Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Variability in the spatio-temporal distribution and size-structure of phytoplankton across an upwelling area in the NW-Alboran Sea , ( W-Mediterranean )

A north–south transect crossing the quasi-permanent upwelling area and the front which usually occupies the northwestern part of the Alboran Sea (Western Mediterranean) was sampled 16 times during four cruises, covering an annual cycle in order to study the coupling between hydrodynamics and phytoplankton spatial distribution. On a spatial scale, considerable changes in biomass, size-structure and composition of the phytoplankton community were found at both sides of the front. The upwelling area was characterized by higher cell abundance, higher mean integrated chlorophyll values, intense subsurface chlorophyll maximum (SSCM) dominated by the size fraction 410mm, as well as significantly less negative slopes of the size-spectra. Prokaryotic phytoplankton cells were more abundant in the oligotrophic waters off the front. These qualitative and quantitative differences of the phytoplanktonic spatial distribution were maintained in spite of the north–south displacement of the front that might occur even within days, in association with changes in position and size of the Western Alboran Gyre. On a temporal scale, the mean chlorophyll concentrations at the SSCM were similar in July and December (3.070.4 and 3.571.0mg l 1 respectively), while abundance and biomass decreased in winter. The resulting lower C:Chl a and higher fluorescence cell 1 ratio indicate photoacclimation in winter. Implications of the different SAS at both sides of the front on the fate of phytoplankton biomass and importance of field measurements for satellite image interpretation are discussed. r 2004 Published by Elsevier Ltd.
Enhanced production of pediocin PA-1 in wild nisin- and non-nisin-producing Lactococcus lactis strains of dairy origin

In this work, heterologous production of pediocin PA-1 in Lactococcus lactis ESI 153 and ESI 515 (Nis + ), two strains selected because of their technological properties for cheesemaking, was achieved after transformation with plasmids pMC117, pRK119 and pCNC1, which contain the complete pediocin operon under the control of the strong P32 promoter. The pediocin production of the L. lactis ESI 153 derivatives containing pRK119 or pCNC1 was higher (approximately 165%) than that achieved by the natural pediocin PA-1 producer Pediococcus acidilactici 347. In the case of the L. lactis ESI 515 derivatives, those containing pRK119 or pCNC1 showed a pediocin production level similar (95–100%) to that of P. acidilactici 347.
Reconsidering the Taxation of Foreign Income

This paper evaluates the efficiency and distributional consequences of taxing foreign income, noting that home country taxation, as practiced by countries such as the United States, distorts the ownership of business assets, thereby reducing productivity and aggregate income, without advancing the distributional goals underlying most of the tax system. The alternative of exempting foreign income from domestic taxation would significantly influence patterns of capital ownership. In order to exempt foreign income from taxation in a way that does not distort capital ownership it is necessary to avoid making domestic expense deductions contingent on the allocation of investment and other income-producing activity between domestic and foreign locations. Thus it is not only the taxation of active foreign income, but also the expense allocation rules, that create the inefficient ownership incentives in the current U.S. tax system. The efficiency and fairness arguments typically advanced to justify taxing foreign income also imply that countries should subject foreign sales to domestic sales taxation, foreign value added to domestic value added taxation, foreign property to domestic property taxation, and similarly subject any and all foreign activities to the corresponding domestic taxes. In practice, however, no country attempts to apply its sales, value added, property, and all other non-income taxes to the foreign activities of its resident companies, reflecting the obvious associated economic distortions and lack of any clear justification for such extraterritorial taxation. Since the efficiency and fairness considerations are the same whether taxes are imposed on income or they are imposed on sales or value added, it is difficult to understand the rationale for taxing foreign income but not taxing foreign sales or value added. JEL Classifications: H87, H25, K34. James R. Hines Jr. Department of Economics University of Michigan 343 Lorch Hall 611 Tappan Street Ann Arbor, MI 48109-1220
Landslide damage assessment using the Support Analysis Framework (SAF): the 2009 landsliding event in Calabria (Italy)

Abstract. In this paper, a simplified methodological approach is used to assess damage indices related to landslide phenomena that occurred in Calabria (Italy) between November 2008 and January 2009. This approach, which was designed for and applied to single landslides, uses the Support Analysis Framework (SAF), a procedure containing the elements that can be damaged by a landslide grouped in categories. In this paper, we test wide-ranging use of the SAF on a number of landslides, assessing landslide damage on a municipal scale to get a final estimate of the amount of damage caused by all of the landslides that occurred in a selected municipality. Data regarding the damage caused by landslides were gathered from the press. Daily newspapers were systematically collected and elaborated to assess direct, indirect and intangible damage caused during the abovementioned period by a rainfall-triggered landsliding event. In the paper, regional- and provincial-scale results are described, and the methodological approach is briefly described. The application of the proposed methodological approach to the 2009 landsliding event shows that the results can be used to summarise landslide damage from a complex event in order to better plan an intervention strategy at a regional, provincial or municipal scale. The availability of newspaper data during the event and the speed of the proposed approach allow for rapid location of the damaged sectors during the event, which will continuously upgrade the regional damage framework. This can all be done almost in "real time". For regional agencies, this framework can be a starting point to both manage the emergency and to acquire and interpret data giving a more detailed damage distribution so that a response can be organised. Moreover, based on the damage assessment, a characterisation of the landsliding event can also be carried out and used to describe the damage scenario occurring after each type of event.
Growth and chemical properties of rice cultivar Pyari as influenced by Azotobactervinelandii strain SRIAz3 and N-source

The effect of Azotobacter vinelandii strain SRIAz3 and N-source on growth and post harvest soil chemical properties of rice was investigated. A. vinelandii strain SRIAz3 was isolated from SRI Field (Central Farm, OUAT, Bhubaneswar). The experiment was carried out in a randomised complete block design ( RCBD) with 3 replications and 8 treatments namely Control, N1 (50% N), N2 (75% N), N3 (100% N), A. vinelandii strain SRIAz3, A. vinelandii strain SRIAz3 + N1, A. vinelandii strain SRIAz3 + N2 and A. vinelandii strain SRIAz3 + N3 from T1 to T8 respectively. Result of post-harvest soil chemical properties revealed that soil pH raised from 4.57 to 5.26 being highest with T7 (5.26) and lowest with T1 (5.09), soil organic carbon status from 0.68 to 0.78 being highest with T8 (0.78) and lowest with T1 (0.42), soil available nitrogen increased from a range of 143.0 179.6 to 112.8227.6 kg ha being highest with T8 (227.6 Kg ha) and lowest with T1 (112.8 Kg ha), soil available phosphorous increased from a range of 7.14 9.59 to 10.18-15.80 kg ha-1 being highest with T5 (15.80 kg ha) and lowest with T1 (10.18 kg ha) and soil available potassium increased from a range of 139.21 153.32 to 148.96 189.84 kg ha being highest with T8 (189.84kg ha-1) and lowest with T1 (148.96 kg ha-1) likewise result of plant growth parameterslike Chlorophyll content, plant height (cm) and no. of tillers per plant at 45 DAT and 90 DAT revealed that T7 recorded highest chlorophyll content 47.10 (90 DAT) followed by the treatment T6(46.94 90 DAT ), T8 recorded highest plant height (88.25cm ) followed by T7 (74.00 cm ) at harvest and T7 recorded highest no. of tillers per hill (14.35) at 45 DAT where as T5 recorded highest no. of tillers per hill (18.25) at harvest. To conclude, use of Azotobacter vinelandii strain SRIAz3 isolated from SRI Field (Central Farm, OUAT, Bhubaneswar) as biofertilizer significantly influenced post harvest soil chemical properties, which consequently enhanced the growth parameters of rice cultivar Pyari.
Seasonal and daily activity patterns of Japanese badgers (Meles meles anakuma) in Western Honshu, Japan

ABSTRACT The seasonal and daily activity patterns of 15 Japanese badgers (Meles meles anakuma) were studied using radio-telemetry and a video monitoring system from April 1997 to March 2001 in Yamaguchi City, Western Honshu, Japan. The badgers were primarily nocturnal, and there were no differences between the daily activity patterns of males and females. The badgers were sometimes active in the daytime; breeding females, in particular, would often forage during the day, in spring. Between July and October, they usually emerged from their setts around sunset and returned around sunrise. The time between emergence and return became shorter after November. From January to February, most activity ceased, and the badgers stayed in their setts most of the time. Time spent outside the sett was longest in summer and autumn. Activity of Japanese badgers seems to be influenced by the day-night cycle, reproduction, temperature, and food availability.
CONTRIBUTION OF MICROSTRUCTURAL CONSTITUENTS ON HOT CRACKING OF MAR-M247 NICKEL BASED SUPERALLOY

The aim of this study is to investigate influence of selected parameters of gas tungsten arc welding on microstructure of MAR-M247 nickel based superalloy originating from turbine vane. MAR-M247 is a precipitation-strengthened superalloy which is widely used in aerospace engines. The main strengthening phase in this material is ordered L12 intermetallic γ' phase Ni3(Al, Ti). The surface of alloy was modified by electric arc in order to present microstructural changes in weld and heat affected zone. Investigation of the heat affected zone revealed that constitutional liquation of γ' particles and primary carbides is responsible for the formation of a liquid grain boundary layer which finally contributed to cracking. Scanning electron microscopy indicated high susceptibility to cracking of MAR-M247 alloy which is connected with high content of γ'-formers aluminum and titanium.
Strategic Corporate Social Responsibility Activities and Corporate Governance in Imperfectly Competitive Markets

We investigate the incentives of firms' owners to commit voluntarily to corporate social responsibility (CSR) activities in an oligopolistic market. The socially responsible attributes attached to products are considered as credence goods, with consumers forming expectations about their existence and level. We show that hiring an ‘individually’ socially responsible CEO and delegating to him the CSR effort and market decisions acts as a commitment device for the firm's owners and credibly signals to consumers that the firm will undertake the ‘missioned’ CSR activities. We also find that CSR activities are welfare enhancing for consumers and firms and thus, they should be encouraged. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The nature of corporate governance and performance in the conditions of ownership concentration

The central research question and purpose of this topic is oriented on the analysis of concentration scope of share capital ownership in Serbia, and their relation to corporate performance. The article also attempts to give a suitable reply to the question as to what extent the concentration of share capital ownership has changed in comparison to previous, which was formed at the beginning of the process of transition and privatisation of the public property, which was used as the foundation for forming the corporate sector. The answers to these questions will be used to point to the nature of the corporate sector in Serbia, and the degree of development of the securities market. Research methodology involves the use parametric procedures due to the characteristics of the selected variables and the number of observations in the sample. Univariate ANOVA procedures and Pearson’s correlation coefficient will be used.The corporate sector in Serbia achieves positive results but does not receive adequate market verification due to extreme ownership concentration and the dominant influence of the majority, or several large shareholders. Due to the privileged position of a small number of privileged shareholders, such a situation results in the expropriation of small shareholders, who remain helpless due to underdeveloped mechanisms of legal and institutional protection.
The relationship between the summer precipitation in the Yangtze River valley and the boreal spring Southern Hemisphere annular mode

The relationship between the boreal spring (April–May) Southern Hemisphere annular mode (SAM) and the following summer (June–August) precipitation in China for the period of 1951–2001 is examined statistically in this study. There is a significantly positive correlation between the boreal spring SAM index (SAMI) and the following summer rainfall in the middle and lower reaches of the Yangtze River. The summer large‐scale atmospheric circulation anomalies over East Asia are also related to the boreal spring SAMI events. A strong SAM in boreal spring is followed by a weakened East Asian summer monsoon, a strengthened and westward expanded western Pacific subtropical high (WPSH), as well as increased ascending vertical velocity, specific humidity and water vapor flux convergence. These situations provide necessary circulation and water vapor conditions for increasing the summer precipitation in the middle and lower reaches of the Yangtze River valley, and vice versa. The boreal spring SAM variation provides a potential valuable signal for predicting the summertime precipitation in the middle and lower reaches of the Yangtze River valley.
Methane and carbon dioxide emissions from tropical reservoirs: Significance of downstream rivers

Methane (CH4) and carbon dioxide (CO2) concentrations and water‐air fluxes were measured in three tropical reservoirs and their respective rivers downstream of the dams. From reservoirs, CH4 and CO2 flux were in the range of 3 ± 2 and 254 ± 392 mmol.m−2.d−1, respectively. Rivers downstream of dams were significantly enriched in CH4 and CO2 originating from reservoir hypolimnions. From rivers, CH4 and CO2 flux were in the range of 60 ± 38 and 859 ± 400 mmol.m−2.d−1, respectively. Despite their relatively small surfaces, rivers downstream of dams accounted for a significant fraction (9–33% for CH4 and 7–25% for CO2) of the emissions across the reservoir surfaces classically taken into account for reservoirs. A significant fraction of CH4 appeared to degas at the vicinity of the dam (turbines and spillways), although it could not be quantified.
Camel rating approach to assess the insurance operators financial strength

This study aims at looking at the financial strength based on the CAMEL rating system for each of the conventional life insurers and takaful operators. The existing financial indicators, such as the margin of solvency (MOS), risk-based capital (RBC) and claim paying ability (CPA) rating,present their own constraints in providing information concerning the financial position of the operators to the policyholders and the public. The data used for the twenty life insurance and takaful companies operating during the period of 2003 to 2007 consists of twenty-three financial ratios. The factors (values) generated by factor analysis applied on twenty-three financial ratios reflect the five components in the CAMEL rating system. The results show that the CAMEL rating is a promising approach in providing an overview of the financial strength of the life insurer/takaful operator for the benefit of policyholders and the public.
SUDARSHAN KRIYA FOR MALE PATIENTS WITH PSYCHO ACTIVE SUBSTANCE DEPENDENCE: A RANDOMIZED CONTROL TRIAL

Objectives: The aims of the study were to investigate whether Sudarshan Kriya (SK), a form of Yoga and related practices can lead to increased Global Assessment of Functioning (GAF) and increased feeling of wellness in patients with substance dependence. Method: This was a 3-month single blind parallel randomized controlled study with sample size of 111 patients which were allocated by simple randomization to two groups. Study subjects were involved in an intensive program of Sudarshan Kriya and practices (SKP but not in the case of Depressed Mood (DEP), Self Control (SC) and Vitality. Conclusion: Practicing SK&P helps in improving Global Assessment of Functioning, Psychological General Well Being, General Health (GH) and positive well being of an individual. SK&P also causes significant reduction in anxiety levels of an individual. ASEAN Journal of Psychiatry, Vol. 16 (1): January ‐ June 2015: XX XX.
Flood Hazard Management in Public Mountain Recreation Areas vs. Ungauged Fluvial Basins. Case Study of the Caldera de Taburiente National Park, Canary Islands (Spain)

Las Angustias River is an ungauged stream in the Caldera de Taburiente National Park (Spain), where frequent intense flash-flood events occur. The aim of this research is to analyze the flood hazard at the Playa de Taburiente. Based on the limited information available (short time-series of daily precipitation), a statistical frequency analysis of 24 h rainfall was completed and the precipitation results were transformed into surface runoff. To determine if the model underestimates the flows that are generated in the basin, the dendro-geomorphological information available was used to calibrate results. The results of the HMS model were significantly lower. At this point, both the rainfall data and the rainfall-runoff model were re-analyzed to maximize the rainfall intensity values and the runoff generated (increasing the CN value for the basin). For the 1997 flood event, a 1250 m3·s−1 flood minimizes the RMSE for the disturbed tree sample; this flow value also clearly exceeds any peak flow derived from the rainfall-runoff analysis. It is only when rainfall intensity and surface runoff are maximized that the peak flows obtained approximate those associated with dendro-geomorphological data. The results highlight the difficulties of flood hazard management in ungauged torrential basins in mountain recreational areas (such as National Parks). Thus, in the absence of flow records, when considering the maximum rainfall intensity scenario may be a useful and effective tool for flood risk management.
A Review on the Efficacy of Immediacy Factors towards Achieving Communication Satisfaction via Email among Academic Staff

Abstract The review paper intensively explored immediacy factors influencing communication satisfaction through asynchronous computer mediated communication mediums. Immediacy is one of the constructs of social presence theory deemed capable of compelling communication satisfaction on asynchronous computer mediated communications. It has been established in numerous related studies conducted on asynchronous virtual mediated channels. However, little or no consideration seemed to have been given to exploring these immediacy factors towards ascertaining communication satisfaction via email, as one of the asynchronous mediated communications. The need to study this via email is essential, especially towards making it more efficient since it still remained the third means of communication predominantly used for dispatching corporate issues. In this review, prompt feedback, approachability and similarity personality were the dimensions of immediacy explored in relations to the effectiveness towards attaining communication satisfaction on asynchronous virtual communications. The findings showed that these dimensions examined were capable of inspiring immediacy towards achieving communication on asynchronous computer mediated channels. Therefore, it is expected that these may equally motivate communication satisfaction via email as one of asynchronous virtual mediums. It also showed that most of the studies so far conducted were dominated by qualitative and mixed-method approaches. Few quantitative studies encountered in the review appeared lacking the capacity of generalizing the outcomes due to respondents’ poor turnout rate and inadequate sample sizes issues. Thus, empirical quantitative studies are still needed via email mode of interaction in order to resolve these issues and for revalidating the outcomes of the review.
Modulation of Proportional and Derivative (Pd) Control Command Can Match Physiological Ankle Torque Modulation During Quiet Standing

It has been shown that the lost ability of individuals with spinal cord injury (SCI) to stand can be regained by artificially stimulating the skeletal muscles in the lower limbs that cannot be controlled voluntarily [1]. Recently, arm-free standing of individuals with SCI using functional electrical stimulation (FES) has drawn much attention in the field as it might allow individuals with SCI to stand and at the same time use both arms to perform activities of daily living (ADL) [2,3]. However, current FES systems do not open up this possibility yet. Instead, they require that the individual actively regulates balance using one or both arms, thus limiting the use of the FES systems during ADL [4,5].
Reproductive aspects of Microchirus azevia (Risso, 1810) (Pisces: Soleidae) from the south coast of Portugal

Fresh fish obtained from commercial landings in the harbours of Olhao and Quarteira (south Portugal) in 1998 and 1999, were examined in order to study different aspects of the reproductive biology of Microchirus azevia (Risso, 1810): spawning season, ovary maturation, length/age at first maturity and sex ratio. A five-stage maturity scale, based on external appearance was used to classify the ovaries. M. azevia is a winter-spring batch spawner with a protracted spawning season. Females outnumbered males in length classes greater than 19 cm and in all age groups. The estimated mean size at first maturity (L 50% ) for females was 23 cm total length at 3 years of age (t 50% ).
A note on the effect of Gliricidia sepium leaf meal on the growth performance and carcass characteristics of broiler chickens

A five-week feeding trial was conducted using 180 Cobb commercial broiler chickens to study the inclusion of sun dried Gliricidia sepium leaf meal (GLM) in broiler diets. The 21-day-old chickens were randomly allocated to four dietary treatments. Fifty, 100 and 150 g kg-1 levels of GLM were included in a nutritionally balanced diet. The control diet did not contain GLM. Feed and water were supplied ad libitum. Feed intake, feed conversion efficiency and body weight gains were significantly (P<0.05) depressed by the addition of GLM to the diets. Dietary treatment had a significant impact on liver and gizzard weights. The abdominal fat content of carcass decreased progressively with increased levels of GLM. The carcass dressing percentage in the group fed diet with 15% GLM was lower (P<0.05) than in control group. No mortality was recorded throughout the study. As the level of dietary GLM increased, there was a corresponding increase in the intensity of yellow pigmentation of the skin, shanks, feet and beaks of birds. It seems that 50 g kg-1 GLM can be included into diets of broiler chickens.