Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Assembly rules for aggregate-species production models: simulations in support of management strategy evaluation

Ecosystem-based fisheries management (EBFM) emphasizes sustainability at multiple levels of organization beyond single target species. Therefore, biological reference points (BRPs) for aggregated groups are required, which optimize yields while preventing overexploitation of in- dividual species. We evaluate the tradeoffs between yield and biodiversity objectives for a wide range of aggregation strategies using multispecies surplus production models and comparing 2 simulated fish communities. We simulated population trajectories with an operating model de - tailing predation and competitive interactions for all individual species within each community, and with additional stochastic environmental variability for one community. Species trajectories were then aggregated by functional feeding guild, taxonomy, habitat association, size class, and at the entire community level. We estimated production parameters and BRPs (e.g. maximum sustainable yield, MSY) using a simple assessment model applied to each aggregated time series, then we ap- plied the MSY fishing rates to each simulated community as alternative fishing strategies and com- pared equilibrium biomass and yield under each strategy. We were able to define multi-species ref- erence points to meet both yield and biodiversity objectives across full system, taxonomic, habitat, feeding, and size-based aggregations. Species complexes were best able to meet both objectives when species with broadly similar productivity, environmental sensitivity and species interactions were aggregated into the complex. The impacts of simulated environmental variability on BRPs were substantial for certain species and aggregates, so including the combined impacts of environ- mental variation and species interactions in precautionary reference points appears critical to EBFM.
Winter and spring mixing depths affect the trophic status and composition of phytoplankton in the northern meromictic basin of Lake Lugano

The trophic state of Lake Lugano is still too high to be acceptable, despite extensive recovery measures undertaken in recent decades which have resulted in a reduction of the external phosphorus load to the deepest of the lake's basins (northern basin; Zmax=286 m) to fairly acceptable values. Since meromixis was established in the middle of last century, the deep hypolimnion of the northern basin (the layer between ca 100 m and the bottom) has contained high quantities of nutrients (especially phosphorus) which are a major potential source of internal load. When there are particularly strong winter mixing events, a portion of this phosphorus reserve is redistributed along the upper water column (0-100 m). The impact of meteo-climatic conditions on the plankton biocenosis were analysed using data collected in the northern basin (Gandria station) during the three-year period 1998-2000. The phytoplankton composition, which is typical of eutrophicated waters, shows marked interannual variations, also depending on the degree of mixing of the waters at the start of the vegetative period. Though there is no steady pattern of typical dominant species / master species in the lake, there is a seasonal succession characterised by a marked development of diatoms in spring, and a predominance of chlorophyceans and cyanobacteria in summer and autumn. Under present conditions, the mechanisms of internal replenishment of nutrients towards the euphotic layer, due to the phenomena of late winter and spring mixing, constitute a significant source of nutrients for the spring and summer growth of phytoplankton. On the other hand, pronounced mixing phenomena, like those occurring in the two-year period 1999-2000, can reduce the hypolimnetic nutrient reserves and cause a decrease in the trophic potential of the basin, contrasting with an increase in algal biomass in the euphotic zone.
UvA-DARE ( Digital Academic Repository ) Indications for a slow rotator in the Rapid Burster from its thermonuclear bursting behaviour

We perform time-resolved spectroscopy of all the type I bursts from the Rapid Burster (MXB 1730−335) detected with the Rossi X-Ray Timing Explorer. Type I bursts are detected at high accretion rates, up to 45 per cent of the Eddington luminosity. We find evidence that bursts lacking the canonical cooling in their time-resolved spectra are, nonetheless, thermonuclear in nature. The type I bursting rate keeps increasing with the persistent luminosity, well above the threshold at which it is known to abruptly drop in other bursting low-mass X-ray binaries. The only other known source in which the bursting rate keeps increasing over such a large range of mass accretion rates is the 11 Hz pulsar IGR J17480−2446. This may indicate a similarly slow spin for the neutron star in the Rapid Burster.
Response of Zaghloul Date Palm Productivity, Ripening and Quality to Different Polyethylene Bagging Treatments

3 Abstract: A field study was carried out during 2009 and 2010 seasons on adult Zaghloul date palm trees growing in sandy soil at a private orchard in Edko region, El- Behaira Governorate near Alexandria, Egypt in order to study the effect of polyethylene bagging on fruit ripening, improve productivity and postharvest fruit quality of palm date. Spathes bagging were carried out at pollination time using transparent and blue polyethylene bags at a thickness of 30 im. Bags were removed at three phenological fruit growth stages; stage one (S1= kimri stage, 1.1-1.3 cm fruit diameter), stage two (S2 = mature stage, fruits were green) and stage three (S3 = partially-ripe, 50 - 60% fruits coloring). In general, polyethylene bagging with removing at later growth stages caused a significant early fruit ripping date; increased fruit weight, length, diameter and yield, as well as decreased the percentage of tip cracked fruits at harvest time comparing with no bagging control. Also, harvest spread was shorter with bagging treatments and when covers were removed at later stages (S2 and S3). However, fruit showed an increase in the percentage of rutab, decay, unfit for marketing by bagging treatments and removal at later growth stage compared with the non covered control.
EXPERIMENTAL ANALYSIS OF DROPLET SPATIAL DISTRIBUTION IN A SPRAY BURNER

A new experimental setup has been built to study spray combustion. The design corresponds to a squared-duct channel with a bluff-body spanning over the entire width of the channel. Turbulent flow circulates around the obstacle and liquid fuel is injected at the rear of the body through a flat- fan nozzle. The two-dimensional configuration has been chosen to facilitate the optical measurements. Operating conditions reproduce partially those met inside a turboreactor. Non-reacting and reacting flows have been experimentally characterized but the paper lays emphasis on the later case. Spatial distribution of the droplets has been investigated with respect to the inter-droplet distance to the nearest neighbour and to the spatial distribution law at six locations upstream of the bluff body. Inter-droplet distance is obtained through the processing of Mie scaterring data. For the distribution law, comparisons between the experimental distribution, the theoretical exponential distribution and numerical results from an in-house Monte-Carlo solver demonstrate that the droplet distribution is equivalent to the exponential distribution. Besides, the numerical approach has been used to estimate the errors associated with the inter-droplet distance.
Determinants of profitability in ACE market Bursa Malaysia: evidence from panel models

This study examines factors affecting a firm’s profitability, such as liquidity, firm size, lagged profitability, growth, debt, and lagged debt, among firms listed in the ACE market of Bursa Malaysia. The sample in this study comprises 60 listed companies for the period 2009-2013. Two proxies for profitability, namely ROA and ROE, were examined using static and dynamic panel model estimators. The findings of the static panel models revealed that liquidity and size have positive significant effects on ROA, while the effects of growth and debt were negatively significant. Also, firm size and sales growth had significant effects on ROE. The findings obtained from the System Generalized Method of Moments system (GMM-SYS) indicated that sales growth and leverage had negative and significant effects on ROA and ROE, while firm size was significantly and positively related to profitability. The lagged leverage factor had an insignificant relationship with profitability. However, liquidity had a significant negative influence on ROA, but the effect of liquidity on ROE was insignificant. Finally, persistent profitability was observed over time for both proxies. The findings of this study provided consideration for the capital market investors to monitor the factors related to profitability in the firms listed on the ACE market.
Profile and outcome of neonates requiring ventilation: The Kerala experience.

Mechanical ventilation has become an indispensable part of neonatal intensive care. There are many neonatal units both in the Government and private sector in Kerala, India offering this facility but data regarding profile and outcome of ventilated babies are limited. This study was undertaken to assess the indications, outcome, complications and factors affecting outcome in neonates requiring ventilation. This is a retrospective study of the first 100 ventilations undertaken in Government Medical College, Ernakulam. The indications, outcome, clinical and ventilator parameters were analysed. Out of 100 ventilated babies, the overall survival was 75%. Of the ventilated, 72 were preterm, 25 were term and 3 were postterm babies. The commonest indication for ventilation was hyaline membrane disease (HMD). Higher birth weight and gestational age were significantly associated with a better outcome. The best outcome was for birth asphyxia with 100% survival. The age at initiation of ventilation was significantly lower in the survivors. Complications which were independently predictive of death were disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) and pulmonary hemorrhage.
Giant african snail, Achatina fulica (Férussac, 1821): an environmental and public health problem in the northwestern of Paraná State, Brazil

Achatina fulica, known as Giant African Snail (GAS), was introduced in Brazil as a substitute for the European escargot, Helix aspersa maxima. However, its cultivation was abandoned and the mollusk became an invasive species, found throughout Brazil and causing damage to health and the environment. In this context, this study analyzed the knowledge of the population about the damage caused by GAS, seeking to reveal a regional scenario on this issue. This exploratory and cross-sectional study was conducted by means of a questionnaire applied to 150 people, which obtained sociodemographic characteristics of respondents and specific responses about the knowledge and handling of GAS. The results showed that most of the respondents know the snail and are concerned about the transmission of diseases and losses in agricultural crops, but few recognize this pest as the basis of environmental imbalance. It is suggested to implement actions seeking the dissemination of such knowledge and the awareness of the population about the impact of this mollusk on the environment.
Variability in connectivity indicated by chaotic genetic patchiness within and among populations of a marine fish

Despite substantial advances in our understanding of marine population dynamics, there is still much uncertainty as to what processes influence connectivity, gene flow and population structure. To explore this, we examined the spatial and temporal variation in population genetic structure of adult and recently settled bicolor damselfish Stegastes partitus, a coral reef fish. We genotyped adult and juvenile fish from 10 sites over 4 sample years at 9 microsatellite loci. We show spatial heterogeneity in adult and juvenile population structure; however, we found no evidence of a pattern of spatial genetic divergence. Furthermore, genetic structure changed through time and between life stages in an unpredictable manner. Using these data, we test whether pre- or post- settlement selection, sweepstakes effects or variability in connectivity can explain the observed chaotic genetic patchiness. Our results indicate that the contributions of various larval sources likely change through time as a result of stochastic processes such as oceanographic flow. Our results have implications for the management of marine populations, as spatial and temporal variability in connec- tivity may act to promote long term stability of populations. Therefore it is important that marine management efforts account for such heterogeneity in the design of protected areas.
Diallel analysis for agronomic traits in upland cotton in semi-arid zones in Brazil

This study aimed to estimate the general- (GCA) and specific-combining ability (SCA) and obtain information on the genetic control of agronomic traits among six upland cotton genotypes and their hybrid combinations. In 2015, six cotton genotypes (FM 993, CNPA 04-2080, PSC 355, TAM B 139-17, IAC 26, and TAMCOT-CAMD-E), and fifteen hybrid combinations were evaluated at the Experimental Station of Embrapa Algodao. The experiment consisted of a randomized block design with three replications. The characteristics evaluated were: the appearance of the first flower (AFF); the appearance of the first boll (AFB); plant height (PH); the weight of one boll (BW); lint percentage (LP); cotton seed yield (CSY); and cotton fiber yield (LY). Significant genetic variability was observed for all the traits studied, which is fundamental for the formation of populations that maximize genetic gains. Additive effects were predominant for AFF, AFB, PH, and LP. Non-additive effects were predominant for CSY, LY, and BW. Genotypes FM 993 and CNPA 04-2080 presented the highest GCA estimates for CSY, LP, and LY, as well as the highest means, being indicated for breeding programs that aim at the improvement of these traits. The best hybrid combinations were FM 993 x PSC 355, FM 993 x TAMCOT-CAMD-E, CNPA 04-2080 x TAM B 139-17, PSC 355 x IAC 26, and TAM B 139-17 x IAC 26, since they presented means associated with positive and high SCA estimates for CSY, LP, LY, and at least one of their parents presented high GCA.
LIMIT DISTRIBUTIONS OF SOME STEREOLOGICAL ESTIMATORS IN WICKSELL'S CORPUSCLE PROBLEM

Suppose that a homogeneous system of spherical particles (d-spheres) with independent identically distributed radii is contained in some opaque d-dimensional body, and one is interested to estimate the common radius distribution. The only information one can get is by making a cross-section of that body with an s-flat (1 ≤ s ≤ d -1) and measuring the radii of the s-spheres and their midpoints. The analytical solution of (the hyper-stereological version of) Wicksell's corpuscle problem is used to construct an empirical radius distribution of the d-spheres. In this paper we study the asymptotic behaviour of this empirical radius distribution for s = d -1 and s = d - 2 under the assumption that the s-dimensional intersection volume becomes unboundedly large and the point process of the midpoints of the d-spheres is Brillinger-mixing. Of course, in stereological practice the only relevant cases are d = 3; s = 2 or s = 1 and d = 2; s = 1. Among others we generalize and extend some results obtained in Franklin (1981) and Groeneboom and Jongbloed (1995) under the Poisson assumption for the special case d = 3; s = 2.
Chitosan and trimethyl chitosan particles as oral vaccine delivery systems: Comparison of the potential to initiate immune responses

In this study, particles having low MW (Chi-L), high MW (Chi-H) and their respective trimethyl chitosan (TMC) with a degree of quaternization (DQ) of about 40% (TMC-L-40 and TMC-H-40), and prepared by using chitosan, were used to compare their potentials for provoking immune responses to ovalbumin (OVA) following oral administration. The results showed that the Chi-L particles gave higher serum immunoglobulin G (IgG) responses to OVA than those induced with Chi-H, TMC-L-40 and TMC-H-40 particles. However, Chi-L and Chi-H particles gave similar secretory immunoglobulin A (sIgA) to OVA, and sIgA titers obtained from mice immunized with OVA-loaded TMC were negligible. This study demonstrated that chitosan particles seem to be better delivery systems for oral vaccination, and the MW of chitosan appeared to have an effect on the ability to elicit immune responses to OVA in BALB/c mice following oral immunization.
Molecular Tracing with Mitochondrial ND5 of the Invasive Mosquito Aedes (Stegomyia) albopictus (Skuse) in Northern South America

The widespread invasive Aedes albopictus, the Asian tiger mosquito, a vector of Dengue, Chikungunya and other arboviruses were discovered in Caracas (Venezuela) in 2009 and, separately in Colombia (Leticia 1998, Buenaventura 2001 and Cali 2007). The possible geographic origins were examined using mtDNA sequences NADH 5 (ND5). Sequences were aligned with those from GenBank. Venezuelan populations contained both unique (H14) and Asian-native haplotypes (H3), while the Colombian populations contain one unique (H15) and two common haplotypes (H1, H11) shared with the Brazilian, Hawaian, and Cameroon populations. Haplotype network analyses suggested: 1) Independent introduction into both countries; 2) two independent invasions into Colombia: from the Amazon River (H1) with evidence of founder effect or genetic bottleneck in Leticia, and, another via the Pacific port of Buenaventura from Hawaii (H11); 3) introduction to Venezuela directly from any Asian native range. Potential factors leading to limited genetic variation in mtND5 in the Columbian and Venezuelan populations were also discussed.
A Survey on Freshmen's Perception of Biblical Knowledge in Intercultural Communication

To date, research on the Bible is mainly confined to literature review or argumentation. This article attempts to get a general idea of learners’ conception of biblical culture in developing intercultural communicative competence (hereafter referred to as ICC), as well as the current situation of their biblical knowledge. Data analyses in the survey have reported evidence for the positive and upward tendency among the respondents, indicating much interest and willingness to spend more extracurricular time in learning English. This survey also shows that most respondents agreed to the important role of western culture, but they did not fully perceive the important role of biblical knowledge in learning the English language. In addition, data analysis has led to the conclusion that respondents had grasped less biblical knowledge than expected. This explains the possibility and necessity to promote this positive situation. Then, some pedagogical improvements were addressed on how to affect teaching practice by integrating biblical knowledge into teaching materials.
THE DETERMINANTS OF CSR DISCLOSURE OF FIRMS LISTED ON THE JSE: A FOCUS ON FIRMS MEETING THE SRI INDEX CRITERIA

This paper tests the relationship between the firms’ corporate social responsibility (CSR) disclosures, the extent of media exposure it enjoys and its size, profitability and leverage. The study is confined to firms who meet the Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE) criteria for inclusion in its Social Responsibility Index (SRI) and as such the focus is on those firms who are perceived to display best practice with regard to social responsibility. The objective of the study is to determine which factors act as drivers for CSR disclosure. The study uncovered statistically significant positive relationships between CSR disclosures and industry environmental impact as well as media exposure. Legitimacy theory was found to best explain the drivers of CSR disclosure among listed companies in South Africa.
Ownership Concentration, Family Ownership and Leverage: Evidence from Malaysia

This is the first study that empirically examines the impact of ownership concentration as a main independent variable on leverage decision for Malaysian firms. Multiple regression models with balanced panel data are employed to examine the impact of ownership concentration on a firm's leverage decision. We also make the first attempt to test the moderating effect of family ownership on the relationship of ownership concentration and leverage decision. We conclude that (1) the higher the shareholdings by the top shareholders, the lower the leverage; (2) family companies have lower leverage than non-family companies; (3) the negative effect of ownership concentration on leverage is smaller in family companies than in non-family companies. The research implications are risk aversion pushes firms towards lower debt but the risk of losing control of family members would lead them to employ high debt. Practically, we suggest that risk averse investors could invest in firms with a higher degree of family ownership when there is a higher degree of concentrated ownership.
Influence of Luxury Fashion Brand Index on Purchase Evaluation: Insights from the Consumers' of Indian Market

This research examined the factors that influence consumers' purchase intention behind acquiring luxury fashion brand. The study adapted the priori established scale of brand luxury index [BLI] from the literature and tested whether these dimensions result in purchase evaluation for both male and female consumers on equal grounds. Very limited research has been conducted on the role of gender differences in consumer behaviour in spite of the fact that it is a vital topic. Data was collected from Indian consumers (n =109) and respondents were enquired about their favourite luxury brand in the category of watches, bags, perfumes, sunglasses, belts, tops, shirts, jeans, dresses, and footwear; while examining the dimensions such as perceived hedonism, self-image, quality, uniqueness, and conspicuousness. Hypotheses were tested using one-way ANOVA. The findings from this exploratory research revealed that perceived self-image facet is significantly different for both male and female consumers, thus indicating the vital managerial inference towards the adaption of appropriate brand positioning and marketing communication strategy. The study on the application of brand luxury index for fashion product category keeping in consideration gender differences is a new idea. Moreover, Indian consumer using luxury products is sparsely addressed in the existing literature, thereby providing motivation for this study.
Shock and Volatility Spillovers between Oil Prices and Turkish Sector Returns

The objective of this paper is to examine the shock and volatility spillovers between the oil market and five sectors in the Turkish equity market. We conduct a bivariate GARCH model to simultaneously estimate the mean and conditional variances between the series. We investigate daily returns from January 4, 2005 to June 12, 2013 and report significant unidirectional volatility transmission from oil market to all the sectors under investigation in addition to significant unidirectional shock transmission from oil market to some of the sectors. Our findings are suggestive for a deeper understanding of portfolio risk management in the presence of oil price fluctuations.
Corporate Innovations and Mergers and Acquisitions

Using a large and unique patent-merger data set over the period 1984 to 2006, we show that companies with large patent portfolios and low R&D expenses are acquirers, while companies with high R&D expenses and slow growth in patent output are targets. Further, technological overlap between firm pairs has a positive effect on transaction incidence, and this effect is reduced for firm pairs that overlap in product markets. We also show that acquirers with prior technological linkage to their target firms produce more patents afterwards. We conclude that synergies obtained from combining innovation capabilities are important drivers of acquisitions.