Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The taxonomic distinctness measure of biodiversity: weighting of step lengths between hierarchical levels

Taxonomic distinctness is a univariate (bio)diversity index which, in its simplest form, calculates the average 'distance' between all pairs of species in a community sample, where this distance is defined as the path length through a standard Linnean or phylogenetic tree connecting these species. It has some appealing properties: it attempts to capture phylogenetic diversity rather than simple richness of species and is more closely linked to functional diversity; it is robust to variation in sampling effort and there exists a statistical framework for assessing its departure from 'expectation'; it appears to decline monotonically in response to environmental degradation whilst being relatively insensitive to major habitat differences; and, in its simplest form, it utilises only simple species lists (presence/ absence data). Many of its practical characteristics remain to be explored, however, and this paper concentrates on the assumptions made about the weighting of step lengths between successive taxonomic levels (species to genera, genera to families etc.), which when accumulated give the overall path lengths. Using data on free-living marine nematodes from 16 localities/habitat types in the UK, it is shown that the relative values of taxonomic distinctness for the 16 sets are robust to variation in the definition of step length. For example, there is a near perfect linear relationship between values calculated using a constant increment at each level and a natural alternative in which the step lengths are proportional to the number of species per genus, genera per family, family per suborder etc. These weightings are then manipulated in more extreme ways, to capture the structure of phylogenetic diversity in more detail, and a contrast is drawn between the biodiversity of island (the Isles of Scilly) and mainland (UK) locations and habitats. This paper concludes with a discussion of some of the strengths and weaknesses of taxonomic distinctness as a practical tool for assessing biodiversity.
Evaluating the performance of the skewed distributions to forecast Value at Risk in the Global Financial Crisis

This paper evaluates the performance of several skewed and symmetric distributions in modeling the tail behavior of daily returns and forecasting Value at Risk (VaR). First, we used some goodness of fit tests to analyze which distribution best fits the data. The comparisons in terms of VaR have been carried out examining the accuracy of the VaR estimate and minimizing the loss function from the point of view of the regulator and the firm. The results show that the skewed distributions outperform the normal and Student-t (ST) distribution in fitting portfolio returns. Following a two-stage selection process, whereby we initially ensure that the distributions provide accurate VaR estimates and then, focusing on the firm´s loss function, we can conclude that skewed distributions outperform the normal and ST distribution in forecasting VaR. From the point of view of the regulator, the superiority of the skewed distributions related to ST is not so evident. As the firms are free to choose the VaR model they use to forecast VaR, in practice, skewed distributions will be more frequently used.
Prevalence of Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus in Hospitals of Kathmandu Valley

NOTE: The first author (Reena K. Mukhiya) was omitted as an author of this paper in the table of contents for this issue and on the webpage. This was an error. Reena Mukhiya was always included as the first author on the PDF of the article. 11 December 2014. Present study was conducted to determine the prevalence of nosocomial pathogen methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus in hospital environment samples (surface swabs and air, n=188) and health care workers (nose and hand, n=162) of hospitals located in Kathmandu valley. The samples were studied following the standard protocols. Of the 61 S. aureus , 20.9% and 14.3% were isolated from health personnel and hospital environment respectively. Of 20.9% S. aureus in hospital environment, 6.6% were isolated from OPD and 17.9% from wards. Similarly, in HCWs 28.3% and 13.5% were hand and nasal carrier respectively. In total, 45.9% were MRSA. Among MRSA isolates, 50% were from HCWs whereas, 40.7% from hospital environment. The most effective antibiotic for all isolates was vancomycin with 100% efficacy. The isolates had relatively high rate of resistance to cefixime (44.0%), followed by co-trimoxazole (28.0%), erythromycin (23.0%), gentamicin (18.0%), tetracycline (16.0%) and ofloxacin (8.0%). Since MRSA prevalence was not reduced, so indicates regular surveillance of nosocomial infection, hand hygiene improvement strategies and monitoring of antimicrobial susceptibility pattern. Nepal Journal of Science and Technology Vol. 13, No. 2 (2012) 185-190 DOI: http://dx.doi. org/10.3126/njst.v13i2. 7734
The Prevalence and Public Health Importance of Salmonella from Chicken Table Eggs, Ethiopia

2 Abstract: A study was conducted on 400 chicken table eggs from Kombolcha poultry multiplication and breeding farm and market at Kombolcha, Ethiopia, from October 2009 to April 2010. The objectives were to determine prevalence and public health importance of Salmonella from chicken table eggs. The samples were examined for the presence of Salmonella following standard techniques and procedures outlined by the International Organization for Standardization. From the total of 400 eggs examined for Salmonella, 46 (11.5%) were positive, from which 25 (6.3%) and 27 (6.8%) were found from egg shell and egg content, respectively. The prevalence of Salmonella in egg content of the poultry farm (10.5%) was significantly higher than the prevalence of Salmonella in egg content of open market (3.0%) (p = 0.003). The difference in prevalence observed between farm egg shell (7.0%) and market egg shell (5.5%) was not statistically significant (p = 0.535). In addition, the prevalence of Salmonella in egg shells were 14% and 0% before and after fumigation, respectively and the difference in these prevalence was statistically significant (p = 0.000). Questionnaire survey was also carried out on 130 consumers (house holds of Kombolcha). Based on the result the majority of the respondents used to store eggs in open containers, while 10% and 23% were used refrigerators and cool places, respectively. Their preference on eating raw eggs indicated that 6.2% egg consumers showed their preference for raw egg eating, while 93.8% donot prefer eating raw eggs. Six (4.6%) respondants that practiced eating raw eggs were faced a problem, while 95.4% were not facing the problem after eating raw eggs.
ARQUITECTURA 3000 Programme WS 2 Virtual Reality in Architecture and Construction Thursday 30

This paper investigates the needs and requirements for product modelling in the construction industry. A product (or nD) model refers to an extension of the traditional “building information model”. This model incorporates multi-faceted aspects of design information (required at each stage of the lifecycle of a building) by integrating additional information (such as time, costs and safety codes) into a three dimensional (3D) computer model, thereby adding intelligence to it. The study adopts a qualitative approach where semi-structured interviews were conducted with 11 key design and construction professionals from two major Australian companies. Data were coded in relation to six main clusters themes and summaries of results are presented as repertory grids. The paper identifies risks v opportunities of implementing nD modelling in the construction industry. Results show the industry’s shift to 3D computer aided design (CAD), with a strong interest being identified for CAD, programming and scheduling integration. Although the use of product models is not seen as feasible at this point in time, the increasing use of 3D CAD is seen as a positive step. Furthermore results indicate a need for alignment models and user-friendly technologies if product models are to assist communication between clients, consultants and construction companies.
Governance and the making and breaking of social-ecological traps

Many countries in sub-Saharan Africa have areas of significant ecological importance that overlap with pressing development needs and high levels of natural resource dependence. This makes the design of effective natural resource governance and management systems both challenging and critical. In Ghana, this challenge is made more complex by the necessity of connecting formal, state-led systems of governance with Ghana’s informal governance systems through which customary authorities exert considerable control over land and resources. We present findings from two multimethod research projects in two regions of Ghana that have significant issues related to resource exploitation and that have experienced extensive management interventions. The goals of the research were to characterize the social-ecological traps from a local perspective, to describe how governance and management structures interact with and relate to those traps, and to discuss the strategies used and challenges encountered when community-based natural resource management initiatives seek to reverse persistent social-ecological traps. In both case studies, participants described persistent cycles of resource dependence, overexploitation, and unsustainable land-use practices, which are exacerbated by illegal logging, intensive agricultural development, and population growth. Findings highlight how natural resource management is constrained by a lack of capacity to implement and enforce state policies, ongoing tension between customary and state institutions, and ambiguity regarding management responsibility and resource tenure. Interventions included targeted governance reform that centred on improving linkages between customary and state institutions, new and nonlocal actors, and complementary investments in capacity building and training. We conclude with a discussion of implications for the design of effective natural resource governance regimes in Ghana and beyond.
Comparative antimalarial and cytotoxic activities of two Vernonia species: V. amygdalina from the Democratic Republic of Congo and V. cinerea subsp vialis endemic to Madagascar

Vernonia amygdalina Del. is a conventional herbal drug in Congolese traditional medicine and is widely used for the treatment of malaria.The aim of this work is to evaluate its efficacy and safety and the potential antimalarial activity of another species originating from Madagascar. Standard bioassay models based on in vitro and in vivo systems that enable bioactivity screening of traditionally used medicinal plants were used. In particular, hydro-alcoholic extracts of two Vernonia species growing in two different geographical regions(Congo DR and Madagascar) were evaluated for the inhibitory effects on two malaria parasites strains and cytotoxicity towards leukaemia P-388 cell lines. Results indicate that, V. amygdalina possess a very good in vitro and in vivo activities and a good therapeutic index than V. cinerea subsp vialis endemic to Madagascar, thus validate scientifically the efficacy and safety of Vernonia amygdalina in the traditional treatment of malaria in Congo DR. Using chemotaxonomic approach, we also detected moderate antiplasmodial activities in V. cinerea subsp vialis a plant species not previously reported as antimalarial in the traditional medicine knowlegde of Madagascar. It would be concluded that despite the long spatial isolation of Madagascar and allopatric speciation, Vernonia ecotype as V. cinerea subsp vialis has preserved the antiplasmodial properties. This approach gives the possibility to select plant species of the same genus from different geographical regions in order to increase the chance of discovering new biologically active plants.
New approach for ray tracing aberrometry and corneal topography

Обсуждаются проблемы синхронного измерения аберраций оптической системы глаза и ее компонентов. Предложено выполнение реконструкции с помощью оптимизационного алгоритма, основанного на методе демпфированных наименьших квадратов. Проведено численное моделирование этого принципа на примере топографера с числом лучей в апертуре 48-90 для роговицы различной формы (сферической, коникоидной, сложной) и с радиусом в апексе 5-16 мм. Для описания формы передней поверхности роговицы были использованы полиномы Цернике вплоть до 7-го радиального порядка. Показано, что при отсутствии шума (т. е., неопределенности в измерении положения отраженного луча) этот подход позволяет производить реконструкцию поверхности со среднеквадратической ошибкой 5·10 мкм для карты возвышений и 3·10 диоптрий для карты рефракционных ошибок. The problems of synchronous measurement of the aberrations of the optical system of the eye and of its components are discussed using the ray tracing principle. The reconstruction is proposed to be done with an optimization algorithm based on the damped least-squares technique. This approach was numerically simulated with an example of a topographer comprising 48-90 rays per aperture for corneas having different forms (spherical, conicoidal, complex) and apical radii (5-16 mm). Zernike polynomials up to the 7th radial order were used for the description of the shape of the anterior corneal surface. With no noise, i.e. uncertainty in the position of the image of each object point, it is shown that this approach allows reconstruction of the surface with a root-mean-square (RMS) error of less than 5·10 μm for the elevation map and 3·10 -7 diopter for the refraction map.
On the universality of supersonic turbulence

Compressible turbulence shapes the structure of the interstellar medium of our Galaxy and likely plays an important role also during structure formation in the early Universe. The density PDF and the power spectrum of such compressible, supersonic turbulence are the key ingredients for theories of star formation. However, both the PDF and the spectrum are still a matter of debate, because theoretical predictions are limited and simulations of supersonic turbulence require enormous resolutions to capture the inertial-range scaling. To advance our limited knowledge of compressible turbulence, we here present and analyse the world's largest simulations of supersonic turbulence. We compare hydrodynamic models with numerical resolutions of 256^3-4096^3 mesh points and with two distinct driving mechanisms, solenoidal (divergence-free) driving and compressive (curl-free) driving. We find convergence of the density PDF, with compressive driving exhibiting a much wider and more intermittent density distribution than solenoidal driving. Analysing the power spectrum of the turbulence, we find a pure velocity scaling close to Burgers turbulence with P(v) k^(-2) for both driving modes in our hydrodynamical simulations with Mach = 17. The spectrum of the density-weighted velocity rho^(1/3)v, however, does not provide the previously suggested universal scaling for supersonic turbulence. We find that the power spectrum P(rho^(1/3)v) scales with wavenumber as k^(-1.74) for solenoidal driving, close to incompressible Kolmogorov turbulence, k^(-5/3), but is significantly steeper with k^(-2.10) for compressive driving. We show that this is consistent with a recent theoretical model for compressible turbulence that predicts P(rho^(1/3)v) k^(-19/9) in the presence of a strong div(v) component as is produced by compressive driving and remains remarkably constant throughout the supersonic turbulent cascade.
Damage from proton irradiation of vertical-cavity surface-emitting lasers

Damage resulting from irradiating oxide-confined vertical-cavity surface-emitting lasers became significant (threshold shift /spl ap/20%, peak power degradation /spl ap/20%) at fluence levels approaching 1/spl times/10/sup 13/ protons/cm/sup 2/. The threshold current shifted to higher values, and the peak light output power decreased. Forward-current annealing led to partial recovery of the performance of two of the three lasers for which annealing was attempted. Recent results on proton-implanted devices are summarized in a table.
Human Resource Flexibility as a Mediating Variable Between High Performance Work Systems and Performance

Much of the human resource management literature has demonstrated the impact of high performance work systems (HPWS) on organizational performance. A new generation of studies is emerging in this literature that recommends the inclusion of mediating variables between HPWS and organizational performance. The increasing rate of dynamism in competitive environments suggests that measures of employee adaptability should be included as a mechanism that may explain the relevance of HPWS to firm competitiveness. On a sample of 226 Spanish firms, the study's results confirm that HPWS influences performance through its impact on the firm's human resource (HR) flexibility.
PERCEPTIONS OF COMPETENCE IN EVALUATION AND PROMOTION PROCESSES

Today’s industrial markets are experiencing changes with the realization of new radical technologies, which are disrupting how organizations work. This new wave of technology and focus towards sustainability is shifting the competencies needed within organizations to maintain their competitive advantage. The adoption of such technological innovations without causing any delays requires a wide spectrum of competencies among employees to be present in industrial organizations. One way to achieve this is to have a diverse top management team that reflects a wide spectrum of competencies and skills. However, achieving this is a challenge due to the culture of gendering found in organizations, especially with regard to evaluation and promotion processes. The purpose of this report is to investigate the way in which evaluation and promotion practices in industrial organizations can contribute to the reproduction and change of male dominance in management. Through exploring the different perceptions of competencies, evaluation and promotion processes, and ways to how to drive gender balance within an industrial organization, the purpose of this report is achieved. The main approaches taken include using available theory on organizational change, gendered work ideals, homosociality, perceptions of competence, and ways to evaluate employees to analyze data gathered. This is then tied with a field study done on one of the Swedish companies operating in a male dominated industrial environment. The analysis addresses the common ways in which evaluation and promotion processes can contribute to the reproduction of male dominance and ways to prevent that from happening. The proposed recommendations address the opportunities for change at company A, based on theory work for gender balance.
Twisted Self-Duality for Linearized Gravity in D dimensions

The linearized Einstein equations in D spacetime dimensions can be written as twisted self-duality equations expressing that the linearized curvature tensor of the graviton described by a rank-2 symmetric tensor is dual to the linearized curvature tensor of the "dual graviton" described by a tensor of (D-3, 1) Young symmetry type. In the case of four dimensions, both the graviton and its dual are rank-2 symmetric tensors [Young symmetry type (1, 1)], while in the case of 11 spacetime dimensions relevant to M theory, the dual graviton is described by a tensor of (8, 1) Young symmetry type. We provide in this paper an action principle that yields the twisted self-duality conditions as equations of motion, keeping the graviton and its dual on equal footing. In order to construct a local, quadratic, variational principle for the twisted linear self-duality equations, it is necessary to introduce two "prepotentials. " These are also tensors of mixed Young symmetry types and are obtained by solving the Hamiltonian constraints of the Hamiltonian formulation either of the Pauli-Fierz action for the graviton or of the Curtright action for its dual, the resulting actions being identical. The prepotentials enjoy interesting gauge-invariance symmetries, which are exhibited and generalize the gauge symmetries found in D=4. A variational principle where the basic variables are the original Pauli-Fierz field and its dual can also be given, but contrary to the prepotential action, the corresponding action is nonlocal in space - while remaining local in time. We also analyze in detail the Hamiltonian structure of the theory and show that the graviton and its dual are canonically conjugate in a sense made precise in the text. © 2013 American Physical Society.
Tourism and regional development: The case of South Africa's distressed areas

Uneven development is a long-established feature of South Africa's space economy. Recent policy initiatives have been launched for tourism to be a vehicle for regional development. Against the background of international debates about tourism and regional development, this article examines the tourism economy of South Africa's 23 priority development districts or distressed areas that are the current focus of national policy to redress uneven development. The nature and growth of tourism occurring in these areas is shown to be primarily domestic tourism and concentrated upon visiting friends and relatives travel. The prospects for regional development ultimately hinge upon leveraging potential assets for leisure tourism. Key challenges for incipient tourism-led regional development in South Africa are identified.
The dimensions of emotional meaning in modern Greek

The aim of this study was to investigate the meaning structure of emotion terms from the Greek lexicon, and to assess commonalities and differences with the maps of emotional words obtained in a prior study of neo-Latin languages, a linguistic family sharing ancient roots with the Greek tongue. Twelve native speakers contributed to the selection of 33 Greek terms with a clear emotional meaning and an independent sample of 30 participants evaluated the pairwise similarities among the target words. The similarity ratings were subjected to multidimensional scaling analyses, yielding a three-dimensional configuration (Valence, Physiological Activation and Potency) in which the coping potential dimension (Potency) was more important than, or at least as important as, the Physiological Activation dimension. The map resembled that previously identified for the core neo-Latin languages, namely Italian, French and Spanish, and was quite different from those obtained for other more peripheral neo-Latin languages, and also from those obtained in some studies involving English emotion lexicon. Reasons for these similarities and differences are discussed.