Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Genetic characterization of tambaqui stocks from two pisciculture stations in the lower São Francisco River

Pisciculture has been an important part of the economy in many regions of Brazil, and the tambaqui (Colossoma macropomum) stands out as one of the country’s most commercialized native freshwater fish species. Loss of genetic variability can affect characteristics such as reproduction and growth rates, as well as disease resistance and is of great concern in this field. Molecular markers such as mitochondrial DNA genes have been increasingly used to understand genetic variability in species of economic importance. This study aimed to characterize the genetic variability of tambaqui populations reared in two fish farms (Itiúba, AL and Betume, SE) of the lower São Francisco River by analyzing the control region and ATPase genes of mitochondrial DNA. Sequencing of samples from progenies and breeding individuals identified 42 haplotypes (32 unique), of which four haplotypes were shared between the two fish farms as a result of a founder effect, because individuals from Itiúba formed the stock of the Betume fish farming Station. Haplotype diversity was high in both locations. Analysis of Molecular Variance (AMOVA) revealed greater genetic variation within populations (96.76%) than between them (3.24%) and the FST value (0.03) indicated low genetic differentiation between the two populations. The observed high genetic variability can be explained by the number of breeders in the two fish farms (200 in Itiúba and 1400 in Betume) and the breeding management system, which seems to be effective in maintaining stock variability.
The association between disclosures on control system over financial reporting and mechanisms of corporate governance: Empirical evidence from Germany and Poland

Abstract The aim of the research was to determine the impact of selected corporate governance mechanisms on the scope of disclosures related to control system over financial reporting in Poland and Germany. The research group comprised of companies from the Warsaw WIG 30 index and the German DAX index in 2013. The disclosures were measured by the number of detailed disclosures about control system over financial reporting presented by the surveyed companies. The research results indicate that selected corporate governance mechanisms affect the scope of disclosures regarding the system of control over financial reporting. It was found that the number of supervisory board committees and the number of meetings of the supervisory board have a significant positive influence on the scope of disclosures regarding control over financial reporting. But, the increase in number of meetings of the audit committee has a significant negative impact on the scope of disclosures regarding control over financial reporting. The results of the research also indicate the role of national determinants of the scope of disclosures. The study was a comparative one nature and was conducted among companies from developed and developing capital markets.
Linear Relation Between Shifting ITCZ and Dust Hemispheric Asymmetry

Mineral dust is emitted primarily from arid regions, which may shrink or expand in one or both hemispheres, producing a complex and asymmetric pattern of radiative forcing that varies on interannual to millennial timescales. We assess the impact of hemispheric dust asymmetry on tropical precipitation. Using the Geophysical Fluid Dynamics Laboratory (GFDL) coupled climate model CM3 to simulate dust emission, we vary source strength in each hemisphere individually. Hemispherically asymmetric dust emission produces asymmetric dust load and radiative forcing. We find that the Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ) shifts away from the hemisphere with enhanced dust load in response to the forcing asymmetry. We find significant linear relationships between the hemispheric imbalance and the latitude of tropical precipitation globally, in the Pacific, and especially in the Atlantic basin. This relationship offers a first‐order estimation of dust effects on the hydrological cycle when investigating records of paleodust and for accurately predicting dust effects and feedbacks on future climate.
The Impact of Environmental Factors on Academic Performance of University Students Taking Online Classes during the COVID-19 Pandemic in Mexico

The COVID-19 pandemic and the quarantine period determined that university students (human resource) in Mexico had adopted the online class modality, which required them to adapt themselves to new technologies and environmental conditions that are different from classrooms at their university. Specifically, these new environmental conditions can be uncomfortable and have an impact on the students’ academic performance. Consequently, the present study aims to determine the impact that the lighting, noise, and temperature levels (independent variables) have on academic performance (dependent variable) in university students during the COVID-19 pandemic. To do this, a questionnaire was developed, which was applied to 206 university students online, and a structural equation model was built that integrates the four variables through three hypotheses, which were statistically validated through the partial least squares method. Results showed that temperature, lighting, and noise have significant direct effects on university students’ academic performance. As a conclusion, it was obtained that the three independent variables have an impact in the sustainability of university students (human resource).
Dynamic Response Analysis of a Semi-Submersible Floating Wind Turbine in Combined Wave and Current Conditions Using Advanced Hydrodynamic Models

In this study, advanced hydrodynamic models are proposed to predict dynamic response of a floating offshore wind turbine (FOWT) in combined wave and current conditions and validated by laboratory and full-scale semi-submersible platforms. Firstly, hydrodynamic coefficient models are introduced to evaluate the added mass and drag coefficients in a wide range of Reynolds numbers. An advanced hydrodynamic model is then proposed to calculate the drag force of cylinder in combined wave and current conditions. The proposed model is validated by the water tank tests in the current-only, wave-only and current-wave conditions and is used to investigate the effect of current on the dynamic response of FOWT. Finally, the full-scale semi-submersible platform used in the Fukushima demonstration project is investigated. It is found that the predicted dynamic responses of platform by the proposed hydrodynamic models are improved by the directional spreading function of the sea wave spectrum and show favorable agreement with the field measurement.
Supramolecular polymer gels with potential model-network structure

Supramolecular polymer gels are swollen networks of non-covalently interconnected macromolecules with a variety of potential applications as soft, stimuli-sensitive materials. The utility of these materials is based on their mechanical properties, which are determined on two levels. On a molecular scale, the strength of transient chain crosslinking is a main contributor; whereas on above-molecular scales, an additional contributor is the polymer network topology. In this paper, we present a modular toolkit to form supramolecular polymer networks that allows both these contributors to be controlled. Our approach is based on transition-metal mediated linking of star-shaped poly(ethylene glycol) building blocks that are end-capped with terpyridine moieties. This allows supramolecular networks of greatly varying strengths of transient interlinkage to be prepared by a modular choice of the linking metal ion and the surrounding solvent. We follow this approach and prepare a set of different supramolecular polymer gel networks with mechanical properties that are quantitatively related to the strength of their constituent crosslinking complexes. Static light scattering reveals just minor nanometer-scale polymer network inhomogeneity in some of the gels, whereas others exhibit non-negligible nanostructural heterogeneity. In the latter gels, we find the mechanical strength and resistance to relaxation to be greater than expected, indicating clustering of supramolecular crosslinks to be a mechanism of enforcement.
Systematics of pterobranchs from the Cambrian Period Burgess Shales of Canada and the early evolution of graptolites

o nial pterobranch hemichordates mostly known by their tubes, preserved in the fossil record since the Cambrian Period. Graptolites differ from their sister group Cephalo­ discida, by the presence of a stolon system that supports a colonial lifestyle, the presence of a larval prosicula, and the anatomy of the zooids. Although zooids with preserved morphological details are essentially unknown among fossil graptolites, zooid anatomy is well known from the extant species Rhabdopleura (Mitchell et al. 2013, Maletz & Beli 2018). The subclass comprises the orders Dendroidea, which includes the benthic organisms with an encrusting to erect, bushy morphology formed by irregular branching, as well as the derived, planktic Graptoloidea (Maletz 2014b, Maletz & Cameron 2016). Due to poor fossil preservation, taphonomic processes, and similarities in morphology between taxonomic groups, identification of the specimens is difficult and sometimes mistakenly done, especially in Cambrian forms. The useful criteria to define a graptolite, when the soft­tissue material is not available, include an organic tubarium with fusellar structures surrounded by secondary cortical tissue, and the stolon system (Mitchell et al. 2013). Even when these characteristics are preserved, scanning electron microscopy is frequently used to obtain the most details from the specimens; otherwise, mostly outlines of organic­walled fossils are available for determination (Maletz et al. 2005, LoDuca et al. 2015a). An example of misidentified pterobranchs is the genus Yuknessia, which was originally regarded as an alga (Walcott 1919), but is now recognized as one of the earliest known pterobranchs from the Cambrian Series 3, based on the SEM identification of fuselli in two species (Steiner & Maletz 2012, LoDuca et al. 2015a). Like Yuknessia, a closer look at other taxa may establish a pterobranch affinity (e.g., Dalyia racemata and Malongitubus; Maletz & Steiner 2015, Hu et al. 2018. See Maletz & Beli 2018 for further discussion). We refer to these early forms simply as pterobranchs, based on their organic tubes with fusellar structures, because it is nearly impossible to classify them as cephalodiscids or graptolites. The pterobranch fossil record from the early and middle Cambrian is less complete compared to the Ordovician and Silurian periods (Rickards & Durman 2006), making difficult our understanding of the origin and early evolution of graptolites. It is known that early graptolites
What drives news sharing behaviour among social media users? A relational communication model from the social capital perspective

This study modelled the online environmental factors that drive news sharing behaviour, using social capital theory (SCT). An online survey was used to obtain data from 385 WhatsApp users in Nigeria, analysed with structural equation modelling-partial least squares (PLS). The study’s results suggest that social interaction ties, sense of belonging, reciprocity, homophily and trust positively predict news sharing behaviour. Specifically, social interaction ties was the strongest predictor of news sharing behaviour followed by sense of belonging and reciprocity. This study also found a positive association between age and news sharing and a non-significant association with gender. Hence, news sharing should also be viewed as a form of social cohesion from the relational communication perspective. This study has some interesting implications for theoretical advancement. Firstly, it extends the motivations for news sharing beyond the predominant personal motivations highlighted in the literature. Secondly, it contributes to social capital theory by incorporating homophily to form the cognitive aspect of social capital. Thirdly, it extends the application of SCT to comprehend news sharing behaviour on social media platforms (SMPs). Finally, it explores news sharing behaviour beyond the predominant Asian, European and US contexts.
A selection strategy for enhancing exoelectrogenic consortium towards improved power generation in microbial fuel cells

A selection method to develop an electrogenic consortium for improved power generation in microbial fuel cells (MFCs) is described. Raw domestic sewage was inoculated in a nutrient medium with Fe(III) hydroxide as the electron acceptor and subculturing was done. Subcultures were tested for Fe(III) reduction using ferrozine assay, microbial electron transfer activity using the Dye Reduction‐based Electron‐transfer Activity Monitoring (DREAM) assay and power generation in a MFC. Subcultures grown with Fe(III) demonstrated improvements in electron transfer activity and power generating ability, while cultures grown without Fe(III) did not exhibit these properties. The enriched Fe(III) subculture generated a maximum power density of 129.25 ± 7 mW/m2, while the subculture grown without Fe(III) generated only 81.54 ± 8 mW/m2. A high correlation was observed between DREAM assay and power generation (r = +0.963). Cyclic voltammetry corroborated the high electrochemical activity of the Fe‐enriched subculture. This method offers a simple and efficient way to enrich an electrogenic consortium for improved performance from routinely used inocula.
Modifications of Hybrid Walnut (Juglans nigra 23 x Juglans regia) Wood Colour and Phenolic Composition Under Various Steaming Conditions

Summary The effects of steaming were studied on Walnut wood from a hybrid (Juglans nigra 23 × J. regia) tree in terms of wood colour and phenolic composition. Wood samples were subjected to treatments at 75, 100 and 125°C for 4, 8, 16 and 24 hours. Colour changes were measured in the CIELCh colour system and phenolics were characterized and quantified by means of HPLC. Steaming mainly resulted in a darkening of wood tissues. Colour changes increased as temperature increased from 75 to 125°C. Lightness L* gradually decreased from 0 to 24 h at 75°C, whereas with higher temperatures, most of the darkening occurred within the first 4 hours of exposure. Contrast in colour, between sapwood and heartwood in particular, could be reduced by steaming at 125°C. The best steaming treatment, leading to a colour of steamed sapwood close to that of natural heartwood, was at 100°C/16 h. Hydrojuglone glucoside (HJG), ellagic and gallic acid derivatives (E1, E2 and G respectively) were gradually degraded by steaming, whereas a new flavonol (F) and oxidation products (OP) increased. Relationships between wood colour and phenolic content are discussed.
UvA-DARE (Digital Academic Repository) Word-to-text integration in English as a second language reading comprehension

We assessed the relationship between word-to-text-integration (WTI) and reading comprehension in 7th grade students ( n = 441) learning English as a second language (L2). The students performed a self-paced WTI reading task in Fall (T1) and Spring (T2), consisting of three text manipulation types (anaphora resolution, argument overlap, anomaly detection), divided in simple and complex passages. The passages contained proximate versus distant anaphora, explicit repetitions versus implicit inferences, and no anomalies versus anomalies. We first examined how WTI complexity was related to reading times on target, target plus one, and target plus two, controlling for word frequency, decoding fluency, gender, and age. Mixed-effects models showed shorter reading times on T2 than on T1 and for simple compared to complex passages, indicating improvement of L2 reading speed. Complexity affected WTI for our L2 learners, as was reflected by longer reading times on complex compared to simple argument overlap and anomaly detection passages. We then assessed whether reading comprehension could be predicted by WTI. Longer reading times on complex compared to simple argument overlap and anomaly detection passages predicted offline reading comprehension. These WTI-measures of complexity are thus indicators of WTI proficiency for novice L2 learners.
Characteristics of Al-doped TiO2 thin films grown by pulsed laser deposition

Al-doped TiO2 (TiO2:Al) thin films were deposited at 450oC onto glass substrates using pulsed laser deposition method. X-rays diffraction spectra showed that the obtained films are polycrystalline of anatase structure with preferential orientation of (101) direction. AFM images, nanoparticles size and surface roughness mean square values showed that the surfaces of TiO2:Al films are smoother than that of undoped TiO2 films. A blue shift in the absorption edge of TiO2 with increasing Al concentration in the film is noteworthy as it leads to increase in the width of the optical transmission. The optical waveguiding performances of the TiO2:Al films were demonstrated by using the m-lines spectroscopy technique and the results were correlated to the structural properties. Spectroscopic ellipsometry was used to extract the optical constants of the films. The determined band gap of undoped and Al doped films varies from 3.43 to 3.61 eV, which is in accordance to Burstein-Moss shift.
British Public Opinion Towards the Vietnam War and UK-US Relations During the 1964-70 Labour Governments

Abstract The historiography of the 1964-70 Wilson governments has provided in depth analysis of the Vietnam War within the context of transatlantic relations, while other studies have examined the anti-war movement within British society. But there has been relatively little focus on British public opinion towards the Vietnam War and UK-US relations in the 1960s. To address this gap in scholarship, this article undertakes secondary analysis of opinion poll datasets covering the period 1960-69. It provides new insights into the patterning of public opinion. First, it finds that views supportive of the US war effort and of British government policy were more prevalent amongst men, younger people, and Conservative Party voters. Second, critical appraisals of Wilson as prime minister were not linked with a tendency to hold more negative views of the Vietnam War, either within the general public or Labour voters in particular. Third, a strongly favourable climate of opinion towards broader transatlantic relations deteriorated to some extent in the mid-to-late-1960s, and this shift occurred across societal groups, including supporters of the main parties. Growing opposition to the Vietnam War may have contributed to this shift.
Crystal structure, characterisation and vibrational study of a mixed compound Cs0.4Rb0.6H2Po4

Abstract The crystal structure of Cs1-x Rb x H2PO4, x = 0.6 (CRDP) which crystallises in space group P21/m and is isostructural with the monoclinic phase of CsH2PO4 (CDP), has been refined at room temperature using single-crystal X-ray diffractometer data. The cell parameters are a = 4.8183(9)å, b = 6.2671(6) å, c = 7.7620(10)å, β= 108.260(10)°, V = 222.58(5)å3, Z = 2, Dx = 3.009g cm−3. F(000)=187, T = 298(2)K (room-temperature phase), R = 0.0355 and wR = 0.0949 for 654 observed reflections. CRDP contains two crystallography inequivalent hydrogen bonds in the unit cell. The shorter bond (Ko – o = 2.453(7) A) links the phosphate groups into chains running along the b-axis and the longer bond (Ko – o = 2.488(6) A) which is always ordered, crosslinks the chains to form (001) layers. The phase transitions in the mixed Cs0.4Rb0.6H2PO4 (CRDP) were characterised by differential scanning calorimetry which shows two anomalies at about 293 and 525 K. The Raman and infrared spectra at room temperature were investigated in the frequency ranges 10–3500 and 200–4000 cm−1 respectively. An assignment of all the bands is given. The bands are in agreement with the monoclinic room-temperature phase implying high dynamical disorder of the acidic proton O-H s–O hydrogen bond.
Acoustic indices perform better when applied at ecologically meaningful time and frequency scales

Acoustic indices are increasingly employed in the analysis of soundscapes to ascertain biodiversity value. However, conflicting results and lack of consensus on best practices for their usage has hindered their application in conservation and land‐use management contexts. Here we propose that the sensitivity of acoustic indices to ecological change and fidelity of acoustic indices to ecological communities are negatively impacted by signal masking. Signal masking can occur when acoustic responses of taxa sensitive to the effect of interest are masked by less‐sensitive acoustic groups, or target taxa sonification is masked by non‐target noise. We argue that by calculating acoustic indices at ecologically appropriate time and frequency bins, masking effects can be reduced and the efficacy of indices increased. We test this on a large acoustic dataset collected in Eastern Amazonia spanning a disturbance gradient of undisturbed, logged, burned, logged‐and‐burned and secondary forests. We calculated values for two acoustic indices: the Acoustic Complexity Index and the Bioacoustic Index, across the entire frequency spectrum (0–22.1 kHz), and four narrower subsets of the frequency spectrum; at dawn, day, dusk and night. We show that signal masking has a large impact on the sensitivity of acoustic indices to forest disturbance classes. Calculating acoustic indices at a range of narrower time–frequency bins substantially increases the classification accuracy of forest classes by random forest models. Furthermore, signal masking led to misleading correlations, including spurious inverse correlations, between biodiversity indicator metrics and acoustic index values compared to correlations derived from manual sampling of the audio data. Consequently, we recommend that acoustic indices are calculated either at a range of time and frequency bins, or at a single narrow bin, predetermined by a priori ecological understanding of the soundscape.
On the accuracy of density functional theory in transition metal chemistry

Density Functional Theory has become very widely used to study the electronic structure and related properties of transition metal complexes. Despite the many successes obtained using modern functionals, care is still needed as quite large errors can occur. These can be best understood by taking into consideration how density functional theory works, and how well it performs for the simpler case of main-group compounds. This serves to highlight the critical role of the exchange functional, which describes such varied effects as electron self-interaction, static (or non-dynamic) correlation, and dynamic correlation. A poor balance between these effects can lead to significant errors even for main-group compounds. This is even truer for transition metal compounds. Benchmark data published in the last year suggest that all existing functionals can lead to severe errors for some transition metal compounds. There is a slight trend for systems involving more static correlation to be treated better using second- or third-generation gradient-corrected or kinetic energy density functionals, rather than hybrid functionals. This trend is however quite variable from one type of compound to another. Computed spin-state splittings are highly variable from one functional to another, and this is also diagnostic of differences in the extent of static correlation. The increasing awareness of transition metal compounds by the developers of new exchange–correlation functionals should lead in the medium term to more accurate and hence (even) more useful functionals.