Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Leaf attributes in the seasonally dry tropics: a comparison of four habitats in northern Australia

1. Patterns of leaf attributes were compared at regional and global scales in relation to the seasonal availability of water. 2. Light-saturated assimilation rate (Amass), leaf mass per area (LMA), leaf density, thickness, life span, saturated water content, chlorophyll, nitrogen and phosphorus content were determined during the wet season for 21 tree species in four contrasting habitats in northern Australia. Rainfall in this area is extremely seasonal. 3. Amass and foliar chlorophyll, N and P contents were positively correlated with each other, and were all negatively correlated with LMA, leaf thickness, density and life span. 4. Deciduous species had smaller LMA and leaf life span, and larger foliar N and P contents than did evergreen species. 5. The eight Myrtaceous species had smaller A mass, foliar chlorophyll, N and P contents, and larger LMA, leaf thickness and leaf life span than did the non-Myrtaceous species. 6. Leaves from the closed canopy dry monsoon forest had significantly larger A mass, chlorophyll and P contents than did leaves from the three open canopy habitats (eucalypt open forest, mixed woodland and Melaleuca swamp). This reflected the relatively low proportions of evergreen and Myrtaceous species in the dry monsoon forest. There were also significant intraspecific differences among habitats. 7. Leaf thickness, density and LMA were lower than predicted from globally derived relationships with temperature and precipitation. Tropical seasonally dry biomes are under-represented in such global analyses.
Resistance of creosotebush to mammalian herbivory : temporal consistency and browsing-induced changes

Interactions between genotype and environment determine the underlying constitutive (background-level) resistance of individual plants to herbivory. Resistance, however, may change in response to herbivory (induced resistance). This study was designed to investigate temporal fluctuations in resistance, and to test the relative influences of constitutive and browsing-induced resistance on patterns of mammalian herbivory. A natural population of creosotebush, Larrea tridentata, browsed by black-tailed jackrabbits, Lepus californicus, served as the study system. Creosotebushes varied considerably in their resistance to jackrabbit browsing. Some individual plants were fed upon lightly and infrequently, while others had up to 90% of their living branches clipped during a single month, and were browsed several times per year. Resistance levels of individual shrubs were similar between seasons, and over time scales >2 yr. Shrubs with a history of heavy browsing (low constitutive resistance) were more likely to be browsed again than were individuals with a history of light browsing (high constitutive resistance). In an experiment designed to test jackrabbit response to constitutive resistance and recent browsing damage (artificially clipped vs. unclipped), the importance of both factors was confirmed. Jackrabbits browsed more heavily on plants with low than with high constitutive resistance, but less heavily on clipped shrubs than on controls. The enhanced resistance of clipped shrubs is interpreted as an induced response by individuals to herbivory, and may be responsible for variation in browsing levels of individual shrubs over time scales of 1-2 yr.
Literature Survey of Venture Capital Support Schemes in Europe

The economic history of USA over the last 50 years can demonstrate many notable examples of new-technology firms that were backed by ‘classic’ venture capital prior to achieving spectacular growth and commercial success (Bygrave and Timmons, 1992). The role played by venture capitalists in America has had a profound influence on the ways in which other Western nations have viewed the best means by which highly innovative but still young and vulnerable companies may be supported. Venture capital is seen as playing a major role in creating and sustaining economic growth through the facilitation of new technology development and new business creation (EVCA, 2000). However, the US and Europe have embarked on quite different paths in the amount of venture capital investments provided to early-stage, high-tech companies. There is further significant variation in the proportion of high-tech investment to total venture capital investment among the European countries, as Table 1 shows.
Effects of dietary phenylalanine on growth, digestive and brush border enzyme activities and antioxidant capacity in the hepatopancreas and intestine of young grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon idella)

This study investigated the effects of phenylalanine on growth, digestive and absorptive ability and antioxidant status of young grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon idella). Young grass carp were fed diets containing 3.4 (basal diet), 6.1, 9.1, 11.5, 14.0 and 16.8 g phenylalanine kg−1 diet with a fixed of 10.7 g tyrosine kg−1 diet for 8 weeks. Percent weight gain (PWG), feed efficiency and feed intake of fish were the lowest in fish fed the basal diet (P < 0.05). Trypsin, lipase and amylase activities in the hepatopancreas, and antioxidants including glutathione contents and glutathione reducase activities in the hepatopancreas and intestine were all the highest in fish fed 11.5 g phenylalanine kg−1 diet (P < 0.05). Trypsin, chymotrypsin and amylase activities in whole intestine, and creatine kinase, Na+, K+-ATPase and alkaline phosphatase activities in the proximal intestine, and superoxide dismutase activities in the hepatopancreas and intestine were all the highest when phenylalanine at level of 9.1 g kg−1 diet (P < 0.05). In conclusion, phenylalanine improved growth, digestive and absorptive ability, and antioxidant capacity of young grass carp. The phenylalanine requirement of young grass carp (256–629 g) based on PWG was 10.4 g kg−1 diet or 3.44 g 100 g−1 protein.
Improving decision-making under uncertainty, with a vision of an active society with zero avalanche fatalities

UiT The Arctic University of Norway is establishing the Center for Avalanche Research and Education (CARE) during the period 2015-2020, in partnership with NVE. The main objective for the Center is to provide new knowledge about the human factor in avalanche terrain and improve education to prevent loss of lives due to avalanches. Our approach is based on multi-disciplinary collaboration between the faculties, as well as relevant Norwegian and international stakeholders. We aim at being relevant in the daily life of individuals, companies and organisations – promoting economic, cultural and social development in the north through knowledge and human capital. Tourism Rescue
A Brief Analysis of Geopolymer concrete: A New type of Eco-friendly Construction Material for Future

The requirement of concrete does not terminate for construction industries as well as human beings. Mainly the production of concrete is the primary need for all kind of construction works. At the same time, the availability of raw materials which are used to make concrete keeps on depleting. In order to eradicate the scarcity of natural resources, the alternate binders like Geopolymer concrete play vital role to replace the conventional concrete. The Geopolymer concrete is an inorganic polymer of alumino-silicates which are activated by the alkaline solution. This paper has thoroughly reviewed the performance of Geopolymer concrete and those properties were compared with the Ordinary Portland Cement Concrete. The compressive strength of Geopolymer concrete for different curing condition, concentration of the alkaline solution, alkaline solution to binder ratio, etc. has been discussed. The microstructural and durability studies were also incorporated in this paper which was summarized from the previous research works. keywords Geopolymer, Alkaline solution, Colloidal Nano silica, Phase changing materials, Ferrogeopolymer, Mechanical properties, Durability, and Microstructural properties. _____________________________________________________________________________________________________
Personality and Social Psychology Does a short self-compassion intervention for students increase healthy self-regulation? A randomized control trial

The primary aim of this study was to examine the effects of a two-week self-compassion course on healthy self-regulation (personal growth self-efficacy and healthy impulse control) and unhealthy self-regulation (self-judgment and habitual negative self-directed thinking) in university students. We also examined the effects on self-compassion, anxiety and depression. Students (N = 158, 85% women, mean age = 25 years) were randomized to an intervention group and a waiting-list control group in a multi-baseline randomized control trial. Healthy self-control was measured by the Personal Growth Initiative Scale (PGIS) and the Self-Control Scale; unhealthy self-control was measured by the Non-judgement subscale from the Five-Facet Mindfulness Questionnaire (reversed) and the Habit Index of Negative Thinking (HINT). Secondary outcomes were measured by the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI-trait), the Major Depression Inventory (MDI), and the Self-Compassion Scale (SCS). A 2 9 3 repeated measures analysis of variance (ANOVA) showed gains for the intervention-group in personal growth self-efficacy and healthy impulse-control and reductions in self-judgment and habitual negative self-directed thinking, as well as increases in self-compassion and reductions in anxiety and depression. After all participants had completed the course, the groups were combined and repeated measures ANOVAs showed that changes remained at six-month follow-up for personal growth self-efficacy, selfjudgment and habitual negative self-directed thinking; as well as for self-compassion, anxiety and depression. Concluding, a short self-compassion course seems an effective method of increasing self-compassion and perceived control over one’s life for university students, as well as increasing mental health.
Progressive Random Choice

We introduce a flexible framework to study probabilistic choice that accommodates heterogeneous types and bounded rationality. We provide a novel progressive structure for the heterogeneous types to capture heterogeneity due to varying levels of a behavioral trait. Given an order of alternatives, our progressive structure sorts the types by the extent to which they align with this order. Unlike the random-utility model, our model uniquely identifies the heterogeneity, allowing policy makers to perform an improved welfare analysis. As a showcase, we provide characterization of a well-studied type of bounded rationality: “less-is-more. ” In addition, we provide conditions for unique identification of the underlying order for the less-is-more structure.
Understanding r-process Nucleosynthesis in the Milky Way

Elements heavier than Fe are formed by neutron capture processes when fusion becomes energetically unfavourable; the slow s-process and site are reasonably well understood, but the rapid r-process site is still a highly debated topic. In this thesis I will discuss the current best understanding of both the s-process and r-process, including potential sites. I also discuss the modelling of galaxies using smoothed particle hydrodynamics simulations with the inclusion of nucleosynthesis models to simulate the chemical evolution of galaxies. I then present the results of such chemodynamical simulations including nucleosynthesis yields for neutron star mergers, magneto-rotational supernovae, electron capture supernovae and neutrino driven winds. Using the [Eu/(Fe,α)] [Fe/H] relation I show the neutron star mergers are unlikely to be able to drive r-process enrichment in the early universe but that magneto-rotational supernovae, or a combination of sources including them, may be able to. I then include a metallicity dependence in the magneto-rotational supernova model, and show that a combined model with neutron star mergers and electron-capture supernovae gives an excellent match to observations of [(Eu, Nd, Dy, Er, Zr)/(Fe, α)]. Finally I discuss the effects of supernova feedback on chemical evolution. I compare four models: a thermal model, a thermal model with a kinetic component, a stochastic model and a mechanical model and show that the kinetic, stochastic and mechanical models can suppress the star formation within isolated dwarf disc galaxies when using optimal parameters and that this has little effect on the fraction of metals ejected from the galaxy.
New carboniferous Diplura, Monura, and Thysanura, the hexapod ground plan, and the role of thoracic side lobes in the origin of wings (Insecta)

A new Upper Carboniferous japygid, Testajapyx thomasi n.gen. et n.sp. , shows that only Diplura of Entognatha shared an ancestral ground plan with Insecta–Ectognatha. Pleuron, palps, thoracic and abdominal legs, and vesicles are compared between Diplura, Archeognatha, Monura, Thysanura, and Pterygota. The origin and evolution of side lobes on the head, thorax, and abdomen, and of cereal legs, cerci, and posttarsal (=pretarsal) claws are considered. The paleoenvironment of the earliest insects and its impact on evolution of thoracic side lobes is discussed. Consistent evidence from several biological disciplines shows that protowings evolved from thoracic side lobes, which probably originated from serial, articulated outer appendages (=exites) of the arthropodan leg. Exites were continuously active and functional and became preadapted for flapping movements. Flight developed as the pterygotes diversified. Basic wing structures are monophyletic. Flight adaptation was finished and differences in wings arose s.
A Note on Solar Energy Research in Jordan

In this paper the status of solar energy research in Jordan is presented and analyzed. Many researchers, politicians, or decision makers may find it valuable and informative. The contribution of Jordanian institutions in the field of solar energy research is described and how it compares to other countries. Data about publication and citation records were gathered from Scopus database, which helps in outlining and identifying the active institutions and researchers in the field of solar energy in Jordan.
Running head: CONCEPTUAL RELATIONS PREDICT COLEXIFICATION 1 Conceptual relations predict colexification across languages

In natural language, multiple meanings often share a single word form, a phenomenon known as colexification. Some sets of meanings are more frequently colexified across languages than others, but the source of this variation is not well understood. We propose that cross-linguistic variation in colexification frequency is non-arbitrary and reflects a general principle of cognitive economy: More commonly colexified meanings across languages are those that require less cognitive effort to relate. To evaluate our proposal, we examine patterns of colexification of varying frequency from about 250 languages. We predict these colexification data based on independent measures of conceptual relatedness drawn from large-scale psychological and linguistic resources. Our results show that meanings that are more frequently colexified across these languages tend to be more strongly associated by speakers of English, suggesting that conceptual associativity provides an important constraint on the development of the lexicon. Our work extends research on polysemy and the evolution of word meanings by grounding cross-linguistic regularities in colexification in basic principles of human cognition.
Computational Approaches for Identifying Sensational Soft News

Internet and social media have fundamentally transformed the landscape of news consumption. Consumption of news from the social media is on increase and the consumption through the print media is on decline. The practice of digital journalism is on the rise, thanks to the low barrier of entry, almost zero distribution costs and availability of mobile computing. There has been a proliferation of news publishers and distributors online in the recent times. As more and more audience are consuming news from the internet, it is very important for the news publishers to engage the users on their websites to maximise the revenue, a majority of which is generated from the advertisements on the page. This also caused a raise in the concept of yellow journalism and tabloid journalism, that emphasizes sensational crime stories, gossip columns about celebrities and sports stars, extreme political views and opinions from one perspective, junk food news, and astrology. In fact, aggregating soft news has become a prospective and lucrative business compared to the business of aggregating only the hard news. Many of the publishers publish a mix of both soft news and hard news to maximise their revenue. Sensationalism is often the most common tactic used by the news editors to increase the engagement of the users is sensationalism. The topics and the news stories published are worded in a way to excite the readers and lure the user to click on the link of the story. This type of reporting by the editors can portray the news in a biased manner and may sometimes manipulate the truth of the story. A part of the sensationalism tactic is to report news on very insignificant matters and assigning undue importance to them. Reporting on controversial topics, deliberate omission of facts, using exaggerated words to seek attention, exaggerating trivial events out of proportion, reporting on the content which is insignificant and irrelevent to the audience are some of the tactics used to achieve higher page impressions in the online news media. News editors stoop to low journalistic reporting standards to maximize their engagement and the revenue, at the expense of the quality of the reporting. Such kind of reporting may lead to specific categories of news like Clickbait, Bizarre news, Fake news, Hoax news, Misleading news, Satire and Funny news and Hyperpartisan news. Mimics and clones of popular news outlets are also common. Some categories of the news like Bizarre News, Satire and Funny news are entertaining and harmless. However some categories like, fake news in specific, might cause problems ranging from financial loss, disturbances in society and may cause loss of human life in extreme cases. Clickbaits in the guise of providing entertainment may waste a lot of precious time of the readers and may ultimately cause
Does higher security always result in better protection? An approach for mitigating the trade-off between usability and security

Security software protects computers against undesired programs, informing users about potential danger. Maximum protection should be achieved with high security levels, which, however, have the disadvantage of generating a high number of unnecessary warnings. A frequent interruption of workflow is perceived as annoying and may even decrease compliance with the security software. The objective of this study was to examine this trade-off between security and usability. While performing a computer game, participants were randomly attacked by a virus. Security software informed them about potential damage. The control group was forced to use a very high security level. The experimental group who was given the opportunity to select a security level chose for medium-high levels. Performance, behavioural and subjective data was collected. The analysis revealed significant differences between the two groups. The experimental group complied more with the system which led to a better performance due to less damage. Furthermore, their acceptance of and trust in the system were higher while their perceived workload was lower. These findings indicate that a reduction of security level might increase overall protection as users are more willing to follow advices given by the security software.
Choice with Endogenous Categorization

We propose a novel categorical thinking model (CTM) where the framing of the decision problem affects how the agent categorizes each product, and the product's category affects her evaluation of the product. We show that a number of prominent models of salience, status quo bias, loss-aversion, inequality aversion, and present bias all fit under the umbrella of CTM. This suggests categorization as an underlying mechanism for key departures from the neoclassical model of choice and an account for diverse sets of evidence that are anomalous from its perspective. We specialize CTM to provide a behavioral foundation for the salient thinking model of Bordalo et al. (2013), highlighting its strong predictions and distinctions from other existing models.
Quality Differentiation, Comparative Advantage, and International Specialization Across Products

We introduce quality differentiation into a Ricardian model of international trade. We show that (1) quality differentiation allows industrialized countries to be active across the full board of products, complex and simple ones, while developing countries systematically specialize in simple products, in line with novel stylized facts. (2) Quality differentiation may thus help to explain why richer countries tend to be more diversified and why, increasingly over time, rich and poor countries tend to export the same products. (3) Quality differentiation implies that the gains from inter-product trade mostly accrue to developing countries. (4) Guided by our theory, we use a censored regression model to estimate the link between a country’s GDP per capita and its export quality. We find a much stronger relationship than when using OLS, in line with our theory.
Sex Differences in Aggression within Adult Samples in Ghana

The current thesis examines sex differences in victimisation and perpetration of aggressive behaviour among different samples of adults in Ghana, including normal couples in domestic settings, prisons, and workplaces. It also examines sex differences in the use of harsh punishment against children. The participants represented the various ethnic and religious groups forming the fabric of Ghanaian society. Contrary to expectations within a patriarchal nation like Ghana, women were more often physically aggressive towards their husbands than the opposite. The overall findings suggest that the role of gender in aggressive acts may be better understood by examining traditional sex roles, the contexts in which aggressive acts occur, and socioeconomic changes in society which are increasing women’s empowerment.
Knowledge Turnover and Innovation Quality: Evidence from the Japanese Patent Database

With Internet and Communication Technology (ICT) having removed geographical constraints for communication, this study examines how knowledge turnover induced by interregional migration increases the innovation quality in pre-ICT (1980--1995) and ICT periods (1996--2005). We find that the quality of innovation as measured by the number of patent citations was on average high in locations with active interregional migration in the pre-ICT period. Since the late 1990s, however, knowledge turnover at the regional level has played an insignificant role in enhancing quality of innovation within the context of the ICT age. Our results suggest that face-to-face knowledge exchange is selectively localized in the ICT age. JEL classification: O31, O34, R12, R23
Scale-Invariance Ideas Explain the Empirical Soil-Water Characteristic Curve

The prediction of the road’s properties under the influence of water infiltration is important for pavement design and management. Traditionally, this prediction heavily relied on expert estimates. In the last decades, complex empirical formulas have been proposed to capture the expert’s intuition in estimating the effect of water infiltration on the stiffness of the pavement’s payers. Of special importance is the effect of water intrusion on the pavement’s foundation – known as subgrade soil. In this paper, we show that natural scale-invariance ideas lead to a theoretical explanation for an empirical formula describing the dependence between soil suction and water content; formulas describing this dependence are known as soil-water characteristic curves.