Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Effects of temperature on global patterns of tuna and billfish richness

Although tunas and billfishes are of substantial economic importance and conservation concern, global patterns of diversity and distribution remain poorly understood. Many species are highly migratory and able to tolerate a wide thermal range. In the present study, ambient water temperature data for 18 species of tuna and billfish from 190 literature sources were combined according to geographical location. An empirical modelling approach was used to relate temperature tolerances of tunas and billfishes to their global diversity patterns. Mean preferred and tolerated temperature ranges were calculated for each species in the adult and juvenile life stages. Mean tolerance data were then overlaid in order to fit models relating the species richness of tunas and billfishes to ambient water temperature. The best-fit model was used in conjunction with gridded water temperature data to predict global species richness patterns. Cumulative species richness pre- dictions from water temperature data were positively correlated with observed longline-derived rich- ness data (r = 0.577, p < 0.0001). Diversity consistently peaked at intermediate latitudes (10 to 35° N and S) in a manner similar to other pelagic taxa. This analysis provides evidence that the ambient water temperature tolerances of tunas and billfishes can be used to predict broad species richness patterns on a global scale.
A Respondent-friendly Method of Ranking Long Lists

This article illustrates a respondent-friendly approach to preference elicitation over large choice sets, which overcomes limitations of rating, full-list ranking, conjoint and choice-based approaches. This approach, HLm, requires respondents to identify the top and bottom m items from an overall list. Across respondents, the number of times an item appears in participants' L (low) list is subtracted from the number of times it appears in participants' H (high) list. These net scores are then used to order the total list. We illustrate the approach in three experiments, demonstrating that it compares favourably to familiar methods, while being much less demanding on survey participants. Experiment 1 had participants alphabetise words, suggesting the HLm method is easier than full ranking but less accurate if m does not increase with increases in list length. The objective of experiment 2 was to order US states by population. In this domain, where knowledge was imperfect, HLm outperformed full ranking. Experiment 3 involved eliciting respondents' personal tastes for fruit. HLm resulted in a final ranking that correlated highly with MaxDiff scaling. We argue that HLm is a viable method for obtaining aggregate order of preferences across large numbers of alternatives.
Impacts of detritus from the invasive alga Caulerpa taxifolia on a soft sediment community

Invasive primary producers can dramatically reorganize food webs through detrital sub- sidies. This study assessed (1) contributions of the invasive alga Caulerpa taxifolia to detrital resources of temperate Australian estuaries, and (2) effects of these contributions on sediment- dwelling invertebrates. In an invaded estuary, sampling of an intertidal shore indicated C. taxifolia fragments were consistently present in organic matter deposits and were particularly abundant fol- lowing storms. Sampling of the alga across 6 invaded estuaries showed that the ratio of organic car- bon to nitrogen (C:N) in fresh tissue varied between 7 and 16. To determine how C. taxifolia detritus influences benthic macrofaunal assemblages and whether this influence depends on the quantity and C:N ratio of C. taxifolia detritus, a manipulative field experiment was performed. On a sheltered intertidal mudflat, 0.25 m 2 plots of sediment were experimentally enriched with either a high (90 g DW) or low (30 g) loading of high C:N (14) or low C:N (7) C. taxifolia detritus. Experimental enrich- ment negatively affected the total abundance and species richness of macroinvertebrates relative to controls, and these effects increased with detrital loading. For some macrofauna, reducing the C:N ratio tended to exacerbate negative effects on abundances, whereas it moderated these effects for other species. Given that organic matter derived from invasive species can be transported beyond the distribution of live invaders, greater consideration should be given to the potential broad-scale effects of invasive primary producers on detrital pathways.
Anti-melanogenesis in B16F0 Melanoma Cells by Extract of Fermented Cordyceps militaris Containing High Cordycepin

To find a novel skin whitening agent, the effect of cordycepin-enriched Cordyceps militaris (CMα) extract fermented by fungi on anti-melanogenesis in B16F0 mouse melanoma cells was investigated. Fermented CMα was prepared with fungi, including Monascus purpureus (Mp), Aspergillus oryzae (Ao), Aspergillus kawachii (Ak), and Rhizopus oryzae (Ro), respectively. When the content of the phenolics and the flavonoids and the activities of the antioxidant and the mushroom tyrosinase inhibition were measured in the CM fermented by Ak (AkF-CM), the highest content of the phenolics was 46 mg/g dry weight and the highest content of the flavonoids was 0.93 mg/g; the highest activity of the DPPH radical scavenging was 62.74% and the highest activity of the mushroom tyrosinase inhibition was 79.97% CMαCMα. From this result, AkF-CMα exhibited the highest mushroom tyrosinase inhibitory activity and so it was used in subsequent anti-melanogenesis. B16F0 melanoma cells were treated with 1-10 mg/ml concentrations of AkF-CMα and 200 μM arbutin as the positive control. The melanin content and cell viability of the melanoma cells by arbutin treatment decreased to 43% and 92% of the control, respectively. AkF-CMα treatment at 1, 3, and 5 mg/ml concentrations decreased the extracellular melanin release induced by IBMX treatment by 35%, 45%, and 53%, respectively. AkF-CMα showed inhibitory activity against both intracellular tyrosinase in melanoma cells and mushroom tyrosinase. AkF-CMα reduced the protein level of tyrosinase in the IBMX-stimulated cells. These results indicate that AkF-CMα suppressed the activity and protein content of cellular tyrosinase and decreased the total melanin content in cultured B16F0 melanoma cells.
Temporal trends in shade sensitive epiphytic cryptogams residing on old trees

Question: How does abandoned management affect species assemblages of shade sensitive bryophytes and lichens residing on old trees in traditionally lightopen environments? Method: I examined compositional change over 20 years in the epiphytic vegetation of old pollarded trees of Fraxinus excelsior in a cultural landscape of western Norway through resampling. The nature of changes in the epiphytic composition in relation to environment was identified through 1) Quantifying temporal turnover in species compositions along DCA axes; 2) Calculation of relative changes in Ellenberg indicator values for gradients of light and moisture through a weighted average technique and 3) Testing the effect of aspect, stem inclination/ height and the historical management regime on the rate of temporal turnover. This was done by mixed effect models with forward selection. Results: Species composition of the epiphytic vegetation has changed significantly during the last 20 years. Species with lower indicator values for light (shade tolerant species) and higher indicator values for moisture (draught sensitive species) increased in relative abundance. An environmental trend towards more shady and moist conditions was detected. Among other shade sensitive species, shade and draught sensitive cyanolichens are negatively affected, whereas the shade and draught tolerant chlorolichens and liverworts residing throughout the stem within sheltered local environments, like Lepraria spp, Phlyctis argena and Metzgeria conjugata gain advantage. Synthesis: The results imply a negative impact of abandoned management on temporal trends in assemblages of shade sensitive epiphyte bryophytes and lichens. The results demonstrated that the combination of approaches employed is operational and conceptually relevant for detecting temporal trends in cryptogam epiphytic communities in relation to environment at the scale of the landscape.
Markets, managerialism and teachers' work: the invisible hand of high stakes testing in England

High stakes testing has been long established in the English school system. In this article, we seek to demonstrate how testing has become pivotal to securing the neo-liberal restructuring of schools, that commenced during the Thatcher era, and is reaching a critical point at the current time. Central to this project has been the need to assert increased control over teachers’ work and this is being achieved through a pincer movement of marketisation and managerialism. Both of these ‘policy technologies’ require the value of individual teachers’ work to be measured and quantified, and in this article we seek to demonstrate how high stakes testing underpins these processes. The article concludes by making the case for reclaiming teaching as a professional process, within the context of education, as a public good and conducted in a public space.
Development and evaluation of operational performance of macaw fruits semi-mechanized harvester by means mechanical vibrations principle

Macaw (Acrocomia aculeata) is a product of Brazilian socio-biodiversity and is an excellent source of oil for the cosmetics, food and fuel industry. One of the technical bottlenecks of macaw fruit production is the manual harvesting with rudimentary tools and the extractive system, which has a very large dependence on labor. The objective of this work was to develop the informational and conceptual design of a semi-mechanized harvesting system that can be used in adverse conditions of relief, also directed to the needs of family farmers. In this work the concept of a low cost macaw harvester is proposed, which works by the principle of mechanical vibrations, and is able to work efficiently in planted and natural plantations. From an adaptation of the Pahl and Beitz method for the development of machine designs, and the use of the evolution prototyping method, integration prototypes were constructed, which underwent a preliminary field test. Some modifications were made in portable coffee breakers, which constituted changes in the vibration signal generation system that were transmitted to macaw fruits at the head / plant interface. Only one of the built prototypes was considered effective and suitable for subsequent performance (product under patent registration). For the detailed design, CAD (Computer Aided Design) techniques were employed. Later, it was possible to observe the validation of efficiency of the macaw fruit harvest by the principle of mechanical vibrations. Under field conditions, field trials demonstrated that the average harvest efficiency for the proposed model with vibrating rods was 97.4% and the average harvesting capacity was 566.91 kg h-1.
Model-Based Fault Diagnosis System Verification Using Reachability Analysis

In model-based fault detection and isolation (FDI) systems, fault indicating signals (FISs) such as residuals and fault estimates are corrupted by various noises, uncertainties and variations. It becomes challenging to verify whether an FDI system still works or not in real life applications. It is also challenging to select a threshold so that false alarm rate and missed detection rate are kept low depending on real operation conditions. This paper proposes solutions to the aforementioned problems by quantitatively analyzing the effect of uncertainties on FIS. The problems are formulated into reachability analysis problem for uncertain systems. The reachable sets of FIS are calculated under normal and selected faulty cases, respectively. From these reachable sets, the effectiveness of an FDI system can be qualitatively verified under described uncertainties. A dedicated threshold can be further chosen to be robust to all possible described uncertainties. As a by-product, the minimum detectable fault can also be quantitatively determined by checking the intersection of the computed reachable sets. The proposed approach is demonstrated by evaluating an FDI algorithm of a motor in the presence of parameter uncertainties, unknown load, and sensor noises, where a fault estimation-based approach is adopted to diagnose amplifier, velocity, and current sensor faults.
Optimal Stiffeners Spacing for Intermediate Link in Eccentrically Braced Frame to Increase Energy Dissipation

In general, the behavior of an eccentrically braced frames (EBF) is dependent on the link member characteristics. An efficient link is designed ductile enough to dissipate energy and to prevent the collapse of the frame. Since the link member is reinforced with stiffeners, in order to improve its ductility and plastic deformation capacity, the details of stiffeners design shall be considered more precisely. The existing relationships for web stiffeners spacing in the provisions are based on the behavior of short links with pure shear, while these relationships are applied for intermediate links with shear-bending behavior as well, without any modification. Recent studies have shown the non-conservative stiffeners spacing for some intermediate links. In this study, an optimization algorithm is presented to find the best arrangement of the intermediate link stiffeners. The objective function is the plastic dissipated energy by link before failure and the design variables are locations of stiffeners. The link is simulated under static cyclic loads with finite element software ABAQUS. The heuristic optimization algorithm has been coded in the MATLAB software to find the optimum solutions. The results show that the dissipated energy before failure can be improved significantly by modification of stiffeners spacing. Review History: Received: 4 January 2017 Revised: 27 February 2017 Accepted: 5 March 2017 Available Online: 10 March 2017
An empirical model of personal self-regulation and teaching regulatory, to predict the process and the product variables

Introduction. The present study examines how personal self-regulation and regulatory teaching relates to learning approaches, strategies for coping with stress, and self-regulated learning (as process variables of learning) and, finally, how it relates to performance and satisfaction with the teaching-learning process (as product variables). In this investigation, we built two different empirical models based on the presage-process-product paradigms to clarify potential effects of (1) personal self-regulation and (2) regulatory teaching with other cognitive-emotional variables. Method. A total of 1101 students participated in the study (University of Almeria and competitive students). In terms of data collection, it is a survey investigation using self-reports (questionnaires and scales) and a cross-sectional strategy. The analyses made to meet the proposed objectives and test hypotheses were structural for develop structural models. Results. The results provide empirical evidence for two models, consistent and significant, integrating variables that are part and influence the teaching-learning process of this educational level (university and candidates). Discusion and conclusion. Findings confirming the importance of the interactive, integrative model of teaching-learning (DEDEPRO), which assumes that self-regulated learning should be connected to regulatory teaching. Variables incorporated into the models validated in this study consolidate the idea that both personal factors and teaching and learning factors should be taken into consideration, since we are dealing with a formal context of teaching-learning.
Nonlinear control of an electro-pneumatic protection valve for circuit pressure limiting. (Research report SCL-005/2003)

A simple feedforward nonlinear control design is presented in this report that is based on a simplified hybrid model of the electro-pneumatic protection valve used for circuit pressure limiting function of commercial vehicle air supply systems. First the model is analyzed according to the control design requirements with an emphasis on its hybrid behavior. The applied controller fulfils predefined optimality criteria that is achieved by numeric optimization methods.
Heterogeneity in Ordered Choice Models: A Review with Applications to Self‐Assessed Health

Discrete variables that have an inherent sense of ordering across outcomes are commonly found in large data sets available to many economists, and are often the focus of research. However, assumptions underlying the standard ordered probit (which is usually used to analyse such variables) are not always justified by the data. This study provides a review of the ways in which the ordered probit might be extended to account for additional heterogeneity. Differing from other reviews in scope, application and relevance in economic settings, a series of issues pertaining to choices of variables, and the economic assumptions underlying each model are discussed in the context of measuring the underlying health of respondents. The models are applied to a wave of the household, income and labour dynamics in Australia survey, in order to check the appropriateness of such assumptions in an applied context.
Implications for the Field of Environmental Education

In this paper, we propose a new approach to motivation theory based on a cognitive perspective: the concept of valuation. Motivation and valuation are reviewed and discussed here using an environmental, developmental and evolutionary perspective. We argue that * The author are grateful to two anonymous referees for their precious comments on an earlier version of the paper, and to Dr. Suellen Crano for her precious help in the revision of the English text. S.J. Mercado-Doménech G. Carrus A. Terán-Álvarez-Del-Rey S. Pirchio ECPS Journal – 16/2017 http://www.ledonline. it/ECPS-Journal/ 78 motivation could be approached as one of the various mechanisms that compose cognitive processes, being related to the adaptive value of objects, situations, or settings. Motivation and valuation are proposed as markers of the survival value of perceived, imagined, or conceptualized objects of cognition. In this manner, motivation can be conceived as the product of a complex cognitive computation that determines the adaptive value of our cognitions, and provides an evaluative response. From this perspective, we discuss the perceptual, cognitive, and symbolic dimensions of the valuation process. Finally, we discuss the implications for possible future developments of basic and applied research in the domain of environmental psychology and environmental education.
An Examination of Board Cohesiveness of Initial Public Offering at Indonesian Stock Exchange

We study the financial performance of initial public offerings (IPOs) at Indonesian Stock Exchange. We examine how firm characteristics and board characteristics affects the board cohesiveness. This study attempts to evaluate board cohesiveness of initial Public Offering at Indonesian Stock Exchane during 2000-2008 (119 sample). Our results indicate that among IPO firms, firm characteristics and board characteristics affects the board cohesiveness. These results indicate that board cohesiveness influence by board characteristics and firm perfomance. Keywords: Board Cohesiveness, Board Characteristics, and Firm Characteristics
A memory-based hysteresis model in piezoelectric actuators

A mathematical memory-based model is proposed to capture the hysteresis behavior in piezoelectric actuators. It is observed that the ascending (descending) hysteresis curves are alike and converge to one point without memory saturation. Therefore, two, dominant curves are determined and expressed as continuous functions, and the other hysteresis curves are modeled using two dominant curves through nonlinear transforming of coordinate axis. In the event ofmemory saturation, a new converging point is used to compensate the model prediction error. The experimental study has been carried out and our proposed model prediction method is compared with PI model and the linear model. It shows that the proposed model prediction method is better than other two methods.
A review of property mass valuation models

Mass valuation of properties is important for purposes like property tax, price indices construction, and understanding market dynamics. There are several ways that the mass valuation can be carried out. This paper reviews the conventional MRA and several other advanced methods such as SAR, Kriging, GWR, and MWR. SAR and Kriging are good for modeling spatial dependence while GWR and MWR are good for modeling spatial heterogeneity. The difference between SAR and Kriging is the calculation of weights. Kriging weights are based on the spatial dependence or so called the semi-variogram analysis of the price data whereas the weights in SAR are based on the spatial contiguity between the sample data. MWR and GWR are special types of regression where study region is subdivided into local sections to increase the accuracy of prediction through neutralizing the heterogeneity of autocorrelations. MWR assigns equal weights for observations within a window while GWR uses distance decay functions. The merits and drawbacks of each method are discussed.
HEAVY METALS IN URBAN ROAD SEDIMENTS OF THE CITY OF MEXICALI, MEXICO

A chemical sediment characterization of urban streets in the city of Mexicali at Baja California, Mexico, was conducted to estimate the most important heavy metals along with PM10 and PM2.5 emission factors (EF) to evaluate the amount of particulate matter. Sampling was conducted from february to may 2008, following a random statistical design, in 60 sampling sites on a georeferenced map at UTM 11 North. Samples were identified and treated in the laboratory, after undergoing cracking, drying, sieving, and weighing to get less than 75 microns of sediment by using a dry method. Twelve representative samples were selected for chemical characterization using energy dispersive X-rays (EDX) and inductively coupled plasma (ICP). The most significant elements found were zinc (Zn) and lead (Pb) with concentrations ranging from 1 to 15 mg/kg and 11 to 25 mg/kg, respectively, corresponding to the third classification from a reference set of a study by US EPA in 1981-1997. The clay type known as illite was identified in four specific samples.
Explicit Green operators for quantum mechanical Hamiltonians. II. Edge-type singularities of the helium atom

We extend our approach of asymptotic parametrix construction for Hamiltonian operators from conical to edge-type singularities which is applicable to coalescence points of two particles of the helium atom and related two electron systems including the hydrogen molecule. Up to second-order, we have calculated the symbols of an asymptotic parametrix of the nonrelativistic Hamiltonian of the helium atom within the Born–Oppenheimer approximation and provide explicit formulas for the corresponding Green operators which encode the asymptotic behavior of the eigenfunctions near an edge.