Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Winter distribution and migration of the sound scattering layers, zooplankton and micronekton in Masfjorden, western Norway

Sound scattering layers (SSLs) and vertical distribution of zooplankton and micronekton in Masfjorden, western Norway, were studied in January 1988. Two characteristic SSLs were found in the deepest fjord basin (bottom depth 490 m) while single scattering layers were observed in shallower baslns (depths <300 m). The SSLs performed diurnal vertical displacements, exhibiting migrational speeds of up to 90 m h-' The adjustment of the SSLs' day depth was directly proportional to the rate of change in the logarithm of surface light and inversely proportional to the extinction coefficient of the water. Large horizontal differences in biomass in the fjord are related to a combination of advection and changes in migrational behaviour. Feeding activity of the micronekton was higher during light hours. Euphausiids of the deepest basin were mainly feeding on detritus while those in the innermost part of the fjord seemed to be preying upon copepods. The observed vertical distribution of the zooplankton and micronekton were examined in relation to mode of feeding (visual vs tactile), trophic level (omnivory vs carnivory), size (small vs large), and food type and availabihty.
Sperm competition games: sneaks and extra-pair copulations

This paper examines ejaculation strategies for cases when an opportunist male ‘steals’ a mating with the female of a paired male. This is an evolutionary game of competitive ejaculation in which two (or more) males mate with the same female. Prospective evolutionarily stable strategy (ESS) models are analysed which seek ESS sperm numbers. Sperm competition is assumed to obey the ‘raffle principle’ (i. e. fertilization probability increases with the proportion of a given male’s sperm in the female tract). The models assume a trade-off between sperm expenditure and other aspects of reproductive success. Sperm costs may be unequal for the two males (paired male; opportunist male), especially if given phenotypes tend to adopt one or other pattern. In the ‘sneaks and guarders’ (SG) game, certain males (guarders) are paired permanently to particular females, and others (sneaks) obtain matings opportunistically. Roles are therefore constant. Guarders are assumed to have no information whether a sneak mating has occurred (their strategy is tuned to the average risk of sperm competition) and the sperm costs are assumed to be unequal for sneaks and guarders. If sneak matings are rare, guarding males should spend less effort on ejaculates than sneaks. But if sneak matings are frequent, and if the marginal cost of sperm is very low for sneaks, the guarder may expend the greater effort on sperm. If sperm are relatively very cheap for guarders, then in cases of double mating, the paternity prospects of guarders should be higher than for sneaks; otherwise sneaks should win. However, if a guarder detects a sneak mating, he should increase his sperm dose in the female tract and achieve higher fertilization prospects (paternity) than the sneak. A second model concerns cases of extra pair copulations (EPCS) where all males are paired to females, but all will mate with another male’s female if the opportunity should arise. Thus roles are assigned randomly with fixed probability. In this game, sperm costs relate to reduced paternal care (or to other losses with the ‘primary’ female) and are assumed to be equal to all males. Predictions are very similar to the sneaks—guarders game: when performing an EPC a male should expend more effort on sperm (and hence gain higher paternity) than when mating as a paired males, unless the EPC is detected, in which case a paired male should greatly increase his sperm dose in the female (and hence should predominate at fertilization).
Intraguild omnivory in predatory stream insects

Summary 1 The veracity of food webs and other trophic structures derived from empirical data sets depends ultimately on our ability to identify species’ diets and, thus, to classify organisms according to their major energy source or functional feeding groups. True omnivory (mixing plant and animal food) is common among terrestrial and marine arthropods, but poorly documented in freshwater systems. In a field study, we examined a guild of six large-bodied, lotic insects (Plecoptera and Trichoptera) that are generally considered to be predatory and that coexist in one stream. Gut contents analysis was used to characterize prey in the diet and to quantify the consumption of plant material. Nitrogen isotope ratios (δ15N) were measured in whole-animal samples to determine whether any algae were assimilated into body tissues. 2 Gut contents analysis showed that all six study taxa were polyphagous with respect to their animal prey. All taxa also consumed substantial amounts of algae, but little true detritus (terrestrial plant material). Contrary to previous suggestions, an ontogenetic shift from carnivory to algivory was apparent in two species; a shift from algivory to carnivory was not observed. 3 Stable isotope analysis indicated that some predators assimilated algae: δ15N was lower than expected if predators were wholly carnivorous. Using a stable isotope mixing model to estimate the proportion of algae assimilated into body tissues, we suggest that three taxa are true omnivores and estimate that 40–55% of body nitrogen is derived from algae. The remaining three taxa appear to be primarily carnivorous. 4 Intraguild omnivory is a distinctive feature of the food web in this stream, and probably many others, and needs to be incorporated explicitly into models of stream systems. The food limitation hypothesis may explain, in part, true omnivory at this site. However, the nutritional value of algae and its role in the growth and fecundity of predatory stream insects requires further investigation before underlying mechanisms can be identified with confidence.
Observations on the ductus arteriosus of the guinea pig in relation to its method of closure

The closure of the ductus arteriosus at birth establishes an adult type of pulmonary circulation by abolishing the sliunt of blood from the pulmonary artery to the aorta. Failure of this closure constitutes one of the common forms of congenital heart disease, patent ductus arteriosus, the importance of which is apparent. I n the published work on the ductus arteriosus several theories have been proposed to explain the niechanisni of i ts closure. Wells in 1908 summarized the more important of these as follows: the first expansion of the large bronchi by air compresses the ductus arteriosus ; thrombosis in i ts lumen and subsequent adhesion of the walls closes the ductus ; bending of the arch of the aorta by increased pressure after birth causes closure; beginning of respiration causes a change in position of the thoracic viscera and this causes tension and collapse of tlie ductus; fibrous growth in the intima leads to occlusion; active contraction of the layers of the wall of the ductus closes it; fibrous bands passing over the ductus are connected with the diaphragm and upon descent of the diaphragm with respiration the bands a re pulled down and occlude the ductus; a thin crescentic fold of tissue present a t tlie aortic end of the ductus acts like a valve in preventing the flow of blood from the aorta into the ductus.
Compensation via Redistributive Taxation. Evidence from a Real-Effort Laboratory Experiment with Endogenous Productivities

The compensation argument suggests that redistributive taxation is considered to be fair if it equalizes for unjustified privileges of the rich. To test this argument, we design a laboratory experiment in which we manipulate the allocation of subjects’ productivity in a real-effort task. We distinguish three treatment conditions: productivity is equal among group members, productivity is unequal (low, medium, high) and randomly distributed among group members and finally, productivity is unequal and distributed among group members based on their performance in a learning & knowledge task. In line with the compensation argument, the experimental data provides robust evidence that redistributive taxation is higher when income inequality is caused by randomly distributed productivities. Moreover, we find evidence in favor of a deservingness effect. Groups in which the low productivity subject shows the highest effort, agree on a higher tax rate while groups in which the low productivity subject shows the lowest effort do not vote on a tax rate in favor of the worst-off.
Effect of timing of propiconazole application on foliar disease and yield of irrigated spring wheat in Saskatchewan from 1990 to 1992.

Applications of propiconazole on spring wheat at various growth stages at Outlook, Saskatchewan showed that the optimal time to spray was between the extension of the flag leaf growth stage to the medium milk growth stage (G.S. 41–75). The maximum yield increase was about 10% on the soft white spring wheat, Fielder, compared to a 3% yield increase on the hard red spring wheat, Katepwa. The disease levels on penultimate leaves was reduced by spray applications between stem elongation and medium milk growth stages (G.S. 31–75). Most of the foliar disease was caused by Septoria spp. with S. nodorum being the most prevalent pathogen; Pyrenophora tritici-repentis was also present. Key words: Propiconazole, septoria leaf blotch, tan spot
Improved NBA Adjusted +/- Using Regularization and Out-of-Sample Testing

Adjusted +/- (APM) has grown in popularity as an NBA player evaluation technique in recent years. This paper presents a framework for evaluating APM models and also describes an enhancement to APM which nearly doubles its accuracy. APM models are evaluated in terms of their ability to predict the outcome of future games not included in the model’s training data. This evaluation framework provides a principled way to make choices about implementation details. The enhancement is a Bayesian technique called regularization (a.k.a. ridge regression) in which the data is combined with a priori beliefs regarding reasonable ranges for the parameters in order to produce more accurate models.
Application of structural equation modeling to scrutinize the causes of grape losses in production chain.

Grape is the key product of Qazvin Province and a vast amount of it is annually lost during supply chain due to various causes. This study, therefore, aimed at examining the effective and significant causes of grape losses in supply chain in Qazvin. First, to identify the main causes of the grape losses and to develop the research framework, data was gathered through some qualitative methods. Twenty-three grape growers, researchers, and experts were interviewed by research team as the key informants. Meanwhile, grounded theory techniques were employed for data analysis simultaneous with data collection processes to develop the final theory and model. In second part, the study's hypotheses and research model were formed based upon the developed theory. Then, to examine the research model, Partial Least Square Structural Equation Modeling and Important-Performance Matrix Analysis techniques were used. The population involved/affected in this part was grape growers from five districts of Qazvin Province. The sample consisted of 380 grape growers who were selected through stratified random sampling. A questionnaire was utilized for data collection and data was analyzed with the Smart-PLS 3.0. Main findings show that “management practices and resource and equipment” had significant effect on the grape losses. In accordance with Important Performance Matrix Analysis (IPMA), “extension and advisory services and management practices” are of paramount prominence. Moreover, in indicators level, providing on-farm participatory training, intelligible educational programs in local media, and financial resources, had the utmost importance in mitigating grape losses.
Curative role of green banana and red apple on aspirin induced gastric ulcer in rats

The biochemical effects of ulcer induced by acetyl salicylic acid on rats and the anti-ulcer activity of unripe banana and red apple supplementation was evaluated. One hundred male adult albino rats were divided int o five groups (n=8). One group fed balanced diet, whi le other groups fed balanced diet supplemented with un ripe banana and red apple at two tested doses (10 and 20 %). After one month, ten rats from each group were star ved 48 hours and were given aspirin at a dose level of 200mg/kg/body weight and sacrificed after six hours and noted as groups (6, 7, 8, 9, and 10). Aspirin administration caused a significant increase in ser um malondialdehyde, serum alkaline phosphatase activit y and nitric oxide level. Reduced glutathione level, erythrocyte Superoxide dismutase and plasma catalas e activities were significantly decreased compared to healthy control group. Total titrable acidity, ulce r index, ulceration percent and ulcer score were significant ly increased in ulcer control group while mucosal thic kness and relative weight of stomach were significantly decreased in ulcer control group compared to health y control group. Aspirin administration significantl y decreased the level of hemoglobin, red blood cells and platelets counts but increased the level of white b lood cells, neutrophils and lymphocytes counts. Consumpti on of green banana and red apple at the tested doses b y healthy and ulcerated rats resulted in a significan t decrease in oxidative biomarkers and significant improvement in antioxidants levels; complete blood picture, total titrable acidity, ulcer index, ulcer ation percent and ulcer score as well as mucosal thicknes s and relative weight of stomach as compared with ulcerat ed rats. Citation: Fatma A.K. , Lamiaa A.A. B. , Nahla H.A. , Nagwa A.A. , Alyae M.S.G. , 2016. Curative role of green banana and red apple on aspirin induced gastric ulcer in Rats. Internationa l Journal of Biochemistry. Photon 198, 490-502 All Rights Reserved with Photon. Photon Ignitor: ISJN44385728D648912012016
hwtk Discussion Paper Series

: Common innovation acceptance models such as the Technology Acceptance Model assume that users are willing to test an innovation. The causes of willingness to test remain unlit. This paper aims to gain an understanding of what qualifies a self-executing electronic service with a high degree of novelty to be tested by potential users. A cross-sectional study was carried out using structured questionnaires. Structural equation modeling was applied to evaluate the measurement model and to test the hypotheses. Results indicate that privacy concerns, trust and expected convenience are of considerable relevance for the explanation of the phenomenon discussed.
Is Status Quo Bias Explained by Anchoring? Evidence from Survey Experiments

In a seminal paper, Samuelson and Zeckhauser (1988) have shown that people stick to the status quo more frequently than predicted by standard economic theory and labeled this phenomenon “status quo bias”. This paper uses large survey experiments within the classroom and the German Internet Panel (GIP) with more than 1,500 respondents to improve our understanding of why people actually exhibit this behavior. Is it due to some form of economic reasoning or to cognitive causes? One of the most prominent explanations in the literature is “anchoring”. This cognitive misperception leads people to make judgments that are biased towards initially presented values. The results indeed suggest that anchoring alone (as opposed to explanations based on economic reasoning) can cause one half of the whole effect referred to as status quo bias. To my knowledge, this is the first paper to quantitatively disentangle anchoring from other explanations of status quo bias. My results have implications for the design of surveys and experiments.
Effects of Business Reading Model on Thai Learners’ Reading and Creative Thinking Abilities

In second language research, reading has attracted the attention of numerous researchers. However, little has been carried out to investigate effects of a reading instructional model on Thai learners’ business reading and creative thinking abilities. Thus, this study investigates whether a business reading model designed based on Concept-Oriented Reading Instruction (CORI) and Project-Based Learning (PBL) enhances Thai undergraduates’ reading and creative thinking abilities. The study also investigates what reading strategies the students use frequently to improve their reading abilities. Based on pretest-posttest design, this study measured 35 undergraduates’ reading abilities and strategies through a reading comprehension test. Additionally, a mini project was assigned to gauge the students’ creative thinking abilities following the treatment. The findings demonstrate that the business reading model significantly increased the participants’ reading abilities and helped promote their creative thinking abilities. It is also discovered that the top three reading strategies these students used frequently to increase their reading abilities include finding the main idea, taking notes, and mapping the concept and integrating information. The study concludes by providing useful insights for researchers or educators who are interested in business English reading instruction. Pedagogical recommendations for further studies are also offered in this study.
Multiple Decisions Making for the Best Desalination Plant in 1996-2020

Journal home page: http://ijceg.ump. edu.my ISSN:21802742 that this problem can be solved simply by substituting the membranes in the plant. On the other hand, Li (2010) created an optimization model for increasing the quality of desalination plant named SEC but they did not present any satisfactory result for their model. Fulaij (2011) in its Ph.D. thesis analyzed the performance of MSF plant. He used FLUENT in order to optimize the performance of MSF and showed that the performance would be increased from 3 to 39 percent by applying FLUENT beside MSF. Skiborowski et al. (2012) combined two desalination plants and they understood that this combination is possible in every condition. Discussion on the water resources was started from the ancient times but nowadays it becomes more important. Thus programming of water resources practices are originating of more complex analyzes. With increasing the demands and challenges on water resources, single criteria analyzes changed to multiple ones (Abrishamchi et al. 2005). Multiple analyzes includes two kinds first is done by one person (MCSDM) and second is done by more than one person (MCMDM). Some of MCDM methods are ELECTRE introduced by Roy (1991), DEMATEL and VIKOR and also TOPSIS (Hwang, 1998), PROMETHEE (Brans and Mareschal 1992) and other methods. Wallenius et al. (2008) showed that among 7000 times that multiple methods are used 267 times is related to water resources management. Atanassove and Gorgiev (1993) introduced A-IFS and told that with this method it is possible to have rational programming. Klir and Bou (1995) in their research showed that fuzzy methods are suitable when we have inputs made in programming language. In fuzzy environments making so many decisions can be possible (Chowdhary and Champagen 2006). Mohsen and ElJayyousi (1999) classified desalination plants with AHP and showed that RS and IE are the best alternatives among other methods. Their results are consistent with the results of Hajeeh and El-Osman (2005). In 2010 they presented that the amount of energy used in desalination plants, water quality and investigation cost are the most important criterion for selecting the best desalination plant. Li (2005) introduced some new methods based on A-IFS and told that A-IFS is a linear method that analyze alternatives and criterion individually. Based on Rahmani (2010) results and also data gathered from Water Organization of Mazandaran’s province (WOMP) and due to increasing in population, and as a result of indiscriminate extraction of groundwater, the slope of water table became reverse allowing salty water of sea entering into the aquifer. So in this research tried to solve the problem of salting water. One of the methods for solving this problem and using the available water in the basin is desalination of salting groundwater. For making a good decision about desalination it is necessary to choose the best desalination plant among all the plants created in the recent years. 2. Materials and methods
The within‐species leaf economic spectrum does not predict leaf litter decomposability at either the within‐species or whole community levels

Despite recent progress in characterizing the within‐species variability (WSV) of plant functional traits, the importance of this WSV in driving ecological processes such as leaf litter decomposability within species or at the whole community level is poorly understood. We ask whether leaf and litter functional traits vary within species to form a spectrum of variability analogous to the leaf economics spectrum that occurs among species. We also ask whether this spectrum of trait variation within species is an important driver of leaf litter decomposability. To address these questions, we quantified both WSV and between‐species variation of leaf and litter traits and litter decomposability of 16 co‐occurring temperate rain forest plant species along soil toposequences characterized by strong shifts in soil nutrient status in New Zealand. We found considerable WSV of both leaf and litter traits for all species, and a within‐species spectrum of coordinated trait variation for 11 species. The WSV of leaf and to a lesser extent foliar litter C to N and C to P values were often strongly related to soil C to N and C to P ratios across plots. Further, in many cases, WSV and its covariation with species turnover contributed significantly to the community‐level aggregate trait response to variation in soil fertility. Contrary to our expectations, the WSV in leaf and litter traits did not generally predict within‐species variation in leaf litter mass loss, nor N and P release, during decomposition. Further, inclusion of WSV did not improve predictions of leaf litter decomposability using community‐level trait measures. Synthesis. Our findings support the view that WSV of plant functional traits is an important component of plant community responses to environmental factors such as soil fertility. However, the apparent decoupling of WSV of leaf economic traits from WSV of ecological processes such as litter decomposability suggests that consideration of WSV may not be necessary to understand the contributions of trait variation to determining the breakdown of plant litter and therefore, potentially, ecosystem processes.