Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Theoretical Approach to Chlordecone Biodegradation

Chlordecone (CLD) is an organochlorine insecticide that was used from 1978 to 1993 in the French West Indies (FWI) to control the populations of black weevil in banana plantations. This pesticide, with recognized neurotoxic, endrocrine, reproductive and carcinogenic effects, is nowadays responsible of an unprecedented sanitary, economic and social crisis in FWI. Thanks to the management options taken in the past years by the authorities to avoid the population dietary exposure the crisis is fortunately essentially contained. A final solution to the problem would consist however to eliminate the source of CLD responsible for the diffuse pollution of all the FWI environmental compartments and related food resources and so to destroy the stock of CLD still presents in the soils. One of the cheapest and most environmental friendly destruction methods corresponds to microbial degradation. Such a mode of destruction seems to be particularly appropriate in the case of FWI since it can often be implemented in situ, using techniques (e.g., watering; addition of nutrients, labile organic matter, microorganisms) that are fairly easy to incorporate into existing agricultural practices. The latter is important as the pollution is estimated to cover some 19,000 ha of arable lands. Until now however there is no evidence of natural attenuation in the environments impacted by chlordecone and so of the possibility to stimulate the rate of the process. The reason usually advocated to explain this apparent absence of degradation in the environment is the peculiar chemical structure of CLD (bishomocubane “cage” structure with a high steric hindrance caused by the 10 chlorine atoms bound to the cage), coupled to its low aqueous solubility (3 mg/l at 20°C) and high hydrophobicity (Log Kow 20°C, pH 7 = 4.5) that would make it refractory to degradation. In this chapter through a thermodynamic approach, we demonstrate that there is no energetic reason why the structure of CLD should not be amenable to microbial degradation and we propose some possible reasons for the apparent absence of CLD degradation in FWI and what could be done to reverse the situation.
The comparison between "ETO" and "non-ETO" capabilities of supply chains in terms of the characteristics of manufacturing activities

From the perspective of a product development, employing ETO (engineer-to-order) and non-ETO (non engineer-to-order) concepts in the supply chains is contingent upon a number of factors reflecting the major characteristics of manufacturing practices. However, it may be assumed that there is a diverse intensity of the factors reflecting manufacturing features which enable to achieve and sustain the ETO and non-ETO capabilities of supply chains. The aim of the paper is to confront engineer-to-order and non engineer-to-order orientations of the supply chains in terms of their major appropriate characteristics of a manufacturing process. Having employed a research methodology and performed necessary statistical analyses, the conclusions were derived. They suggested to which extent the identified factors reflecting the properties of a manufacturing process may be referred to both ETO and non-ETO capabilities of the supply chains and how those factors distinguish between them.
A Study on Prevalence of Allergic Bronchopulmonary Aspergillosis in Patients of Bronchial Asthma

Objective: To determine the prevalence of allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis (ABPA) in patients of bronchial asthma. Methods: Two hundred and forty four patients of bronchial asthma, recruited consecutively over a period of three years were analyzed prospectively by clinical evaluation, chest radiography, skin test, sputum culture for fungus and serum precipitin test. Those patients with suspicion of ABPA were further investigated by serum titers of specific IgG and IgE against A. fumigatus. Diagnosis of ABPA was made on pre determined major and minor criteria, where at least five major criteria had to be present. Results: During the study period, 244 patients (150 males; 94 females) with bronchial asthma diagnosed on basis of clinical features and spirometric findings were recruited in the study, with mean age of 27.1 years (9 to 60 years). Mean duration of illness of these patients was 11.2 years (1.5 to 32 years). Immediate cutaneous reactivity to A. fumigatus (Type I) revealed hypersensitivity to the fungus in 30.3% of the patients. On basis of clinical, radiological and immunological criteria, 18 (7.4%) patients (13 males and 5 females) were diagnosed to have ABPA. Their mean age was 33.5 years (17 to 48 years) and mean duration of illness was 11.8 years (1.5 to 28 years). Family history suggestive of atopy was present in 61.5% and history of passage of mucus plugs was present in 66.6% patients. All these patients with ABPA were misdiagnosed as cases of pulmonary tuberculosis, and were given anti tuberculosis treatment. Conclusion: Allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis is seen in 7.4% patients with bronchial asthma. Efforts should be made to improve the awareness level about this disease, among general physicians who frequently confuse it with pulmonary tuberculosis, for timely diagnosis and institution of appropriate treatment so as to avoid misuse of antitubercular drugs and prevention of end stage irreversible lung damage.
New physical and chemical perspectives on the ecology of Thorea hispida (Thoreaceae)

In the last decade, many new records for Thorea hispida (Thore) Desvaux 1898 emend. Sheath, Vis et Cole 1993 (Rhodophyta) have been collected from Europe as a probable result of the enactment of the Water Framework Directive which has fueled a renewed interest in the characterization of the macroscopic primary producers of river systems. Despite this, the species remained poorly documented, especially regarding habitat requirements and related physical and chemical drivers. To further add to the knowledge of these parameters, a three-year survey (2009-2011) was conducted along the southern reach of the Oglio River, a mid-size tributary of the Po River in Northern Italy that hosts three newly recorded populations of T. hispida . In parallel, a comprehensive review of the literature was performed. In this work, we present the first records for T. hispida from Italy, and a first detailed physical, chemical and hydromorphological characterization of its habitat. We confirm the predilection of T. hispida for turbid waters (> 80 mg L -1 of total suspended solids) with high nutrient (up to 9.4 mg L -1 for nitrates and up to 173 μg L -1 for soluble reactive phosphorous) and high conductivity levels (up to 660 µS cm -1 for conductivity). In addition, our data extended the range of tolerance of the species for temperature (5.1–26.2 °C) and pH (7.1–8.6). In general, our results and previously published data corroborate with the idea that T. hispida can not be considered a sensitive species ( i.e. , a taxon scarcely adapted to increasing levels of pollution), showing a preference for rivers characterized by high nutrients availability. Moreover, its rarity must be traced to the low detectability of the thallus due to species life cycle and the very limited accessibility of colonized habitats.
Neural Granger Causality for Nonlinear Time Series

While most classical approaches to Granger causality detection assume linear dynamics, many interactions in applied domains, like neuroscience and genomics, are inherently nonlinear. In these cases, using linear models may lead to inconsistent estimation of Granger causal interactions. We propose a class of nonlinear methods by applying structured multilayer perceptrons (MLPs) or recurrent neural networks (RNNs) combined with sparsity-inducing penalties on the weights. By encouraging specific sets of weights to be zero---in particular through the use of convex group-lasso penalties---we can extract the Granger causal structure. To further contrast with traditional approaches, our framework naturally enables us to efficiently capture long-range dependencies between series either via our RNNs or through an automatic lag selection in the MLP. We show that our neural Granger causality methods outperform state-of-the-art nonlinear Granger causality methods on the DREAM3 challenge data. This data consists of nonlinear gene expression and regulation time courses with only a limited number of time points. The successes we show in this challenging dataset provide a powerful example of how deep learning can be useful in cases that go beyond prediction on large datasets. We likewise demonstrate our methods in detecting nonlinear interactions in a human motion capture dataset.
Effect of Branded Components on Consumer Perception of Quality and Brand Preference

The reason for conducting this study was to determine the effect of branded components on consumer perception of quality and brand preference. The continual determination of firms to survive and grow in a competitive market space has led marketers to gradually turn towards brand associations - a marketing approach that brings together a couple of different trademarks to work in partnership to market a product. The primary motivating factor for implementing this form of component branding, is it’s support to the primary brand to progress on facets such as distribution accessibility, assists in its differentiation from the products of other producers, and augments the capital of the primary brand by sending out a positive image to consumers of the combined product offering the individual benefits of each brand in one package. More recently, a vast majority of empirical studies which focus on such alliances and trademarked components have been conducted. In another study which sought answers as to the effects of a trademarked component on appraisals of a primary brand, the introduction of an eminent labelled component resulted in favorable product assessments of the unknown as well as the well-known primary brands, more so in cases where an unknown branded component was present. The reliance on survey method has been adopted in this research to investigate this very phenomenon. The research design has been formulated in such a manner that it allows researchers of the study to isolate causes and effects. Whereas primary data has been collected from the research sample through the use of questionnaires, the secondary data has been carefully extracted from various researches, marketing journals, and research articles carried out on this subject. It is recommended that in order to have branded computers made available in the market, the government should lower down the current tariffs and promote the import of such IT components so that IT industry may grow in Pakistan and at all levels high tech computing machines could be introduced.
Kennesaw State University From the SelectedWorks of Canan Mutlu

Purpose – This paper aims to explore the interlock-performance relationship among mainland Chinese firms listed in Hong Kong by taking advantage of a relationship-intensive context whereby such a link is likely to be especially important. Although strategic networks such as interlocking directorates have been found to affect a number of strategic behaviors, the link connecting board interlocks and corporate performance has remained ambiguous. Considerable light has been shed on the strategic networks of firms whose shares are listed abroad, which have been under-studied despite their rising importance in the global economy. Design/methodology/approach – Data come from a particularly interesting historical period – the early 1990s prior to Hong Kong’s 1997 handover to China. Both quantitative and qualitative research have been used. Findings – Empirically, it was found that good performance in an earlier period helps draw outside directors in a later period, and that network centrality and certain types of interlocks help improve performance, albeit with varying degrees. Overall, our results answer the question whether strategic networks such as interlocks matter for corporate performance with a qualified “yes”. Originality/value – Taking advantage of a relationship-intensive context, this article explores the interlock-performance relationship among mainland Chinese firms listed in Hong Kong. Focus is This research was supported, in part, by a National Science Foundation CAREER grant (SES 0238820), two Direct Grants (2070241 and 2087004) and a Lee Hysan Foundation grant from United College at CUHK, grants from the Ohio State CIBER, and the Jindal Chair at UT Dallas. Previous versions were presented at the Academy of International Business (Puerto Rico, June 2002) and at seminars at Michigan (March 2003), Ohio State (April 2002) and Pittsburgh (June 2002). The authors thank Wardley Financial Information Services, Ltd., for allowing us to access its database; Gautum Ahuja, Venkat Bendapudi, Shawn Carraher (editor), Dan Fogel, Michael Hu, Lisa Keister, Larry Lang, Mona Makhija, Rita McGrath, Paul McGuinnesss, Klaus Meyer, Gongming Qian, Tom Tao, Ilan Vertinsky and Mike Young for helpful comments and discussions; and Janice Chan, Forrest Chan, Thomas Chen, Patty Hui, Yi Jiang, Alan Siu, Janice Wang, Qi Zhou, and Yuanyuan Zhou for research assistance. The current issue and full text archive of this journal is available on Emerald Insight at: www.emeraldinsight. com/1751-1348.htm Board interlocks and corporate performance
Stellar Multiplicity Meets Stellar Evolution and Metallicity: The APOGEE View

We use the multi-epoch radial velocities acquired by the Apache Point Observatory Galactic Evolution Experiment (APOGEE) survey to perform a large-scale statistical study of stellar multiplicity for field stars in the Milky Way, spanning the evolutionary phases between the main sequence (MS) and the red clump. We show that the distribution of maximum radial velocity shifts (ΔRVmax) for APOGEE targets is a strong function of log g, with MS stars showing ΔRVmax as high as ∼300 , and steadily dropping down to ∼30 for log g ∼ 0, as stars climb up the red giant branch (RGB). Red clump stars show a distribution of ΔRVmax values comparable to that of stars at the tip of the RGB, implying they have similar multiplicity characteristics. The observed attrition of high ΔRVmax systems in the RGB is consistent with a lognormal period distribution in the MS and a multiplicity fraction of 0.35, which is truncated at an increasing period as stars become physically larger and undergo mass transfer after Roche Lobe overflow during H-shell burning. The ΔRVmax distributions also show that the multiplicity characteristics of field stars are metallicity-dependent, with metal-poor ([Fe/H] ≲ −0.5) stars having a multiplicity fraction a factor of 2–3 higher than metal-rich ([Fe/H] ≳ 0.0) stars. This has profound implications for the formation rates of interacting binaries observed by astronomical transient surveys and gravitational wave detectors, as well as the habitability of circumbinary planets.
Perceptions and Attitudes Toward De-polderisation in Europe: A Comparison of Five Opinion Surveys in France and the UK

Abstract Western Europe's de-polderisation policy was launched in the 1980s and has since spread along the coasts, especially in the UK, where it is governed by coastal defence objectives through “managed realignment” and environmental objectives that are predominant elsewhere. Various means of de-polderisation exist: through tidal gates, breaches, or sea dike removal. Although physical studies on de-polderisation should be continued, it is equally important to examine the social context, favouring or not, of marsh restoration because acceptance of any de-polderisation scheme largely depends on public opinion. The results of five opinion surveys carried out in France and the UK were thus compared and revealed diverging opinions or unexpected indifference toward de-polderisation. A profile of those opposed shows that they are relatively old and regularly frequent the de-polderised sites or live near them. “Negative” reactions, however, are also linked to a lack of knowledge about the marsh environment and of the effects of de-polderisation. Other explanations surface as well: that today coastal environments are quite simply viewed as “landscape,” the degree of human intervention in the implemented schemes, the physical and eustatic context, and the degree to which people are informed. Public knowledge could be improved and mentalities changed through better communication methods, especially on a local level. Furthermore, the creation of a “variables bank” capable of explaining public attitudes and perceptions more systematically would also improve “social management” of the de-polderisation policy.
Anisotropy beneath an active collision orogen of Taiwan: Results from across islands array observations

We examined shear wave splitting in SKS phases from a large event recorded by a temporary array across southern Taiwan. The span extends from the western plain to the east coast. We applied particle motion and cross correlation methods to estimate its polarization directions and delay times. Analysis shows clear evidence of splitting except stations on the east coast. The fast split‐shear wave along this transect are approximately parallel to the strike of the mountain belt (NE‐SW). The delay times show a short‐wavelength variation and are well correlated to the surface geology. The largest split time is about 1.6 sec located at Eastern Central Mountain Range and indicates its possible mantle origin. Implications suggest that anisotropy is related to the collision tectonics which built the Taiwan islands, and that this tectonic compression involved the lithosphere and is characterized by a strong coherent deformation of the upper mantle and the crust.
Influence of teachers' perceived e-portfolio acceptance on teacher evaluation effectiveness in Taiwan

This study examines technological and vocational school teachers' perceived e-portfolio acceptance, computer self-efficacy, and evaluation effectiveness in Taiwan. Teachers' perceived e-portfolios acceptance includes four factors, namely, staff commitment, performance expectancy, performance expectancy, and technology training. Computer self-efficacy includes four factors, namely, playfulness, ease of use, effectiveness, and usefulness. Evaluation effectiveness includes four factors, namely, classroom management, instructional design, dedicated attitude, professional development. Participants (N=318) responded to a 5-point Likert-type scale for each factor. Analysis was conducted using the structural equation modeling (SEM), and a good model fit was found for both the measurement and structural models. Findings demonstrate that technological and vocational schools teachers' e-portfolios acceptance significantly and directly influences evaluation effectiveness, and e-portfolio acceptance influences evaluation effectiveness by computer self-efficacy. The teachers' e-portfolio acceptance and computer self-efficacy fit the influence model and empirical data of evaluation effectiveness.
Surface-Soil Properties in Response to Silage Cropping Intensity under No Tillage on a Typic Kanhapludult

Although reduced tillage itself is beneficial to soil quality and farm economics, the amount of crop residues returned to soil will likely alter the success of a particular conservation tillage system within a farm operation. There is a need for more information on multiple-year impacts of different residue retention systems on surface-soil properties in different environments. We investigated the impact of three cropping systems (a gradient in residue returned to soil) on soil bulk density, aggregation, organic C and N, and microbial biomass and activity in a Piedmont soil in North Carolina USA. There is an inverse relationship between silage intensity and residue returned to soil. With time, soil bulk density became lower and soil organic C, total soil N, and size and stability of mean-weight diameter of water-stable aggregates became higher with reduced silage cropping intensity as a result of greater crop residue returned to soil. Soil microbial biomass C and its potential activity were significantly greater in surface depths with reduced silage cropping intensity. These results suggest that greater quantities of crop residue returned to soil have a multitude of positive effects on soil properties, even in continuous no-tillage crop production systems. These results can help to determine an optimum balance between short-term economic returns and longer term investments in improved soil quality for more sustainable production.
On the inconsistency of pairwise comparisons: an experimental study

A problem of the inconsistency of pairwise comparisons is of focal interest in the analytic hierarchy process (AHP), but, up to date, we know only little about how much are real decision makers inconsistent, and whether the number of objects to be compared influences the inconsistency of their judgments. Therefore, the aim of this paper is to experimentally assess how the inconsistency of pairwise comparisons in the AHP framework changes when the number of objects to be compared (alternatives and/or criteria) increases. In our study, the method of a blind experiment was selected: subjects of the study, who were familiar with the AHP, were instructed to pairwise compare from 3 to 7 objects not knowing the true objective of the study. The main result obtained via ANOVA method is that the consistency ratio was not affected by the increasing number of compared objects, the result that might be likely attributed to the apparent redundancy of pairwise comparisons in the AHP which “corrects” inconsistent judgments. Also, it was found that only 3% of pairwise comparison matrices provided by decision makers were fully consistent, while for 36% of pairwise comparison matrices the consistency ratio CR exceeded the threshold of 0.10.
Improving Effectiveness of Weather Risk Communication on the NWS Point-and-Click Web Page

AbstractThe National Weather Service's (NWS) point-and-click (PnC) web page is a primary channel through which NWS directly provides routine and hazardous weather information to its users. The research presented here aims to improve risk communication of hazardous weather information on the PnC web page. The focus is on improving communication of threat existence and threat timing because this important information influences how individuals perceive and respond to a weather risk. Experimental presentations of PnC forecast information were designed for two weather scenarios: a severe thunderstorm warning and a flood watch. The experimental presentations were created by adding new textual and graphical pieces of information that were intended to better convey threat existence and timing, and they were evaluated through two rounds of nationwide surveys of PnC web page users. The survey results show that the default presentation of forecast information on the PnC web page was the least effective at conveying.