Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Succession of hydrocarbon seep communities associated with the long-lived foundation species Lamellibrachia luymesi

The vestimentiferan tubeworm Lamellibrachia luymesi lives for over 250 yr and forms aggregations of hundreds to thousands of individuals at hydrocarbon seep sites in the Gulf of Mexico. A succession model has been proposed where changes in the abiotic environment within tubeworm aggregations lead to shifts in the associated community structure. Here, we test this model using new data from communities associated with 13 tubeworm aggregations. We quantify the temporal scale of succession by using a population-growth model to estimate aggregation age. In older tubeworm aggregations, biomass, density, and number of species m -2 tube surface area decline. In addition, pri- mary producer, primary consumer, and endemic species comprise a smaller proportion of the tube- worm-associated community in old aggregations. These changes in the associated community are at- tributed to lower epibenthic sulfide concentrations in older aggregations. A number of species' densities show strong correlations to sulfide concentration, and similarity between communities is best explained by a combination of aggregation age and sulfide concentration. Together, these data demonstrate the role of hydrogen sulfide in this seep habitat and the effect that the hypothesized reduction of epibenthic sulfide concentration by L. luymesi would have on the associated community.
Market integration and market concentration in horizontally differentiated industries

This paper derives the impact of market integration on equilibrium firm size and market concentration in horizontally differentiated industries. We show that market concentration (measured by the number of firms) can rise as a consequence of market integration if firms engage in RDcompetition. We also demonstrate that whether concentration occurs or not depends on the RDproduction function and on consumer preferences. This result implies that the welfare effects of market integration are not unambiguously positive.
A developmental test of the dominance-nutrition hypothesis: linking adult feeding, aggression, and reproductive potential in the paperwasp Mischocyttarus mastigophorus

Because adult females of primitively eusocial insects are plastic in their social roles, they are excellent models for assessing factors that affect fecundity and its relationship with dominance. Previous cross-sectional studies led to the dominance-nutrition hypothesis, which posits that the nutritional costs and benefits of task performance determine ovary development, and thereby affect female's dominance status. In this study, we investigate developmental predictions of the dominance-nutrition hypothesis in the paper wasp Mischocyttarus mastigophorus. Females were relatively inactive when young, and showed limited ovary development until over 2 weeks of adult age. As females aged, inter-individual variance in rates of behavior and in oocyte development increased significantly. As predicted by the dominance- nutrition model, females developed along diverging pathways, which were associated with worker-like and queen-like behavior and physiology. Individuals differed in their rates of nutritionally favorable (taking food from foragers) and nutritionally expensive (flying from the nest to forage) behavior. High rates of taking food from foragers were correlated with accelerated onset of giving social aggression (chases/bites) and with increased ovary development. Conversely, receiving aggression typically preceded the onset of foraging, and high rates of receiving aggression were positively associated with earlier onset of foraging. Our data do not support part of the dominance- nutrition model: ovary development did not precede the onset of elevated aggression. Variation in ovary development did not correlate positively with rates of giving aggression for young females. Our data implicate adult nutrition as an important factor for behavioral and physiological development, including the developmental onset of social aggression.
Biocontrol of Flax Seedling Blight with Mixtures of Pseudomonas Spp.

Antagonism between flax rhizobacteria and R. solan, the causal of flax seedling blight, was studied in vitro. Pseudomonas flurorescens, Pseudomonas cepacia and Pseudomonas sp. were the most effective antagonists. Linear growth of R. solani was inversely proportional to the concentration of the culture filtrates of Pseudomonas strains. Individual strains as well as their mixtures significantly increased the percentage of surviving seedlings in greenhouse and field trials; however, the mixtures were much more effective than the individual strains. Moreover, the mixtures were more effective in increasing seed yield and straw yield in field trials.
Emulator Circuits and Resistive Switching Parameters of Memristor

Chua predicted the existence of the fundamental circuit element, which provides the linkage of flux ( ϕ ) and charge ( q ). The new circuit element that is called memristor (memory + resistor) was demonstrated by Hewlett Packard (HP) researchers in 2008. Researchers focused on memristor fabrication, modeling, and its application with other circuit elements. Researchers could not find the commercially memristor devices in the market because of some fabrication difficulties. For this reason, researchers focused on the memristor modeling to analyze its characteristics with other circuit elements. This chapter presents a review of the general information of memristor and its device parameters. The chapter is continued with the details of memristor mathematical and SPICE models and memristor emulators based on the other circuit elements.
Summertime CO 2 fluxes from tundra of Ny-Ålesund in the High Arctic

The Arctic ecosystem, especially High Arctic tundra, plays a unique role in the global carbon cycle because of amplified warming in the region. However, relatively little research has been conducted in High Arctic tundra compared with other global ecosystems. In the present work, summertime net ecosystem exchange (NEE), ecosystem respiration (ER), and photosynthesis were investigated at six tundra sites (DM1–DM6) on Ny-Alesund in the High Arctic. NEE at the tundra sites varied between a weak sink and strong source (−3.3 to 19.0 mg CO 2 ∙m -2 ∙h -1 ). ER and gross photosynthesis were 42.8 to 92.9 mg CO 2 ∙m -2 ∙h -1 and 54.7 to 108.7 mg CO 2 ∙m -2 ∙h -1 , respectively. The NEE variations showed a significant correlation with photosynthesis rates, whereas no significant correlation was found with ecosystem respiration, indicating that NEE variations across the region were controlled by differences in net uptake of CO 2 owing to photosynthesis, rather than by variations in ER. A Q 10 value of 1.80 indicated weak temperature sensitivity of tundra ER and its response to future global warming. NEE and gross photosynthesis also showed relatively strong correlations with C/N ratio. The tundra ER, NEE, and gross photosynthesis showed variations over slightly waterlogged wetland tundra, mesic and dry tundra. Overall, soil temperature, nutrients and moisture can be key effects on CO 2 fluxes, ecosystem respiration, and NEE in the High Arctic. Citation: Li F F, Zhu R B, Bao T, et al. Summertime CO2 fluxes from tundra of Ny-Alesund in the High Arctic. Adv Polar Sci, 2017, 28(1): 50-60, doi: 10.13679/j.advps. 2017.1. 00050
Trace gas trends and their potential role in climate change

It is pointed out that the release of chemicals into the atmosphere has grown greatly over the last 50 years. Contributed to the observed perturbations of trace chemicals in the atmosphere have an increased reliance on synthetic chemicals, deforestation, biomass burning, and fossil fuel combustion. As trace chemicals modify the radiation energy of the earth-atmosphere system, the considered developments can produce an alteration of the earth's climate. One of the major objectives of the present study is related to the characterization of the trace gases, taking into account the observed abundances, known sources, and sinks in the present-day atmosphere. Other objectives include an estimate of the future concentration of trace gases, an inference of the preindustrial concentrations of trace gases, and an estimate of the radiative effects of the trace gases and their potentials for climate changes. 103 references.
Anaesthesia-related maternal deaths in South Africa Chapter Seven of the 5th Saving Mothers Report 2008–2010

Abstract The number of reported deaths due to anaesthesia continues to increase. There were 121 reported this triennium. This represents 2.5% of all maternal deaths and 5.4% of deaths directly related to complications of pregnancy. One hundred and eighteen of these were available for review and 92 were assessed as being directly due to anaesthesia. Spinal anaesthesia accounted for 73 (79%) of the deaths and general anaesthesia 16 (17%). Two deaths were associated with sedation and one with epidural anaesthesia. The percentage of deaths caused by spinal anaesthesia increased in this triennium to 79%. Again, two thirds of these deaths resulted from poor treatment of well-recognised complications of spinal anaesthesia (hypotension and high motor block). The most common cause of death following general anaesthesia was difficult or failed intubation, which occurred in 50% of cases. Lack of basic skills in anaesthesia, including assessment and resuscitation, were identified. As in previous triennia, most anaesthesia-related deaths occurred at level 1 hospitals (70%). This reflects the need for skilled qualified anaesthetic care at these hospitals.
The Role of Remittances in Migration Decision: Evidence from Turkish Migration

In this study we analyse the impact of workers’ remittances on the decision to migrate by means of cointegration analysis. In traditional migration theories, especially in human capital models, the decision to migrate is based upon comparison of expected future incomes in the sending and the receiving countries adjusted for the cost of migration. By contrast, the new economics of labour migration suggests that the migration decision is made jointly by the migrant and his family. One important element of this theory is the role of remittances that is absent in traditional migration theories. In this paper we test traditional migration theories against the new economics of labour migration. The study covers the Turkish migration to Germany over the period 1964-2004. A single cointegrating relation between the migration in∞ows and the relative income ratio between Germany and Turkey, the unemployment rates in Germany and Turkey, the trade intensity variable, and workers’ remittances (relative to Turkish GDP) is found. We flnd workers’ remittances to be signiflcant in explaining migration both in the short- as well as in the long-run.
INFLUENCE OF STRATEGIC SOURCING ON PROCUREMENT PERFORMANCE OF KENYAN COMMERCIAL BANKS

The purpose of this study was to find out the influence of strategic sourcing on the performance of the procurement function of commercial banks in Kenya. This study explored how key sourcing decisions, Supplier selection and buyer supplier partnerships influence procurement performance. The population consisted of 40 commercial banks that are licensed by Central bank of Kenya (CBK) as at July, 2016. Since the number of banks was relatively small a census was done to collect primary data through interviewing bank procurement managers using questionnaires whilst secondary data was from earlier works on the subject through a comprehensive literature review. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used in data analysis with the Statistical package SPSS being used in analysis of data. Correlation analysis using Spearman correlation coefficient techniques was used to establish the kind of relationship that existed between variables to draw key findings and inform recommendations for further research. The study concluded that if properly structured, strategic sourcing can effectively combine the core competencies of a given firm with the skills and capabilities of its suppliers. The study maintained that strategic sourcing is increasingly being recognized as an integral part of business strategies and practices in banking institutions. From the results it was established that proper sourcing strategies greatly improve the performance of these institutions. It was also found out that an increasing reliance on suppliers leads businesses to be more exposed to uncertain events, which explained why supplier selection is a critical process in procurement performance. The study recommended that banking institutions should improve their sourcing strategies and benchmark them with best in practice organizations and ensure they enter into buyer supplier relationships that are fostered on trust and goodwill on both parties in order to maintain and improve organization performance. This study contributed immensely towards filling gaps in knowledge and information in the area of strategic sourcing as it related to procurement performance of commercial banks in Kenya. Key Words: Sourcing Decisions, Supplier Selection, Buyer Supplier, Procurement Performance
Specific allergen induces Fas (CD95) and FasL (CD95L) expression on peripheral blood mononuclear cells from allergic subjects

Apoptosis, a programmed cell death results from interaction between surface molecule Fas and its ligand FasL. Fas expression is increased on activated T cells. FasL is upregulated following TCR stimulation. The aim of our study was to investigate Fas and FasL expression following stimulation of PBMC with specific allergen. 17 allergic subjects, sensitive to grass pollen and 15 healthy controls were included in the study. PBMC were isolated by density gradient centrifugation and incubated with various concentrations (1, 10, 100 ng/ml) of allergen for 18 h at 4 o C. Standard immunofluorescence test was performed using rabbit IgG against human Fas and FasL. The expression of both Fas and FasL after stimulation with allergen was significantly increased in allergic subjects whereas in healthy ones incubation with allergen did not affect the expression of these molecules. Our results indicate that specific allergen stimulation of lymphocytes from allergic subjects might induce Fas-FasL apoptotic pathway, which might result in deletion of specific cells. This might be a possible mechanism of allergen tolerance achieved naturally or following specific immunotherapy.
Educational robotics for teaching computer science in Africa - pilot study

Educational robotics can play a key role in addressing some of the challenges faced by higher education institutions in Africa. A remaining and open question is related to effectiveness of activities involving educational robots for teaching but also for improving learner's experience. This paper addresses that question by evaluating a short pilot study which introduced students at the Department of Computer Science, University of Ghana to robot programming. The initial positive results from the study indicate a potential for such activities to enhance teaching experience and practice at African institutions. The proposed integrated set-up including robotic hardware, software and educational tasks was effective and will form a solid base for a future, full scale integration of robotic activities into the undergraduate curricula at this particular institution. This evaluation should be valuable to other educators integrating educational robots into undergraduate curricula in developing countries and elsewhere.
A study of a formal model for view selection for aggregate queries

1 Operations Research Program, NC State University, Raleigh, NC 27695, {zasghar,fathi ? }@ncsu.edu 2 Computer Science Department, NC State University, Raleigh, NC 27695, chirkova@csc.ncsu.edu Abstract. We present a formal study of the following view-selection problem: Given a set of queries and a database, return definitions of views that, when materialized in the database, would reduce the evaluation costs of the queries. Optimizing the layout of stored data using view selection has a direct impact on the performance of database systems. At the same time, the optimization problem is intractable, even under natural restrictions on the types of queries of interest. We introduce an integerprogramming model to obtain optimal solutions for the view-selection problem for aggregate queries on data warehouses. We show that this model can be used to solve realistic-size instances of the problem. We also report the results of the post-optimality analysis that we performed to determine the impact of changing certain input characteristics on the optimal solution, and compare our approach to a leading heuristic procedure [20]. A shorter version of some results of this paper has been published as [25].
Micro-Enterprises’ Digital Marketing Tools for Building Customer Relationships

The digital marketing environment is changing rapidly, and, for micro-enterprises, digital marketing is currently a vitally important opportunity. However, most digital marketing studies have focused on larger companies, and, therefore, little research focused on micro-enterprises has been done in this area. Attracting customers, engaging customers’ interest and participation, retaining customers, learning customers’ preferences and relating to customers are key strategies in building strong customer relationships. However, many enterprises appear to focus only on attracting and engaging customers and ignore longer-term aspects of managing customer relationships. The existing research lacks information on how digital marketing tools are used by micro-enterprises when building customer relationships. The present study sought to contribute to a more in-depth understanding of microenterprises’ current strategies in terms of new digital marketing tools that foster stronger customer relationships. Based on interviews of two digital marketing service providers, this paper describes how their microenterprise clients use digital marketing tools through the selective lens of the five aforementioned elements of building customer relationships. The findings highlight the importance of a practical understanding of digital marketing tools, as the digital marketing environment continues to change rapidly. In particular, the smallest group of micro-enterprises – solo-entrepreneurs – do not utilise digital marketing tools effectively enough. The human capital and digital tool knowledge of micro-enterprises’ owner-managers have a great impact on these firms’ digital marketing and, ultimately, their success.
Product Value Evaluation Models based on Itemset Association Chain

Association rules among product items by association analysis suggest sales effect among products. These are useful for marketing strategies such as cross-selling and product display etc. However, if we evaluate more practical product values reflecting cross-selling effects, they will be also more useful for the decisions of companies such as product item selection for product assortment and profit maximization etc. This study proposes product value evaluation models with the concept of effective value based on single-item association chain and itemset association chain. In addition to that, we performed experiments with transaction data related to clothing of an online shopping mall in Korea to show the performances of our models. In result, we confirmed that some items increased in effective values compared with their pure values while the others decreased in effective values.
Simultaneous aerosol mass spectrometry and chemical ionisation mass spectrometry measurements during a biomass burning event in the UK: Insights into nitrate chemistry

Abstract. Over the past decade, there has been an increasing interest in short-term events that negatively affect air quality such as bonfires and fireworks. High aerosol and gas concentrations generated from public bonfires or fireworks were measured in order to understand the night-time chemical processes and their atmospheric implications. Nitrogen chemistry was observed during Bonfire Night with nitrogen containing compounds in both gas and aerosol phases and further N2O5 and ClNO2 concentrations, which depleted early next morning due to photolysis of NO3 radicals and ceasing production. Particulate organic oxides of nitrogen (PONs) concentrations of 2.8 µg m−3 were estimated using the m ∕ z 46 : 30 ratios from aerosol mass spectrometer (AMS) measurements, according to previously published methods. Multilinear engine 2 (ME-2) source apportionment was performed to determine organic aerosol (OA) concentrations from different sources after modifying the fragmentation table and it was possible to identify two PON factors representing primary (pPON_ME2) and secondary (sPON_ME2) contributions. A slight improvement in the agreement between the source apportionment of the AMS and a collocated AE-31 Aethalometer was observed after modifying the prescribed fragmentation in the AMS organic spectrum (the fragmentation table) to determine PON sources, which resulted in an r2 = 0.894 between biomass burning organic aerosol (BBOA) and babs_470wb compared to an r2 = 0.861 obtained without the modification. Correlations between OA sources and measurements made using time-of-flight chemical ionisation mass spectrometry with an iodide adduct ion were performed in order to determine possible gas tracers to be used in future ME-2 analyses to constrain solutions. During Bonfire Night, strong correlations (r2) were observed between BBOA and methacrylic acid (0.92), acrylic acid (0.90), nitrous acid (0.86), propionic acid, (0.85) and hydrogen cyanide (0.76). A series of oxygenated species and chlorine compounds showed good correlations with sPON_ME2 and the low volatility oxygenated organic aerosol (LVOOA) factor during Bonfire Night and an event with low pollutant concentrations. Further analysis of pPON_ME2 and sPON_ME2 was performed in order to determine whether these PON sources absorb light near the UV region using an Aethalometer. This hypothesis was tested by doing multilinear regressions between babs_470wb and BBOA, sPON_ME2 and pPON_ME2. Our results suggest that sPON_ME2 does not absorb light at 470 nm, while pPON_ME2 and LVOOA do absorb light at 470 nm. This may inform black carbon (BC) source apportionment studies from Aethalometer measurements, through investigation of the brown carbon contribution to babs_470wb.
A new method to measure bowen ratios using high resolution vertical dry and wet bulb temperature profiles

The Bowen ratio surface energy balance method is a relatively simple method to determine the latent heat flux and the actual land surface evaporation. Despite its simplicity, the Bowen ratio method is generally considered to be unreliable due to the use of two-level sensors that are installed by default in operational Bowen ratio systems. In this paper we present the concept of a new measurement methodology to estimate the Bowen ratio from high resolution vertical dry and wet bulb temperature profiles. A short field experiment with Distributed Temperature Sensing (DTS) in a fibre optic cable having 13 levels was undertaken. A dry and a wetted section of a fibre optic cable were suspended on a 6 m high tower installed over a sugar beet trial near Pietermaritzburg (South Africa). Using the DTS cable as a psychrometer, a near continuous observation of vapour pressure and temperature at 0.20 m intervals was established. These data allows the computation of the Bowen ratio with a high precision. By linking the Bowen ratio to net radiation and soil heat flux, the daytime latent heat flux was estimated. The latent heat flux derived from DTS-based Bowen ratio (BR-DTS) showed consistent agreement (correlation coefficients between 0.97 and 0.98) with results derived from eddy covariance, surface layer scintillometer and surface renewal techniques. The latent heat from BR-DTS overestimated the latent heat derived with the eddy covariance by 4% and the latent heat derived with the surface layer scintillometer by 8%. Through this research, a new window is opened to engage on simplified, inexpensive and easy to interpret in situ measurement techniques for measuring evaporation.