Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Dissolved inorganic carbon budgets in the eastern subpolar North Atlantic in the 2000s from in situ data

The subpolar North Atlantic (SPNA) is important in the global carbon cycle because of the deep water ventilation processes that lead to both high uptake of atmospheric CO2 and large inventories of anthropogenic CO2 (Cant). Thus, it is crucial to understand its response to increasing anthropogenic pressures. In this work, the budgets of dissolved inorganic carbon (DIC), Cant and natural DIC (DICnat) in the eastern SPNA in the 2000s, are jointly analyzed using in situ data. The DICnat budget is found to be in steady state, confirming a long‐standing hypothesis from in situ data for the first time. The biological activity is driving the uptake of natural CO2 from the atmosphere. The Cant increase in the ocean is solely responsible of the DIC storage rate which is explained by advection of Cant from the subtropics (65%) and Cant air‐sea flux (35%). These results demonstrate that the Cant is accumulating in the SPNA without affecting the natural carbon cycle.
Catalogue Creation for Space Situational Awareness with Optical Sensors

In order to safeguard the continued use of space-based technologies, effective monitoring and tracking of man-made resident space objects (RSOs) is paramount. The diverse characteristics, behaviours and trajectories of RSOs make space surveillance a challenging application of the discipline that is tracking and surveillance. When surveillance systems are faced with non-canonical scenarios, it is common for human operators to intervene while researchers adapt and extend traditional tracking techniques in search of a solution. A complementary strategy for improving the robustness of space surveillance systems is to place greater emphasis on the anticipation of uncertainty. Namely, give the system the intelligence necessary to autonomously react to unforeseen events and to intelligently and appropriately act on tenuous information rather than discard it. In this paper we build from our 2015 campaign and describe the progression of a low-cost intelligent space surveillance system capable of autonomously cataloguing and maintaining track of RSOs. It currently exploits robotic electro-optical sensors, high-fidelity state-estimation and propagation as well as constrained initial orbit determination (IOD) to intelligently and adaptively manage its sensors in order to maintain an accurate catalogue of RSOs. In a step towards fully autonomous cataloguing, the system has been tasked with maintaining surveillance of a portion of the geosynchronous (GEO) belt. Using a combination of survey and track-refinement modes, the system is capable of maintaining a track of known RSOs and initiating tracks on previously unknown objects. Uniquely, due to the use of high-fidelity representations of a target’s state uncertainty, as few as two images of previously unknown RSOs may be used to subsequently initiate autonomous search and reacquisition. To achieve this capability, particularly within the congested environment of the GEO-belt, we use a constrained admissible region (CAR) to generate a plausible estimate of the unknown RSO’s state probability density function and disambiguate measurements using a particle-based joint probability data association (JPDA) method. Additionally, the use of alternative CAR generation methods, incorporating catalogue-based priors, is explored and tested. We also present the findings of two field trials of an experimental system that incorporates these techniques. The results demonstrate that such a system is capable of autonomously searching for an RSO that was briefly observed days prior in a GEO-survey and discriminating it from the measurements of other previously catalogued RSOs.
DYNAMICS OF LARCH BUD MOTH POPULATIONS1,2

Ideally studies on the population dynamics of organisms should be holistic, general, precise, and realistic (64). Much too often, however, support for research on forest pests approximates the curve of the gradations in time and space, resulting in periodic gathering of bits and pieces of information that differ little from that gathered earlier or elsewhere (68). Therefore it is not surprising that lack of compre­ hensive, quantitative information on many generations of a field population has handicapped the progress of theoretical thinking on the dynamics of populations, which badly needs "more light and less heat" (86). It has been proposed that research efforts should be coordinated internationally on a few model insects in order to cope with complexity and diversity of population dynamics at a high level of efficiency (25). We consider that the larch bud moth, Zeiraphera diniana, would meet the criteria for being such a model insect (18). The coincidence of large-scale insect outbreaks, the availability of effective insecti­ cides, and economic expansion of industry and tourism after World War II pro­ moted several extensive control actions against such forest pests as the spruce budworm, Choristoneura fumiferana, in eastern Canada and the larch bud moth, Z. diniana, in Switzerland. Public demand to protect the subalpine larch forests in the recreation area of the Engadine (Switzerland) against the recurring defoliation by the larch bud moth triggered the present research phase. This article is the first attempt to publish the results of the research period (1949-1975) comprehensively. In addition, information concerning previous outbreaks of Z. diniana is reviewed on a worldwide base.
Extreme Daily Rainfall in Pakistan and North India: Scale Interactions, Mechanisms, and Precursors

AbstractWhile much of India is used to heavy precipitation and frequent low pressure systems during the summer monsoon, toward the northwest and into Pakistan, such events are uncommon. Here, as much as a third of the annual rainfall is delivered sporadically during the winter monsoon by western disturbances. Such events of sparse but heavy precipitation in this region of typically mountainous valleys in the north and desert in the south can be catastrophic, as in the case of the Pakistan floods of July 2010. In this study, extreme precipitation events (EPEs) in a box approximately covering this region (25°–38°N, 65°–78°E) are identified using the APHRODITE gauge-based precipitation product. The role of the large-scale circulation in causing EPEs is investigated: it is found that, during winter, it often coexists with an upper-tropospheric Rossby wave train that has prominent anomalous southerlies over the region of interest. These winter EPEs are also found to be strongly collocated with incident western.
Evaluation of The Association Between M98K and T34T Polymorphisms of the Optineurin (OPTN) Gene and Primary Open Angle Glaucoma in Indonesia

PURPOSE: Glaucoma is the leading cause of irreversible blindness in the world. Recent evidence indicates genetic susceptibility plays a role in primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG). The optineurin gene (OPTN) mutations have been identified to be associated with POAG. This study to analyze the association of M98K and T34T of the OPTN with POAG. METHODS: Primary open angle glaucoma patients were characterized by open angles on gonioscopy, intraocular pressure (IOP) > 21 mmHg or <21 mmHg and typical glaucomatous disc changes with corresponding visual field defects in the absence of any secondary cause. Sixty patients with POAG and 60 unrelated control subjects were identified for polymorphisms of M98K and T34T of the OPTN. Genotyping of M98K and T34T were performed by PCR-
How Effective is Routing for Wireless Networking

In this paper, we examine the question of how effective routing is for reliably and efficiently delivering data in a wireless network. With the emergence of the Internet of Things, there is a renewed focus on multi-hop wireless networking to connect these systems of smart-devices. Many of the proposals to support this new networking paradigm continue to use the concept of routing: a path between users is formed via a series of point-to-point links. We believe that the characteristics of the wireless environment inherently make link-based routing unsuitable for wireless networking, and that new approaches need to be considered. In this paper, we demonstrate that link-based routing (1) experiences high packet loss due to the inherently unreliable nature of control information, (2) is unable to ensure reliable message delivery in a lossy environment, and (3) incurs a high cost for route maintenance and repair.
The Financial Development and Growth Nexus: A Meta‐Analysis

We conduct a meta-analysis of the literature of financial development and economic growth. We cover a large number of empirical studies and estimations that have been published in journal articles. We measure the degree of heterogeneity and identify the causes of the observed differentiation. Among the most significant factors behind this heterogeneity is the choice of financial-variable proxies, the kind of data used as well as whether a study takes into account the issue of endogeneity. Our results suggest that the empirical literature on the finance–growth nexus is not free from publication bias. Also, a genuine positive effect exists between financial development and economic growth.
Superparamagnetic particles in ZSM-5–type ferrisilicates

As-synthesized, low iron content, ferrisilicates of ZSM-5-type contain well-separated Fe(III) ions in a tetrahedral environment and display paramagnetic behavior. After hydrothermal treatment, the iron ions are partially extracted from the framework, generating nanosize iron oxide or oxyhydroxide ferrimagnetic particles. This process has been studied by transmission electron microscopy (TEM), Mössbauer spectroscopy, magnetic ac susceptibility (χ_ac), and field dependent magnetization, on samples containing up to 6.7 wt. % Fe. The experiments evidence the growth of nonaggregated particles, with a typical size around 3 nm, presumably located at the surface of the ferrisilicate crystallites. From a thorough granulometric analysis involving TEM and χ_ac data, it is concluded that, in the range from 1.5 to 4.6 wt. % Fe, the particle size distributions are significantly independent of the iron content.
Serum Biochemical and Hematological Parameters in Dogs with Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH)

BACKGROUND: Clinical prostatic diseases occur in 80% of dogs over 5 and 95% over 9 years of age. It seems that benign prostatic hyperplasia) BPH) affect Scottish terriers more severely than the other breeds. OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to evaluate the changes of biochemical and hematological parameters in BPH dogs. METHODS: Blood samples were collected from 10 male dogs older than five years suffering from BPH which referred to Small Animal Hospital of the Veterinary Faculty of Tehran University. The diagnosis of BPH was based on clinical, laboratory surveys and ultrasonography. 10 normal male dogs with same age, breed and weight were selected as control group. Then serum acid phosphatase (TAP and PAP), CRP, urea, creatinine, total protein, albumin, globulins and hematological parameters were assayed and the results were analyzed by Independent student T-test. Also Pearson’s linear correlation test was used to determine the correlation between TAP, PAP, CRP and ESR with length and width of prostate. RESULTS: The length(p=0.008 (, width (p= 0.01)of prostates were significantly higher in dogs suffering from BPH compared to the healthy dogs . TAP and PAP levels significantly elevated in all dogs in BPH group (approximately 6 times) compared to the controls (P=0.001). Moreover, serumic CRP concentration was elevated in some of BPH dogs (approximately 6 times) (p=0.001). While there were significant ESR elevation in some of dogs in disease group compared to the normal dogs, no significant difference was observed in other biochemical and hematological parameters between two groups (p>0.05). There were a highly significant correlation btween serum TAP and PAP (p≤ 0.01) with prostate’s length and width which was more than CRP. CONCLUSIONS: The serum acid phosphatase, CRP and ESR were elevated in BPH dogs but the increase in serum acid phosphatase was more important than the others. It is recommended that each laboratory should use its own values of acid phosphatase in dogs.
Predicting Managers’ Organizational Productivity with Regard to Managerial Talent and Time Management

This study was conducted to predict managers’ organizational productivity with regard to managerial talent and time management of school managers. This descriptive study followed a correlational design. The statistical population of the present study included all school managers in Jiroft. Using stratified random sampling method, 130 managers (65 females and 65 males) were selected as the sample. Measurement tools used in the current study were Talent Management Questionnaire (Oehley, 2007), Time Management Questionnaire (Azizi Moghaddam, 2006), and Managers’ Organizational Productivity (Hersey and Goldsmith, 1998). The obtained evidence indicated these questionnaires’ high validity and reliability. Statistical methods applied in this study included Pearson correlation coefficient, regression analysis and one-sample t-test. Results revealed that managerial talent and time management were significantly related to organizational productivity. Moreover, gender and level of education had no effects on organizational productivity. DOI: 10.5901/mjss.2016. v7n2s2p107
Direct and indirect effects of environmental factors on dietary niches in size‐structured populations of a wild salmonid

Dietary plasticity of populations can be associated to ontogenetic diet preferences and depends on the size-structure of populations. Dietary niche characterizes the functional role of organisms in a food web, as it reflects both resources' diversity used by a consumer and trophic interactions in the system. Dietary niches are controlled both by biotic and abiotic factors, but their interactions in natural systems remain poorly studied. Here, we investigated the variability of dietary niche in salmonid wild populations focusing both on inter-population and intra-population (through time) trophic changes, using marble trout (Salmo marmoratus) living in Slovenian headwater streams as a model system. Stable isotope analysis showed high variability of dietary niche and trophic diversity among six of the seven remnant marble trout populations. We observed substantial differences in dietary niche width among populations and within populations through time. Results of partial least square path modelling highlighted opposite effects of immature and mature trout on trophic niche structure. Direct effects of temperature and slope (stream and watershed) were opposite; temperature narrowed dietary niches while slope increased them. Environmental factors (e.g., temperature, stream and watershed slope) had indirect effects on trophic niches after accounting for fish density. Our results showed that size-distribution and sexual maturity are key determinants of the dietary niche width in a population. Increasing density of immature trout tended to widen the dietary niche while increasing density of mature trout tended to narrow it. Environmental factors had direct effects both on resources and consumers densities and indirect effects. Direct and indirect effects were often antagonistic.
Indirect effects of introduced trout on Cascades frogs (Rana cascadae) via shared aquatic prey

SUMMARY 1. The introduction of trout to montane lakes has negatively affected amphibian populations across the western United States. In northern California’s Klamath–Siskiyou Mountains, introduced trout have diminished the distribution and abundance of a native ranid frog, Rana (=Lithobates) cascadae. This is primarily thought to be the result of predation on frog larvae. However, if trout feed on larval aquatic insects that are available to R. cascadae only after emergence, then resource competition may also affect this declining native amphibian. 2. Stomach contents of R. cascadae were compared between lakes that contained trout and those from which introduced trout were removed. Total prey mass in stomach contents relative to frog body mass was not significantly different between lakes with fish and fishremoval lakes, but in the former R. cascadae consumed a smaller proportion of adult aquatic insects. The stomach contents of fish included larvae of aquatic insects that are, as adults, eaten by R. cascadae. 3. Rana cascadae consumed fewer caddisflies (Trichoptera) and more grasshoppers (Orthoptera) at lakes with higher densities of fish. At lakes with greater aquatic habitat complexity, R. cascadae consumed more water striders (Hemiptera: Gerridae) and terrestrial spiders (Araneae). 4. We suggest that reductions in the availability of emerging aquatic insects cause R. cascadae to consume more terrestrial prey where trout are present. Thus, introduced trout may influence native amphibians directly through predation and, indirectly, through pre-emptive resource competition.
Cost and Clinical Efficacy of Laparoscopic vs. Open Approach in Liver Resection

Background: Hesitation but gradual recognition of laparoscopic liver resection has been gaining popularity in developed countries among the specialized hospitals. On contrary, there has always been a debate about high cost and complexity of laparoscopic as compared to open liver resection resulting in the delayed adoption of laparoscopic approach in many centers. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed medical records of all patients at the 6th department (Hepatobiliary Unit) of the 1st affiliated hospital of Harbin Medical University who underwent elective LLR (n=102) or OLR (n=198) from January 1st, 2014 to November 1st, 2017. Patient demographics, diagnosis, operation type, operative duration, estimated blood loss, blood transfusion requirement pathology, length of hospital stay, ICU stays and complications were compared between laparoscopic and open approach. Hospital billing data were collected for each case to determine the mean hospital costs per case. Conclusion: Our study justifies that LLR is safe with remarkably better clinical benefits as well cost advantage to some extent. Short operating duration, short hospital stay, lower chances for ICU need, less blood loss, less blood transfusion requirement, and low occurrence of complications are benefits offered by the laparoscopic procedure.
Ireland: Are Surgeons Overlooked? Management of Metastatic Spinal Cord Compression in

Background: The National Institute of Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) provide a framework of evidence-based guidelines for the management of metastatic spinal cord compression (MSCC). We aimed to compare our center’s provision of service to these best practice guidelines and discuss key shortcomings with their implications for the spinal surgeon. Methods: Patients with radiologic evidence of MSCC over a 30-month period were identified using the hospital electronic radiological database. A chart review was performed analyzing MSCC management. Results: Forty-one patients were identified. Pain was the most common presenting complaint, occurring in 76% of patients. Radiotherapy alone was the most common therapy employed (93% of patients). A surgical opinion was sought for 51% of patients. Histological diagnosis of the causative lesion occurred in 5 patients from surgical specimens. Conclusions: Incongruities between NICE guidelines and our practice exist. Early involvement of the spinal surgical services needs to be encouraged. Establishing a histological diagnosis of the spinal lesion should be seen as of therapeutic importance.
Doing Something ‘Worthwhile’: Intersubjectivity and Morality in Gap Year Narratives

Gap years are often put forward as an opportunity to engage in individualized, reflexive, identity work. In contrast to this position, I draw upon a qualitative analysis of young people's travel blogs to highlight the tendency for gap year narratives to stick to standard scripts. Four key narratives frame gap years, which centre on making the most of time to do something worthwhile. I explore issues of intersubjectivity in the representation of gap year experiences, in terms of tacit consensus, moral boundary-drawing and reflexivity prompted by dialogue. Considering intersubjectivity in such accounts can add to our understanding of critical reflection in self-development strategies without resorting to the voluntarism of a reflexive model of identity. It also provides a critique of the individualized responsibility placed on young people to make the right choices.
Customer oriented militants? A critique of the `customer oriented bureaucracy' theory on front-line service worker collectivism

This critique challenges the Customer Oriented Bureaucracy (COB) theory’s argument that the experience of customer service is pivotal to the formation of front-line service worker collectivism. COB’s rejection of the major tenets of Marxist analysis, thereby denying the exploitative and class nature of service work, results in Korczynski theorising front-line worker collectivism as based only on the shared experience of doing customer service rather than as workers per se. As a neo-Weberian theory, COB argues ‘consumer capitalism’s’ ideology of ‘customer sovereignty’ is a contemporary ideological ‘iron cage’ of value rationalisation in a unified, contradictory relationship with bureaucratic rationalisation. COB theory, consequently, allows only for a trade unionism that is limited to contesting the terms of customer service rather than challenging the deepening commodification of social relations.
The Albanian Taxpayers’ Perception of the Current Tax System and Its Impact on Informal Economy, Tax Evasion and Tax Avoidance

Abstract Tax revenues constitute the main source of public expenditure financing. The main problem that the public finances in Albania are facing today is the lack of public revenue to the level that the execution of the public spending requires. This is the result of a still high level of informal economy, tax evasion and tax avoidance. The reforms undertaken by the Albanian governments in the past two decades in order to manage the main factors of the informal economy, tax evasion, and tax avoidance have not had the expected results. Poor performance of the fiscal administration agencies has allowed fiscal policies and strategies approved by governments not to be implemented, thus creating a lot of problems and difficulties with an impact on the reduction of the efficiency of the fiscal system. This paper deals with the perception of the Albanian taxpayer for the current tax system in Albania. It also deals with its impact on the informal economy, tax evasion and tax avoidance. It analyses the main factors affecting the informal economy, tax evasion and tax avoidance, and the perception that Albanian taxpayers have for the current fiscal system. A fiscal system must be effective and perceived as fair in order to encourage voluntary payment of taxes thus bringing increased revenue, reduction of informality, tax evasion and tax avoidance. In order to realize this paper we used questionnaires with focused taxpayers, explaining the techniques of collecting, interpreting and analyzing the data. The paper concludes with the main conclusions of how Albanian taxpayers perceive the current tax system. It also provides recommendations for improving the current fiscal system based on the perception of taxpayers.