Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The utility of relative environmental suitability (RES) modelling for predicting distributions of seabirds in the North Atlantic

Understanding spatial and temporal variability in the distribution of seabirds is fundamental for the conservation and management of marine ecosystems. In the absence of large-scale systematic survey data, the application of standard habitat modelling techniques to predict the at-sea distributions of seabirds at large spatial scales has been limited. In this study, we examine the utility of relative environmental suitability (RES) modelling to predict large-scale distributions and habitat suitability for 6 seabirds in the North Atlantic. An index of habitat suitability was derived by relating niche characteristics to environmental attributes. Predictive performance of models was evaluated with Receiver Operating Characteristic plots, using independent survey data from the Bay of Biscay. RES models performed significantly better than null models at predicting relative likelihood of occurrence for 5 out of 6 species. Qualitative assessment showed that model outputs corresponded well with published range maps, though a common discrepancy was the inclusion of enclosed seas in which species are not known to regularly occur. This study demonstrates that RES modelling can be used to predict large-scale habitat suitability for wide-ranging marine animals for which occurrence data are limited and biased in geographical extent. RES predictions represent simple, testable hypotheses concerning a species’ potential niche in respect of a few environmental predictors. RES modelling can help to identify biodiversity hotspots, predict effects of climate change and develop criteria for designating marine protected areas. (Less)
Electrical conductivity of the continental lower crust

The continental middle to lower crust (CLC) remains one of the most enigmatic parts of the Earth about which comparatively little is known. Remote-sensing geophysical and geochemical data illustrate our gaps in complete knowledge of the state and composition of the CLC. Generally, it is thought that the CLC, when compared to the upper crust, is somewhat more uniform in its properties. However, studies undertaken in the last decade have revealed that the CLC can be as heterogeneous as the upper crust, but that some regions of surprising homogeneity exist. In this chapter, I will describe attempts to image one particular physical parameter of the CLC, namely its electrical conductivity a. Electromagnetic (EM) sounding methods, as with most geophysical methods, are sensitive to the structure that exists today, and as such are dependent on the current state and composition of the CLC, rather than its state at formation or as a consequence of tectonic or metamorphic activity as are petrological studies on exhumed samples from the CLC. All EM methods give responses that are volumetric averages of the Earth's conductivities sensed by the diffusive EM fields, and as such are in the same class of geophysical techniques as seismic surface wave studies, potential field methods, and geothermal investigations. These are distinct from seismic reflection and refraction methods which deal with non-diffusive waves. However, with EM methods the governing field equations (§2) and wide range of the physical parameter being sensed (electrical conductivity, §1.1) ensure a far greater resolving power to anomalies than with the other diffusive geophysical techniques. EM and seismic methods are the only geophysical techniques for which probing of the deep crust is assured; with all others there are inherent screening effects and depth ambiguities. Imaging the electrical conductivity structure beneath the surface has a number of uses, classified mainly by the depth of investigation: (1) Identifying zones of mineralization, which are of economic importance. (2) Detecting fluids in the deep crust, such as those above downgoing slabs, e.g., the Juan de Fuca plate (Kurtz et al., 1986a, 1990; EMSLAB, 1989). (3) Resolving one physical property of crustal zones. As expressed by Dohr et al. (1989): " . magnetotellurics works like a broad paint brush, colouring the layers bounded by the seismic reflections" .
Even rules, uneven practices: Opening the ‘black box’ of EU law in action

While considerable attention is paid to the legal aspect of implementation of European directives, the practical ‘street-level’ implementation of EU law remains to a large extent a ‘black box’. This article sheds light on this black box with a study on the implementation of the Safety Data Sheets Directive in the Netherlands, Germany, the United Kingdom and Spain. This cross-national analysis reveals that different phases in the implementation process leave different traces. Although the member states correctly and completely transposed the directive, compliance by the regulated leaves something to be desired and enforcement by regulators is rare and varies considerably between and within the countries. This article looks into the factors that explain why even rules do not necessarily lead to even practices and argues for more attention for the phase of practical implementation.
Effects of habitat-modifying invasive macroalgae on epiphytic algal communities

Although invasive species can negatively impact communities via processes such as resource competition, they may also add new resources that facilitate the distribution and/or abun- dance of other organisms. In rocky intertidal systems, many benthic macroalgae compete for primary substrate, while providing secondary substrata to which sessile organisms can attach. Using field sur- veys and laboratory experiments, we investigated algal host-epiphyte dynamics in a New England rocky intertidal system. First, we compared the composition, abundance, richness, and diversity of epiphytes on 2 invasive macroalgal species, Codium fragile ssp. tomentosoides and Grateloupia turu- turu, to 2 native macroalgal species, Chondrus crispus and Fucus vesiculosus. We found significant differences among epiphyte communities, as all macroalgal hosts supported different assemblages of species. While epiphyte richness and diversity were generally low on F. vesiculosus and G. turuturu year-round, they were low on C. crispus during the winter only. In contrast, epiphyte richness and diversity on C. fragile remained high throughout the year, suggesting that C. fragile plays an impor- tant role for supporting epiphytes during the cooler months. Second, we examined the relationship between epiphytes and a common herbivorous snail, Lacuna vincta. The abundance of juvenile L. vincta was positively correlated with 1 of the 2 most common epiphyte species, Neosiphonia harveyi. However, L. vincta showed a significant consumption preference for the other abundant epiphyte, Ceramium virgatum, in laboratory assays. Our results suggest that epiphyte facilitation by these invasive algal hosts is not only seasonally important for maintaining species richness and diversity, but may also provide both food and habitat for higher trophic levels.
The Impact of Firm Specific Factors on Capital Structure: Empirical Evidence from Turkey

The main aim of this study is to analyze the impact of firm specific factors on corporate capital structure decisions of firms. The analysis is based on the year end observations of 100 firms which are among the top 1000 industrial enterprises listed on Borsa Istanbul for the period 2005-2011. By using panel data methodology, five explanatory variables: tangibility, profitability, firm size, non-debt tax shields and growth opportunities are evaluated as the firm specific determinants of capital structure decisions. The leverage ratio which is the dependent variable of the analysis is used as the proxy of firms’ capital structure. In order to test whether crucial results are robust to alternative leverage definitions, this study measures leverage as the firm’s total debt to total asset and long term debt to total asset ratios by focusing both on book and market based measures. The major findings of the study with respect to financing decisions of firms provide significant and positive impact of tangibility on long term debt ratio, however it turns out to be inverse for total debt ratio. In addition, it is found that profitable firms tend to have lower leverage; and larger companies tend to have higher debt ratios compared to small ones. What is more, evidence support that firms with greater growth opportunities and non-debt tax shield reveal inverse relation with debt level. Except the impact of growth opportunities which is only significant for market based leverage ratios, the findings for all other variables are robust for different definitions of leverage. The Impact of Firm Specific Factors on Capital Structure: Empirical Evidence from Turkey
Mentoring to develop research self-efficacy, with particular reference to previously disadvantaged individuals

The development of inexperienced researchers is crucial. In response to the lack of research self-efficacy of many previously disadvantaged individuals, the article examines how mentoring can enhance the research self-efficacy of mentees. The study is grounded in the self-efficacy theory (SET) – an aspect of the social cognitive theory (SCT). Insights were gained from an in-depth study of SCT, SET and mentoring, and from a completed mentoring project. This led to the formulation of three basic principles. Firstly, institutions need to provide supportive environmental conditions that facilitate research selfefficacy. This implies a supportive and efficient collective system. The possible effects of performance ratings and reward systems at the institution also need to be considered. Secondly, mentoring needs to create opportunities for young researchers to experience successful learning as a result of appropriate action. To this end, mentees need to be involved in actual research projects in small groups. At the same time the mentor needs to facilitate skills development by coaching and encouragement. Thirdly, mentors need to encourage mentees to believe in their ability to successfully complete research projects. This implies encouraging positive emotional states, stimulating self-reflection and self-comparison with others in the group, giving positive evaluative feedback and being an intentional role model.
Sistem Informasi dan Manajemen Pemberkasan Perkara di Kejaksaan Negeri Mempawah

Abstrak— Sebagai salah satu bagian dari lembaga pemerintahan, penggunaan sistem informasi menjadi sangat penting dalam membantu kinerja Kejaksaan Negeri Mempawah guna terselenggaranya pelayanan yang baik dan efektif kepada masyarakat. Adapun tugas utama Kejaksaan Negeri Mempawah tidak terlepas dari aktifitas penanganan berkas perkara. Oleh karena itu tujuan dari penelitian ini adalah menghasilkan suatu sistem informasi yang dapat membuat, mengolah dan mengarsipkan data pemberkasan perkara di Kejaksaan Negeri Mempawah. Alat dalam perancangan sistem ini adalah Data Flow Diagram (DFD), dan pengujian sistem menggunakan metode Blackbox serta User Acceptance Test (UAT) menggunakan kuesioner dengan 10 responden yaitu jaksa sebagai pengguna sistem informasi. Hasil perhitungan kuesioner menggunakan skala likert. Perancangan penelitian ini menghasilkan sistem informasi dan manajemen yang membantu kinerja aparatur Kejaksaan Negeri Mempawah untuk mengelola berkas-berkas perkara di Kejaksaan Negeri Mempawah. Hasil persentase perhitungan kuesioner pada penelitian ini adalah 89,2% yang menunjukan bahwa Sistem Informasi dan Manajemen Pemberkasan Perkara sangat memuaskan dan sesuai dengan harapan dari Kejaksaan Negeri Mempawah.
Performance evaluation of a cooperative sensing of OFDM signal based on energy and cyclic detection (ソフトウェア無線)

Spectrum sensing is one of the most important technique in cognitive radio system. In order to push this system toward the commercial deployment, the effective sensing method is required so that the presence and absence of the primary signals can be identified. Energy detection and cyclic detection are among the most powerful sensing techniques for cognitive radio system. In this paper, the detection performances of a cooperative sensing based on energy detection and cyclic detection are presented.
Very early prediction of wine yield based on satellite data from VEGETATION

A forecast model for estimating the annual variation in regional wine yield based on remote sensing was developed for the main wine regions of Portugal. Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) time-series obtained by the VEGETATION sensor, on board the most recent Satellite Pour l'Observation de la Terre (SPOT) satellite, over the period 1998–2008 were used for four test sites located in the main wine regions of Portugal: Douro (two sites), Vinhos Verdes and Alentejo. The CORINE (Coordination of Information on the Environment) Land Cover maps from 2000 were initially used to select the suitable regional test sites. The NDVI values of the second decade of April of the previous season to harvest were significantly correlated to the wine yield for all studied regions. The relation between the NDVI and grapevine induction and differentiation of the inflorescence primordial or bud fruitfulness during the previous season is discussed. This NDVI measurement can be made about 17 months before harvest and allows us to obtain very early forecasts of potential regional wine yield. Appropriate statistical tests indicated that the wine yield forecast model explains 77–88% of the inter-annual variability in wine yield. The comparison of official wine yield and the adjusted prediction models, based on 36 annual data records for all regions, shows an average spread deviation between 2.9% and 7.1% for the different regions. The dataset provided by the VEGETATION sensor proved to be a valuable tool for vineyard monitoring, mainly for inter-annual comparisons on a regional scale due to their high data acquisition rates and wide availability. The accuracy, very early indication and low-cost of the developed forecast model justify its use by the winery and viticulture industry.
The Imperative of the Ethics of Complementarity in the Quest for Africa’ Development

The Externalists and Internalists interrogated the crisis of development in Africa and have suggested solutions. In response to the challenge, successive governments have adopted theories, initiated policies and strategies to remedy the situation. In spite of these efforts, the attainment of a commendable stage of development has eluded majority of African nations, this is largely because the conception of development is erroneously predicated on the monistic neglecting the dualistic aspects of development. This paper, does not only correct this misconception it also philosophically explore how Africa can overcome contemporary and future sustainable development challenges, by articulating sustainable development paradigm appropriate for the continent. The paper argued for the necessity of a complement involving the quantitative and qualitative aspects of the dualistic conception rather than a straight jacketed approach that focuses more on the quantitative aspect in the quest for development. The paper employs the analytic and prescriptive approaches of philosophical inquiry.
Seasonality and relationships of food resource use of Martes martes, Genetta genetta and Felis catus in the Balearic Islands

Les regimes alimentaires de la Martre (Martes martes), de la Genette (Genetta genetta) et du Chat haret (Felis catus) ont ete etudies tout au long de l'annee dans l'archipel des Baleares sur les iles de Majorque, Ibiza et Cabrera (Espagne). L'analyse de 2 531 feces a ete utilisee pour decrire les habitudes alimentaires saisonnieres et leurs variations. Le regime alimentaire de la Martre de Majorque est le moins variable des trois entre les differentes saisons. Le materiel vegetal est l'aliment dominant de la Martre, suivi par les mammiferes qui apparaissent dans la moitie des echantillons. Les regimes alimentaires des Genettes d'Ibiza et de Majorque sont tres semblables alors que celui de la Genette de Cabrera est clairement different des deux autres. Les mammiferes sont la composante dominante tout au long de l'annee a Majorque et Ibiza, alors que les mammiferes et les oiseaux sont d'egale importance a Cabrera. Les Genettes se nourrissent beaucoup de mulots sylvestres (Apodemus sylvaticus) a Majorque et Ibiza et de rats (Rattus sp.) a Cabrera. Durant l'automne et l'hiver, la predation d'oiseaux est la plus elevee a Cabrera et Ibiza. Tout au long de l'annee, les mammiferes et les reptiles sont les composantes majeures de l'alimentation du Chat haret de Cabrera. Les dechets et les oiseaux constituent une alimentation saisonniere importante pour les Chats et sont consommes lorsqu'ils sont les plus abondants sur l'ile. L'amplitude de la niche trophique est la plus grande pour la Genette de Cabrera et la plus basse pour la Genette de Majorque. A Majorque et Cabrera les carnivores coexistants ont une amplitude de niche trophique similaire mais exploitent la nourriture differemment. L'alimentation de la Genette de Majorque est tres similaire a celle d'Ibiza alors qu'a Cabrera les Genettes sont des predateurs opportunistes. Les limites methodologiques de la description de l'alimentation des Genettes a partir des analyses des masses fecales sont presentees. Une methode de determination des facteurs correctifs pour la mesure des restes alimentaires de la masse fecale a partir des crottes est proposee.
The More Extreme Nature of North American Monsoon Precipitation in the Southwestern United States as Revealed by a Historical Climatology of Simulated Severe Weather Events

AbstractLong-term changes in North American monsoon (NAM) precipitation intensity in the Southwest U.S. are evaluated through the use of convective-permitting model simulations of objectively identified severe weather events during “historical past” (1950-1970) and “present day” (1991-2010) periods. Severe weather events are days when the highest atmospheric instability and moisture occur within a long-term regional climate simulation. Severe weather event day simulations are performed with convective-permitting (2.5 km) grid spacing, and these simulations are compared to available observed precipitation data to evaluate the model performance and verify any statistically significant model simulated trends in precipitation. Statistical evaluation of precipitation extremes is performed using peaks-over-threshold approach with a generalized Pareto distribution. A statistically significant long-term increase in atmospheric moisture and instability is associated with an increase in extreme monsoon precipitatio.
Development and Simulation of the Aqueous Humor Flow in the Anterior Chamber

We develop a mathematical model for the aqueous humor flow in the anterior chamber of a human eye. Therefore, we construct a two-dimensional geometry of the flow domain and consider the Stokes equation therein. Characteristics are the inflow, the production of the aqueous humor in the ciliary body, the path along the intraocular lens and the iris into the anterior chamber and the outflow through the trabecular meshwork described by a porous media with the Darcy equations for the flow. We will present our first numerical simulations of the decoupled models on two separated domains, the anterior chamber and the trabecular meshwork. They are performed by the Finite Element method with realistic patient dependent parameters. We analyze dependencies between the model parameters and discuss their effect. We found no significant ν-dependence of the averaged pressure in the decoupled model.
Deriving Good Practices from Project Management for IS Action Research

In this paper we explore the contributions of a project perspective to configure an Information Systems Action Research (IS-AR) project management approach. In particular, we give relevance to project management good practices to address the problems reported in the use of IS-AR. In this sense, our aim is to describe the methodological considerations that we have used to obtain the good practices for IS-AR in a manner that they address the IS-AR problems. In this way, we expect to contribute to the use of IS-AR from the project management area.
Analogical Reasoning: What Develops? A Review of Research and Theory.

Analogical reasoning in children has been measured in 2 ways, either using the classical a:b::c:d item analogy task found on IQ tests, or by asking children to solve target problems after learning about analogous problems and their solutions. Theories based on the 2 kinds of measure are discussed and the evidence for them is assessed. It is concluded that structural views of analogical development, which have traditionally suggested that analogical reasoning is late developing, are wrong. Knowledge-based accounts of what develops are more appealing but cannot completely explain failures on analogical tasks. An account of analogical development that allows early analogical competence but that also postulates the later development of metalogical skills may provide the best account of the data.
THE REISSNER–MINDLIN PLATE IS THE Γ-LIMIT OF COSSERAT ELASTICITY

The linear Reissner–Mindlin membrane-bending plate model is the rigourous Γ-limit for zero thickness of a linear isotropic Cosserat bulk model with symmetric curvature. For this result we use the natural nonlinear scaling for the displacements u and the linear scaling for the infinitesimal microrotations Ā ∈ 𝔰𝔬(3). We also provide formal calculations for other combinations of scalings by retrieving other plate models previously proposed in the literature by formal asymptotic methods as corresponding Γ-limits. No boundary conditions on the microrotations are prescribed.