Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Relationships between sedimentary organics and benthic meiofauna on the continental shelf and the upper slope of the Gulf of Lions (NW Mediterranean)

The relationships between the biochemical characteristics of sedimentary organics and benthic meiofauna in the Gulf of Lions were assessed based on samples collected at 19 sites during June 1998. We measured sediment granulometry, organic matter, organic carbon, nitrogen, carbohy- drate, lipid, total hydrolyzable amino acid (THAA) and enzymatically hydrolyzable amino acid (EHAA) concentrations together with C/N and EHAA/THAA ratios. Meiofauna abundance and nematode biomass were also analyzed. All biochemical parameters showed the same pattern of change relative to depth, with a decrease between 0 and 175 m, a subsequent increase between 175 and 900 m and a final decrease at greater depths. This pattern was linked to sediment granulometry and more specifically to the occurrence of coarser sediments near the edge of the continental shelf. In contrast, meiofauna abundance and nematode biomass constantly decreased with depth. This suggests that organic matter availability does not control the quantitative characteristics of benthic meiofauna over the whole range of sampled depths. The relationships between biochemical de- scriptors of sedimentary organics and quantitative characteristics of benthic meiofauna were assessed in the 0 to 175 m depth range. Lipids and to a lesser extent EHAA correlated better with meiofauna abundance and nematode biomass than nitrogen, carbohydrates and organic contents. These results are discussed in view of the identification of biochemical descriptors of the nutritive value of sedimentary particulate organic matter.
Consequence of SRF poplar wood harvesting method on energy content preservation

As renewable energy demand increases, SRF poplar cultivation is getting more and more important in energy production. SRF harvesting takes place normally between December and March: storage between April and November is therefore necessary, pointedly concerning the energetic quality of the material, that depends by harvesting method and the product dimensions. Today three different harvesting methods are available, turning out respectively whole plants, chunks and chips. Weather conditions and microbiological activities produce a dry matter reduction, hence energy loss. A measurement of the energy content of the SRF poplar cultivation was made during the harvesting. During the storage period were registered temperature, rainfall, humidity and solar radiation. Temperature inside the piles was also monitored at different heights. After the piles opening were measured moisture content, ash content, and heating. Whole trees and chunks have lower energy losses if compared with chips. On the other side, transport and following treatments, more difficult for the whole plants, will have an impact on the economy and energy balance of the productive chain. Both chips and chunks can constitute, in appropriate plants, the final form of fuel, while whole plants must always be processed.
Hayek and Keynes on Say ' s Law 1

The more general and usual understanding of Say's Law is that "supply creates its own demand". Baumol (1999) shows however that in Say's writings seven other variants of the law can be found. Sowell (2008) distinguish "Say's identity" that "aggregate supply is identically equal to aggregate demand" in a nonmonetary economy from "Say's equality", which is only valid in equilibrium and that implies that temporary disequilibrium levels of output can prevail. Sowell criticizes Keynes for having reduced Say's Law to Say's Identity and having thus defined it as a situation where "there is no obstacle to full employment". De Gottardi (2000) further developed the distinction between the identity and the equilibrium definitions in the logic of quantum macroeconomics of his teacher Bernard Schmitt. Sardoni (2011) argued that Marx criticized Ricardo's version of Say's law for being expressed in a barter economy, where it is necessarily valid. For Marx, like for other "classical economists", Say's law implies that the economy always runs at full utilisation of productive capacity, but does not require that the economy be at full employment. Say's law has thus different meanings, depending on whether it is defined within a "classical" reproduction scheme, which was the one of reference for Say himself, or whether one considers it within the static neoclassical paradigm. In both cases the distinction between a monetary and a non-monetary economy introduces two further variants in this theoretical framework. The present text discusses different possible definitions of Say's law and then presents the way Hayek and Keynes defined it. It suggests that Hayek reasons in a "classical framework", where however he defines his equilibrium and later his "spontaneous order" concepts as those of an economy where credit money is abolished (or "neutral") and that is de facto equivalent to a barter economy. On the contrary, Keynes looks at a monetary production economy, where credit plays an essential role. While Keynes treatment of Say’s law, and in general his approach, has ambiguities as well, these can be clarified with the help of the modern theory of the monetary circuit, considered in the versions of Parguez, Graziani and Schmitt, whose work provides the background for this discussion. Finally the policy implications of the analysis are drawn. Table of
Unimodal relationship between adult and recruit density in barnacle populations

6 Recruitment is a key demographic step for population persistence. This paper focuses on 7 understanding barnacle (Semibalanus balanoides) recruitment. In rocky intertidal habitats from 8 the Gulf of St. Lawrence coast of Nova Scotia (Canada), winter ice scour is common. At the 9 onset of intertidal barnacle recruitment in the spring, mostly only adult barnacles and bare 10 substrate are visible at high elevations on the shore. We conducted a multiannual study to 11 investigate if small-scale barnacle recruitment could be predicted from the density of pre-existing 12 adult barnacles. In a year that exhibited a wide adult density range (ca. 0–130 individuals dm -2 ), 13 the relationship between adult density and recruit density (referred to the available area for 14 recruitment, which excluded adult barnacles) was unimodal. In years that exhibited a lower adult 15 density range (ca. 0–40/50 individuals dm -2 ), the relationship between adult and recruit density 16 was positive but simply resembling the lower half of the unimodal relationship. Overall, adult 17 barnacle density was able to explain 26–40 % of the observed variation in recruit density. The 18 unimodal adult–recruit relationship is consistent with previously documented intraspecific 19 interactions. Between low and intermediate adult densities, the positive nature of the relationship 20 relates to the ability of adult barnacles to attract settlement-seeking larvae, likely enhancing local 21 population persistence where it is most needed. Between intermediate and high adult densities, 22 where population persistence may be less compromised and the abundant adults may be 23 detrimental to recruit growth, the negative nature of the relationship suggests that larvae are 24 stimulated to settle elsewhere. This unimodal pattern may be particularly common on shores with 25 moderate rates of larval supply to the shore, as high larval supply rates may swamp the coast 26 with settlers, decoupling recruit density from local adult abundance. 27 28 PeerJ Preprints | https://doi.org/10.7287/peerj.preprints. 2914v1 | CC BY 4.0 Open Access | rec: 5 Apr 2017, publ: 5 Apr 2017
Mineral Transformations by Mycorrhizal Fungi

This review addresses the significance and the mechanisms of mineral weathering by mycorrhizal fungi, and the role of this process in plant nutrition and protection from metal toxicity. The fact that mycorrhizal mycelia may actively release nutrients from mineral particles through weathering is raising an increasing interest and the uptake of mineral-derived nutrients by the host plants has been reported. Both chemical dissolution (protonation, chelation) and physical mechanisms (high hyphal pressures) are involved in the weathering process. Mineral solubilization can result in the release of the associated toxic metals. Organic acid exudation and metal complexation may represent a host plant protection mechanism.
MUSCULAR STRENGTH AND STRENGTH ASYMMETRIES IN ELITE AND SUB-ELITE PROFESSIONAL SOCCER PLAYERS

Purpose: The purpose of research was to compare strength parameters of lower limbs (knee extensors and flexors) and their asymmetries (bilateral and unilateral) in elite and sub-elite professional soccer players. Material and method: The screened sample was composed of two professional soccer teams. The first team (Team 1 – elite professional players, n = 28, age = 24.31 ± 4.79 years) was a leader of the first Czech league the second team (Team 2 – sub-elite professional players, n = 24, age = 26.19 ± 3.67 years) was a leader of the second Czech league. Maximum peak torque (PT) and derived parameters (bilateral ratio [Q:Q and H:H] and unilateral ratio [H:Q]) were evaluated using Cybex isokinetic dynamometer at three angular velocities (60, 180, 300 °·s -1 ) for the dominant (DL) and non-dominant leg (NL) during the knee flexion (KF) and extension (KE) in concentric contraction. The four-way mixed-design ANOVA, Student’s t-test and Cohen “d” index of effect size were used for statistical analyses. Results: The factor of P (performance) revealed a significant effect on the level of isokinetic strength of lower limbs in soccer players (F(1.596) = 91.74, p 0.05, η 2 = 0.01). The factor of the tested muscle group (KE, KF) showed a significant effect on the compared bilateral differences (F(1.288) = 11.13, p < 0.01, η 2 = 0.04). Post-hoc tests also showed significantly higher (p < 0.01) values of the bilateral deficit in KF compared to KE. A significant effect was also found in the unilateral ratio of the lower limbs (H:Q) on the basis of comparison of the performance criterion (F(1.288) = 15.51, p < 0.01, η 2 = 0.05) and angular velocity of movement (F(2.288) = 5.56, p < 0.01, η 2 = 0.04). The unilateral ratio (H:Q) was significantly higher in both the dominant and non-dominant limbs in favour of the higher performance Team 1 in comparison to Team 2 (H:Q ratio dominant limb: F(1.144) = 5.87, p < 0.05, η 2 = 0.04; non-dominant limb: F(1.144) = 11.21, p < 0.01, η 2 = 0.07). Discussions and conclusions: The results of the study suggest that more than 50 % of players have at least one strength asymmetry regardless of their performance level. Elite professional players have greater muscular strength of KE and KF, especially at higher angular velocity. Concerning sub-elite players, we found a lower unilateral H:Q ratio. The results of the study point to worse preparedness of KF (performance and prevention perspective) in the sub-elite players. Maladaptive effects in terms of different kinds of body strength asymmetries represent a potential risk of a player’s injury; therefore the detected asymmetries should be systematically monitored and compensated using specific exercises.
A Novel Measurement Matrix Optimization Approach for Hyperspectral Unmixing

Each pixel in the hyperspectral unmixing process is modeled as a linear combination of endmembers, which can be expressed in the form of linear combinations of a number of pure spectral signatures that are known in advance. However, the limitation of Gaussian random variables on its computational complexity or sparsity affects the efficiency and accuracy. This paper proposes a novel approach for the optimization of measurement matrix in compressive sensing (CS) theory for hyperspectral unmixing. Firstly, a new Toeplitz-structured chaotic measurement matrix (TSCMM) is formed by pseudo-random chaotic elements, which can be implemented by a simple hardware; secondly, rank revealing QR factorization with eigenvalue decomposition is presented to speed up the measurement time; finally, orthogonal gradient descent method for measurement matrix optimization is used to achieve optimal incoherence. Experimental results demonstrate that the proposed approach can lead to better CS reconstruction performance with low extra computational cost in hyperspectral unmixing.
Microsatellite DNA markers indicate a high frequency of multiple paternity within individual field-collected egg capsules of the squid Loligo pealeii

Previous behavioral observations of Loligo pealeii revealed the potential for multiple paternity within individual egg capsules, each containing 100 to 300 eggs. Five egg capsules, sam- pled from 3 nearshore locations over 2 yr, were tested for multiple paternity using 3 microsatellite loci. The minimum number of potential fathers was derived from the number of different alleles pre- sent in the progeny. All 5 egg capsules exhibited multiple paternity: genetic markers of at least 4 fathers were found in 2 egg capsules; at least 3 fathers were found in 1 egg capsule, and at least 2 fathers were found in the remaining 2 egg capsules.
Ecological requirements of the threetoed woodpecker (Picoides tridactylus L.) in boreal forests of northern Sweden

The three-toed woodpecker (Picoides tridactylus L.) is a forest specialist bird, highly dependent on dead and decaying trees for foraging. I investigated the occurrence of the three-toed woodpecker in relation to vegetation characteristics including dead wood in the boreal forests of northern Sweden. Forty old forest stands were studied, were I collected data on living and dead trees, and related them to the occurrence of the three-toed woodpecker during the breeding season. Logistic regression was used to model the occurrence of the three-toed woodpecker in relation to habitat variables. I found that of all variables taken in consideration, the amount of freshly dead Norway spruce (Picea abies L.) contributed most to explaining the occurrence of three-toed woodpecker. The probability to find three-toed woodpecker in a stand increased with the basal area of freshly dead spruce, the size of the stand, the basal area of living deciduous trees and that of dying Scots pines. A probability of occurrence of 0.5 corresponded to 1.8 m²/ha of freshly dead spruce. The results refined the knowledge about three-toed woodpecker requirements, underlying the importance of spruce for foraging, and adding information on which decay stage is more preferable for the species. Taking in consideration the fact that the species is declining and included in the Swedish Red List, this study will help defining future targets for conservation management for the three-toed woodpecker.
Use of Decision Tables to Simulate Management in SWAT

Decision tables have been used for many years in data processing and business applications to simulate complex rule sets. Several computer languages have been developed based on rule systems and they are easily programmed in several current languages. Land management and river–reservoir models simulate complex land management operations and reservoir management in highly regulated river systems. Decision tables are a precise yet compact way to model the rule sets and corresponding actions found in these models. In this study, we discuss the suitability of decision tables to simulate management in the river basin scale Soil and Water Assessment Tool (SWAT+) model. Decision tables are developed to simulate automated irrigation and reservoir releases. A simple auto irrigation application of decision tables was developed using plant water stress as a condition for irrigating corn in Texas. Sensitivity of the water stress trigger and irrigation application amounts were shown on soil moisture and corn yields. In addition, the Grapevine Reservoir near Dallas, Texas was used to illustrate the use of decision tables to simulate reservoir releases. The releases were conditioned on reservoir volumes and flood season. The release rules as implemented by the decision table realistically simulated flood releases as evidenced by a daily Nash–Sutcliffe Efficiency (NSE) of 0.52 and a percent bias of −1.1%. Using decision tables to simulate management in land, river, and reservoir models was shown to have several advantages over current approaches, including: (1) mature technology with considerable literature and applications; (2) ability to accurately represent complex, real world decision-making; (3) code that is efficient, modular, and easy to maintain; and (4) tables that are easy to maintain, support, and modify.
Analysis of Assessment and Learning Strategies for a Logistics Undergraduate Education Programme

It is recognised that in today’s global competitive marketplace, where outsourcing continues to grow at an exponential rate, Logistics and Supply Chain Management (SCM) have grown in importance [1]. Research suggests that as logistics moves from being viewed as a stand alone discipline to one viewed as integrating the management of supply, the duties, managerial skills and knowledge of the Professional Logistician have changed [2] [3] . The challenge for logistics educators is to design and develop curricula, learning, teaching and assessment strategies that can support wide-ranging and integrative learning objectives. Research also states that universal logistics management skills must include people, analytical, communication, flexibility and computer skills [4]. This action research paper presents the second stage analysis of the teachers experience when designing and implementing a PBL strategy in a third year module of an undergraduate logistics degree programme, (paper one, [4]). The experience of the students is recorded in a post module survey. Problem based learning (PBL) requires the student to be self directed and responsible for their own learning as they seek to solve a ‘real life’ problem, within a group. Group dynamics, group assessment and interpersonal challenges which were noted by students in phase 1 [4] were addressed, however, project and group management are still problems. An important overall finding was the need for greater training for the students in PBL methods, as well as group work and project management. The research paper also identifies and analyses other constructively aligned learning and assessment strategies for use in the students final year. These strategies seek to integrate the three distinct SCM skill constructs, and enhance the student’s development of people, analytical and communication skills. The students experience is recorded in a learning log which they develop as they complete each of their assignments. This is submitted for analysis after they complete their exams.
Winter feeding site choice of ungulates in relation to food quality

Supplementary feeding is a widespread practice in Sweden. In most cases, this is done in order to increase ungulate densities for hunting purposes. Forest regimes can also provide a high amount of natural food which influences densities. But high densities are not unproblematic and can cause several problems, e.g. increases in traffic accidents or browsing damages. In order to offset some of the problems while maintaining a high population, diversionary feeding has been proposed. In this study, I test the hypothesis that the type of supplementary feed influences the animals choices and degree of utilization, assuming that concentrate selectors (moose (Alces alces) and roe deer (Capreolus capreolus)) utilize willow to a greater extent than the intermediate feeders (red- and fallow deer (Cervus elaphus and Dama dama, respectively)) and wild boar (Sus scrofa), which mostly utilize the silage. A second focus of this study is to provide more information on when and where animals in the study area feed on supplementary fodder and why they choose a certain location over another. Oster Malma, the study area, has populations of five different ungulate species. The hypotheses here are that the habitat type surrounding a feeding site influences its attractiveness and the amount of natural browse in the vicinity plays a role. Based on my findings in this study, willow is not an applicable feed item for diversionary feeding. Silage was utilized much more – especially by fallow deer. Furthermore, a difference in diurnal activity was found between roe deer and the other species: roe deer was less nocturnal than the other four ungulate species. I also found some evidence that moose prefer feeding sites with forest cover. I hypothesize that competition for the resources between the species occurs and that fallow deer is a strong competitor.
A Performance Comparison of Large-n Factor Estimators

This paper uses simulations to evaluate the performance of various methods for estimating factor returns in an approximate factor model when the cross-sectional sample (n) is large relative to the time-series sample (T). We study the performance of the estimators under a variety of alternative speci? cations of the underlying factor structure. We ? nd that 1) all of the estimators perform well, even when they do not accommodate the form of heteroskedasticity present in the data; 2) for the sample sizes considered here, accommodating heteroskedasticity does not deteriorate performance much when simple forms of heteroskedaticity are present; 3) estimators that handle missing data by substituting ? tted returns from the factor model converge to the true factors more slowly than the other estimators.
Dinoflagellate Bioluminescence Limitation : Effects of Formaldehyde and Other Compounds

Dinoflagellates are unicellular, eukaryotic organisms that consist of both photosynthetic and non-photosynthetic species. The approximately 91 known species of bioluminescent dinoflagellates are the pre-dominate contributors to ocean surface bioluminescence. These species are distributed throughout the world, but are generally located in channels, seas, straits, and along coastlines. The bioluminescent properties of dinoflagellates can pose a threat for naval applications. Bioluminescence generated by submarine and SDV operations in coastal areas can result in increased vessel visibility. The initial steps of my research involved testing various chemical agents and physical factors that might be used to mitigate dinoflagellate bioluminescence in situ. I identified formaldehyde as the only chemical compound among many common compounds tested that successfully mitigated dinoflagellate bioluminescence. Formaldehyde was used in the form of formalin, a solution consisting of 37% formaldehyde and methanol as a stabilizing agent. Next, I performed experiments applying shear stress through a stirrer, and used photon counting to determine the extent and time-course of bioluminescence mitigation by formaldehyde in 1.0, 2.5, and 4.6 percent concentrations. Those concentrations were chosen to bracket the formaldehyde concentration commonly used to preserve phytoplankton samples. There was an initial, short-term burst in bioluminescence upon addition of formaldehyde, as formalin, to cultures of the two species before formaldehyde limited bioluminescence, presumably caused by denaturation of compounds in the bioluminescence apparatus. The initial burst lasted 34.6 seconds at 1.0 percent formaldehyde, 9.8 seconds at 2.5 percent formaldehyde, and 8.4 seconds at 4.6 percent formaldehyde for Lingulodinium polyedrum. After the initial burst, bioluminescence output of both Pyrocystis lunula and L. polyedrum was reduced by formaldehyde. For L. polyedrum, the effect was rapid for all concentrations tested, with a 100 percent bioluminescence reduction upon stirring one minute after formalin was added. Bioluminescence continued after administration of formalin, resulting in an afterglow effect for P. lunula. However, L. polyedrum, a species more typical of bioluminescent dinoflagellates found in marine waters compared to P. lunula, did not exhibit the afterglow effect after formalin administration.