Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Relationships between fish length and otolith size for five cyprinid speciesfrom Lake Ladik, Samsun, Turkey

The relationships between size (length and width) of the lagenar (asteriscus) and the utricular (lapillus) otoliths and body length for five cyprinid fish species, freshwater bream Abramis brama, white bream Blicca bjoerkna, Prussian carp Carassius gibelio, brond-snout Chondrostoma regium, and rudd Scardinius erythrophthalmus, collected from Lake Ladik from November 2009 through October 2010, are presented. The right and left side measurements of otoliths were pooled in all cases except asteriscus length in Prussian carp. Nonlinear and linear functions provided the best fit for 80% and 20% of all species, respectively. All relationships were highly significant (P 0.71) and the mean percent prediction errors were less than 10%. The results showed that reliable original size estimates of all species studied are obtainable from their otolith biometrics. The regressions from this study can be useful for investigators examining food habits of piscivorous fauna and sizes of these fishes in archaeological samples.
Thai inflation dynamics in a globalized economy

ABSTRACT This paper investigates whether changes in Thai inflation dynamics during recent decades can be attributed to the process of globalization. The empirical analysis is based on a dynamic factor model and an unobserved components model that is consistent with an Open Economy New Keynesian Phillips curve. The findings suggest that in the short-run, Thai inflation has become increasingly sensitive to global factors since 2001, while becoming less reliant on domestic ones. During 2001–2007, the importance of this global factor can be attributed to a global output gap, while in the period thereafter, it only corresponds to world oil price movements. While global factors are important, Thai inflation is still heavily influenced by domestic monetary policy in the long-run. The implementation of an inflation targeting framework in May 2000 by the Bank of Thailand has led to improved inflation behavior through better anchored long-term inflation expectations.
Nested Dissection for Sparse Nullspace Bases

We propose a nested dissection approach to finding a fundamental cycle basis in a planar graph. the cycle basis corresponds to a fundamental nullspace basis of the adjacency matrix. This problem is meant to model sparse null basis computations occurring in a variety of settings. We achieve an O(n**3/2) bound on the nullspace basis size and an O(nlogn) bound on the size in the special case of grid graphs.
The squeezed limit of the bispectrum in multi-field inflation

We calculate the squeezed limit of the bispectrum produced by inflation with multiple light fields. To achieve this we allow for different horizon exit times for each mode and calculate the intrinsic field-space three-point function in the squeezed limit using soft-limit techniques. We then use the δ N formalism from the time the last mode exits the horizon to calculate the bispectrum of the primordial curvature perturbation. We apply our results to calculate the spectral index of the halo bias, nδ b, an important observational probe of the squeezed limit of the primordial bispectrum and compare our results with previous formulae. We give an example of a curvaton model with nδ b ∼ 𝒪(ns−1) for which we find a 20% correction to observable parameters for squeezings relevant to future experiments. For completeness, we also calculate the squeezed limit of three-point correlation functions involving gravitons for multiple field models.
Ecosystem effects of shell aggregations and cycling in coastal waters: an example of Chesapeake Bay oyster reefs

Disease, overharvesting, and pollution have impaired the role of bivalves on coastal ecosystems, some to the point of functional extinction. An underappreciated function of many bivalves in these systems is shell formation. The ecological significance of bivalve shell has been recognized; geochemical effects are now more clearly being understood. A positive feedback exists between shell aggregations and healthy bivalve populations in temperate estuaries, thus linking population dynamics to shell budgets and alkalinity cycling. On oyster reefs a balanced shell budget requires healthy long-lived bivalves to maximize shell input per mortality event thereby countering shell loss. Active and dense populations of filter-feeding bivalves couple production of organic-rich waste with precipitation of calcium carbonate minerals, creating conditions favorable for alkalinity regeneration. Although the dynamics of these processes are not well described, the balance between shell burial and metabolic acid production seems the key to the extent of alkalinity production vs. carbon burial as shell. We present an estimated alkalinity budget that highlights the significant role oyster reefs once played in the Chesapeake Bay inorganic-carbon cycle. Sustainable coastal and estuarine bivalve populations require a comprehensive understanding of shell budgets and feedbacks among population dynamics, agents of shell destruction, and anthropogenic impacts on coastal carbonate chemistry.
Allelic polymorphism of crtRB1 and LcyE genes related to the β-carotene content in Vietnamese traditional maize accessions,

Maize is the third most important food crop after wheat and rice. Maize is used as food for more than a billion people around the world and is used as animal feed, especially, poultry. The concentration of carotenoids, especially, β-carotene in maize grains, is very low. Therefore, the study of increasing the amount of provitamin A carotenoids including β-carotene is important. In maize, different alleles of crtRB1 and LcyE genes have a significant effect on β-carotene content. In this paper, we present the results of the study of allele polymorphism of these two genes related to the provitamin A carotenoid content in some traditional maize accessions collected from several regions in North and Central Highlands of Vietnam. The results showed that there were polymorphisms at the 3’ and 5’ ends of the crtRB1 and LcyE genes. Among 22 maize accessions, the proportion of favorable alleles at the 3’ end of crtRB1 gene was relatively high (5/22 = 22.73%). Similar results were obtained for alleles at 3’ end of the LcyE gene. Especially, there is an accession (Northern white gold maize) that carries favorable alleles at the 3’ ends of both crtRB1 and LcyE genes. While all investigated maize accessions did not carry favorable alleles at the 5’ end of both crtRB1 and LcyE genes. The identification of traditional maize accessions that carry favorable alleles for increasing b-carotene content opens up potential to exploit indigenous genetic resources for genetic research as well as to develop maize varieties with high β- carotene content.
SECTION 2 CORPORATE GOVERNANCE AND BOARD ISSUES DETERMINANTS OF DIVIDEND PAYOUT POLICY : A CASE OF THE SOUTH AFRICAN GOLD MINING INDUSTRY

This paper sought to shed light on dividend policy within the gold mining industry in South Africa. Several cause-and-effect variables of dividend policy are discussed, in order to lay down the theoretical framework for the research. These are size, managerial ownership and foreign ownership. To meet the objectives of the study, data from seven mining companies listed on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE) was analysed for a 5 year (2008-2012) period. As found in earlier studies, there is a positive correlation (r = 0.59) between the dividend policy and the size of the organisation. This was expected as no cashflow is available for distribution during the early stages of exploration, hence no dividends are paid. As the organisation grows and profit increases, there is free cashflow which can be distributed to shareholders. Managerial ownership negatively correlates with dividend pay-out (r = 0.53). Contrary, a weak correlation was observed between foreign ownership and dividend pay-out.
Low-frequency neural activity reflects rule-based chunking during speech listening

Chunking is a key mechanism for sequence processing. Studies on speech sequences have suggested low-frequency cortical activity tracks spoken phrases, that is, chunks of words defined by tacit linguistic knowledge. Here, we investigate whether low-frequency cortical activity reflects a general mechanism for sequence chunking and can track chunks defined by temporarily learned artificial rules. The experiment records magnetoencephalographic (MEG) responses to a sequence of spoken words. To dissociate word properties from the chunk structures, two tasks separately require listeners to group pairs of semantically similar or semantically dissimilar words into chunks. In the MEG spectrum, a clear response is observed at the chunk rate. More importantly, the chunk-rate response is task-dependent. It is phase locked to chunk boundaries, instead of the semantic relatedness between words. The results strongly suggest that cortical activity can track chunks constructed based on task-related rules and potentially reflects a general mechanism for chunk-level representations.
Controls on Willow Cutting Survival in a Montane Riparian Area

Abstract To provide information to guide restoration of montane riparian willow communities, we investigated factors influencing the survival of prerooted and unrooted mountain willow (Salix monticola Bebb) cuttings in 2 degraded montane riparian areas in Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado. We planted cuttings across a gradient of water table depths and soil textures and evaluated their survival using logistic regression analysis. Our results indicate that depth to groundwater was a critical factor influencing survival of both rooted and unrooted cuttings. We found that few cuttings (7.8% rooted, 3.9% unrooted) survived where summer water table depths exceeded approximately 90 cm. Soil texture was not a significant factor in our logistic models, potentially because of low silt and clay fractions in our plots. Rooted cuttings survived at a higher rate than unrooted cuttings after 1 (55.8% vs. 36.5%, P < 0.001) and 2 (44.5% vs. 26.1%, P < 0.001) years of growth. We conclude that, when combined with appropriate hydrologic data, the use of rooted cuttings represents an effective technique to restore and revegetate degraded montane riparian ecosystems.
On the Relationship between Tourist Flows and Household Expenditure in Barbados: A Dynamic OLS Approach

Keynesians propose that increases in tourist arrivals are associated with an expansion in private spending through the multiplier effect. To test this hypothesis, this study augments a simple consumption function with tourist arrivals and employs the dynamic OLS method to compute the short and long run relationships of the variables. Results suggest that while tourist arrivals have a positive correlation with household expenditure in the short run, it does not Granger cause household expenditure consumption.
Impact of Preceding El Niño and the Indian Ocean Dipole on the Southern China Precipitation in Early Summer

Delayed impacts of El Nino and the Indian Ocean Dipole in positive phase (P-IOD) on the South China early monsoon were investigated by observations and simulations. The most significant correlation between IOD index (IODI) and NINO3 appeared in boreal autumn. A new index (IODN3) related to the intensity of El Nino and IOD was created. Three indexes in boreal autumn were positively well correlated with the rainfall over the Yangtze River and its southern area (rain-YRBS) in next June. The most significant correlation appeared between IODN3 and rain-YRBS. Positive rain-YRBS anomalies in June tend to occur after P-IOD or El Nino solely matured in previous boreal autumn. However, when both events matured in boreal autumn, rain-YRBS anomalies tended to be more enhanced, which suggests that a delayed combined influence of both events on rain-YRBS in June was larger than that of either event alone. There was a low level anticyclonic circulation around the Philippines (PSAC) that developed in boreal autumn and was maintained until the following June when the single event occurred. However, a much stronger PSAC tended to occur when both events matured. The stronger PSAC could transport more water vapor to YRBS and cause more rainfall there in June.
Experimental Study of Ogee Crested Weir Operation Above the Design Head and Influence of the Upstream Quadrant Geometry

The effect on the flow characteristics of the upstream quadrant shape of four ogee spillways is investigated at high head operation by means of experimental modelling. Each spillway is designed following the latest recommendations of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. The upstream and downstream quadrants of the reference spillway have the same design head. The absence of scale-effects is verified with a second reference spillway designed with a smaller head. The last spillway has an upstream quadrant with a design head respectively larger and smaller than the one of the downstream quadrant. The discharge coefficient is evaluated until head ratios of five for each case and until seven for the smaller model. The discharge coefficient continuously increases until a head ratio of 5.5 and then drops due to a flow separation at the spillway crest. The spillway efficiency (discharge coefficient) reduces with an oversized upstream quadrant while an undersized quadrant has no effect, but it does affect the measured relative pressure and thus the risk of cavitation.
State trading versus export subsidies: the case of Canadian wheat.

Canada and the United States have used different trade policies to support their wheat industries. Canada conferred sole export powers to the Canadian Wheat Board, allowing it to price discriminate among markets. The U.S. government has funded transfers to its wheat producers from taxpayers, instead, through export subsidies. This study compares these two ways of supporting producers in terms of their transfer efficiency and overall deadweight losses, the incidence on different domestic interest groups, and their consequences for third party traders. In the analysis we consider the implications of market power of wheat marketing firms for the comparison of policy alternatives in the context of the Canadian wheat industry.
Technology‐Supported Involvement of Entire Faculties in Examination of Student Data for Instructional Improvement

Student data are gaining increased attention in education, spurred by accountability policies such as those contained in the federal No Child Left Behind legislation. Student data are useful for informing classroom practice, and user‐friendly technologies for organizing and accessing data are enabling access by all teachers. In this study, we examine the efforts of three schools to involve entire faculties in the examination of student data, supported by efficient data systems. Results indicate the importance of administrative supports in fostering such use. Data use often resulted in improved teaching practice such as collaboration, better knowledge of student needs, and efficiency of effort. These results are discussed in light of previous research.
Respiratory Variables During Wakefulness in Patients with Obstructive Sleep Apneaand Associations with AnthropometricMeasurements

Aim: This study was aimed to investigate the respiratory variables during wakefulness, otorhinolaryngologic and anthropometric differences, and to clarify their possible associations in patients with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS). Method: Apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) was established by overnight polysomnography. Otorhinolaryngologic examination, anthropometric measurements and questionnaire, were performed. Respiratory variables were measured with a cardio-breathing analysis system. Body fat percentages were calculated from the skinfold thicknesses. Result: Among a total of 83 patients, 43 (32 male and 11 female) patients having an AHI score equal or above 10 were diagnosed as OSA, and 40 (27 male and 13 female) patients having an AHI score under 10 were diagnosed as simple snorers. Apnea with witness, flat soft palate, pharyngeal collapse with Muller maneuver, neck antero-posterior and lateral diameters, thorax antero-posterior diameter, and O2 pulse values were found significantly higher in OSAS patients than those in simple snorers. Conclusion: This study suggests that neck antero-posterior and lateral diameters, thorax antero-posterior diameter and O2 pulse might be predicting factors for OSAS. It also emphasizes that pharyngeal collapse with Muller maneuver can be routine diagnostic procedure in evaluating OSAS patients.
Determination of the Elemental Contents in Soils Around Diamond Cement Factory, Aflao

This research is to assess the impact of the dusts particles given out by a cem ent factory on the physicochemical characteristics of the soil at the vicinity of the cement factory. Total concentration of five trace metals (Ca, Cu , Mn, Pb and V) was measured i n so ils f rom w ithin and surrounding areas of t he Diamond Cement Factory, Aflao. Thirty four (34) surface soils (0-20 cm) were collected during the month of November, 2009. The soil samples were air dri ed an d siev ed to appropriate sizes for analysis. The samples were subsequently pelletized and analyzed using XRF at the physics Department, Ghana Atomic Energy Commission. The results of the analysis showed the following range of concentration for the selected metals Ca (532.83-143880.3 ppm), Cu (65.46-212.65 ppm), Mn (1006.88-11099.87 ppm), Pb (0.33-1.9 ppm) and V (100.57-199.95 ppm). In addi tion, calculation of Enri chment Factors (Efs) , Poll ution Index (PIs) and Geoaccumulation Index (Igeos) was done. The calculated results of Igeo and EF of heavy metals revealed the order of are Mn>Cu>Pb>Ca>V. EF of Mn and Cu record higher percentage values indicating that there is considerable Mn and Cu pollution, which mainly originate from activities of the factory.
Compensation in the Netherlands”

This paper shows the recent developments in the structure of Dutch executive pay contracts. An empirical study based on remuneration data on the executive board members of 71 Dutch listed companies over the period of 2002-2004 has revealed a number of clear trends in this area. This paper demonstrates that the political interference in compensation practices, for example in the form of corporate governance guidelines, has had a great impact on the design of compensation structures, but often at the expense of the economical efficiency of these arrangements. The main objective of this study is to increase insights into Dutch executive compensation arrangements and the way in which these have evolved under the influence of corporate governance requirements.
Structure-stiffness relation of live mouse brain tissue determined by depth-controlled indentation mapping

The mechanical properties of brain tissue play a pivotal role in neurodevelopment and neurological disorders. Yet, at present, there is no consensus on how the different structural parts of the tissue contribute to its stiffness variations. Here, we have gathered depth-controlled indentation viscoelasticity maps of the hippocampus of isolated horizontal live mouse brain sections. Our results confirm the highly viscoelestic nature of the material and clearly show that the mechanical properties correlate with the different morphological layers of the samples investigated. Interestingly, the relative cell nuclei area seems to negatively correlate with the stiffness observed.
GENETIC IMPROVEMENT OF EGG PRODUCTION TRAITS IN DOKKI-4 STRAIN. 2-CORRELATED RESPONSES, HERITABILITY, GENETIC AND PHENOTYPIC CORRELATIONS FOR BODY WEIGHT RAITS.

This present study was carried out during three successive generations to improve body weight through selection in developed Dokki-4 chicken strain and to study correlated response of some economic traits. The chicks in each generation represented two lines, selected line for high body weight and control line. The results showed that body weight at different ages studied were improved in selected more than control line (P < 0.01). There were significant differences (P < 0.05) between generations, lines and sexes body weight (BW), daily weight gain (DG), feed conversion (FC), and body weight measurements (shank length, keel length and body circumference) at 4 , 8 , and 12 weeks. Selection differentials of male 12-weeks body weight were 71.0 gm and 57 gm in the selected generations. The corresponding values for females were 54.0 gm and 48.0 gm. The cumulative realized and expected responses, were 130.3 gm and 28.16 gm for males, and were 83.9 gm and 22.4 gm for females over two generations, respectively. The cumulative realized response to selection for body weight was 26.01, 58.0 and 81.95 for body weight at 4, 8 and 12 weeks of age , 0.92, 1.14, 0.94 and 1.03 for daily weight gain, 0.31, 0.82 and 1.46 for shank length, keel length and body circumference at 12 weeks, while, were with feed conversion -0.89, -1.27 and -1.32 at 4, 8 and 12 weeks of age. Heritability estimates based on sire component of variance (first and second generation) for all traits studied were ranged between high, medium and low values. Positive genetic and phenotypic correlations were found body weight at 12 weeks of age and body weight at different ages, daily weight gain, and body measurements (shank length, keel length and
Molecular responses to freshwater limitation in the mangrove tree Avicennia germinans (Acanthaceae)

Environmental variation along the geographical space can shape populations by natural selection. In the context of global warming, accompanied by substantial changes in precipitation regimes, it is crucial to understand the role of environmental heterogeneity in tropical trees adaptation, given their disproportional contribution to water and carbon biogeochemical cycles. Here we investigated how heterogeneity in freshwater availability along tropical wetlands has influenced molecular variations of the Black-Mangrove (Avicennia germinans). Fifty-seven trees were sampled in seven sites differing markedly on precipitation regime and riverine freshwater inputs. Using 2,297 genome-wide single nucleotide polymorphic markers, we found signatures of natural selection by the genotype association with the precipitation of the warmest quarter and the annual precipitation. We also found candidate loci for selection, based on statistical deviations from neutral expectations of interpopulation differentiation. Most candidate loci present within coding sequences were functionally associated with central aspects of drought-tolerance or plant response to drought. Complementarily, our results suggest the occurrence of rapid evolution of a population, likely in response to sudden and persistent limitation in plant access to soil water, following a road construction in 1974. Observations supporting rapid evolution included reduction in tree size and changes in allele frequencies and in transcripts expression levels associated with increased drought-tolerance, through accumulation of osmoprotectants and antioxidants, biosynthesis of plant cuticle, protection against stress-induced proteins degradation, stomatal closure, photorespiration and photosynthesis. We describe a major role of spatial heterogeneity in freshwater availability in the specialization of this typically tropical tree.