Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Seasonal variation in mortality of brown trout (Salmo trutta) in an acidic aluminium-rich lake

We have studied the seasonal variation in aluminium toxicity in caged brown trout (Salmo trutta), during one year (October 1994 to September 1995) in a small acidic aluminium rich lake, Lake Nepptjern (ANC -22.6 μeq l-1, pH 5.2, total Al 400 μg l-1). Trout from two and three different year classes were exposed each month to the lake water for 48 h. Fish were placed in keepnets located in the middle of the lake, at 2 m depth. Fish mortality and water physico-chemistry were monitored during the exposures. The concentration of inorganic monomeric aluminium in the water was approximately 300 μg l-1 in average, and the water was acutely toxic to the fish. The observed mortality varied throughout the year, and was highest during spring and summer. During spring, the small fish were more sensitive to the toxic water than larger fish, while the opposite was the case during summer. Water temperature and fish length could explain most of the seasonal variation in mortality. Statistical analyses indicated that water acid neutralising capacity (ANC) and the amounts of total organic carbon (TOC) and silicon in the water also could explain some of the variation in mortality. Variation in other physico-chemical parameters, however, such as silicon, TOC and ANC could only explain the variation in mortality to a limited extent. The mechanism for the temperature dependent mortality is discussed, and we suggest that the dependence of water O2-solubility and fish metabolism upon temperature is of importance. The difference in mortality between small and large fish is discussed in terms of the gill area/body weight ratio, and it seems to be that small fish suffer more from diffusive ion loss having a larger relative gill area than larger fish. Large fish, on the other hand, have a lower relative maximum oxygen uptake than small fish and will suffer more under conditions where aluminium is accumulated on the gill surface.
A General Method for Robust Bayesian Modeling

Robust Bayesian models are appealing alternatives to standard models, providing protection from data that contains outliers or other departures from the model assumptions. Historically, robust models were mostly developed on a case-by-case basis; examples include robust linear regression, robust mixture models, and bursty topic models. In this paper we develop a general approach to robust Bayesian modeling. We show how to turn an existing Bayesian model into a robust model, and then develop a generic strategy for computing with it. We use our method to study robust variants of several models, including linear regression, Poisson regression, logistic regression, and probabilistic topic models. We discuss the connections between our methods and existing approaches, especially empirical Bayes and James-Stein estimation.
Structure and composition of woody vegetation in two important bird areas in southern Zimbabwe

This study assessed the status of woody vegetation structure and composition in two Important Bird Areas (IBA) i.e. Manjinji Pan and Save-Runde Junction located in southeastern Zimbabwe. The objectives of this study were to: (i) determine the woody vegetation structure and composition of the study areas and (ii) find out any differences and similarities in woody vegetation between the two IBAs. Data about woody vegetation were collected from 40 randomly placed sample plots from both study areas. Tree density was higher in Manjinji Pan IBA (406.67 +/- 16.86 trees ha(-1)) than Save-Runde Junction IBA (275.83 +/- 17.62 trees ha(-1)). In contrast, Save-Runde Junction IBA had higher numbers of stems per plant (2.88 +/- 0.22), species richness (59) and diversity (H' = 3.28) than Manjinji Pan IBA: numbers of stems per plant (2.16 +/- 0.12), species richness (43) and diversity (H' = 2.90). No significant differences were recorded in woody plant height, shrub and dead plant densities. The findings suggest that several factors including fires, herbivory and human activities could be influencing the woody vegetation in the two IBAs. However, further research is suggested to better understand the drivers of woody vegetation variation in IBAs occurring in savanna ecosystems. It is recommended that species richness and diversity of woody plants should be maintained and invasive plant species controlled for the conservation of endemic and migratory avifauna.
Turboelectric distributed propulsion protection system design trades

The NASA N3-X blended-wing body with turboelectric distributed propulsion concept is being studied to achieve N+3 goals such as reduced noise, emissions, and improved energy efficiency. The electrical distribution system is cryogenic in order to maximize its efficiency and increase the power density of all associated components, while the motors, generators, and transmission lines are superconducting. The protection of a superconducting DC network poses unique electrical and thermal challenges due to the low impedance of the superconductor and operation in the superconducting or quenched states. For a given TeDP electrical system architecture with fixed power ratings, conventional and solid-state circuit breakers combined with superconducting fault-current limiters are examined with both voltage and current source control to limit and interrupt the fault current. To estimate the protection system weight and losses, scalable models of cryogenic bidirectional current-source converters, cryogenic bidirectional IGBT solid-state circuit breakers, and resistive-type superconducting fault current limiters are developed to assess how the weight and losses of these components vary as a function of nominal voltage and current and fault current ratings. The scalable models are used to assess the protection system weight for several trade-offs. System studies include the trade-off in fault-current limiting capability of SFCL on CB mass, alongside the fault-current limiting capability of the converter and its impact on CB fault-current interruption ratings and weight.
Impacts of Climate Change and Extreme Weather on U.S. Agricultural Productivity Growth

We employ state panel data for the period 1961-2004 to identify the role of climate change on U.S. agricultural productivity growth using a stochastic production frontier method. We examine the patterns of productivity changes and weather variations across regions and over time. Climate variables are measured using temperature humidity index (THI) load and Oury index at both their means and the degree of deviation from their historical norm (shocks). We also incorporate irrigation ratio and local public goods—R&D, extension, and road infrastructure—to capture the effects of specific state characteristics and to check for the robustness of the estimates of climate variables’ impacts. Results indicate that higher THI load can drive farm production from its best performance using given inputs and best technology. On the other hand, a higher Oury index, irrigation ratio, local R&D, Extension, and road density can drive state overall farm production closer to the production frontier. In addition, weather “shock” variables seem to have more consistent and robust impacts in explaining technical inefficiency than do level variables.
Using presence‐only modelling to predict Asian elephant habitat use in a tropical forest landscape: implications for conservation

Aim Asian elephants, Elephas maximus, are threatened throughout their range by a combination of logging, large scale forest conversion and conflict with humans. We investigate which environmental factors, both biotic and abiotic, constrain the current distribution of elephants. A spatially explicit habitat model is constructed to find core areas for conservation and to assess current threats.
Adjustment of the basin-scale circulation at 26° N to variations in Gulf Stream, deep western boundary current and Ekman transports as observed by the Rapid array

Abstract. The Rapid instrument array across the Atlantic Ocean along 26° N provides unprecedented monitoring of the basin-scale circulation. A unique feature of the Rapid array is the combination of full-depth moorings with instruments measuring temperature, salinity, pressure time series at many depths with co-located bottom pressure measurements so that dynamic pressure can be measured from surface to bottom. Bottom pressure measurements show a zonally uniform rise (and fall) of bottom pressure of 0.015 dbar on a 5 to 10 day time scale, suggesting that the Atlantic basin is filling and draining on a short time scale. After removing the zonally uniform bottom pressure fluctuations, bottom pressure variations at 4000 m depth against the western boundary compensate instantaneously for baroclinic fluctuations in the strength and structure of the deep western boundary current so there is no basin-scale mass imbalance resulting from variations in the deep western boundary current. After removing the mass compensating bottom pressure, residual bottom pressure fluctuations at the western boundary just east of the Bahamas balance variations in Gulf Stream transport. Again the compensation appears to be especially confined close to the western boundary. Thus, fluctuations in either Gulf Stream or deep western boundary current transports are compensated in a depth independent (barotropic) manner very close to the continental slope off the Bahamas. In contrast, compensation for variations in wind-driven surface Ekman transport appears to involve fluctuations in both western basin and eastern basin bottom pressures, though the bottom pressure difference fluctuations appear to be a factor of 3 too large, perhaps due to an inability to resolve small bottom pressure fluctuations after removal of larger zonal average, baroclinic, and Gulf Stream pressure components. For 4 tall moorings where time series dynamic height (geostrophic pressure) profiles can be estimated from sea surface to ocean bottom and bottom pressure can be added, there is no general correlation between surface dynamic height and bottom pressure. Dynamic height on each mooring is strongly correlated with sea surface height from satellite observations and the variability in both dynamic height and satellite sea surface height decrease sharply as the western boundary is approached.
DETERMINING THE VENTILATION RATE INSIDE AN APARTMENT HOUSE ON THE BASIS OF MEASURED CARBON DIOXIDE CONCENTRATIONS – CASE STUDY

In the construction process of modern residential buildings the aim is to achieve maximum comfort within minimum energy consumption. One of the ways to achieve this requirement is the accurate determination of the volumetric air flow rate necessary to ensure the required indoor air quality. The aim of the paper is to present a methodology for determination the volumetric air flow rate on the basis of the results obtained from experimental measurements of carbon dioxide concentrations, which were carried out inside an apartment house lived by a standard family. Based on the measured values, the mass flow rate release of carbon dioxide was calculated. Consequently, the volumetric air flow rate was calculated in two situations, during the day and during the night. The main goal of the paper is to determine the required fresh air flow rate in an occupied room, based on carbon dioxide concentration measurement, in order to maintain a comfortable level of indoor air quality. The calculated air flow rate should optimize a future investment in ventilation equipment in order to choose the proper air handling unit with low operating costs. The aim is not only to improve the energy efficiency of the ventilation system, but also to ensure a healthy indoor environment. Based on the presented research it can be stated that during the sleeping of four family members there is necessary to ensure the fresh air flow rate of 104 m 3 per hour. DOI: https://doi.org/10.3846/enviro.2017. 262
Multifractal growth in periphyton communities

Periphyton is an aquatic community composed by algae, bacteria, fungi, and other microorganisms that can develop a complex architecture comparable to tropical forests. We analyzed the spatial pattern of a periphyton community along a succession developed in experimental tanks. Our aim was to identify regularities that may help us to explain the patchiness of this community. Therefore, we estimated the spatial pattern of periphyton biomass using a non-destructive image analysis technique to obtain a temporal series of the spatial distribution. These were analyzed using multifractal techniques. Multifractals are analogous to fractals but they look at the geometry of quantities instead of the geometry of pattern. To use these techniques the object of study must show scale invariance and then can be characterized by a spectra of fractal dimensions. Self-organization describes the evolution of complex structures that emerge spontaneously driven internally by variations of the system itself. The spatial distribution of biomass showed scale invariance at all stages of succession and as the periphyton developed in a homogeneous landscape, in a demonstration of self-organized behavior. Self-organization to a critical state (SOC) is presented in the complex systems literature as a general explanation for scale invariance in nature. SOC requires a mechanism where the history of past events in a place influence the actual dynamics, this was termed ecological memory. The scale invariance was found from the very beginning of the succession thus selforganized criticality is a very improbable explanation for the pattern because there would be not enough time for the build-up of ecological memory. Positive interactions between algae and bacteria, and the existence of different spatial scales of colonization and growth are the likely causes of this pattern. Our work is a demonstration of how large scale patterns emerge from local biotic interactions.
Watermarking : Utilizing ' Kashida ' Extensions in Arabic Language Electronic Writing

Digital watermarking is the process of embedding information into a digital signal. This work targets web applications that need to have hidden secure data within their Arabic e-text files. Many related watermarking techniques have been proposed as for text watermarking. However, most of them are suitable for English and cannot be generalized for different other languages such as Arabic. Arabic e-text watermarking is found having unique characteristics features that can be considered interestingly. In this paper, we are utilizing the extension Arabic character ‘Kashida’ to propose an improved method for Arabic e-text watermarking. We utilize all the extendable characters possibly fitted in words to represent some watermark bits. We embed bits within 'Kashida' characters in the cover text based on a secret key similar to classical cryptography. Our study showed that this watermarking scheme made the task of an attack much harder compared to previous similar and related methods. It also showed possibility to hide more secret data bits without degrading the security, which is believed to be attractive for web e-text data application such as preserving intellectual properties or copyright features.
Does Co-Location Accelerate Knowledge Outflows from FDI? The Role of MNC Subsidiaries' Technology Sourcing Strategies

Despite the strategic importance of the knowledge outflows from FDI for local firms’ competitiveness, no study has focused on the speed at which this phenomenon takes place. However, this issue is crucial since the speed at which firms absorb external knowledge influences the time they need to carry out subsequent innovations, their ability to adapt to external changes and enter new markets, thus ultimately affecting their chances to achieve a competitive advantage. This paper tries to fill this gap, by investigating the temporal patterns of knowledge outflows between foreign subsidiaries and firms located in host-regions. Combining International Business literature with insights on Innovation Strategy, we provide evidence on the timing of this phenomenon, and discuss the role played by multinational firms’ technology sourcing strategies.
Impact localization in composite structures of arbitrary cross section

This article proposes an in situ structural health monitoring method able to locate the impact source and to determine the flexural Lamb mode A0 velocity in composite structures with unknown lay-up and cross section. The algorithm is based on the differences of the stress waves measured by six surface-attached acoustic emission piezoelectric (lead zirconate titanate) sensors and is branched off into two steps. In the first step, the magnitude of the squared modulus of continuous wavelet transform, which guarantees high accuracy in the time–frequency analysis of the acoustic waves, was used to identify the time of arrival of the flexural Lamb wave. Then, the coordinates of the impact location and the group speed values are obtained by solving a set of non-linear equations through a combination of local Newton’s iterative method associated with line search and polynomial backtracking techniques. The proposed method, in contrast to the current impact localization algorithms, does not require a priori knowledge of the anisotropy angular-group velocity pattern of the measured waveforms as well as the mechanical properties of the structure. To validate this method, experimental location testing was conducted on two different composite structures: a quasi-isotropic carbon fibre–reinforced plastic laminate and a sandwich panel. The results showed that source location was achieved with satisfactory accuracy (maximum error in estimation of the impact location was approximately 3 mm for quasi-isotropic carbon fibre–reinforced plastic panel and nearly 2 mm for sandwich plate), requiring little computational time (nearly 1 s). In addition, the values of the fundamental flexural Lamb mode A0 obtained from the optimization algorithm were compared with those determined by a numerical spectral finite element method.
Observations of the magnetars 4U 0142+61 and 1E 2259+586 with the MAGIC telescopes

Context: Magnetars are an extreme, highly magnetized class of isolated neutron stars whose large X-ray luminosity is believed to be driven by their high magnetic field. Aims: We study for the first time the possible very high energy γ-ray emission above 100 GeV from magnetars, observing the sources 4U 0142+61 and 1E 2259+586. Methods: We observed the two sources with atmospheric Cherenkov telescopes in the very high energy range (E > 100 GeV). 4U 0142+61 was observed with the MAGIC I telescope in 2008 for about 25 h and 1E 2259+586 was observed with the MAGIC stereoscopic system in 2010 for about 14 h. The data were analyzed with the standard MAGIC analysis software. Results: Neither magnetar was detected. Upper limits to the differential and integral flux above 200 GeV were computed using the Rolke algorithm. We obtain integral upper limits to the flux of 1.52 × 10-12 cm-2 s-1 and 2.7 × 10-12 cm-2 s-1 with a confidence level of 95% for 4U 0142+61 and 1E 2259+586, respectively. The resulting differential upper limits are presented together with X-ray data and upper limits in the GeV energy range.
Autonomic function in mice with altered anxiety/depression related behavior

Autonomic dysregulation has been described in patients suffering from anxiety and depression disorders. The vast majority of animal studies investigating autonomic function in anxiety and depression involve “non pathological” models. Thus, the aim of the present study was to investigate parameters of autonomic regulation (e.g. body temperature, heart rate and heart rate variability) in a mouse model selectively bred for high innate anxiety (HAB) versus normal anxiety like behaving mice (NAB). Basal (home cage) and mild unconditioned stressor conditions (e.g. novel cage, open field) did not reveal any difference in heart rate or body temperature between HAB and NAB mice. Surprisingly, when we investigated heart rate variability during conditioned stressors (e.g. fear conditioning), we revealed reduced heart rate variability (HRV) associated with impaired fear extinction in HAB versus NAB mice. This finding of reduced HRV suggests a strong resemblance to what is observed in patients suffering from anxiety and depressive disorders. Moreover, the enhanced anxiety- and depression-related behavior was attenuated after successful chronic NK1 receptor antagonist treatment in HAB mice. The behavioral effect of the NK1 receptor antagonist was associated with normalization of the reduced HRV. These findings demonstrate that heart rate variability is a useful additional diagnostic marker, sensitive to successful drug treatment, characterizing high anxiety and depression trait. Thus, futures studies will elucidate if on the basis of HRV it will be possible to predict successful drug treatment in high anxiety and depression patients.
Tilt vibratory exercise improves pain, strength and somatosensory function in patients with fibromyalgia: A randomized controlled trial

The main objective of this study was to analyse the effects of 12 weeks of tilting whole body vibration therapy on pain, strength and somatosensory function in patients with fibromyalgia syndrome. This study was randomized controlled trial with assessor blinding. Thirty-six women with fibromyalgia were randomly allocated to exercise or control groups. The exercise group received a 12-week program of tilting whole body vibration therapy at 12.5-Hz frequency and 3 mm amplitude. The Muscle strength was assessed with an isokinetic dynamometer, pain with a digital algometer and the somatosensory system with a stabilometry platform. The treatment induced a 23.5% improvement in widespread pain ( P < .05) and 40% improvement in knee pain ( P < .05). The concentric knee extension and flexion strength improved by greater than 19% ( P < .05), and balance with eyes closed showed a 25% improvement in the overall stability index ( P < .05) and a 40% improvement in the antero-posterior stability index ( P < .05) for all positions evaluated. Twelve weeks of tilting whole body vibration therapy 3 times a week at a frequency of 12.5 Hz could be an effective therapy to improve strength, somatosensory function and pain in women with fibromyalgia. This article presents new approaches for management of strength, somatosensory function and pain in patients with fibromyalgia. These measures and these results could potentially help clinicians, physiotherapists and rheumatologists who seek to improve these properties in these patients, this study aims provide a new type of disease management.
Leadership Performance Optimization: Effects on Team Achievement in Organizational Sustained Success

This paper aims to explore the nature and the function of leadership performance in organizations. Researchers address and assess how leadership can progress to be of maximum use of employees’ capabilities and to view teams as performing organizational units which is similar to other studies that focus on teamwork processes. Survey data from 72 teams (n = 279) was collected in three industrial institutions in the private sector) in the United Arab Emirates. The results are leaders develop or modify plans of action to address priorities to improve the employees’ performance, allocate needed resources and communicate plans to organization. Directing and controlling team appeared strongly related with the team employees towards their organization. Effective management network between team members’ was positively associated with the followers’ performance and negatively with innovative commitment. In addition, understanding organizational goals appeared strongly related to Team’s Leadership.