Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Development and demonstration of systems-based estuary simulator: EstSim.

Managing estuaries is an essential part of Flood and Coastal Erosion Management. Since 1998, Defra and the Environment Agency have run the UK Estuaries Research Programme (ERP) as part of their joint R&D programme. Within Phase 2 of the programme, tools have been further developed to enhance our ability to assess morphological change in estuaries. Running in parallel to this development, the EstSim project (FD2117: Development and Demonstration of System Based Estuary Simulators) investigated an alternative, yet complementary, methodology to the more conventional approaches pursued within other strands of ERP2. This involved application of a systems-based approach to the large-scale geomorphological behaviour of estuaries. This paper describes the systems-based approach to simulating estuary geomorphological behaviour (EstSim) that complements quantitative morphological modelling. A structured qualitative framework has been developed through which it is possible to assess the behaviour of geomorphological features present in estuaries, the links between them, and how they respond to changes brought about through natural processes, engineering works and estuary management activities. This behavioural model is based on a working typology for UK estuaries (i.e. seven standard behavioural types) that has been formalised through an expert assessment via a mathematical framework to allow computational simulations to be made. A prototype simulator has been developed for evaluating the gross properties and behaviour of estuaries and this can be accessed through the world wide web. Development and pilot testing on the Ribble Estuary and Southampton Water, along with the Thames and Teign Estuaries, has demonstrated that the simulator can be applied both to specific and user-defined estuaries as well as the standard estuary configurations. The limitations of applicability have been documented. Although systems-based thinking (as applied within this research) is a well-established conceptual framework in geomorphology, methodologies for converting system diagrams into practical simulation tools have not previously been investigated. In investigating this approach, EstSim has provided a qualitative framework to understand and explain the behaviour of geomorphological features within estuaries, the linkages that exist between them and hence their response to change. The work has been successful in providing exploratory level research that has been used to demonstrate the potential of such a systems-based approach. In conclusion, the knowledge gained on estuary geomorphological properties and behaviour through the study, combined with the results from applying the research level simulator, has led to an enhancement in the qualitative information available to support sustainable estuary management.
Thermal effects of the North Atlantic Oscillation on the cold period of the year in Lithuania

The impact of the North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO) on long-term air temperature fluctu- ations in Lithuania was studied for the period 1865 to 2000. Mean monthly values of 2 NAO indices (NAO-1, NAO-2) and air temperatures at 9 Lithuanian meteorological stations were used as refer- ences. Synoptic situations, as well as the mean sea level pressure (SLP) and 500 hPa geopotential height field of a total of 265 months, were analysed. NAO conditions were classified as positive, neg- ative or neutral. Air temperature fluctuations in Lithuania during the cold period of the year (Novem- ber to March) are positively correlated with fluctuations of the NAO indices. During periods of extreme NAO indices (| I | > ±1.5σ), a negative NAO phase is usually correlated (75 to 88% of the cases) to negative temperature anomalies, whereas a positive NAO phase is correlated to positive temperature anomalies. In the other cases, reverse impact of positive and negative NAO patterns, the relation between NAO phases and regional temperature anomalies is opposite or not detectable. Also, this study includes the analysis of atypical periods of NAO-like circulation: when positive NAO phase was related to negative temperature anomalies and negative NAO phase to positive tempera- ture anomalies in Lithuania.
EMOTIONAL INTELLIGENCE AND JOB COMMITMENT: MEDITATIONAL ROLE OF JOB SATISFACTION AND JOB PERFORMANCE

The study focused on the meditational role of job satisfaction and job performance between EI and job commitment. A sample of 200 bank employees was collected from different banks in the Lahore district, age ranging from 30 to 59 year. Scale of Emotional Intelligence (Batool & Khalid, 2011), Organizational Commitment Questionnaire (Mowday, Steers & Poter ,1979), Job Satisfaction Survey (Spector, 1997) and Role Base Performance Scale (Welbroune, Johnson & Erez, 1998) were employed to collect the data. Baron and Kenny’s guideline (1986) was followed to run the mediational analysis. Results revealed that job satisfaction and job performance fully mediated the relationship between EI and job commitment. Implications of the study are also discussed.
Primary Nutritional Content of Bio-Flocs Cultured with Different Organic Carbon Sources and Salinity

Application of bio-flocs technology (BFT) in aquaculture offers a solution to avoid environmental impact of high nutrient discharges and to reduce the use of artificial feed. In BFT, excess of nutrients in aquaculture systems are converted into microbial biomass, which can be consumed by the cultured animals as a food source. In this experiment, upconcentrated pond water obtained from the drum filter of a freshwater tilapia farm was used for bio-flocs reactors. Two carbon sources, sugar and glycerol, were used as the first variable, and two different levels of salinity, 0 and 30 ppt, were used as the second variable. Bio-flocs with glycerol as a carbon source had higher total n-6 PUFAs (19.1 ± 2.1 and 22.3 ± 8.6 mg/g DW at 0 and 30 ppt, respectively) than that of glucose (4.0 ± 0.1 and 12.6 ± 2.5 mg/g DW at 0 and 30 ppt). However, there was no effect of carbon source or salinity on crude protein, lipid, and total n-3 PUFAs contents of the bio-flocs.
CLINICAL PROFILE AND OUTCOME OF CHILDREN WITH PLEURAL EFFUSION.

Background: Pleural effusion is a common and at times life threatening infection of pleural cavity. The microbiological profile of organisms causing pleural effusion is always evolving; hence it needs constant surveillance to decide upon the antibiotic regimen and also the treatment protocol. Objective: is to evaluate the etiology, clinical profile and outcome of children with Pleural effusion. Material and methods: A total 30 admitted patients of Pleural effusion between the age of 6 months to 12 years during the period from 2014 to 2015 were included in study. A thorough history followed by clinical examination was done. Finally all enrolled patient underwent CXR and blood investigations and pleural fluid analysis were done. Results: Male to female distribution was 18:12. Most (63.75%) patients belonged to 1-5 year age group. Fever (95%) was most common presenting symptom followed by cough and breathlessness in 92% and 83% respectively. Bilateral involvement seen in 8.5% and 7% had H/O of Koch’s contact. 18% had hydro-pneumothorax on CXR. Pleural fluid culture and blood culture were positive in 20% and Staphylococcus aureus being the commonest organism isolated from both. Intravenous Amoxyclav was most the common antibiotic used at presentation in 70.5%. A total 25% patient required more than 21 days of IV antibiotics.60% patients required second antibiotic in view of non-improvement with ceftriaxone was most common antibiotic used in these cases. Conclusion: Treating unit should review antibiotic policy periodically based on culture report and clinical outcome.
Race and ethnic inequality in health and health care in Colombia

In this paper we explore race and ethnic health inequalities in Colombia. We first characterize the situation of Afro-Colombians and indigenous populations in Colombia. Second, we document racial/ethnic disparities in health outcomes and access to health care using data from the Living Standards Survey and the evaluation of the Familias en Accion program. Third, we set up a statistical model that allows us to test whether some of the health inequalities that are observed still remain after controlling for a wide range of individual and household observed characteristics, including access to health care. The results indicate that most racial and ethnic disparities in health and access to health care disappear once we control for socioeconomic characteristics of individuals, employment status and characteristics of the job and geographic location among other things. Based on these findings we make some specific policy recommendations aimed at improving the status of racial minorities in Colombia.
Lead in Meat and Meat Products Consumed by the Population in Slovakia

The presence of heavy metals in food is the consequence of atmosphere contamination of polluted soil, waters and results in contaminated feed with heavy metals. The lead concentrations depend on the environmental conditions and the food production methods. The monitoring of lead concentration in meat is important for human health. The aim of this study was to determine the level of lead in the traditional and popular meat products consumed in Slovak republic. This study was carried out to determine the levels of lead in Lovecka salami and selected Ham products during the technological processing. The raw materials originating from domestic and foreign production were compared. Lead concentrations were measured by the method of AA spectrometry with the graphite furnace (Perkin Elmer A Analyst 800; MA, USA). Mean concentration of lead in the starting materials in Lovecka salami for the pork of foreign production had the highest mean lead level (0.607 ppm), followed by beef from foreign production (0.518 ppm), pork from domestic production (0.377 ppm), pork bacon from foreign production (0.173 ppm), beef from domestic production (0.142 ppm) and pork bacon from domestic production (0.106 ppm). The highest concentrations of lead were found in the homogenized samples with addition of additives and spices (salt, sodium ascorbate, erythorbic acid, ground black pepper, sugar, garlic, starter culture) from foreign starting materials and final samples from foreign and domestic production in Lovecka salami (0.769; 0.811 and 0.676 ppm, respectively). The highest concentrations of lead in the selected Ham product were found in final sample from foreign production (0.813 ppm), followed by final sample from domestic production (0.740 ppm), homogenized sample with additives (salt, Sodium Nitrite, Sodium Pyrophosphate, Sodium Tripolyphosphate and Ascorbic acid) from foreign starting material and domestic starting material (0.791 and 0.697 ppm, respectively). The lowest mean Pb concentration in selected Ham was found in the starting materials (pork thigh) from domestic and foreign production (0.344 and 0.397 ppm, respectively). In the present study, samples of lead were higher than the maximum lead levels allowed by Commission Regulations (EC) No1881/2006. The allowable level for lead is 0.1 mg kg-1. Technological process of meat processing can create a potential source of heavy metals risk in final products. Improvements in the food production and processing technology are increasing the chances of food contamination with various environmental pollutants, especially heavy metals.
Impact of employee age on the safe performance of production tasks

The number of occupational accidents reported in Polish industry and the extent of the resulting losses show that safety is critical for the effective performance of production tasks. In view of such high accident rates, a pressing need has been recognized for identifying and undertaking improvement measures. The factors which require a response to secure adequate safety levels for the labor force include worker age. Such age affects worker behaviors, influences the speed of reaction to threats and translates into the scope and nature of effective improvement measures. Thus, worker age ranks among the key criteria for ensuring the safe performance of production tasks. The study revealed relationships between worker age and safety at workstations. Links between the two were found to be particularly pronounced among workers aged 50+. The study’s outcomes were used to define the impact of worker age on the occurrence of threats that impair the ability to perform production tasks.
Methane emissions in East Asia for 2000–2011 estimated using an atmospheric Bayesian inversion

We present methane (CH4) emissions for East Asia from a Bayesian inversion of CH4 mole fraction and stable isotope (δ13C‐CH4) measurements. Emissions were estimated at monthly resolution from 2000 to 2011. A posteriori, the total emission for East Asia increased from 43 ± 4 to 59 ± 4 Tg yr−1 between 2000 and 2011, owing largely to the increase in emissions from China, from 39 ± 4 to 54 ± 4 Tg yr−1, while emissions in other East Asian countries remained relatively stable. For China, South Korea, and Japan, the total emissions were smaller than the prior estimates (i.e., Emission Database for Global Atmospheric Research 4.2 FT2010 for anthropogenic emissions) by an average of 29%, 20%, and 23%, respectively. For Mongolia, Taiwan, and North Korea, the total emission was less than 2 Tg yr−1 and was not significantly different from the prior. The largest reductions in emissions, compared to the prior, occurred in summer in regions important for rice agriculture suggesting that this source is overestimated in the prior. Furthermore, an analysis of the isotope data suggests that the prior underestimates emissions from landfills and ruminant animals for winter 2010 to spring 2011 (no data available for other times). The inversion also found a lower average emission trend for China, 1.2 Tg yr−1 compared to 2.8 Tg yr−1 in the prior. This trend was not constant, however, and increased significantly after 2005, up to 2.0 Tg yr−1. Overall, the changes in emissions from China explain up to 40% of the increase in global emissions in the 2000s.
Elements of a Radical Counter-movement to Neoliberalism: Employment-led Development

After highlighting the failure of mainstream economic theory in dealing with the rising global inequality and economic struggles brought about by neoliberal economic policies, the paper presents the outline of an alternative policy proposal to create full employment and price stability, and to restore financial sovereignty to developing countries. Under the Employer of Last Resort (ELR) program, the government guarantees employment to all through a decentralized community-based job creation policy. Projects are selected by local community groups based on community needs and the availability of skills in the unemployment pool. Funding is provided by a central/federal fiscal authority and requires policy coordination with the central bank.
Fish composition and assemblage structure in the estuarine mixing zone of a tropical estuary: comparisons between the main channel and an adjacent lagoon

Abstract Spatial patterns of an estuarine habitat used by fish assemblages were determined for a protected adjacent lagoon and two areas of the main estuarine channel in a small tropical estuary. The tested hypotheses are that protected areas in estuarine zones support comparatively higher fish richness and abundance and have more small-sized fishes than the main channel. The lagoon and channel areas had distinct fish assemblage structures. Several abundant species (e.g. Atherinella brasiliensis, Eugerres brasilianus, Geophagus brasiliensis, Achirus lineatus and Centropomus parallelus) were of a smaller size in the lagoon compared with the estuarine channel and probably use the lagoon as nursery grounds. Moreover, some species (e.g. Anchoa tricolor, Anchoa januaria, Gobionellus oceanicus and Poecilia vivipara) were abundant and occurred only in the lagoon, whereas others (e.g. Trinectes paulistanus, Ctenogobius shufeldti and Citharichthys arenaceus) reached their highest abundance in the lagoon and were rarely found in the estuarine channel. Seasonal variation in the fish assemblage structure was not significant, which may be related to dominance of estuarine resident species. We found that the lagoon supported comparatively higher fish richness and abundance compared with the main estuarine channel because of the more sheltered and structured habitat. These results provide a better understanding of the role of adjacent habitats to fish assemblage and an improved basis for estuarine rehabilitation.
Effect of growth regulators on micropropagation of potato cultivars

The effect of growth regulators on in vitro micropropagation of three potato cultivars (Solanum tuberosum L.) were evaluated. In the present study nodal explants of potato cultivars (Diamont, 1533 and Kufri Badshah) were cultured on MS basal medium supplemented with different hormonal combinations (BAP and GA3). Out of four different media combinations, MS + BAP (1.0 mg/l) gave maximum shoot regeneration on all the three cultivars of potato. Successful rooting was achieved by placing the shoots on half strength MS basal medium. The combination of sand: soil (1:1) was the best for plant acclimatization as 90% of the plants survived and became established.
Impact of iron ore mining on benthic macroinvertebrate community

Anthropogenic disturbances may negatively affect the quality of freshwater ecosystems. Among these disturbances, metal mining has increased at an alarming rate, often impacting small water bodies and thus aquatic communities. Therefore, the aim of this study was to test the hypothesis that the residuals of iron ore mining may decrease the species diversity of a benthic macroinvertebrate community in a stream. For this, three streams were evaluated in a mining area, and in each one samples of the macroinvertebrates were taken and a record of the abiotic factors made. It was found that taxa diversity in impacted streams is much lower than in preserved streams. Furthermore, the fauna composition in impacted streams was restricted to groups extremely resistant to environmental disturbances, such as Chironomus and Pseudosmittia. Changes in the physicochemical parameters of water, such as acidification and a decrease in dissolved oxygen, were also observed. This is one of the few studies in Brazil that demonstrates that the residuals of iron ore mining may decrease the diversity and modify the composition of the benthic macroinvertebrate community, contributing to future studies about the conservation of aquatic ecosystems.
Comparative diagnosis of urinary tract infection (UTI) using urinary nitrite and significant bacteriuria (SBU)

The clinical laboratory diagnosis of urinary tract infection was compared in two hundred (200) midstream urine samples using bacteria culture and urinary nitrite detection technique. The comparative susceptibility of the isolates to common antibiotics was evaluated using completely randomized design (CRD). The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) for each antibiotics test was evaluated using standard laboratory procedures. Approximately fifty one percent (101/200) of urine samples that were culture yielded significant bacteriuria (SBU) as compared to (32.59%, 65/200) which had positive nitrite detection. Also eighteen percent (18%, 35/200) of the negative nitrite detection test showed evidence of significant bacteriuria. Significant bacteriuria was significantly associated at p<0.05 with culture isolation technique. A total of nine (9) different bacterial isolates were detected in this study. The isolates and their frequency of occurrence were Escherichia coli 30(29.7%), Pseudomonas aeruginosa 15(14.9%), Klebsiella pneumonia 13(12.8%), Enterococcus faecalis and Citrobacterfreundii 10(9.9), Proteus mirabilis 9(8.9), Staphylococcus aureus 8(7.7%), Serretiamarcesens and Streptococcus specie 3(3.0%). The mean total viable count ranged from 31.50±3.15x107cfuml-1 to 262.5±1.09x108cfuml-1. The antibiotics susceptibility profile reveals a high level of susceptibility of most isolates to Gentamycin(50%), Ciprofloxacin(83%), Tarivid(100%), Augumentin(50%) and Levofloxacin(100%) with mean zone of inhibition ranging from 18.6mm to 20.3mm. However, high resistance profile of hundred percent was observed with nalidixic acid, ampicillin and septrin while reflacin resistant rate was 66.7%. Intermediary susceptibility was observed with streptomycin (50%) and ceporex (66.7%). This study therefore reveals the diagnostic superiority of culture method to urinary nitrite detection technique. In addition, it also reveals Escherichia coli as the most frequently isolated agent of bacteriuria. Furthermore, the study shows a high level of susceptibility of urinary isolates to Gentamycin, Ciprofloxacin Levofloxacin, Augumentin and Tarivid.
AN EMPIRICAL ANALYSIS OFTHE FACTORS THAT AFFECT NURSE RETENTION IN RURAL ENVIRONMENTS

Investigate the effects of stress, economic factors, altruism and value congruence on intentions to leave the profession in nursing. As the demand for nurses increases retaining nurses will be critical for healthcare organizations and the healthcare industry. We draw from a mature body of research on nurse retention to build the research model. We analyze data from a survey of 861 registered nurses in the southeastern United States. Structural equation modeling was used to analyze the survey. Results confirm the importance of stress and salaries. Strong evidence supports the importance of the fit between employer and nurse values. Finally, the analysis provides unexpected evidence of the reduction of opportunities nurses have to fulfill altruistic desires at work. Michael J. Dotson, Dinesh S. Dave, Joseph A. Cazier, Trent J. Spaulding(2014) AN EMPIRICAL ANALYSIS OFTHE FACTORS THAT AFFECT NURSE RETENTION IN RURAL ENVIRONMENTS. Journal of Nursing Administration (volume 44, issue 2) AN EMPIRICAL ANALYSIS OFTHE FACTORS THAT AFFECT NURSE RETENTION IN RURAL ENVIRONMENTS Michael J. Dotson, Ph.D Professor, Marketing Walker College of Business, Appalachian State University Dinesh S. Dave, Ph.D Professor, Computer Information Systems Walker College of Business, Appalachian State University Joseph A. Cazier, Ph.D Associate Professor, Computer Information Systems Walker College of Business, Appalachian State University Trent J. Spaulding, Ph.D Assistant Professor, Health Care Management College of Health Sciences, Appalachian State University Corresponding Author: Dr. Spaulding, Department of Nutrition and Healthcare Management, Appalachian State University, L.S. Doughtery, Room 201, 261 Locust Street, Boone, NC 28608. (spauldingtj@appstate.edu)
Does foraging mode affect metabolic responses to feeding? A study of pygopodid lizards

Foraging mode (ambush vs. active) profoundly affects many aspects of organismal biology, including metabolic rates and their relationship with food intake. Previous studies on snakes suggest that ambushers tend to have lower standard metabolic rates (SMR) and higher energetic costs of digestion and assimilation of prey (specific dynamic action, or SDA) than do active foragers. However, phylogenetic considerations may be at least partly responsible for such patterns, as foraging mode is strongly conserved evolutionarily and most SDA studies have focused on species from only two lineages of ambush foragers (pythonid and viperid snakes) and one lineage of active foragers (colubrid snakes). We sought to deconfound the effects of phylogeny and foraging mode, investigating SMR and SDA in two closely related pygopodid lizards, the common scaly-foot Pygopus lepidopo- dus (active forager) and Burton's legless lizard Lialis burtonis (ambush forager). Consistent with the pattern seen in snakes, L. burtonis exhibits a significantly lower SMR and a higher SDA than does P. lepidopodus. The magnitude of SDA in L. burtonis is comparable to that of some pythons and vipers, providing yet more evidence for the remarkable convergence between this species and ambush-foraging snakes (Current Zoology 59 (5): 618-625, 2013).