Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Individual variation in behaviour: personality and performance of brown trout in the wild

Individuals from the same population often show very different behaviour. These differences, when consistent across time, are referred to as animal personality or behavioural syndromes. Explaining the occurrence of animal personality from an evolutionary perspective has however proven a difficult issue to tackle. This thesis studies aspects of individual behavioural variation and personality in brown trout (Salmo trutta). More specifically, I investigate (1) to what extent variation in behaviour is consistent within and across contexts, (2) environmental and genetic effects on behaviour, (3) how this affects performance in the wild, and (4) whether this understanding can be used to improve rearing methods of supplementary hatcheries. I found brown trout to express a wide variation of behaviours and provide evidence that much of this behavioural variation is associated in bigger behavioural syndromes. As a result, separate behaviours of brown trout cannot be considered as isolated units, but combine into clusters that sometimes are associated with non-behavioural measures such as body size or growth rate. Variation was further influenced by both inherited and environmental effects. First, individuals from different maternal and paternal origin differed in size, aggressiveness and response to novel prey or novel food. These results suggest that maternal and/or genetic effects influence behaviour and growth in brown trout (I). Second, reduced rearing densities in a hatchery increased the response to novel prey, food search ability in a maze and predator response (II). And third, hatchery trout were more successful foragers than wild conspecifics, yet showed less repeatable explorative behaviour across time (III). Personality traits were generally poor predictors of growth and survival upon release, suggesting that several behavioural strategies can be successful in nature. Nevertheless, in paper IV, slow exploring individuals grew faster than more bold trout. Furthermore, parr reared at reduced densities were twice as likely to survive in the stream as trout reared at high densities. In conclusion, my results contradict simple associations between risk taking behaviour and growth-mortality tradeoffs under natural conditions. This challenges the recent view that individual differences in growth strategies can explain variation in behaviour and suggests more heterogeneous links between personality and life-history in nature (V). In addition, I show that reduced rearing hatchery densities facilitate the development of adaptive behaviour in brown trout, a finding that may have implications for current rearing methods in supplementary hatcheries.
pathway for ageing The first long-lived mutants : discovery of the insulin / IGF-1

References http://rstb.royalsocietypublishing. org/content/366/1561/9.full. html#ref-list-1 This article cites 50 articles, 13 of which can be accessed free This article is free to access Rapid response http://rstb.royalsocietypublishing. org/letters/submit/royptb;366/1561/9 Respond to this article Subject collections (320 articles) molecular biology  Articles on similar topics can be found in the following collections
SEROPREVALENCE OF HEPATITIS B ( HBS AG ) AND HEPATITIS C ( ANTI-HCV ) VIRUSES AMONG SUDANESE PATIENTS WITH HIV / TB CO-INFECTION 1

Background Tuberculosis (TB) and hepatitis viruses infection are the two common co-infections in patients infected with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C infections are common in Sudan where TB is endemic and HIV is prevalent. Since antiretroviral drugs and some of the antiTB drugs are hepatotoxic, in HIV/TB co-infected patients, the management may be difficult, thus early detection of these viruses will influence the outcome of the disease. The objective of this study to determine the Seroprevalence of Hepatitis B (HBs Ag) and Hepatitis C (Anti-HCV) viruses among Sudanese patients with HIV/TB co-infection Methodology From November 2014 to March 2015 , a cross-sectional hospital based study was conducted among HIV/TB co infected patients attended at a reference centers in Khartoum State ,Sudan . The participants were tested for serological markers of HBC infection and HBV antibodies. Sera samples were collected from patients and tested for HBsAg and antiHCV bodies using Enzyme-Linked ImmunoSorbent Assay (ELISA). Results Out of 53 HIV/ TB co-infected patients recruited in the study, HBsAg was detected in 9.4% while anti HCV antibodies was detected in 1.9% of patients using ELISA and there was no patient had both HBV and HCV coinfection. Conclusion HIV/TB infected patients have high probability of getting HBV and or HCV infection due to enhanced immunodeficiency by HIV. Shared route of transmission also plays significant role and is of epidemiological importance in our country . Thus routine screening of HIV/TB infected patients for concurrent infection with HBV and HCV should be made mandatory because co-infection with these hepatitis viruses will increase the risk of cirrhosis, liver deficiency and mortalities in comparison to when a person is infected with HIV and this may minimize the risk of hepatotoxicity occurring during treatment of such patient.
The Failure of Sentencing Guidelines: A Plea for Less Aggregation

To a considerable extent, the Federal Sentencing Guidelines have substituted punishment based on aggregations of similar cases for individualized punishment. This paper argues that the movement from individualized to aggregated sentences has marked a backwards step in the search for just criminal punishment. Some things are worse than sentencing disparity, and we have found them. The paper does not, however, advocate a return to the pre-guidelines system of broad sentencing discretion. Instead, it proposes a less ambitious system of sentencing guidelines? one in which a sen tencing commission's resolution of specific, recurring sentencing issues and of paradigmatic cases would provide benchmarks for sentencing judges. Aggregation? the treatment of many cases all at once? is often appropriate. Indeed, all legal rules aggregate. Treating unlike cases alike sometimes can promote economy and simplicity of administration. The federal sentencing guidelines, however, do not save work or money. To the contrary, 90 percent of the judges who responded to a survey by the Federal Courts Study Committee reported that the guidelines had made sentencing procedures more time consuming. In addition, our overburdened federal appellate courts now decide thousands of cases each year concerning application of the guidelines.2 The principal argument for the sentencing guidelines has not been simplicity or ease of admini stration. It has been that, although aggregated sentences may prove unjust in many cases, guide lines limit the play of judicial personality and inhibit discrimination on invidious grounds. The injustice produced by grouping unlike cases, in other words, has been justified as a means of promoting equality and preventing greater injustice.
Decomposition studies of group 6 hexacarbonyl complexes. Part 1: Production and decomposition of Mo(CO)6 and W(CO)6

Abstract Chemical studies of superheavy elements require fast and efficient techniques, due to short half-lives and low production rates of the investigated nuclides. Here, we advocate for using a tubular flow reactor for assessing the thermal stability of the Sg carbonyl complex – Sg(CO)6. The experimental setup was tested with Mo and W carbonyl complexes, as their properties are established and supported by theoretical predictions. The suggested approach proved to be effective in discriminating between the thermal stabilities of Mo(CO)6 and W(CO)6. Therefore, an experimental verification of the predicted Sg–CO bond dissociation energy seems to be feasible by applying this technique. By investigating the effect of 104,105Mo beta-decay on the formation of 104,105Tc carbonyl complex, we estimated the lower reaction time limit for the metal carbonyl synthesis in the gas phase to be more than 100 ms. We examined further the influence of the wall material of the recoil chamber, the carrier gas composition, the gas flow rate, and the pressure on the production yield of 104Mo(CO)6, so that the future stability tests with Sg(CO)6 can be optimized accordingly.
On the Riemann surface type of Random Planar Maps

We show that the (random) Riemann surfaces of the Angel-Schramm Uniform Infinite Planar Triangulation and of Sheffield's infinite necklace construction are both parabolic. In other words, Brownian motion on these surfaces is recurrent. We obtain this result as a corollary to a more general theorem on subsequential distributional limits of random unbiased disc triangulations, following work of Benjamini and Schramm.
Morphological characterization of Soursop (Annona muricata L.) germplasm in Sri Lanka

Annona muricata L. is an underutilized fruit tree species in Sri Lanka, which is mostly confined to homegardens. Despite the importance of A. muricata, collection, characterization and improvement of its germplasm is limited in Sri Lanka, hence hindered its effective conservation and utilization. Therefore, the objective of this research was to identify morphological variation of A. muricata populations in Sri Lanka. Multistage Sampling Survey was conducted in homegardens of Anuradhapura, Polonnaruwa and Hambantota dictricts in the Dry zone, Puttalama and Kurunagala districts in the Intermediate zone, and Kalutara and Gampaha districts in the Wet zone. Random representative samples were also collected from existing germplasm collections at three national research centers. Morphological variation of A. muricata were observed on total of 315 samples collected from seven districts of three climatic zones and 133 samples collected from germplasm collections at three national research centers. Forty five morphological characters were recorded from 448 accesions and subjected to Principal Component Analysis (PCA) and Factor Analysis (FA), followed by Cluster Analysis. A dendrogram of evaluated characters showed nine distinguished clusters. Implications of findings are discussed in relation to utilization and conservation. Tropical Agricultural Research Vol. 24 (4): 362-374 (2013)
Working Paper Series WP 2010-20 School of Economic Sciences Keeping Negotiations in the Dark : Environmental Agreements under Incomplete Information

This paper investigates the role of uncertainty as a tool to support cooperation in international environmental agreements. We consider two layers of uncertainty. Under unilateral uncertainty, treaties become successful with positive probability in the signaling game, even under parameter conditions for which no agreement is reached under complete information. Under bilateral uncertainty, a separating equilibrium emerges where countries participate in the treaty. We then demonstrate under which conditions further layers of uncertainty are welfare improving.
The Failure of Price Competition in the Turkish Credit Card Market

The failure of competition and the consequent high and sticky interest rates in credit card markets have recently been the subject of considerable debate and research. This paper presents the first regression testing for the existence of price competition in a credit card market to be estimated free of dynamic panel bias using recent quarterly data from Turkey. The estimation reveals that even though the effect of the cost of funds on credit card rates is statistically significant, it is very weak. The paper thus provides empirical evidence for the failure of price competition in the Turkish credit card market.
Aalborg Universitet Differential contributions of specimen types , culturing , and 16 S rRNA sequencing in diagnosis of prosthetic joint infections

Prosthetic joint failure is mainly caused by infection, aseptic failure (AF), and mechanical problems. Infection detection has been improved with modified culture methods and molecular diagnostics. However, comparisons between modified and conventional microbiology methods are difficult due to variations in specimen sampling. In this prospective, multidisciplinary study of hip or knee prosthetic failures, we assessed the contributions of different specimen types, extended culture incubations, and 16S rRNA sequencing for diagnosing prosthetic joint infections (PJI). Project specimens included joint fluid (JF), bone biopsy specimens (BB), softtissue biopsy specimens (STB), and swabs (SW) from the prosthesis, collected in situ, and sonication fluid collected from prosthetic components (PC). Specimens were cultured for 6 (conventional) or 14 days, and 16S rRNA sequencing was performed at study completion. Of the 156 patients enrolled, 111 underwent 114 surgical revisions (cases) due to indications of either PJI (n 43) or AF (n 71). Conventional tissue biopsy cultures confirmed PJI in 28/43 (65%) cases and refuted AF in 3/71 (4%) cases; one case was not evaluable. Based on these results, minor diagnostic adjustments were made. Fourteen-day cultures of JF, STB, and PC specimens confirmed PJI in 39/42 (93%) cases, and 16S rRNA sequencing confirmed PJI in 33/42 (83%) cases. One PJI case was confirmed with 16S rRNA sequencing alone and five with cultures of project specimens alone. These findings indicated that JF, STB, and PC specimen cultures qualified as an optimal diagnostic set. The contribution of sequencing to diagnosis of PJI may depend on patient selection; this hypothesis requires further investigation.
ANALYSIS OF PRODUCTION EFFICIENCY OF FOOD CROP FARMERS IN OGUN STATE, NIGERIA

This study analyzed the production efficiency of food crop farmers in Ogun State, Nigeria. Two hundred and forty (240) food crop farmers were sampled in a multistage sampling procedure. The data collected were analyzed using descriptive statistics, budgetary technique and stochastic frontier analysis. The findings showed that most of the food crop farmers are relatively educated and still in their active age. The budgetary result showed that food crop farming is profitable in the study area. The stochastic frontier results (Maximum Likelihood Estimates) revealed that farm output increases with farm size, hired labour, family labour and planting material but decreases with herbicide. Also, technical efficiency of the farmers increases with years of education, farming experience and extension contact but decreases as farmers grow older. The mean technical efficiency, allocative efficiency and economic efficiency of 80 percent, 76 percent and 61 percent, respectively showed that there is room for improvement in technical efficiency by 20 percent, allocative efficiency by 24 percent and economic efficiency by 39 percent with the present technology. Policy option requires the food crop farmers to reduce the use of herbicide. Also, farm expansion is recommended to ensure efficient utilization of resources. Finally, formal education and adult literacy education should be strengthened among farmers as education and extension contact increases the efficiency of the food crop farmers.
DNA Sequences of Small DNA Tumor Viruses, Merkel Cell Polyomavirus and Human Papillomavirus, in Spontaneous Abortion Specimens

Background. The role of viruses in spontaneous abortion (SA) in not completely known. Methods. Merkel cell polyomavirus (MCPyV) and Human papillomavirus (HPV), two small DNA tumor viruses, were investigated in SA. MCPyV/HPV DNAs were investigated by PCR and droplet-digital/quantitative PCRs (ddPCR/qPCR) in chorionic villi and peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from SA females (n=100), the cases, and voluntary interruption (VI, n=100) of pregnancy females, the controls. Results. MCPyV DNAs were detected in 4% and 5% of SA and VI chorionic villi, respectively, with a mean DNA load of 1.99 copy/104 cells in SA and 3.02 copy/10,000 cells in VI (p>0.05). HPV DNAs were detected in 2% of VI chorionic villi, with a mean DNA load of 7.12 copy/cell. Two cases in the VI samples were HPV-45 positive. In PBMCs, MCPyV DNA was detected in 9% and 14% of SA and VI samples, with a mean viral DNA load of 2.09 and 4.70 copy/10,000 cells in SA and VI samples, respectively (p>0.05). None of PBMCs samples tested HPV-positive. Conclusions. MCPyV and HPV DNAs were quantified, for the first time, by ddPCR/qPCR in SA and VI chorionic villi and PBMCs. Data of the present study may help to better understand the role of MCPyV/HPV in SA.
Viabilidade dos sistemas agroflorestais dos agricultores familiares do Município de Santo Antônio do Tauá, Pará

O trabalho avalia as potencialidades e limitacoes socioeconomicas dos sistmas agroflorestais no âmbito da agricultura familia do Municipio de Santo Antonio do Taua, no Para. O objetivo e determinar emq ue condicoes de implantacao esses sistemas sao importantes para atender as necessidades da familia frente a outras alternativas disponiveis e que mudancas sociais ocorreram nos recursos familiares a partir da adocao dete sistemas de cultivos.
How do Justice Perceptions Influence Employees ’ OCB ? An Organizational Identification Perspective

Based on the widely accepted relationship between procedural justice and organizational citizenship behavior (OCB), this study sets out to simultaneously examine and compare two mechanisms—social exchange and organizational identification, through which employees are activated to engage in OCB. Our analysis focus on the second view that employees engage in OCB because they identify with their organization. Resulting from a natural psychological tendency of “in-group favorism” to enhance the identity, as well as an identity-congruent behavior orientation, employees with higher organizational identification involve in more OCBs that directly benefit their organization (OCBO). We collected survey data from 161 middle school teachers and test our hypotheses. The results suggest that procedural justice is positively associated with OCB through two mechanisms. Social exchange is a main mediator in the relationship of procedural justice and OCBI. As for the relationship between procedural justice and OCBO, organizational identification has greater mediation effect than social exchange. The difference between the identification perspective and previous ones lies in that they will lead to different natures of OCB, as well as offer different incentive for the OCB’s sustaining. We finally discuss the implications and directions for future research.
LEAF: A Benchmark for Federated Settings

Modern federated networks, such as those comprised of wearable devices, mobile phones, or autonomous vehicles, generate massive amounts of data each day. This wealth of data can help to learn models that can improve the user experience on each device. However, the scale and heterogeneity of federated data presents new challenges in research areas such as federated learning, meta-learning, and multi-task learning. As the machine learning community begins to tackle these challenges, we are at a critical time to ensure that developments made in these areas are grounded with realistic benchmarks. To this end, we propose LEAF, a modular benchmarking framework for learning in federated settings. LEAF includes a suite of open-source federated datasets, a rigorous evaluation framework, and a set of reference implementations, all geared towards capturing the obstacles and intricacies of practical federated environments.
Flipping the Self-Control Switch: A Novel Within-Subject Paradigm to Test the Effects of Ego Depletion

In response to concerns of ego depletion replicability, we have developed a withinsubject, repeated-measures paradigm to complement the traditional between-subject design. Across five studies, we examine two previously established dependent variables (the cognitive estimation task (CET) and the flanker task) and one novel variable (anchoring effect). The experiments use 8 to 22 blocks of alternating depleting and rejuvenating manipulations, with each block followed by a self-control measurement. Participants consistently report having less energy on depleting blocks compared to rejuvenating blocks, confirming the subjective effectiveness of brief depletion manipulations. We replicate previous findings showing that participants perform poorer on the CET and make more errors on incongruent trials in the flanker task when depleted. Furthermore, we find that depleted participants show a weaker anchoring effect, consistent with literature showing that the anchoring effect is paradoxically reliant on cognitive effort. We conclude that ego depletion can be studied using statistically powerful within-subject designs.
Reviving Demand-Pull Perspectives: The Effect of Demand Uncertainty and Stagnancy on R&D Strategy.

This paper looks at the effects of demand uncertainty and stagnancy on firms’ decisions to engage in R&D activities and the amount of financial effort devoted to these. The paper provides a number of contributions to the innovation literature: first, it adds to the revived debate on demand-pull perspectives in innovation studies by examining demand-related (lack of) incentives to invest in innovation. Second, it complements the literature on barriers to innovation by focusing on demand-related obstacles rather than the more frequently explored financial barriers. Third, it analyses whether experiencing demand barriers is a sector-specific feature. Firms active in high- or low-tech manufacturing or in knowledge-intensive or low-tech services might be more or less dependent on demand conditions when deciding to perform R&D. We find that uncertain demand and lack of demand are perceived as two quite distinct barriers. While the perception of a lack of demand has a marked negative impact not only on the amount of investment in R&D but also the likelihood of firms to engage in R&D activities, demand uncertainty seems, on the contrary, to represent an incentive to spend more in R&D, although only in low-tech sectors. We interpret this evidence in terms of the specific phase of the innovation cycle in which decisions to invest in R&D are taken. Sectoral affiliation seems to be playing a role only for demand uncertainty, supporting the conjecture that positive expectations on the presence of adequate market demand are a necessary condition to invest in R&D.