Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Interacting State and Non-State Actors in Hybrid Settings of Public Service Delivery

Public services are increasingly delivered through hybrid settings of state and non-state actors. A key characteristic of such settings is the interaction between these actors. Different interactions may have different impacts on the outcomes of the particular settings. Yet to date, this key characteristic has received limited attention in scholarship. This article addresses this knowledge gap by presenting an exploratory comparative case study of two very similar hybrid settings that differ in the type of interaction between state and non-state actors.
Disturbance dynamics of old-growth Picea rubens forests of northern Maine

Abstract Question: How have the spatial and temporal aspects of past disturbance shaped the current structure and composition of old-growth Picea rubens forests? Location: Northern Maine, USA. Methods: We established three 50 m × 50 m plots in old-growth Picea rubens forests and mapped the location of trees and saplings. We extracted increment cores from canopy trees, and recorded growth releases indicating past disturbance. By linking spatial data (tree positions) and temporal data (dated growth releases), we reconstructed the location and size of former canopy gaps back to 1920, and determined a more general disturbance chronology extending as far back as 1740. Results: We found no evidence of stand-replacing disturbances. The disturbance dynamic includes pulses of moderate-severity disturbances caused by wind storms and host-specific disturbance agents (spruce budworm, spruce bark beetle) interposed upon a background of scattered smaller canopy gaps. Consequently, rates of disturbance fluctuated considerably over time. Reconstructed canopy gaps were temporally and spatially scattered; during disturbance peaks, they were both larger and more numerous. Conclusions: Despite peaks in disturbance, several of which created relatively large gaps, this system has experienced no significant change in species composition. Instead, the shade-tolerant Picea rubens has maintained canopy dominance. The patch dynamics described here consist of dramatic structural, not compositional, changes to the forest. The persistence of Picea rubens is attributed to a combination of traits: (1) abundance of advance regeneration; (2) ability to endure suppression and respond favourably to release; and (3) longevity relative to ecologically similar species. Nomenclature: Gleason & Cronquist (1991) for vascular plants; Crum (1983) for mosses. Abbreviation: DWD = Down woody debris.
Salmonella survival in freshwater and experimental infections in goldfish (crassuis auratus)

Abstract The infection rates for various Salmonella serotypes in goldfish (Crassuis auratus) were evaluated under a number of controlled environmental conditions. Studies were undertaken to determine the number of salmonellae necessary to cause infection, and to elucidate the conditions instrumental to the continued persistence of the pathogen in the aquatic environment. All of 32 strains (representing 12 serotypes of Salmonella) studied infected goldfish. Under appropriate physiological conditions, the fish were infected for a period of two weeks with ≤5 organisms/ml water. Physiological stress to the fish augmented infection rates. Increased eutrophy, with agitation of the water, was correlated with lowered infection rates and decreased survival of the pathogen. The presence of a bottom sediment under these same eutrophic conditions resulted in infections of six weeks duration. Repeated isolation of salmonellae from the gastrointestinal tracts of the fish suggested that colonization had occurred. A cycl.
Molecular markers in plant breeding-I: Concepts and characterization

Plant breeding is a combination of principles and methods of changing the genetic constitution of a plant to make it more suitable for human needs. Conventional plant breeding has evolved with the passage of time from simple seed saving of the best harvest to the selection of seeds according to the laws of Mendel. With the advent of morphological and biochemical markers, the selection process has hastened and the scope of conventional plant breeding increased many folds during the recent years. However, the process that actually revolutionized the plant breeding in the 20 century was the realization that th there exist a widespread polymorphism in natural populations, the degree of which can be assessed by sequencing or making restriction maps: an application of new tools of molecular biology. The first and the foremost molecular markers system i.e., restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) was developed in early 1980. These are co-dominant markers and are available in unlimited number. Another breakthrough was the emergence of polymerase chain reaction (PCR) in 1990. With this technology, a new generation of DNA markers such as randomly amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPDs), sequence characterized amplified regions (SCARs), sequence tagged sites (STS), single polymorphic amplification test (SPLAT), variable number of tendom repeats (VNTRs), amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP), DNA amplification fingerprinting (DFA), single strand conformational polymorphism (SSCP), single nucleotide polymorphism (SNPs), micro-satellites or short tandem repeats (STRs), cDNA, DNA micro arrays and rDNA-ITS were introduced into the modern plant breeding systems. The concept of DNA based markers has increased our ability many folds, to follow minute regions of chromosome through opportunities such as map based cloning and Marker-assisted Plant (MAP) Breeding. In MAP breeding, the new ideas and concepts have been introduced which need to be understood thoroughly, before applying these ideas in practical breeding programmes particular in country like Pakistan where application of molecular biological approaches are still in its infancy. In order to achieve this objective, efforts were made to write a series of review articles in which concept of MAP breeding is being described thoroughly yet in a simple way so that student and researchers can build their understanding of plant molecular breeding and application of DNA based markers for the genetic dissection of qualitative and quantitative traits. In the present paper, concepts of MAP breeding and the type and characteristics of DNA markers is presented so that choice of the marker(s) can be made rational and for the defined purposes.
Copper and lysine amino acid density responses in commercial broilers

Abstract Nutritional modulation of live performance and meat yield must be continuously tested as broiler strains become more efficient every year. This study evaluates both copper- and lysine-derived amino acid balance. In experiment 1, amino acid balance (high, moderate, and low) and copper (5 and 200 ppm) were investigated in a factorial array of treatments (6 treatments with 8 replications; 1,536 Cobb 500 male broilers across 48 floor pens from 1–40 d of age; 32 birds per pen). In experiment 2, amino acid density (high and low) was assessed in 2 broiler strains (a multipurpose and a high-yield strain) obtained from the field in a factorial array of treatments (4 treatments with 21 replications; 1,344 multipurpose and 1,344 high-yield broilers across 84 floor pens from 1–42 d of age; 32 birds per pen). Amino acid density treatments were created by altering digestible lysine and other essentials amino acids at a fixed ratio. Copper and amino acid density did not interact, but supplementing broilers with 200 ppm of copper in the form of tribasic copper chloride improved growth rate. Lysine-derived amino acid density improved performance and yields, but should be assessed as strains are improved for efficiency to ensure digestible lysine adequacy in the nutrient formulation matrix. Although both copper and lysine influence growth rate, interactive effects were not assessed in this study.
Climatic history and dispersal ability explain the relative importance of turnover and nestedness components of beta diversity

Aim We tested whether the geographic variation in the proportion of beta diversity attributed to nestedness or turnover components was explained by the effect of past glaciation events. Specifically, we tested the hypothesis that most of the beta diversity in regions retaining ice until recent periods was due to nestedness. Additionally, we tested whether the variation was influenced by thermal tolerance and the dispersal ability of species. Location This study analysed data from the New World. Methods We used presence/absence data for amphibians, birds and mammals of the New World. We calculated beta diversity among each 1°× 1° cell and the adjacent cells using the Sorensen dissimilarity index that expresses the total beta diversity. Furthermore, we partitioned it into turnover and nestedness components. The relative importance of the two latter components was expressed as the proportion of total beta diversity explained by nestedness (βratio). We calculated the correlation between βratio and the time each cell was free of ice since the last glaciation (cell age). To control the effects of spatial autocorrelation, we calculated geographically effective degrees of freedom. Results The proportion of beta diversity attributed to nestedness was negatively correlated with cell age. Moreover, this effect was stronger for amphibians than mammals, and stronger for mammals than birds. Main conclusions Our results are in accordance with the hypothesis that the nestedness component of beta diversity is more important in areas affected by glaciations until recent time. The beta diversity in high latitudes is the result of past extinctions and recent recolonization, which result in higher levels of nestedness. This process is more evident for vertebrates with lower dispersal ability and lower temperature tolerance.
Questioning the Notion of Development: The Case of Language Acquisition

The paper aims at questioning the notion of development currently used to explain change in child language acquisition After a brief outline of the problems faced by students of child language acquisition in their attempts at identifying developmental stages, theoretical arguments are drawn in order to show that, given its specific structural properties, language cannot be parceled out, as presupposed by developmental theories. Following this line of argumentation, Saussure’s dichotomy languevs parole, is presented as a theoretical consequence of his efforts to understand linguistic change. The fact that the native speaker’s relation with her/his own language is synchronic, that is, does not imply any awareness of historical change, leads Saussure to recognize la langueas an internal systemic functioning which obliterates what is external to it: namely the linguistic individual sphere, that is, parole, where change starts, as well as the identification processes (social forces, in his terminology) responsible for the diffusion of change. It is my view that those three poles—la langue, identification with the other and the child conceived as a corps pulsionnel—are also called upon to explain change in language acquisition. Since they cannot be seen as independent instances, but must be seen as a structure, the child’s trajectory from the state of infansto that of subject-speaker may be seen as implying change of position in a structure to which the adult is also submitted. Data on the acquisition of Brazilian Portuguese and American English are presented in support of such a view.
Effect of Prebiotics on Intestinal Microflora and Fermentation Products in Pig In Vitro Model

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of the different types and levels of prebiotics on intestinal microflora and fermentation products in the in vitro fermentation model. The prebiotcs used in this study were IMO (iso-malto oligosaccharide), CI (partially digested chicory-inulin), RA (raffinose) and CD (cyclodextrin). Experimental diet for growing pigs was predigested by digestive enzymes and this hydrolyzed diet was mixed with buffer solution containing 5% fresh swine feces. Then, the mixture was fermented with or without prebiotics at the concentrations of 0.5 and 1.0% for 24 h. Samples were taken at 24 h, and viable count of micoflora, gas, pH, volatile organic compounds and short-chain fatty acids were determined. The viable count of Enterobacteriaceae was significantly decreased (p<0.001) in all treatments added with prebiotics in comparison to control without prebiotics. However, the increase of lactic acid bacteria was observed in the prebiotics treatment. Gas production increased as the level of prebiotics increased. The pH values in the fermentation fluid decreased in a dose-dependent manner with increasing the concentration of prebiotics. The fermentation with prebiotics resulted in the reduction of malodorous compounds such as ammonia, hydrogen sulfide, indole and skatole. The increase in short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) production was observed in the treatments with prebiotics. In conclusion, the results of this study demonstrated that the fermentation with prebiotics was effective in reducing the formation of malodorous compounds and increasing lactic acid bacteria and SCFA. These effects depended on the concentration of prebiotics. Moreover, further study is needed to determine whether the in vitro efficacy on the reduction of malodorous
Assessments the toxic effects of entomopathogenic bacterium, Bacillus thuringeinsis subsp. kurstaki, and methomyl insecticide on larval instars of the greater sugarcane borer; Sesamia cretica (Lederer)

This study was conducted to evaluate the efficacy of the bio-insecticide Bacillus thuringiensis (Dipel 2x ® 6.4 % WP) against, 1 st and 2 nd instar Larvae of Sesamia cretica compared with methomyl (Lannate 90 % SP). After 48 hours from treatment, The LC50 value of B. thuringiensis for 1 st instar and 2 nd larvae were 0.00526 and 0.7 gm, respectively. While the LC50 of methomyl after 24h. for 1 st instar and 2 nd larvae were 3394 and 5481 ppm, respectively. After treatment of 1 st and 2 nd instars larvae of S. cretica with LC50 concentrates of B. thuringiensis, the average larval duration of S. cretica were (36.53 & 24.69) and (33.78& 20.31) days for treated and untreated, respectively. In addition, the pupation percentage was (47 & 92 %) and (18 & 84 %) for treated and untreated, respectively. The larval mortality percentage was (53 & 8 %) and (82 & 16 %) for treated and untreated, respectively. The pupal weight for (treated & untreated), S. cretica were (0.1887 & 0.184 gm) and (0.1842 & 0.1601 gm) when it treated as 1 st and 2 nd instars larvae, respectively. Furthermore, the pupal duration were (12.14 & 10) and (10.44 & 9.83 days) for (treated & untreated), when S. cretica treated as 1 st and 2 nd instar larvae, respectively. The total adult emergence for 1 st instar and 2 nd instar larvae were (94 & 100%) and (100 & 100%) for treated and untreated, respectively. On the other hand results indicated that, after treatment of 1 st and 2 nd instar larvae of S. cretica with LC50 concentrates of methomyl, the average larval duration of S. cretica were (31.41 & 24.69) and (33.87& 20.31) days for treated and control, respectively. The pupation percentage was (34 & 92 %) and (28& 84 %) for treated and untreated when S. cretica treated as 1 st and 2 nd instars larvae, respectively. The larval mortality percentages were (66 & 8 %) and (72 & 16 %) for treated & untreated, respectively. The pupal weight for treated and control, were (0.1626 & 0.184 gm) and (0.1994 & 0.1601 gm), respectively. The pupal duration were (12.41 & 10) and (10.83 & 9.83) days for treated and untreated, respectively. The total emergence percentage for 1 st instar larvae were (100 & 100 %) and (85.7& 100%) for 2 nd instar larvae for each (treated & untreated), respectively.
Blood lactose v. milk lactose as a monitor of lactogenesis and colostrum production in Merino ewes

The pattern of onset of lactation and colostrum production was compared in 42 single- and twin-bearing Merino ewes of 2 genotypes, Australian Merino Society (AMS) or Meridale (AMS with an infusion of British Breeds). The onset of lactation was indicated by measuring changes in the concentration of lactose in udder secretions (milk lactose) and in blood samples (blood lactose) collected daily for at least 4 days prior to, and at 1, 3, 6, 12, and 24 h after, parturition. Blood lactose was a novel alternative to milk lactose, as blood was easier to collect than udder secretions. Colostrum production was measured by milking the ewes at 1, 3, and 6 h after parturition. Twin-bearing ewes initiated lactation later than single-bearing ewes, but both groups produced similar volumes of colostrum to I h after birth (475 v. 371 mL, P > 0.05). The rate of secretion of colostrum was similar for twin-and single-bearers in the interval 1-6 h after birth (82 v. 79 mL/h, P > 0.05). Meridale Merinos secreted colostrum at a faster rate than the AMS Merinos at 1-6 h post-partum (94 v. 67 mL/h, P < 0.05), but had similar accumulations of colostrum to the AMS Merinos before birth. Five percent of ewes had no colostrum available Ih after birth. The concentration of blood lactose reflected changes in milk lactose prior to, but not after, the first few hours post-partum. -Blood lactose concentration measured prior to birth was related to the volume of colostrum that had accumulated in the udder up to Ih after birth (r = 0.60, P < 0.001), but milk lactose measured at the same time was not related to the accumulation of colostrum. Blood lactose measured before birth can be used to estimate whether treatment groups of ewes differ in the volume of colostrum available for the lamb at birth. This may permit us to study the relationship between lamb survival and colostrum production in the field without disturbing the ewe-lamb bond by milking the ewe.
Fifty years of deforestation and forest fragmentation in Madagascar

SUMMARY Tropical deforestation is a key contributor to species extinction and climate change, yet the extent of tropical forests and their rate of destruction and degradation through fragmentation remain poorly known. Madagascar's forests are among the most biologically rich and unique in the world but, in spite of longstanding concern about their destruction, past estimates of forest cover and deforestation have varied widely. Analysis of aerial photographs (c. 1953) and Landsat images (c. 1973, c. 1990 and c. 2000) indicates that forest cover decreased by almost 40% from the 1950s to c. 2000, with a reduction in ‘core forest’ > 1 km from a non-forest edge of almost 80%. This forest destruction and degradation threaten thousands of species with extinction. Country-wide coverage of high-resolution validated forest cover and deforestation data enables the precise monitoring of trends in habitat extent and fragmentation critical for assessment of species' conservation status.
IN SILICO EVALUATION OF TRYPSIN INHIBITOR WITH ANTIPROLIFERATIVE AND ANTIFUNGAL PROPERTIES FROM TESTA OF C. LANATUS

In silico evaluation with antifungal and antiproliferative activities are important to understand the medical properties in testa of C lanatus. The peptide that was isolated and purified from testa of C. lanatus was shown a relationship with trypsin inhibitor of S. griseus based on UPGMA method. There are two serine, two threonine and one tyrosine predicted phosphorylation sites for activation of inhibition based on NetPhos server. The QSAR properties were shown good Hydration and LogP properties. The Mass predicted by the software was shown as 3298 amu. The purified CLTI peptide with Chymotrypsin shows the total interaction energy, Etot as -463.86 kCal/mole. The purified CLTI peptide with Protease K shows the total interaction energy as -292.24 kcal/mole. The purified CLTI peptide with Trypsin shows the total interaction energy as -633.56 kcal/mole. The STI peptide with Chymotrypsin, Protease K and Trypsin shows the total interaction energy, Etot as -604.68 kCal/mole, -594.17 kCal/mole and -635.85 kCal/mole respectively. Both the peptides was shown good trypsin inhibitory activities. The docking studies were shown good binding interactions of CLTI when compared with Standard antibiotic (Flucanozole). in silico studies was shown anticancer activity with breast cancer associated proteins like AGR2, BRCA1, BRCA2, GMPR2 and PPAR as well as Liver cancer associated proteins like DKK2, WIF and CHOP.
Evidence Suggesting the Existence of Asperger Syndrome in the Mid-1800s

Originally published in Putnam's Monthly Magazine in 1853, nearly a century before autism spectrum disorder (ASD) was formally recognized, Herman Melville's Bartleby is the naïve tale of a nonconforming, socially awkward character. However, when placed into contemporary context, retrospective analysis indicates that Bartleby may in fact have been a victim of the modern diagnosis of ASD, more specifically, a high-functioning form of autism termed Asperger syndrome . In 1853, it is unlikely that individuals who would now be characterized as having ASD would have been accepted by society. Without proper diagnosis and any appropriate form of treatment, such individuals had little chance of improvement or inclusion. The following is a modern case study, proposing that Melville's Bartleby was affected with the modern syndrome of ASD, and his work was thus suggesting the existence of Asperger Syndrome in the mid-1800s.
New Technologies Applied to Family History: A Particular Case of Southern Europe in the Eighteenth Century

In this article, the author explains how the support of new technologies has helped historians to develop their research over the last few decades. The author, therefore, summarizes the application of both database and genealogical programs for the southern Europe family studies as a methodological tool. First, the author will establish the importance of the creation of databases using the File Maker program, after which they will explain the value of using genealogical programs such as Genopro and Heredis. The main aim of this article is to give detail about the use of these new technologies as applied to a particular study of southern Europe, specifically the Crown of Castile, during the Late Modern period. The use of these computer programs has helped to develop the field of Social Sciences and Family History, in particular Social History, during the last decade.
Adi Yalancidari (Paspalum dilatatum Poir.) Bitkisinin Genç Salkimlarindan Kallus Oluflumu ve Bitki Rejenerasyonuna Genotip ve 2,4-D Konsantrasyonunun Etkileri Üzerinde Bir Arafltirma

This study was conducted to determine the effects of genotype and 2,4-D concentrations on the callus induction and plant regeneration from young inflorescences of dallisgrass (Paspalum dilatatum Poir). Segments of young inflorescences from six different ecotypes of dallisgrass were cultured on MS-medium containing different con- centrations of 2,4-D ( 2, 4, 6, 8 and 10 mg/l). The results of the study showed that the ecotypes were significantly different in cal- lus induction ratio, callus weight per petri dish and plant regeneration from the young inflorescences. With respect to the ecotypes, callus induction ratio varied from 17.5 % to 65 %, callus weight from 75.25 to 365.1 mg/petri dish and number of regenerates per inflorescence segment from 0.775 to 1.612. The callus induction ratio, callus weight and regeneration ratio were also signifi- cantly influenced by the 2,4-D concentrations. The segments cultured on the MS medium containing 6 mg/l of 2,4-D gave the high- est values of callus induction ratio (74 %), callus weight (369.3 mg/petri dish) and regeneration ratio (2.094 regenerates per seg- ment).