Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Impact of stocking density on growth and production performance of monosex tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) in ponds

Stocking density is considered one of the important factors affecting fish growth. The study was aimed to compare the growth parameters of monosex tilapia at various stocking densities. The experiment was carried out during the period from 06 August to 22 December 2014. Three stocking densities were used as 125, 250 and 375 fish/dec and designated as treatment T 1 , T 2 and T 3 respectively each having two replicates. All the fishes were of same age group having average initial body weight of 1.34g. A commercial feed was supplied at the rate of 40% of the body weight and then gradually it was readjusted to 20%, 10%, 5% and 3% respectively and continued up to the end of the experiment. The water quality parameters were monitored at 14 days interval and the ranges were: temperature 19.34 to 31.40 ° C, pH 6.83 to 8.03, dissolved oxygen 4.78 to 6.82 mg/l and transparency 29.02 to 49.45cm. The result of the present study showed that the mean weight gain was significantly (P<0.01) highest in T 1 (120.58g) followed by T 2 (89.74g) and T 3 (74.58g). The average specific growth rates (SGR) was 2.590, 2.560 and 2.598 (%/day) in treatment T 1 , T 2 and T 3 respectively. There was significant (P<0.01) differences among the survival rate. The survival rate 87% was significantly highest in T 1 followed by 76% in T 2 and 69% in T 3 . The fish productions were 13.25, 17.30 and 19.64 kg/decimal in T 1 , T 2 and T 3 respectively. Although the highest production was obtained in T3 but individually growth performance of monosex tilapia was highest in T 1 . The highest net profit was found (BDT 3,373.30) inT 1 compared toT 2 (BDT 3,017) and T 3 (BDT 2,918). The highest benefit cost ratio (BCR) was 1.79 in T 1 followed by 1.44 in T2and 1.28 in T 3 . Based on the result of present experiment, fish farmers might be suggested to rear tilapia at lower stocking density to get higher growth, survival and benefit in a short period of time. Asian J. Med. Biol. Res. September 2016, 2(3): 471-476
The φ Accrual Failure Detector

Detecting failures is a fundamental issue for fault-tolera nce in distributed systems. Recently, many people have come to realize that failure detection ought to be provided a s some form of generic service, similar to IP address lookup or time synchronization. However, this has not been s uccessful so far. One of the reasons is the difficulty to satisfy several application requirements simultaneous ly when using classical failure detectors. We present a novel abstraction, called accrual failure dete ctors, that emphasizes flexibility and expressiveness and can serve as a basic building block to implementing failu re detectors in distributed systems. Instead of providing information of a boolean nature (trust vs. suspect), accrua l failure detectors output a suspicion level on a continuous scale. The principal merit of this approach is that it favors a nearly complete decoupling between application requirements and the monitoring of the environment. In this paper, we describe an implementation of such an accru l failure detector, that we call the φ failure detector. The particularity of theφ failure detector is that it dynamically adjusts to current n e work conditions the scale on which the suspicion level is expressed. We analy zed the behavior of our φ failure detector over an intercontinental communication link during several days. Our experimental results show that our φ failure detector performs equally well as other known adaptive failure detec tion mechanisms, with an improved flexibility.
On the formability of multi-layered fabric composites

Formability studies of fabric reinforced thermoplastic polymers are usually confined to relatively easy drapable laminate configurations, like single layers or laminates where the relative orientation between the plies is small [3-5]. The reason being the lack of large shape distortions when the relative orientation between neighbouring fabric plies is small, making them easier to form. Ten Thije [6] noticed that a quasi-isotropic lay-up of woven fabrics causes severe wrinkling during forming. He attributed this phenomenon to the restriction of the interply slip by the stiff fibers in the neighbouring plies. Loads are transferred between the individual plies by interface tractions and wrinkling occurs, but no solution to reduce the occurrence of these wrinkles was proposed. Friedrich et al. [7] showed that slip of the individual plies across one another is critical to accommodate to complex mould geometries. When interply slip is not allowed, fiber buckling and wrinkling will occur, resulting in poor mechanical and aesthetical properties. De Luca et al. [8] implemented a viscous-frictional contact behaviour in a FEM code, by modelling each ply of the laminate separately with shell elements and using appropriate viscous-friction laws between shells to account for resin dominated interply shearing. They reported that quasi-isotropic fabric laminates cause more wrinkling than cross-ply fabric laminates. [9].
Statistical downscaling of temperature, radiation and potential evapotranspiration to produce a multiple GCM ensemble mean for a selection of sites in Ireland

Irish climate is experiencing changes which have been found to be consistent with those occurring at a global scale. Consequently there is now growing confidence that these changes are largely attributable to global warming. Based on the data from four long-term monitoring, synoptic stations, between 1890 and 2004, mean annual temperatures in Ireland rose by 0.7°C. In the absence of strict emissions controls, a doubling of global atmospheric concentrations of CO2 is likely by the end of the twenty-first century. As a consequence, global temperatures are projected to increase by between 1.8°C and 4°C over the same period depending on the climate sensitivity to increased levels of greenhouse gases. In order to determine the likely impact on Irish temperatures and related climatic variables, this paper illustrates a technique for downscaling Global Climate Model (GCM) output for a selection of sites in Ireland. Results of a weighted ensemble mean, derived from multiple GCMs, are presented in an attempt to address some of the various uncertainties inherent in climate modelling. Projected changes in selected indices of temperature extremes are also presented for a high emissions scenario (A2), as changes in extremes are likely to have a larger and more immediate impact on human society than changes in the mean climate state.
On the path of plumes of the Río De La Plata Estuary main tributaries and their mixing scales

With a length of 300 km and a width that narrows from 220 km at its mouth to 40 km at its upper end, the Rio de la Plata is one of the largest estuaries of the world. Its three main tributaries contributing to a total mean runoff of 22,000 m 3 s -1 - have different properties and are object of diverse environmental impact due to dissimilar development conditions on their shores. The knowledge of the paths of the plumes of those tributaries along the estuary and their mixing scales is necessary for management purposes. In this paper, advection-diffusion equations for passive tracers are coupled to the three-dimensional Hamburg Shelf Ocean Model and validated by means of a case study. Then, simulations in which each tributary is characterized by a different dye tracer are done for scenarios resulting of the combination of diverse characteristic atmospheric forcing and runoff conditions. The impact of bathymetry and Earth’s rotation on plumes paths and mixing is also evaluated. Results indicate that, for mean to low discharge conditions, the path of the waters of the tributaries is in the form of two main plumes. The different water speeds of both tributaries, the presence of a bend immediately after their confluence and the varying geometry and bathymetry of the estuary favor a rapid mixing between the Uruguay and Parana Guazu-Bravo waters, which then flow along the northern portion of the upper estuary channel. The Parana de las Palmas waters, instead, occupy the southern shallow region of Playa Honda in the upper estuary and then flow following the southern coast. Downstream Colonia, at the intermediate estuary, the occurrence of another large bend and a change in bathymetric features force the flow to concentrate in the central part of the estuary and favor further mixing between the plumes. For high discharge conditions the northern part of the upper estuary is divided into two regions, one with a larger concentration of Uruguay waters between Oyarvide and Martin Garcia islands and the coast and another with a larger concentration of Parana Guazu-Bravo waters south of the islands. In this case there is a much larger concentration of Uruguay waters along the northern coast, which might be enhanced if a peak runoff occurs for the Uruguay but not for the Parana River. These conclusions are consistent with what can be inferred from the conductivity field observed at the intermediate estuary, the bottom sediments distribution and satellite images. Results indicate that even though strong winds can favor the mixing of the plumes, especially along Argentinean coast, they preserve their pattern and the effect of the storms only persists for a few days. For mean runoff, the elapsed time to the arrival of the leading edge of the Parana de las Palmas, Parana Guazu-Bravo and Uruguay tracer clouds at
NEW METHODS FOR ANALYZING STRUCTURAL LABOR FORCE DYNAMICS

The economic theory of decision-making under uncertainty is used to produce three econometric models of dynamic discrete choice: (1) for a single spell of unemployment; (2) for an equilibrium two-state model of employment and non-employment; (3) for a general three-state model with a non-market sector. The paper provides a structural economic motivation for the continuous time Markov (or more generally ‘competing risks’) model widely used in longitudinal analysis in biostatistics and sociology, and it extends previous work on dynamic discrete choice to a continuous time setting. An important feature of identification analysis is separation of economic parameters that can only be identified by assuming arbitrary functional forms from economic parameters that can be identified by non-parametric procedures. The paper demonstrates that most econometric models for the analysis of truncated data are non-parametrically underidentified. It also demonstrates that structural estimators frequently violate standard regularity conditions. The standard asymptotic theory is modified to account for this essential feature of many structural models of labor force dynamics. Empirical estimates of an equilibrium two-state model of employment and non-employment are presented.
Empirical Assessment of the Constructs: Workplace Engagement, Job Burnout and Turnover Intention

There is a growing interest found in the study of workplace engagement and it has become a buzzword in the recent years. It is considered HRM’s new best friend which is characterized by vigor, dedication, and absorption. However, its paucity results in job burnout which is characterized by exhaustion, depersonalization and a diminished sense of professional accomplishment. Job burnout usually takes place due to erosion of engagement. Moreover, if the burnout issue remains unaddressed, it will ultimately lead the employees to quit and will make creating a congenial working environment an even bigger a challenge for today’s managers. The objectives of this study are manifold: to find factorial validity of the original 17-item Utrecht Work Engagement Scale (UWES), 22-item Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI), and 3-item Turnover Intention Scale by using Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA), to check the scores of respective sub-scales for good internal consistency, to test the proposed model through Path Analysis, and finally to establish validity and reliability of the constructs: workplace engagement, job burnout, and turnover intention in the context of Pakistan. For this study, cross-sectional data have been collected through convenience sampling from employees working in Karachi-based service oriented organizations. A Survey with 150 respondents was conducted and after data screening, 138 responses were found usable for analysis. The novel finding of this study was that more absorbed employees in their jobs do not face any kind of burnout syndrome in
Multimodal Code-pairing and Switching of Visual-verbal Texts in Selected Nigerian Stand-up Comedy Performances

This study examines multimodal pairing and switching of codes as features of visualverbal texts and how they are used as strategies for evoking humour in Nigerian standup comedy performances, an area that has not attracted much scholarly attention. Data were obtained through purposive random sampling and analysed through content analysis. Six DVDs (Vols. 3, 7, 8 & 28 of Nite of a Thousand Laughs; Vols. 27 & 28 of AY LIVE Happiness Edition) and 6 video clips (downloaded from the Internet) all totalling 8 hours and 20 minutes of play were selected for the study. Incongruity, Layered Meaning and Visual Semiotics serve as theoretical framework. The study identifies different multimodal strategies such as code-pairing and integration in different forms of oral codes, gestures, costume, and symbols; intertextuality; incongruous translations/ deliberate misinterpretations; and mimicry, quotes and paralanguage used to elicit laughter. It suggests that these features are also useful in other speech-making events, and concludes that the integration of codes and modes of communication serves as an effective strategy in evoking humour and laughter in stand-up comedy
Growth Response of Eight Hardwood Species to Current and Past Climatic Variations Using Regression Models

The impact of climatic variations on basal area growth of basswood (BA) (Tilia americana L.), American beech (BE) (Fagus grandi/olia Enrh.), bitternut hickory (BH) (Caria cordi/ormis (Wang.) K. Koch), largetooth aspen (LA) (Populus grandidentata Michx.), red maple (RM) (Acer rubrum L.), red oak (RO) (Quercus rubra L.), sugar maple (SM) (Acer saccharum Marsh.), and white ash (WA) (Fraxinus american aL.) was studied in a southern province of Quebec, Canada (45025 ' N, 73 0 57 ' W). In total, forty-eight climatic variations of precipitation (P) (13 variables), temperature (T) (13 variables), heat index (H), (11 variables), and evapotranspiration (11 variables) from the current (C) and past three years (PI, P2, & P3) were tested in regression models to find the best model of the relationship between those independent variables and the last ten years (1985-1994) of basal area growth of the species. Simple individual linear and second degree, mixed, and combination of multiple regression models were used to develop the best regression model for each tree species, separately. The best models explained 79% , 80% , 99% , 91% , 71%, 99% , 49% , and 98% of the total variance of the growth in BA, BE, BH, LA, RM, RO, SM and WA, respectively. The growth in BH, LA, RM, 1(0, SM, and WA were more associated with the previous year's climatic variations rather than the current year's. Bitternut hickory, LA, RM, SM, and WA growth were more related to the first year rather than the second or third preceding year variables. The June heat index of the third previous year of variables explained only 7% of the growth of white ash. It was concluded that the impact of climatic variables on tree growth may vary and may depend on the species and other unknown variables. Also, the results suggested that the first and second previous climatic variables have an important role on the growth of some species. American beech, BH, RO, and WA seem to be a good species to use for the study in dendrochronological and dendroclimatological studies.
Mall shopping preferences and patronage of mature shoppers

Orientation: Retailers often consider other market segments ahead of mature consumers because they perceive that they have limited purchasing power. This study addressed this misperception by investigating the buying behaviour of mature consumers. Research purpose: The purpose of this study was to investigate the buying behaviour of mature consumers (older than 55) in Port Elizabeth shopping malls. Motivation for the study: The perception of mature shoppers as old people with limited financial resources is untrue. This study investigates the behaviours of mature shoppers. Research design, approach and method: A model guided the investigation. The authors facilitated four focus groups to gain insight into mature consumers’ buying behaviours. A field survey followed with a sample of mall shoppers ( n = 680). The authors performed content analysis of the focus group material and used SPSS and AMOS programs to analyse the data quantitatively. Main findings: Focus group interviews revealed specific buying behaviours of mature shoppers. The survey showed significant relationships between various determinants that influence respondents’ buying behaviours with adequate model fit indices. These results confirmed the convergent and discriminant validity of the model that comprises mall shopping anticipation, experience and patronage. Practical/managerial implications: Mature shoppers’ expectations exceeded their experiences, suggesting dissatisfaction with some aspects of their experiences. Retailers and shopping mall managers need to redesign malls if they wish to cater for the segment of ageing shoppers and their spending power. Contribution/value-add: The study contributes to the research available in South Africa on service at shopping malls that cater for mature consumers.
Community structure and activity of sulfate-reducing bacteria in an intertidal surface sediment: a multi-method approach

The community structure of sulfate-reducing bacteria (SRB) in an intertidal mud flat of the German Wadden Sea (Site Dangast, Jade Bay) was studied and related to sedimentary biogeo-chemical gradients and processes. Below the penetration depths of oxygen (∼3 mm) and nitrate (∼4 mm), the presence of dissolved iron and manganese and the absence of dissolved sulfide indicated suboxic conditions within the top 10 cm of the sediment. Moderate to high bacterial sulfate reduction rates were measured with radiotracers throughout the sediment, and dissimilatory sulfate reduction was also demonstrated by the presence of acid-volatile sulfides (AVS, essentially iron monosulfide). Stable sulfur isotope discrimination between dissolved sulfate and AVS was dominated by sulfate reduction. The diversity of SRB was studied using denaturant gradient gel electrophoresis of 16S rDNA, phospholipid fatty acid analysis and counting viable cells with the most probable number technique. Phylogenetic groups of SRB identified with these techniques were almost evenly distributed throughout the top 20 cm of the sediment. Application of fluorescence in situ hybridization, however, demonstrated a maximum of active members of the Desulfovibrio and Desulfosarcina-Desulfococcus-Desulfofrigus groups between 2 and 3 cm depth. These 2 groups encompass acetate and lactate utilizing SRB. The coincidence of this SRB maximum with a local maximum of sulfate reduction rates and the depletion of acetate and lactate reflects the microbiological processes related to sulfate reduction.
Selective predation on the broad‐toothed rat, Mastacomys fuscus (Rodentia: Muridae), by the introduced red fox, Vulpes vulpes (Carnivora: Canidae), in the Snowy Mountains, Australia

Since 1981 there has been debate over whether foxes ( Vulpes vulpes Linnaeus) selectively prey on the broad-toothed rat ( Mastacomys fuscus Thomas) relative to the bush rat ( Rattus fuscipes (Waterhouse)). In the present study, three areas of the argument are examined. (i) In a study of fox diet over 3 years at both alpine and subalpine altitudes, M. fuscus outnumbered R. fuscipes in faecal remains in all seasons, in all years, and at both altitudes. Overall, M. fuscus occurred in scats five times as frequently as did R. fuscipes in the alpine zone and twice as often in the subalpine zone. (ii) Data from population studies of M. fuscus and R. fuscipes showed no evidence that M. fuscus is trap shy; neither the pattern of captures of individuals caught once, twice and so on, nor the proportion of the estimated population of each species captured during trapping sessions was significantly different. (iii) The suitable habitat for M. fuscus within the potential home ranges of foxes contributing to the subalpine fox scat collection constituted approximately 50% of the total area. However, there was no significant difference between the numbers of fox trails encountered in habitat suitable or unsuitable for M. fuscus in 19 paired transects skied in winter, indicating no preferential foraging in either habitat. Selective feeding on M. fuscus was therefore established, but how that choice is exercised was not determined.
Passive Piracy: Why Pirates Are Not Necessarily Potential Buyers of Digital Products

Digital piracy is the illegal copying or downloading of copyrighted digital products. Based on individuals’ need for a digital product and the price of the product, we propose a model that distinguishes between active piracy and passive piracy. We believe that passive piracy explains why pirates are not necessarily potential buyers of digital products. The research contributes to the literature by showing that not all piracy behavior is the same. To curb the piracy problem, digital product providers and government agencies should educate the general public not to lend out their copies for piracy purpose.
Impacts of the seasonal distribution of rainfall on vegetation productivity across the Sahel

Abstract. Climate change in drylands has caused alterations in the seasonal distribution of rainfall including increased heavy-rainfall events, longer dry spells, and a shifted timing of the wet season. Yet the aboveground net primary productivity (ANPP) in drylands is usually explained by annual-rainfall sums, disregarding the influence of the seasonal distribution of rainfall. This study tested the importance of rainfall metrics in the wet season (onset and cessation of the wet season, number of rainy days, rainfall intensity, number of consecutive dry days, and heavy-rainfall events) for growing season ANPP. We focused on the Sahel and northern Sudanian region (100–800 mm yr−1 ) and applied daily satellite-based rainfall estimates (CHIRPS v2.0) and growing-season-integrated normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI; MODIS) as a proxy for ANPP over the study period: 2001–2015. Growing season ANPP in the arid zone (100–300 mm yr−1 ) was found to be rather insensitive to variations in the seasonal-rainfall metrics, whereas vegetation in the semi-arid zone (300–700 mm yr−1 ) was significantly impacted by most metrics, especially by the number of rainy days and timing (onset and cessation) of the wet season. We analysed critical breakpoints for all metrics to test if vegetation response to changes in a given rainfall metric surpasses a threshold beyond which vegetation functioning is significantly altered. It was shown that growing season ANPP was particularly negatively impacted after >14 consecutive dry days and that a rainfall intensity of ∼13 mm day−1 was detected for optimum growing season ANPP. We conclude that the number of rainy days and the timing of the wet season are seasonal-rainfall metrics that are decisive for favourable vegetation growth in the semi-arid Sahel and need to be considered when modelling primary productivity from rainfall in the drylands of the Sahel and elsewhere.