Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Impacts of otter trawling on colonial epifaunal assemblages on a cobble bottom ecosystem on Western Bank (northwest Atlantic)

Colonial epifauna are an important component of benthic communities, providing structural complexity at scales of millimetres to metres. Many are sessile, emergent and fragile — characteristics which render them vulnerable to disturbances associated with bottom fishing. Many also have impressive abilities to rapidly regenerate both sexually and asexually and, consequently, the ultimate results of impacts of physical disturbance are difficult to predict. We analysed the effects of 3 yr of pulsed experimental otter trawling, following an asymmetrical before-after-control-impact design, on grab-sampled colonial epifauna. Our study site was on a cobble seabed on the Scotian Shelf in a formerly important fishing ground which had seen no disturbance by mobile fishing gears for 10 yr. The number of taxa, total biomass, the biomass of component major taxa (hydroids, bryo- zoans, sponges, tunicates, soft corals) and the community composition were analysed for single-year and cumulative effects. The study site had a rich colonial fauna containing at least 53 taxa, the major- ity of which were hydroids. The small vase sponge Scypha ciliata, the leafy bryozoans Dendrobeania spp. and the hydroids Symplectoscyphus spp. were the most frequent, occurring in >70% of the samples. Significant inter-annual differences at control sites were observed. The number of taxa, total biomass and hydroid biomass increased over the study period, with associated changes in community composition. Short-term effects of trawling were detected as decreases in the number of taxa per sample, total biomass and total hydroid biomass across the trawling events, although these trends were non-significant after Bonferroni adjustment. No cumulative effects from the pulsed trawling were detected, and colonial species assemblages on control and impacted lines were similar at the end of the experiment. While some of the tests for trawling effects were statistically weak, it is certain that any effects were small relative to natural inter-annual change.
BRAND EQUITY FOR NONPROFIT ORGANIZATIONS: ANTECEDENTS AND CONSEQUENCES FOR NGOs

It has been demonstrated that brand equity is important for any entity, here being included nonprofit organizations, in this case particular NGOs. The present study aims to present a model to find brand equity for them, based on the models of Aaker (1991) and Faircloth (2005). After analyzing both models there have been identified five dimensions for the new scale: brand personality, brand image, brand awareness, brand loyalty and perceived quality. Another important aspect to mention refers to the notable results that derive from brand equity, and those are: fundraising, volunteers, projects and presence. The study has a cross-national character, between Spain and Nicaragua.
Species occurrence of cetaceans in Guinea, including humpback whales with southern hemisphere seasonality

An initial inventory of the dolphins and whales occurring in Guinea's coastal waters is documented primarily from specimens and photographic evidence obtained from strandings and by-catches. Seven species are fully validated, four odontocetes, Tursiops truncatus, Sousa teuszii, Stenella frontalis, Kogia breviceps and three balaenopterid whales: Balaenoptera brydei, Balaenoptera acutorostrata and Megaptera novaeangliae . Another three reported species ( Globicephala macrorhynchus, Steno bredanensis and Delphinus delphis ) are insufficiently supported but thought to be valid. Small cetaceans landed as by-catch and a stranded whale were used for human consumption, but no evidence of substantial takes, directed or by-catch, was found. However, concern is raised about even minimal takes of the vulnerable Atlantic humpback dolphin. The seasonal presence of three confirmed humpback whales, two strandings (July and September) and a sighting (October), is synchronous with the species' southern hemisphere wintering/breeding season in low latitudes. We hypothesize that these whales may comprise the north-westernmost range of the population that breeds/overwinters in coastal waters of the Bight of Benin, northern Gulf of Guinea.
Metazoan ectoparasites of two teleost fish, Boops boops (L.) and Mullus barbatus barbatus L. from Algerian coast: diversity, parasitological index and impact of parasitism

A total of 664 Boops Boops (Linnaeus, 1758) and 823 Mullus barbatus barbatus Linnaeus, 1758 from the east coast of Algeria were examined to study their parasitofauna. We collected eleven parasitic species (two monogeneans, three copepods, five isopods and one Branchiura) from B. boops, and four parasitic species (two copepods and two isopods) from M. barbatus barbatus. Five species were reported for the first time in Algeria. The site of attachment on the host and the degree of specificity varied according to the parasite species while the infestation rate changed according to the month and the host size. The parasitism did not show a significant negative impact on the biological parameters of the fish host.
How Does the Sensitivity of Consumption to Income Vary Over Time? International Evidence

This paper studies how the sensitivity of consumption to income has changed over time as the degree of financial integration has risen. In standard theory, greater financial integration facilitates international borrowing and lending, helping to reduce the sensitivity of consumption growth to fluctuations in income. The paper examines the empirical validity of this prediction using an array of indicators of financial integration for a large sample of advanced and developing countries over the period 1960-2011. Two main results are reported. First, the sensitivity of consumption to income has declined over time as the degree of financial integration has risen. The decline has been more pronounced in advanced economies than in developing ones. Second, the regression analysis indicates that a higher degree of financial integration is associated with a lower sensitivity of consumption to income. This finding is robust to the use of a wide range of empirical specifications, country-specific characteristics, and other controls, such as interest rates and outcome-based measures of financial integration. The paper also discusses other potential sources of the temporal changes in the sensitivity of consumption to income.
WORKSPACE AS A FACTOR OF JOB SATISFACTION IN THE BANKING AND ICT INDUSTRIES IN MACEDONIA

Job satisfaction has always been an interesting topic among the business community. One important aspect that gains more and more prominence is the relationship between physical aspects of the workspace and experienced level of job satisfaction. Although there is numerous research exploiting the link between workspace and job satisfaction in European and worldwide companies there is a lack of such research in the Republic of Macedonia and the Balkan region. Therefore the objective of this study is to investigate the relation between physical workspace environment, workspace satisfaction and employees’ job satisfaction in the banking and ICT sector in the Republic of Macedonia. The study is quantitative using a questionnaire as a main research instrument implemented among 250 employees. The analysis is concentrated on uncovering the impact of various aspects of the workspace design and personalization of the workspace on workplace satisfaction and through that on job satisfaction. The results confirm that workspace satisfaction and job satisfaction depend on various elements of workspace design. Therefore significant attention should be paid to employees’ perception of the workspace and the design of various aspects of the workspaces.
COMPARISON OF DIAGNOSTIC ACCURACY BETWEEN THE RISK OF MALIGNANCY INDEX (RMI) AND THE RISK OF OVARIAN MALIGNANCY ALGORITHM (ROMA) TO ASSUME ANY MALIGNANCY IN OVARIAN TUMOR.

Maringan Diapari Lumban Tobing, Raden Ahyar Nugraha and Herman Susanto. Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology-Hasan Sadikin Hospital, Faculty of Medicine-Universitas Padjadjaran, Bandung, Indonesia. Jl. Pasteur 38 Bandung 40161. Manuscript Info Abstract . Manuscript History
Combat versus team sports: the effects of gender in a climate of peer- motivation, and levels of fun and violence in physical education students

Background and aim. The inclusion of martial arts and combat sports (MA&CS) in formal physical education (PE) has been suggested by many authors, although there is no strong evidence as yet of the benefits of its practice for students. This study aimed to describe the effects of the development of two MA&CS teaching units (judo and capoeira) on the motivational climate, enjoyment and attitudes toward violence of PE students, and to compare these effects with those experienced by students receiving team sports teaching units (football and basketball). Methodology. A quasi-experimental, pre-post (two groups), longitudinal study design was followed, involving 221 students aged between 13 and 16. The experimental group (n = 105) developed MA&CS teaching units, while the control group (n = 116) developed team sport, teaching units. A peer motivational climate questionnaire, the amusement/boredom in physical education scale and the attitudes toward violence scale psychological assessment tools were used. Statistical analyses included means and standard deviations, two-way equivalent multifactorial ANOVA and effect sizes Results: MA&CS teaching units significantly improved the classroom motivational climate involving tasks/learning, and students’ attitudes toward unjustified violence. The post-test intergroup comparison showed that the experimental group rejected unjustified violence to a higher degree than the control group (p = .014, d = .81). Improvements in attitudes to unjustified violence were for both males (p = .017, d = .82), and females (p = .021, d = .78) in the experimental group, while the climate involving tasks/learning only improved in males (p = .037, d = .77). Conclusion. MA&CS teaching units improved students’ attitudes toward violence and generated a higher peer motivational climate than, and similar fun as team sports teaching units. © Idōkan Poland Association “IDO MOVEMENT FOR CULTURE. Journal of Martial Arts Anthropology”, Vol. 17, no. 3 (2017), pp. 11–20 DOI: 10.14589/ido.17. 3.2
Turning Workers into Savers? Incentives, Liquidity, and Choice in 401(K) Plan Design

We develop a comprehensive model of 401(k) pension design that reflects the complex tax, savings, liquidity and investment incentives of such plans. Using a new dataset on some 500 plans covering nearly 740,000 workers, we show that employer matching contributions have only a modest impact on eliciting additional retirement saving. In the typical 401(k) plan, only 10 percent of non-highly-compensated workers are induced to save more by match incentives; and 30 percent fail to join their plan at all, despite the fact that the company-proffered match would grant them a real return premium of 1-5% above market rates if they contributed. Such indifference to retirement saving incentives cannot be attributed to liquidity or investment constraints. These results underscore the need for alternative approaches beyond matching contributions, if retirement saving is to become broader-based.
Acoustic resonant frequencies in an eccentric spherical cavity

The interior boundary‐value scalar (acoustic) problem in the region between two spheres of radii R1, R2 and distance d between their centers is considered for both Dirichlet and Neumann boundary conditions. Surface singular integral equations are used to formulate the problem. Their solution is obtained in terms of spherical wave functions in combination with related addition theorems. It is then specialized to the case of small values for kd=2πd/λ to yield exact, closed‐form expressions for the coefficients gns in the resulting relations ωns(kd) =ωns(0) [1+gns(kd)2+⋅⋅⋅] for the resonant (natural) frequencies of the cavity. Numerical results, comparisons, and possible generalizations are also included.
Evaluation of relationship between HNF-1α and GLP-1R polymorphisms and type 2 diabetes in a population living in northeast of Iran

The prevalence of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is rising dramatically in the Middle East, especially in the Islamic Republic of Iran, but the genetic basis of type 2 diabetes in Iran is poorly understood. Polymorphisms of hepatocyte nuclear factor-1α (HNF-1α) and glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor (GLP-1R) genes showed association with type 2 diabetes in several ethnic groups. In this study, we evaluated whether these markers confer susceptibility to T2DM in a diabetic population living in Mashhad (northeast of Iran). Genotyping of Ala98Val (HNF-1α) and Thr149Met (GLP-1R) was done by the restriction fragment length polymorphism-PCR (RFLP-PCR) method in the following groups: 1) early-onset diabetes (age at onset ≤ 35 years); 2) late-onset diabetes (age at onset > 35 years); and 3) control. Our results showed that CT (Ala/Val) genotype of HNF-1α was higher in the early-onset type 2 diabetic group compared to the controls but difference was not significant. We did not find the GLP-1R Thr149Met mutation in all participants. The prevalence of the HNF-1α (Ala98Val) and (GLP-1R) Thr149Met mutations has not been previously reported in Iranian participants. We conclude that these mutations are not a common cause of T2DM in our studied population.
Hepatic Steatosis among Obese Children and Adolescents

Background: Chronic liver disease, known as nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a metabolic complication of obesity. Hepatic steatosis is an entity in the spectrum of NAFLD, ranges from simple steatosis to advanced fibrosis and cirrhosis. Objective: To identify prevalence of hepatic steatosis and to assess correlation between hepatic steatosis and anthropometry, SGPT and metabolic abnormalities of obese children and adolescents. Methodology: This cross sectional study included 50 obese children and adolescents, attending the Endocrine OPD of Dept. of Paediatrics in BIRDEM from June 2009 to December 2009. BMI e” 95th centile for age and sex was used as an anthropometric marker to diagnose obesity. Obesity with any dismorphism, endocrine or chromosomal abnormalities were excluded. Fasting blood samples were collected for measurement of SGPT, blood glucose, lipid profile, FT4 &TSH. Sonographic findings of fatty liver include increased echogenicity of liver, blurring of vascular margins and increased acoustic attenuation. Results: Mean age of the children was 11.24 (8-18) years. High SGPT level was prevalent among 36% of obese children. The most prevalent abnormal lipid profile was high TG (78%) followed by high cholesterol level (68%). The prevalence of hepatic steatosis was 36% with male predominance (M 72.2%, F 27.8%). Mild hepatic steatosis was 72% followed by moderate 28%. High SGPT, high cholesterol and LDL were more prevalent in children with hepatic steatosis in comparison to children without steatosis (P <0.004, <0.05 and <0.04 respectively). Conclusion: Hyperlipidemia with raised SGPT are important signs of liver dysfunction in obese children with hepatic steatosis. Prevention of obesity and identification of children with an increased risk of NAFLD are important steps in preventing irreversible liver damage.
MODEL VALIDATION FOR SIMULATIONS OF VEHICLE SYSTEMS

Abstract : This paper deals with model validation of dynamic systems (with vehicle systems being of particular interest) that have multiple time-dependent output. First, we review several validation methodologies that have been reported in the literature: graphical comparison, feature-based techniques, PDF/CDF based techniques, Bayesian posterior estimation, classical hypothesis testing and Bayesian hypothesis testing. We discuss their advantages and disadvantages in terms of several attributes: applicability to different types of models, need for assumptions computational cost, subjectivity, propensity to type-I or II errors, and others. We then proceed with the most important attribute: can the validation method provide a quantitative measure of the goodness of the model? We conclude that Bayesian-based model validation frameworks answer this question positively. A bootstrap method is presented that obviates the need to assume a statistical distribution model. The features of the Bayesian validation framework are illustrated using a thermal benchmark problem developed by Sandia National Laboratories and a battery model developed in the Automotive Research Center, a US Army Center of Excellence for modeling and simulation of ground vehicle systems.
Estimating Causal Effects of Education Interventions Using a Two-Rating Regression Discontinuity Design: Lessons From a Simulation Study and an Application

ABSTRACT A valuable extension of the single-rating regression discontinuity design (RDD) is a multiple-rating RDD (MRRDD). To date, four main methods have been used to estimate average treatment effects at the multiple treatment frontiers of an MRRDD: the “surface” method, the “frontier” method, the “binding-score” method, and the “fuzzy instrumental variables” method. This article uses a series of simulations to evaluate the relative performance of each of these four methods under a variety of different data-generating models. Focusing on a two-rating RDD (2RRDD), we compare the methods in terms of their bias, precision, and mean squared error when implemented as they most likely would be in practice—using optimal bandwidth selection. We also apply the lessons learned from the simulations to a real-world example that uses data from a study of an English learner reclassification policy. Overall, this article makes valuable contributions to the literature on MRRDDs in that it makes concrete recommendations for choosing among MRRDD estimation methods, for implementing any chosen method using local linear regression, and for providing accurate statistical inferences.
Seasonal variation of isoprene emissions from tropical roadside plant species and their possible role in deteoriating air quality

In the present study, two widely adapted common Indian plant species viz. Dalbergia sissoo and Nerium oleander were examined for normalized isoprene emission rate (NIER) using dynamic flow through bag enclosure technique. An attempt has also been made to evaluate suitability of these two selected plant species for city plantation programmes. Dalbergia sp. has got high isoprene emission (84.67 ± 3.87 µg/g/h) while Nerium sp. has minimum (0.001± 0.17 µg/g/h) during summer season as compared to monsoon season. Thus, Nerium oleander falls under low isoprene emitting category while Dalbergia sissoo, under high isoprene emitting category. The plants having low emitting isoprene rate due to non-functionalization of this lightdependent Isoprene-synthase (IspS). Hence, Nerium oleander should be encouraged for further city plantation at roadsides and Dalbergia sissoo should be done on low scale expecting reduction of other harmful pollutants in air.
Coupling bioturbation activity to metal (Fe and Mn) profiles in situ

The relative contributions that species assemblages, abiotic variables, and their interactions with one another make to ecosystem properties are recognised but are seldom considered simultaneously, within context, and at the appropriate spatio-temporal scales. Here, we combine fluorescent time-lapse sediment profile imaging (f-SPI) and diffusion gradient thin gels (DGT) to examine, in situ, the link between an important benthic ecosystem process (bioturbation) and the availability (profiles) of Fe and Mn. Whilst the combination of these methodologies (fg-SPI) was successful in gathering high-resolution in situ data of bioturbation activity and Fe/Mn profiles simultaneously, we show that the mechanistic basis of how the infaunal community mediate Fe and Mn is difficult to reconcile because of the spatio-temporal differences between particle and porewater mixing. This mismatch means that the consideration of these mechanistic processes in isolation is likely to limit our interpretative capacity of how infaunal communities mediate various biogeochemical processes in the natural environment. Moreover, the combination of multiple technologies, process based simulation modelling and generalised additive statistical modelling achieved here, emphasises the importance of simultaneously considering additional factors that influence benthic chemistry, in particular bioirrigation and tidal flushing of the sediment profile. Our findings highlight a pressing need to determine how the relative importance of multiple abiotic and biotic factors act in concert to alter major biogeochemical pathways across a variety of contexts and habitats.
Population structure of North Pacific humpback whales on their feeding grounds revealed by stable carbon and nitrogen isotope ratios

Humpback whales Megaptera novaeangliae in the North Pacific Ocean are a migratory species known to have a complex population structure on both feeding and breeding grounds. We described the structure of this population using stable isotope analysis of skin samples (n = 1105) col- lected from free-ranging North Pacific humpback whales from 10 sampling regions in 2004 and 2005. We detected significant quadratic relationships between latitude and both δ 13 C (R 2 = 0.29) and δ 15 N (R 2 = 0.23) as well as between longitude and δ 13 C (R 2 = 0.43) and δ 15 N (R 2 = 0.16). A weak negative linear relationship was seen between increasing distance from shore and both δ 13 C (R 2 = 0.05) and δ 15 N (R 2 = 0.02). Sampling regions were significantly different for both δ 13 C (ANOVA, F9,1094 = 136.4, p < 0.001) and δ 15 N (F9,1095 = 71.5, p < 0.001). We performed classification tree analyses using δ 13 C and δ 15 N as predictor variables to assign membership to sampling regions. Results of initial classification and ANOVAs supported combining the 10 sampling regions into 6 feeding groups. When applied to these feeding groups, the classification tree was able to predict 57% of group membership correctly, with accuracy rates for individual groups ranging from a low of 19% to a high of 78%. These results indicate that stable isotope analysis can be used to distinguish unique feeding aggregations of hump- back whales within the North Pacific Ocean. Ultimately, isotopic characteristics of these aggregations can be applied to animals sampled on breeding grounds to assign them to a feeding aggregation, enhancing the ability to describe habitat linkages and migration patterns of humpback whales.
Three mechanical weed control techniques in spring cereals

Luonnonmukaisessa viljan viljelyssa rikkakasvit torjutaan usein rikkakasviaestyksella. Aestyksen teho on heikko suuriin siemenrikkakasveihin ja kestorikkakasveihin. Siksi tassa tutkimuksessa kehitettiin aestysta jareampi torjuntamenetelma eli viljoille sopiva rivivaliharaus. Kaksivuotisessa kenttakokeessa harausta verrattiin rikkakasviaestykseen, tahtipyora-aestykseen ja kemialliseen torjuntaan. Kokeet tehtiin kahdella eri maalajilla, koekasvina oli ohra ja torjuntakasittelyt tehtiin vain kerran kasvukaudessa.Torjuntamenetelmien tehoa verrattiin punnitsemalla jaljella olevat rikkakasvit juuri ennen puintia. Rivivaliharaus oli mekaanisista torjuntamenetelmista tehokkain. Rikkakasviakeen teho oli haraukseen verrattuna yhta hyva hiesusavella, mutta huonompi kostealla multamaalla. Tahtipyora-akeen teho osoittautui heikoimmaksi. Mekaanisen torjunnan tehoa olisi ilmeisesti voitu parantaa toistamalla kasittelyt myohemmin kasvukaudella. Herbisidiruiskutus oli kummallakin maalajilla mekaanista torjuntaa tehokkaampi menetelma. Harauksen edellyttama rivivalin leventaminen 125 mm:sta 250 mm:iin pienensi ohran satoa 12-13%. Haraus ei lisannyt satoa, koska rikkakasveja oli suhteellisen vahan. Kaytettaessa 180 mm:n rivivalia satotappio oli pienempi. Rikkakasvi- ja tahtipyora-aestys pienensivat satoa 5-10%. Vaikka harauksen torjuntateho onkin melko hyva, se ei lyhyella tahtaimella nayttaisi korvaavan rivivalin leventamisesta koituvaa sadonmenetysta. Luomuviljelyssa rikkakasvien kunnollinen torjunta voi pidemmalla aikavalilla olla kuitenkin maksimaalista satoa tarkeampi tavoite.