Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The Diet of the White-Breasted Cormorant Phalacrocorax carbo lucidus Along the Atlantic Coast of West Africa

The White-breasted Cormorant Phalacrocorax carbo lucidus occurs in Central, West, East and South Africa. The West African population breeds on the Cape Verde Islands and along the Atlantic coast from Mauritania to Guinea. The species forages in marine, brackish and fresh waters and is thought to be (almost) completely piscivorous. However, data on diet are poorly available and completely lacking for the West African population. We collected regurgitated pellets at three sites, in Mauritania (Island of Zira, Banc d'Arguin) and Senegal (Ilot aux Oiseaux, a small islet in the estuary of the Senegal River and Ile de la Madeleine near Dakar). On the basis of otoliths, 34 fish species belonging to 21 families were identified. There was great variation in the diet of the cormorants at the different sites, with Haemulidae and Batrachoididae being dominant on Ile de la Madeleine, Ariidae and Cynoglossidae on Ilot aux Oiseaux and Sparidae, Mugilidae and Batrachoididae on the Island of Zira. Most fish consumed were coastal species, many of which may also enter brackish or fresh waters. The cormorants mainly ate benthic and bentho-pelagic fish species varying in size between 10 and 20 cm. There was great variation in the number of otoliths per pellet at the different sites with a remarkably small number in the Zira sample. We investigated whether a small number of otoliths per pellet can be explained by the prey fish being larger or by the otoliths being more eroded. The latter might be an indication that part of the otoliths had been totally dissolved and thus disappeared from the samples. Neither fish size nor extent of wear could explain the small number of otoliths in the Zira sample. A comparison between artisanal fisheries catches and the diet of the cormorants showed hardly any overlap for the Senegalese sites. However, substantial overlap was found at the Banc d'Arguin in Mauritania. These differences can be explained by the high proportion of pelagic species caught in the Senegalese sites.
Crosslinguistic influence in scope ambiguity. Evidence for acceleration

A large number of studies have shown that crosslinguistic influence in bilingual acquisition of interface-conditioned properties can occur in the form of delay or acceleration (e.g., Dopke, 1998; Hulk and Muller, 2001; Kupish, 2007, Haznedar, 2010). In this paper we investigate whether knowledge of both Italian and Dutch can lead to crosslinguistic influence at the syntax-semantics interface, by examining the acquisition of specific indefinite objects in children who are exposed to the two languages simultaneously. We will show that Dutch-Italian bilingual children assign the adult-like interpretation to scrambled indefinite objects in Dutch earlier than their monolingual peers. Comparing our data to the acquisition pattern found for English-Dutch bilingual children (Unsworth, 2012), we conclude that the direction of influence can also depend on languageinternal properties.
Dynamic vertical memory scalability for OpenJDK cloud applications

The cloud is an increasingly popular platform to deploy applications as it lets cloud users to provide resources to their applications as needed. Furthermore, cloud providers are now starting to offer a "pay-as-you-use" model in which users are only charged for the resources that are really used instead of paying for a statically sized instance. This new model allows cloud users to save money, and cloud providers to better utilize their hardware. However, applications running on top of runtime environments such as the Java Virtual Machine (JVM) cannot benefit from this new model because they cannot dynamically adapt the amount of used resources at runtime. In particular, if an application needs more memory than what was initially predicted at launch time, the JVM will not allow the application to grow its memory beyond the maximum value defined at launch time. In addition, the JVM will hold memory that is no longer being used by the application. This lack of dynamic vertical scalability completely prevents the benefits of the "pay-as-you-use" model, and forces users to over-provision resources, and to lose money on unused resources. We propose a new JVM heap sizing strategy that allows the JVM to dynamically scale its memory utilization according to the application's needs. First, we provide a configurable limit on how much the application can grow its memory. This limit is dynamic and can be changed at runtime, as opposed to the current static limit that can only be set at launch time. Second, we adapt current Garbage Collection policies that control how much the heap can grow and shrink to better fit what is currently being used by the application. The proposed solution is implemented in the OpenJDK 9 HotSpot JVM, the new release of OpenJDK. Changes were also introduced inside the Parallel Scavenge collector and the Garbage First collector (the new by-default collector in HotSpot). Evaluation experiments using real workloads and data show that, with negligible throughput and memory overhead, dynamic vertical memory scalability can be achieved. This allows users to save significant amounts of money by not paying for unused resources, and cloud providers to better utilize their physical machines.
BRAF(V600E) mutation and outcome of patients with papillary thyroid carcinoma: a 15-year median follow-up study.

BACKGROUND The BRAF(V600E) mutation is the most frequent genetic alteration in papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC). The role of BRAF(V600E) mutation as a poor prognostic factor has been controversially reported in series with short-term follow-ups. In this study we verified the prognostic value of the BRAF(V600E) mutation in PTC patients with a long-term follow-up. METHODS We studied 102 PTC patients with a median follow-up of 15 yr. The BRAF(V600E) mutation was analyzed by PCR-single-strand conformational polymorphism and sequencing. The correlation between the presence/absence of the BRAF(V600E) mutation, clinicopathological features, and outcome of PTC patients were evaluated. RESULTS The BRAF(V600E) mutation was found in 38 of 102 (37.3%) PTC patients, and was significantly more frequent in patients older than 60 yr (P = 0.02), in advanced stages (P = 0.03), and in cases with vascular invasion (P = 0.02). At univariate analysis the worst outcome for PTC patients was significantly correlated with clinicopathological features (i.e. age, tumor size, extrathyroid extension, lymph node and distant metastases, advanced stage, vascular endothelial growth factor expression, and vascular invasion) and the BRAF(V600E) mutation (P < 0.002). However, at multivariate analysis only the BRAF(V600E) mutation showed an independent correlation with the worst outcome (P = 0.03). Moreover, the survival curves of PTC patients showed a lower percentage of survivors in the BRAF(V600E)-mutated group (P = 0.015). CONCLUSIONS In this study the BRAF(V600E) mutation correlated with the worst outcome for PTC patients, who were not only at a higher risk not to be cured but also for death. In particular, the BRAF(V600E) mutation was demonstrated to be a poor prognostic factor independent from other clinicopathological features.
Video game literacy: Social, cultural and educational perspectives

In this first chapter, we provide a general introduction to the doctoral dissertation. Firstly, we explore the relevance of video game literacy and video game literacy research from social, cultural and educational perspectives. More specifically, we question how video games affect children and adolescents, parents, and teachers, how gaming creates new types of communities and how this problematizes traditional perspectives on citizenship (education). Secondly, we argue that it is necessary to frame our understanding of video games literacy in recent debates about the status of (cultural) literacy, based on the perceived contrast between the low social status of video games and the traditional emphasis of literacy on printed texts and book culture. By describing video games in relation to shifts in academic thinking about the concepts of literacy and culture, we position this dissertation at the junction of new literacy studies, cultural studies, and educational studies. Thirdly, we discuss the theoretical models that will guide the rest of the dissertation. As Chapters 2, 3 and 4 deal with students’, parents’ and teachers’ perceptions about video games and game-based learning, we first provide an overview of theoretical models for thinking about technology adoption and integration. Next we also describe a model for conceptualizing video game literacy. Based on the suggestions of Beavis (2012), we integrate theories about video games in Bill Green’s socio-cultural 3D model of literacy (Durrant & Green, 2000; Green, 1988; Green & Beavis, 2012). As such, we provide theoretical underpinnings for the studies presented in the second part of the dissertation, presented in Chapters 5, 6 and 7. Finally, we discuss the research challenges that emerge from the theoretical background presented in this introductory chapter. Furthermore, we highlight the central research questions of this doctoral dissertation and the specific methodological approaches that will be used to address them. We end with a general overview of the structure of this dissertation.
Financial Intermediation and Economic Growth in China: New Evidence from Panel Data

Abstract In this article, we investigate the relationship between financial intermediation and economic growth in China by employing system Generalized Method of Moments (GMM) estimators for dynamic panel data from twenty-eight Chinese provinces over the period 1978–2008. Our empirical results show that various measures of financial development are generally associated with economic growth. More specifically, the size and depth of the financial sector significantly influence economic growth. However, household saving is found to have a negative, but insignificant, effect on economic growth. Finally, we find that although several control variables show the expected signs, they are not always statistically significant. Human capital, openness to trade, and inflation positively influence economic growth.
Towards lean warehouse: transformation and assessment using RTD and ANP

Purpose - – The purpose of this paper is to represent a unique combined Real time Delphi (RTD) – analytic network process (ANP) approach considering efficient decision making with practical validation. Design/methodology/approach - – An ANP model encounters invisible relationship and interdependency among qualitative and quantitative criteria for assessment. RTD supports continuous assessment and improvement in team building, modeling, developing, implementing and validating the procedure. To illustrate practical validation of the model, the authors apply it in a manufacturing firm. A case illustrating the model, finds improved results and judgments followed by conclusion. Findings - – A case illustrating the model, finds improved results and judgments. This model improves warehouse performance by integrating lean and people issues. The outcome results in an efficient decision making and consensus judgments. It also fosters high trust and coordination level among people in warehouse. Originality/value - – Previous studies have assessed leanness either at enterprise or manufacturing level. As lean transformation and assessment both are continuous and long-term procedure, first the concept should apply to single function and should lead toward enterprise level. A web-based approach and multi criteria decision-making techniques like analytic hierarchy process, and ANP had been applied individually to measure leanness at enterprise level. Because of the warehouse contributing significantly to the total wastes and costs for an organization, such operations are considered presently.
Quality of service regulation, firm size, technical efficiency, and productivity growth in electricity distribution utilities

The use of regulation to induce the quality of service (QoS) has increased as regulation of electricity distribution operators (DSO) transits from rate-of-return to incentive regulation (IR) and yardstick competition. Despite its credit in achieving cost efficiency and lower prices, IR causes supply reliability to deteriorate because of the trade-off between cost saving and QoS. Though the cost of energy not supplied (CENS) QoS regulation was introduced in Norway in 2001, its effects on efficiency and productivity remain understudied. This paper presents empirical evidence relating QoS with technical efficiency, productivity growth, scale economies, and firm size. We use data on 119 Norwegian DSOs for the period 2004-2012. We fit two input distance functions (with and without CENS) using the stochastic frontier analysis method to estimate efficiency, productivity, and scale economies. Results show that technical efficiency estimates significantly increase when we introduce CENS. But technical change, scale change, returns-to-scale, and productivity growth rates reduce. Further, we find significant unexploited scale economies, and small-scale DSOs perform relative better and provide a higher level of QoS. Therefore, QoS should be part of every economic, efficiency, and productivity analysis because it has serious revenue and financial implications under IR, especially to smallscale utilities.
International Journal of Management Sciences and Business Research, July-2016 ISSN (2226-8235) Vol-5, Issue 7

The Success or failure of modern business organizations depends on the quality of their human resources. Well trained and highly developed employees are considered as corner stone for such success. Hence the purpose of the study was to investigate the relationship between training , development, training and development and employees performance and productivity in selected Jordanian Private Sector transportation companies located in the Southern region of Jordan. The study was based on set of hypotheses that HOs: hypothesized no relationships between variables, while H1-H6 hypothesized the existence of relationships between stated variables. A quantitative approach is used Relevant data was collected through structured questionnaire. Subjects for the study consisted of 254 employees which constituted 60% of the total target population of 420 people. 254 structured questionnaire were distributed to employees on job location, 212 questionnaires were returned and only 188 were suitable for statistical analysis. SPSS version 16 has been used to for data analysis. Both descriptive and inferential statistics were used for data analysis. The statistical tools were aligned with the objective of the research. For this purpose, frequency tables, percentages, means and standard deviations were computed and substantively interpreted. Inferential statistics like Pearson product moment correlation coefficient (r) and linear regression were used to determine if there is a significant positive relationship existed between the independent variables (training and development) and dependent variables (performance and productivity). The findings indicated that training and development were positively correlated and claimed statistically significant relationship with employee performance and productivity. Analysis and interpretations were made at 0.05 level of significance. The study concluded that training and development have important impact on employee performance and productivity. Therefore, it was recommended that effective training programs and carefully set development plans should be provided to all employees to enable them to enhance their skills and upgrade their knowledge. Finally, foreseeable future research can be conducted to cover other variables like (capabilities, involvement so on) which might affect performance and productivity.
Evolutionary Dynamics of ompA, the Gene Encoding the Chlamydia trachomatis Key Antigen

ABSTRACT Chlamydia trachomatis is the trachoma agent and causes most bacterial sexually transmitted infections worldwide. Its major outer membrane protein (MOMP) is a well-known porin and adhesin and is the dominant antigen. So far, investigation of MOMP variability has been focused mainly on molecular epidemiological surveys. In contrast, we aimed to evaluate the impact of the host pressure on this key antigen by analyzing its evolutionary dynamics in 795 isolates from urogenital infections, taking into account the MOMP secondary structure and the sizes/positions of antigenic regions. One-third of the specimens showed a mutational drift from the corresponding genotype, where ∼42% of the mutations had never been described. Amino acid alterations were sixfold more frequent within B-cell epitopes than in the remaining protein (P = 0.027), and some mutations were also found within or close to T-cell antigenic clusters. Interestingly, the two most ecologically successful genotypes, E and F, showed a mutation rate 60.3-fold lower than that of the other genotypes (P < 10−8), suggesting that their efficacy may be the result of a better fitness in dealing with the host immune system rather than of specific virulence factors. Furthermore, the variability exhibited by some genetic variants involved residues that are known to play a critical role during the membrane mechanical movements, contributing to a more stable and flexible porin conformation, which suggests some plasticity to deal with environmental pressure. Globally, these MOMP mutational trends yielded no mosaic structures or important phylogenetic changes, but instead yielded point mutations on specific protein domains, which may enhance pathogen's infectivity, persistence, and transmission.
Climate Change Projections of Extreme Temperatures for the Iberian Peninsula

The comprehensive characterization of heat waves and extreme hot days is fundamental for policymakers due to its vast implications for human health. This study evaluates extreme temperature changes over the Iberian Peninsula for the present climate and future projections, considering extreme temperature indices, cold/heat waves, and a recovery factor, using the Weather Research and Forecasting model. The projected temperatures show an increase of over 6 °C. An increase in the number of summer days and tropical nights and a decrease in frost days is expected. The number of heat waves and their duration and intensity are expected to increase. The number of heat wave days are expected to increase, with much of the average summer season being under heat wave conditions. The recovery factor is expected to decrease. Cold spells are projected to decrease in terms of number, intensity, duration, and number of spell days, whereas the recovery factor is expected to increase. Heat wave analysis was combined with maximum temperature thresholds to isolate extreme heat waves. The results show an increase in extreme heat wave days, with regions experiencing over 10 heat wave days with maximum temperature surpassing 45 °C for the long-term future.
Potential Toxicity of Egyptian Ashwagandha: Significance for their Therapeutic Bioactivity and Anticancer Properties

Chemotherapy is usually given early after diagnosis in several cancer subtypes to offer best results. However, chemotherapeutic drugs are often associated with some degree of toxicities, which are caused by reactive metabolites generated by the biotransformation of anticancer drugs in the liver. Phytochemicals are dietary phytoestrogens that may play a role in cancer prevention and treatment. Forty percent of Americans use complementary and alternative medicines (CAM) for disease prevention and therapy. Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) contains flavonoids and active ingredients like alkaloids and steroidal lactones which are called ‘Withanolides’. We hypothesize that the immune-modulatory and anti-inflammatory properties of Ashwagandha might contribute to its overall effectiveness as an anti-carcinogenic agent. Ashwagandha is one of the most versatile plants used in the traditional Indian medicine system (Ayurvedic). The goal of this study is evaluate the therapeutic bioactivity and cytotoxic effect of Egyptian Ashwagandha on hepatocellular carcinoma cell line (HepG2). The HepG2 cells treated by different doses of Ashwagandha root extract. The viability and cytotoxicity were measured by trypan blue and MTT assay. In conclusion: Ashwagandh can inhibit cell proliferation and induce cytotoxic effect on hepatocellular cancer cells.
A Link between Employees Job Performance and Corporate Social Responsibility In The Banking Industry In Nigeria

The study is to examine the link between employees job performance and corporate social responsibility in the commercial banks in Nigeria, in order to achieve that two objectives were formulated (i)To Investigate the overall role and contribution of internal CSR and employee job performance. (ii)To investigate the level of internal CSR adoption in Nigeria and two research questions was developed (1)What is the level of internal CSR adoption in Nigeria commercial banks? (2) What is role and contribution of internal CSR and employee job performance in Nigeria? The study employed both quantitative and qualitative methods to obtain data through a self-administered questionnaire survey, a number of semi-structured in-depth expert interviews and content analysis. The case study organization was selected because the majority of studies conducted in Nigeria on similar or related topics were conducted on business or public organizations. The outcome of the quantitative and qualitative analysis reveals that there is a link between employees job performance and corporate social responsibility. The findings of this study have practical implications for organizational leaders, managers and employees, and their organizations, particularly banks in Nigeria, besides offering scope for further research in the area of organizational development
Impact of Neonatal Intensive Care Unit oral feeding on neuropsychomotor outcomes at 9 months of corrected age in Chinese low‐birthweight preterm infants: A retrospective study

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES To examine the changes in neuropsychomotor development and investigate the effect of feeding progression in Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) on neuropsychomotor outcomes in low-birthweight preterm infants within 9 months of corrected age. BACKGROUND Low-birthweight (LBW) preterm infants (<37 weeks of gestation and birthweight <2,500 g) are at a high risk for neuropsychomotor development delay. Therefore, exploring NICU practices related to neuropsychomotor development is important. DESIGN This is a retrospective hospital-based cohort study. METHODS This study included 196 LBW preterm infants who were admitted to the NICU between January 2014-March 2016 and attended the follow-up growth evaluation in the clinic after discharge. The neuropsychomotor development of preterm infants was assessed every 3 months to a corrected age of 9 months using the paediatric neuropsychomotor diagnostic scale (PNDS). Generalised linear mixed models (GLMM) were performed. RESULTS The total PNDS scores had a downward trend, but the difference on pairwise comparison was not statistically significant. In total, 18.1%, 15.2% and 9.7% of preterm infants were examined for neuropsychomotor disorders at 3, 6 and 9 months of corrected age, respectively. The result of GLMM showed that the early initiation of oral feeding with breast milk was associated with optimal neuropsychomotor development. The first 3 months of corrected age is the critical period for neurodevelopmental disorders. CONCLUSIONS This study showed the importance of the early initiation of oral feeding with breast milk as early as possible within the NICU setting and highlighted the importance of close developmental follow-up. RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE The early initiation of oral feeding with breast milk may be recommended to promote neuropsychomotor development of LBW preterm infants within the NICU setting. Early identification of neuropsychomotor developmental delays within the first 3 months may guide early interventions.