Rate of Return (IRR) and the Benefits-Costs ratio (B/C) were used. The sample was divided into two categories, the first category consisted of 33 farmers who were adopting agricultural accounting procedures, and the second category consisted of 32 farmers who were not adopting any agricultural accounting procedures or they were adopting minimum level of these procedures. The results of this study revealed that broiler farms adopting agricultural accounting procedures were significantly higher in their financial performance. The values of the three financial indicators (NPV, IRR and B/C) for broiler these farms were positive, high and acceptable compared to farms without or with minimum level of agricultural accounting procedures. Agricultural accounting procedures keep farm efficient, so it is recommended to introduce proper strategies to improve broiler farmers agricultural accounting skills for Jordanian broiler producers. Also, a vital issue to be taken in consideration is to develop agricultural accounting procedures to be utilized by broiler farm managers or owners. Effective management of a farming operation today requires that farm accounting records be kept and updated so managers can make informed decisions affecting the profitability of their farms.
Low serum vitamin A is prevalent in underfive children with severe malaria and is associated with increased risk of death.

INTRODUCTION Micronutrient deficiencies are prevalent in developing countries and may influence vulnerability to diseases particularly malaria and its severity. This study investigated serum vitamin A profile of under-five children with severe malaria (SM) in South-western, Nigeria and to determine its association with degree of malaria parasitaemia, types of SM and eventual outcome. METHODOLOGY Using HPLC, serum vitamin A concentrations of 170 under-five children with SM and 170 age- and gender-matched controls were determined. Parasite species identification and density were also determined. Association between serum vitamin A levels and the degree of parasitaemia, type of SM and patients' outcome were examined by both bivariate and logistic regression analyses. RESULTS Thirty-five (20.6%) of the children with SM compared with 3 (1.8%) of the controls had hypovitaminosis A, p <0.001, OR = 14.4, 95% Confidence Interval = 4.4 - 47.8. The mean serum vitamin A concentration was also lower in the patients (45.23µg/dL vs. 87.28µg/dL; p <0.001). There was inverse correlation between serum vitamin A levels and malaria parasite density (r = - 0.103, p = 0.027). Higher proportions of children with SM and hypovitaminosis A presented with metabolic acidosis and cerebral malaria (p <0.001 and 0.032 respectively). Children with SM and hypovitaminosis A were 9.1 times more likely to die compared to those without low serum vitamin A levels, OR = 9.1, 95% Confidence Interval = 2.2-38.1, p = 0.002. CONCLUSION Children with SM had reduced serum vitamin A and significantly contributed to increased morbidity and mortality.
Information System Implementation in Kakanj Coal Mine

The primary aim of this paper is to report a case study of the implementation of an information system in the Kakanj Coal Mine, Bosnia and Herzegovina. The study examined a variety of aspects pertaining to the information system implementation from the professional and end user perspectives. Data were collected from the available documentation, and from interviews with the information systems support staff and surveys of employees who were system users. The collected responses were analyzed using a combination of quantitative and qualitative methods. Due to the time constraint imposed on the authors, only the preliminary qualitative findings are reported here.
Ethical Decisions and Response Mode Compatibility: Weighting of Ethical Attributes in Consideration Sets Formed by excluding versus Including Product Alternatives

Across four studies, including one involving an actual monetary decision, the authors demonstrate that forming a product consideration set by excluding versus including alternatives induces consumers to place more weight on ethical attributes, such as company labor practices and animal testing. This nonnormative difference reflects a compatibility between exclusion and ethics, and it holds regardless of attribute framing or consumer emotion. The authors also find that consumers judge others’ behavior more negatively for excluding ethical products than for including ethical products. These results have implications for the marketing of ethical products, both specifically (e.g., it is important to encourage exclusion modes) and generally (e.g., the failure to consider ethical products may reflect seemingly minor contextual issues guiding the decision process and not consumer disinterest in ethical issues).
Patterns of coalition formation and spatial association in a social carnivore, the African wild dog (Lycaon pictus)

In many social species, relationships within groups seem to be non-random but related to variables such as rank, kinship or sexual attractiveness. The endangered African wild dog Lycaon pictus is a social carnivore that lives in large, stable packs, and intra-pack associations might be expected to display similar patterns. We investigated patterns of coalition formation (support during dominance interactions, and partnership interactions) and resting associations between members of a captive pack of 19 wild dogs. The social organization of the captive pack was similar to that of free-ranging packs in many respects. Polyadic (group) incidents of coalition support were also observed in a free-ranging pack. Patterns of coalition formation in the captive pack were related to rank. Most aggressive interactions involved high-ranking individuals (particularly the alpha, beta and third-ranking males) and coalitionary support tended to reinforce the existing hierarchy. However, there was at least one example of support influencing a successful rank challenge. Support was affected by potential risks and benefits, the latter including dominance through association and revolutionary alliances. An even stronger pattern overlaid associations between pack members: coalitions and resting associations were strongest between members of the same age–sex cohort, and may have enabled the eventual dominance of younger pack members over adults. Among adults, coalitionary associations were sometimes overridden by intersexual relationships. The results from this captive pack suggest that wild dogs are sensitive to differences in competitive ability. This information, in conjunction with strong affiliative bonds between littermates, is used to manoeuvre for position in the social hierarchy. It may also be important during dispersal, in encounters with other dispersing groups of the same sex. Although most features of the social structure of the captive pack were comparable to those of free-ranging packs, aspects such as the influence of relatedness on coalition formation still need to be explored.
Practical Artistry: Light & Exposure for Digital Photographers

You may be passionate about photography, and own a digital SLR with perhaps more advanced equipment as well. But do the photographs you take with this powerful equipment come out as well as you'd like? With this fascinating and beautifully illustrated book, you learn how to apply the techniques and principles of classic photography so you can make great images with today's digital equipment. Harold Davis, author and renowned fine art photographer, puts the focus in Practical Artistry on light and exposure, two crucial concepts you need to understand and master if you are to truly capture the images you see. Davis presents a generous number of his own images in each chapter, complete with technical information and an explanation of what he was trying to achieve. These striking photographs not only illustrate the lesson at hand, but also serve as inspiration for your own efforts. Browsing the photographs alone will tell you a lot. Topics covered in this book include: Camera, lenses, and equipmentUnderstanding exposure and measuring lightRelationship of aperture to shutter speed and ISOWorking with depth of fieldNatural lighting, studio lighting, and the use of flashLight and color temperatureWorking with white balancePhotographing at dawn or duskPhotography at nightCapturing motionTelling a story with your imageCapturing people, places, and thingsSetting up a digital workflowRAW processing and double RAW processingAdjusting exposure and reducing noiseBlack & white photographyAnd much more Concise and to the point, Practical Artistry clearly demonstrates that photography, essentially, is writing with light, and that the type of images you produce depend on the many choices you have for using that skill. Harold Davis gives you an array of choices in full living color.
Influence of viscosity and the adiabatic index on planetary migration

Context. The strength and direction of migration of low mass embedded planets depends on the disk’s thermodynamic state. It has been shown that in active disks, where the internal dissipat ion is balanced by radiative transport, migration can be dir ected outwards, a process which extends the lifetime of growing embryos. Very important parameters determining the structure of disks, and hence the direction of migration, are the viscosity and the adiaba tic index. Aims. In this paper we investigate the influence of di fferent viscosity prescriptions (�-type and constant) and adiabatic indices on disk structures. We then determine how this affects the migration rate of planets embedded in such disks. Methods. We perform three-dimensional numerical simulations of accretion disks with embedded planets. We use the explicit/implicit hydrodynamical codeNIRVANA that includes full tensor viscosity and radiation transpor t in the flux-limited di ffusion approximation, as well as a proper equation of state for molecular hydrogen. The migration of embedded 20 MEarth planets is studied. Results. Low-viscosity disks have cooler temperatures and the migration rates of embedded planets tend toward the isothermal limit. Hence, in these disks, planets migrate inwards even in the fully radiative case. The effect of outward migration can only be sustained if the viscosity in the disk is large. Overall, the differences between the treatments for the equation of state see m to play a more important role in disks with higher viscosity. A change in th e adiabatic index and in the viscosity changes the zero-torq ue radius that separates inward from outward migration. Conclusions. For larger viscosities, temperatures in the disk become hig her and the zero-torque radius moves to larger radii, allowi ng outward migration of a 20-MEarth planet to persist over an extended radial range. In combinat ion with large disk masses, this may allow for an extended period of the outward migration of growing protoplanetary cores.
Exploring the Benefits of a Broader Approach to Qualitative Research in Sport Psychology: A Tale of Two, or Three, James

Eine Langzeituntersuchung uber Emotion und sportliche Leistung wurde auf der Grundlage einer groseren Interviewstudie mit zwolf Eliteathlet(inn)en (zu den oberen Zehn der Welt gehorend) durchgefuhrt. Obwohl die Erfahrungen der Athlet(inn)en aktuelle theoretische Standpunkte in der sportpsychologischen Diskussion zum Teil untermauern, waren optimale Leistungszustande in dynamischer Weise von personlichen, situativen und sozialen Variablen abhangig. Im vorliegenden Beitrag wird dies durch Interviewmaterial mit einem Athleten illustriert, das wahrend der Vorphasen der Untersuchung zusammengestellt wurde. Weitere Ergebnisse, die auf der ethnographischen Methode beruhen, werden danach aufgearbeitet. Es zeigt sich, dass die Analyse kodierter Interviewdaten als sinnvolles Werkzeug zur Erforschung der Erfahrungen von Athleten nur bedingt verlasslich ist. Dies wird verdeutlich und diskutiert durch die Prasentation der Untersuchung eines einzelnen Athleten. Das Konzept einer einzigen, "objektiven" Wahrheit wird durch die Vieldeutigkeit der Interpretation der Geschichte dieses Athleten in Frage gestellt. Schwierigkeiten entstehen aus diesen Ergebnissen fur traditionelle Forschungsmethoden, die versuchen, Objektivitat zu garantieren. Die Aufmerksamkeit der Lesenden soll auf die folgenden Fragen gelenkt werden: Potentiale und Begrenztheit traditioneller Datenerhebungs- und Auswertungsmethoden; Vorteile einer breiteren qualitativen Forschungsperspektive; sowie der mogliche Beitrag interpretativer Verfahren fur die Arbeit von Praktiker(inne)n und Wissenschaftler(inne)n im Bereich der Sportspsychologie. URN: urn:nbn:de:0114-fqs030162
Laboratory measurements of nitric oxide release from forest soil with a thick organic layer under different understory types

Abstract. Nitric oxide (NO) plays an important role in the photochemistry of the troposphere. NO from soil contributes up to 40% to the global budget of atmospheric NO. Soil NO emissions are primarily caused by biological activity (nitrification and denitrification), that occurs in the uppermost centimeter of the soil, a soil region often characterized by high contents of organic material. Most studies of NO emission potentials to date have investigated mineral soil layers. In our study we sampled soil organic matter under different understories (moss, grass, spruce and blueberries) in a humid mountainous Norway spruce forest plantation in the Fichtelgebirge (Germany). We performed laboratory incubation and flushing experiments using a customized chamber technique to determine the response of net potential NO flux to physical and chemical soil conditions (water content and temperature, bulk density, particle density, pH, C/N ratio, organic C, soil ammonium, soil nitrate). Net potential NO fluxes (in terms of mass of N) from soil samples taken under different understories ranged from 1.7–9.8 ng m−2 s−1 (soil sampled under grass and moss cover), 55.4–59.3 ng m−2 s−1 (soil sampled under spruce cover), and 43.7–114.6 ng m−2 s−1 (soil sampled under blueberry cover) at optimum water content and a soil temperature of 10 °C. The water content for optimum net potential NO flux ranged between 0.76 and 0.8 gravimetric soil moisture for moss covered soils, between 1.0 and 1.1 for grass covered soils, 1.1 and 1.2 for spruce covered soils, and 1.3 and 1.9 for blueberry covered soils. Effects of soil physical and chemical characteristics on net potential NO flux were statistically significant (0.01 probability level) only for NH4+. Therefore, as an alternative explanation for the differences in soil biogenic NO emission we consider more biological factors like understory vegetation type, amount of roots, and degree of mycorrhization; they have the potential to explain the observed differences of net potential NO fluxes.
Natural and anthropogenic radioactivity of feedstuffs, mosses and soil in the Belgrade environment, Serbia

By gamma spectroscopic measurement a content of natural radio-nuclides ( 40 K, 238 U, 226 Ra, 232 Th) and 137 Cs was determined in samples of soil, alfalfa, maize and moss on six sites in the surroundings of Belgrade. Natural radio- nuclides in the soil were at the level characteristic for Serbia, whereas a relatively high level of activity of 137 Cs (around 30 Bq kg -1 ) was determined. On the other hand, in plant samples mostly used as feed (such as alfalfa and maize) the concentration of natural radio-nuclide activity and 137 Cs was relatively low, i.e. below the range of detection. The content of natural radio-nuclides in moss was within the standard range of values specific for Serbia. However, the activity level of 137 Cs in moss gathered from the wider area around Belgrade, was high, the highest measured level being in the Avala-Zuce area (158-221 Bq kg -1 ). Our results show that this radio-nuclide is still present in the living environment of Belgrade even 20 years after the Chernobyl disaster, and that moss is a good indicator of living environment 137 Cs contamination.