Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
River water quality changes in New Zealand over 26 years: response to land use intensity

Abstract. Relationships between land use and water quality are complex with interdependencies, feedbacks, and legacy effects. Most river water quality studies have assessed catchment land use as areal coverage, but here, we hypothesize and test whether land use intensity – the inputs (fertilizer, livestock) and activities (vegetation removal) of land use – is a better predictor of environmental impact. We use New Zealand (NZ) as a case study because it has had one of the highest rates of agricultural land intensification globally over recent decades. We interpreted water quality state and trends for the 26 years from 1989 to 2014 in the National Rivers Water Quality Network (NRWQN) – consisting of 77 sites on 35 mostly large river systems. To characterize land use intensity, we analyzed spatial and temporal changes in livestock density and land disturbance (i.e., bare soil resulting from vegetation loss by either grazing or forest harvesting) at the catchment scale, as well as fertilizer inputs at the national scale. Using simple multivariate statistical analyses across the 77 catchments, we found that median visual water clarity was best predicted inversely by areal coverage of intensively managed pastures. The primary predictor for all four nutrient variables (TN, NOx, TP, DRP), however, was cattle density, with plantation forest coverage as the secondary predictor variable. While land disturbance was not itself a strong predictor of water quality, it did help explain outliers of land use–water quality relationships. From 1990 to 2014, visual clarity significantly improved in 35 out of 77 (34∕77) catchments, which we attribute mainly to increased dairy cattle exclusion from rivers (despite dairy expansion) and the considerable decrease in sheep numbers across the NZ landscape, from 58 million sheep in 1990 to 31 million in 2012. Nutrient concentrations increased in many of NZ's rivers with dissolved oxidized nitrogen significantly increasing in 27∕77 catchments, which we largely attribute to increased cattle density and legacy nutrients that have built up on intensively managed grasslands and plantation forests since the 1950s and are slowly leaking to the rivers. Despite recent improvements in water quality for some NZ rivers, these legacy nutrients and continued agricultural intensification are expected to pose broad-scale environmental problems for decades to come.
On the Oxidation Resistance of the Compound Fe-based Protective Coating by Supersonic Arc Spraying at 1123K

The surface morphologies, chemical composition and the oxidation resistance of the compound Fe-based protective coating by supersonic arc spraying were investigated by SEM, EDS and cyclic oxidation weighing in the paper. The results show that the TiAlC coating is of the best oxidation resistance with mass gain of only 2.6621 mg/cm2 after exposed for 100h at 1123K, while the LX88A coating is the worst anti-oxidation property with 76.6465 mg/cm2. The HCrA-TiAlC, TiAlC-LX88A and TiAlC coatings show the similar performance. It is smooth and with some unmelted carbides particles on the surface of the coatings with many holes. The Fe-based coatings are mainly composed of Fe element with amount more than 50 wt. %, and the HCrA, TiAlC and their composite coatings are with about 20wt. %Cr. More than 8 wt. %Al can be detected in the TiAlC coating. More amounts of Al and Cr are contributing to improving the oxidation resistance. The thermodynamics of the preferential oxidation of the elements is discussed.
Constructivist Learning Theory in Physiotherapy Education: A Critical Evaluation of Research

Physiotherapy is a field that has benefitted significantly from advances in learning theory. Due to the prevailing physical component of rehabilitation and intervention, researchers and educational theorists have faced unique challenges when developing educational models in the physiotherapy field. The purpose of this review is to present and analyse relevant literature related to learning theory in physiotherapy regarding Constructivist Learning Theory and its importance to the physiotherapy practice. It presents numerous applications for physiotherapy practice. Principles of constructivism suggest that teachers encourage learners to arrive at resolutions in unique and varying ways. A constructivist approach to physiotherapy can also be applied by presenting a more problem-based training program.
An Analysis of the Business Enterprise Research and Development Expenditures Composition in Brazil*

In this paper, business enterprise R&D expenditures in Brazil are decomposed to stress the role of the individual firms’ innovation efforts and of the industrial structure in the aggregate levels of this indicator. Based on the aggregation of the manufacturing industry sectors into four groups according to their technological intensity, the ratio between R&D expenditures and net sales of the manufacturing in Brazil was analyzed and compared with the ratios observed in Germany, in the United States and in Canada. It is argued that if the target of Brazilian innovation policy is to increase the ratio between business enterprise R&D expenditures and the GDP, the focus should be placed on high and medium-high technology sectors. On the other hand, additional instruments targeting medium-low and low technology sectors should be used to allow them to benefit from incremental innovations and from the absorption of practices not directly related to R&D. * Parts of this paper have been previously published in Portuguese by Cavalcante and De Negri (2010) and by Araújo and Cavalcante (2011) in a bulletin used to report preliminary results achieved in researches in the Brazilian Institute for Applied Economic Research (Ipea). The author would like to thank Bruno César Araújo and Fernanda De Negri for the discussions during the coauthoring of those short papers. Thanks also to Giovanni Dosi, who discussed a preliminary version of this paper during Globelics 2012 in Hangzhou, China, and to two RBI anonymous referees for their comments and suggestions. ** Consultor legislativo do Senado Federal, Brasília (DF), Brasil. E-mail: luiz.ricardo. teixeira.cavalcante@gmail.com Luiz Ricardo Cavalcante 434 435 Rev. Bras. Inov. , Campinas (SP), 13 (2), p. 433-458, julho/dezembro 2014 Rev. Bras. Inov. , Campinas (SP), 13 (2), p. 433-458, julho/dezembro 2014
Blowup solutions to some systems related to biology

In this paper, we describe blowup solutions to so called Keller-Segel system and its simplified system. Keller-Segel system was introduced to describe the aggregation of cellular slime molds. We want to investigate blowup solutions to Keller-Segel system. However, it is difficult for us. Then, we investigate solutions to a simplified system of Keller-Segel system, since we can expect that the structure of solutions to the simplified system is similar to the one to Keller-Segel system. In this paper, we will describe some results for solutions to the simplified system, our conjecture for solutions to Keller-Segel system and the relation between those results and our conjecture.
Diffraction of P by the core: A study of long‐period amplitudes near the edge of the shadow

Abstract : Theoretical expressions for the amplitude of P-waves in the neighborhood of the core shadow boundary have been formulated and evaluated by computer. Comparison with 2.5 second data of Sacks confirms his determination of the shadow position at 96.5 degrees. A square root frequency scaling law is found for the high frequency diffraction pattern, and permits use of the Fresnel integral function at short periods. Long-period amplitude data for three paths have been spectrum analyzed and compared against the theoretical amplitude dropoff going into the shadow. The agreement is about as good as the data will permit, and no indication is found at these periods of a low-amplitude defocused region at 90 degrees to 96 degrees, after diffraction has been accounted for.
Financial development and income inequality in Pakistan: An application of ARDL approach

The paper examines the relationship between financial development and income inequality; and also explores if the Greenwood and Jovianvich (GJ) hypothesis applies to Pakistan. Using data from 1971 to 2005, the paper implements the Auto Regressive Distributed Lag (ARDL) bounds testing approach to cointegration to examine the existence of long run; and the error correction model (ECM) for the short run relationships. Stationarity properties of the series are checked by the ADF method. The findings indicate that financial development reduces income inequality while financial instability aggravates it. Contrary to the conventional wisdom, we find economic growth worsens income distribution and that the latter is deteriorated further by trade openness. The paper does not find support for the GJ relation. Appropriate reforms aimed at developing a well-organized financial sector in Pakistan can help reduce income inequality.
Curbing the Labor Market Divide by fostering Inclusive Labor Markets through a Job Guarantee Scheme

Globalization, demographic trends and technological developments pose important challenges to European labor markets: job quality has deteriorated and precariousness has increased. Austerity measures enforced after the financial crisis have aggravated this trend. We argue that there is a case for appropriate active inclusion policies, complemented by stimulating macroeconomic policies. Using descriptive statistics and a systematic review of the literature, we propose to experiment with Job Guarantee (JG) projects. These projects could provide a macroeconomic stimulus to the economy by enabling everybody who is willing to work to take up a JG job at the minimum wage. Job guarantee projects are not a panacea to all evils. But experience shows that they could help to stop the casualization of the labor market by providing quality jobs and sustainable employment opportunities. As such, JG projects could foster inclusive labor markets. The projects should be financed by redirecting social security (administration) funds, by including JG elements in the European Investment Plan and by using part of the €80 billion which the European Central Bank (ECB) is injecting each month in the euro area. Our proposal aims to curb the labor market divide by making labor markets more “inclusive” through a solid Job Guarantee scheme.
Value Similarity and Satisfaction in Interpersonal Relationships

Rokeach (1960) proposed that similarity of values, that is characterization of people based on the level of congruency or incongruency of their beliefs to our own is more important in determining relationships than other variables, such as socioeconomic status or education. However, not much research has attempted to explore this proposal and the studies have been reported have yielded inconsistent results. Therefore, the present study (a) detennined whether relationship dyads are more similar on values than random pairs, (b) examined differences between actual and perceived similarity, and ( c) investigated the correlation between value similarity and satisfaction. The sample consisted of two groups. The first group was made up of 176 students who participated with a partner for nominal course credit. Dyads were categorized by type of relationship; female/female friends, male/male friends, romantic partners and male/female friends. Participants completed demographic items, items pertaining to their relationship, a standard measure of values for themselves as well as their partner, and a measure of relationship satisfaction. The second group was comprised of 200 students who participated individually and were randomly paired to fom1 100 dyads. This group only completed demographic items and a standard measure of values. Results indicated that actual relationship pairs were more similar than random pairs on values. Additionally, perceived similarity was found to be greater than actual similarity. This finding was more frequently observed for female participants. When examining similarity and satisfaction, results were more complex. Specifically, results depended on which aspect of similarity was being investigated as well as which type of relationship was being tested. Overall, these findings suggest that value similarity is indeed important in ongoing relationships. V
Entrainment in a dense current flowing down a rough sloping bottom in a rotating fluid

AbstractDense oceanic overflows descend over the rough topography of the continental slope entraining and mixing with surrounding waters. The associated dilution dictates the fate of these currents and thus is of fundamental importance to the formation of deep water masses. The entrainment in a dense current flowing down a sloping bottom in a rotating homogeneous fluid is investigated using laboratory experiments, focusing on the influence of the bottom roughness on the flow dynamics. The roughness is idealized by an array of vertical rigid cylinders and both their spacing and height are varied as well as the inclination of the sloping bottom. The presence of the roughness is generally observed to decelerate the dense current, with a consequent reduction of the Froude number, when compared to the smooth bottom configuration. However, the dilution of the dense current due to mixing with the ambient fluid is enhanced by the roughness elements, especially for low Froude numbers. When the entrainment due to s.
Vertical and Horizontal FDI Technology Spillovers: Evidence from Thai Manufacturing

This paper examines Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) spillover, using an unbalanced panel data set of the manufacturing survey of Thailand during the period 2001-03. In this paper, not only are both horizontal and vertical FDI technology spillovers examined, but the former is also assumed to vary across industries. The key hypothesis is that horizontal FDI spillovers depend on the trade policy regime as well as the absorptive capability of locally owned plants. Our panel data econometric analysis highlights the important role of the trade policy regime as a conditional gain of horizontal FDI spillovers. In particular, positive horizontal FDI spillovers are found only in an industry operating in a relatively liberal environment. Interestingly, imposing an assumption of identical horizontal FDI spillovers across industry could result in biased estimates of vertical FDI spillovers. The key policy inference highlights the relative importance of the trade policy regime in harnessing the gain from foreign presence. Liberalizing the foreign investment regime thus has to go hand in hand with liberalizing the trade policy to gain FDI technology spillovers. Our finding here gives a warning not to overemphasize the role of linkages. It is the quality rather than magnitude of linkages that should be used a proxy of the magnitude of vertical FDI spillovers.
Cyclical Bias in Government Spending: Evidence from New EU Member Countries

This paper focuses on dynamics of government spending over the business cycle. The literature on this topic has yet mainly focused on the issue of anti- or pro- cyclicality of fiscal policy. Only recently some researchers brought up a notion that response of fiscal policy might display great deal of asymmetry with respect to economic upturns and downturns. This is known as cyclical bias which arises when government expenditure increases more in cyclical downturns than it decreases in cyclical upturns, or vice versa. Empirical estimates of the sign and degree of cyclical bias show strong evidence in favour of the hypothesis that fiscal authorities do react with a great deal of asymmetry. Among other things, the presence of cyclical bias in government spending has been proposed as an explanation or mechanism which lies behind its unprecedented increase in most OECD countries over the last several decades. The aim of this paper is to show that a similar asymmetry of government spending dynamics can also be found in fiscal data of new EU member countries. We estimate the sign and degree of cyclical bias and compare it to estimates from other countries. Finally, we tackle the question of whether there is any statistically significant influence of political economy variables on the estimated degree of asymmetry.
FLOATING SYSTEMS FOR ORAL CONTROLLED RELEASE DRUG DELIVERY

The main goal of any drug delivery system is to achieve desired concentration of the drug in blood or tissue, which is therapeutically effective and non toxic for a prolonged period. The pointing of the goal is towards the two main aspects regarding drug delivery, namely spatial placement and temporal delivery of a drug. The recent developments of FDDS including the physiological and formulation variables affecting gastric retention, approaches to design single-unit and multiple-unit floating systems, and their classification and formulation aspects are covered in detail. This review also summarizes the in vitro techniques, Micromeritic properties to evaluate the performance and application of floating systems, and applications of these systems. These systems are useful to several problems encountered during the development of a pharmaceutical dosage form. The purpose of this paper is to review the recent literature and current technology such as Several approaches are currently utilized in the prolongation of the GRT, including floating drug delivery systems (FDDS), also known as hydrodynamically balanced systems (HBS), swelling and expanding systems, polymeric bioadhesive systems, modified-shape systems, high-density systems, and other delayed gastric emptying devices. Used in the development of gastroretentive dosage forms.
An Investigation on Metallic Ion Release from Four Dental Casting Alloys

of Problem: Element release from dental casting alloys into the oral environment is of clinical concern and is considered to be a potential health problem to all patients. Purpose: The aim of this study was to investigate the metallic ion release of four base metal alloys. Materials and Methods: Two Ni-Cr (Minalux and Supercast) and two Co-Cr alloys (Minalia and Wironit) were examined. Nine specimens of each type were prepared in 13×11×1.4 mm dimensions and each of the four alloys (3 specimens per group) were conditioned in artificial saliva at 37one, three and seven days. The conditioning media were analyzed for element-release using Inductive Coupled Plasma Atomic Emission Spectrophotometer (ICPAES). Collected data were statistically analyzed using ANOVA and Duncan multiple range test (P< 0.05). Results: The greatest amount of element release was seen after seven days (134.9 ppb Supercast, 159.2 ppb Minalux, 197.2 ppb Minalia, and 230.2 ppb Wironit). There was a significant difference between the released elements from the alloys after the three conditioning times (p<0.001). Conclusion: Element release from the studied alloys is proportional to the conditioning time. The Ni-Cr alloys tested in this investigation were more resistant to corrosion as compared to the Co-Cr alloys in artificial saliva. Supercast had the highest corrosion resistance.
The Effect of Exploitation Capacities on Organizational Performance: An Empirical Analysis

Abstract The effect of exploitation capacity (EC) vis-à-vis organizational performance (OP) has not been sufficiently studied and has low empirical evidence in developing countries such as Colombia. Absorption capacity based on exploitation capacity (EC) is considered to have been relevant for organizations in developing countries to significantly increase their performance via innovation. We examined the effect of exploitation capacity versus organizational performance using a sample of 227 companies located in Medellin, Colombia. The main findings indicate that companies can generate exploitation capacities in order to increase organizational performance, essentially seeking to combine information from different sources for their benefit, thereby directly contributing to the growth of benefits in the companies under study.
The Cognitive Ageing, Nutrition and Neurogenesis trial: Design and progress

Introduction: The Cognitive Ageing, Nutrition and Neurogenesis trial hypothesizes that a combined intervention with long-chain n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3) and cocoa ﬂavan-3-ols (FLAV) will mitigate the cognitive decline anticipated to naturally occur over 1 year in older adults. Methods: In a double-blinded, placebo-controlled parallel design, 259 individuals with mild cognitive impairment or subjective memory impairment were randomized to a control or n-3 FLAV group (1.5 g docosahexaenoic acid 1 eicosapentaenoic acid and 500 mg n-3 FLAV daily) for 12 months. Cognition was measured at 0, 3, and 12 months. The primary end-point is hippocampus-sensitive cognitive function (e.g., number of false-positives on the Picture Recognition Task of the Cognitive Drug Research test battery). Secondary outcomes include additional cognitive measures, brain atrophy and blood ﬂow (assessed by magnetic resonance imaging), vascular function,
METAL EXPOSURE IN RESPIRABLE & INHALABLE DUST BY THE LOCALITY OF COAL-FIRED POWER PLANT

The surrounding area of the coal-fired power plant are mostly exposed to its chemical contents. The world has witnessed multicases relevant to mortality due to overexposure to coal materials. However, these factor have not been faced by the Malaysians. Still, it is significant to monitor and control the coal-fired power plant exposure. This research aims to identify the dominant metal within the radius of a coal-fired power plant combustion source point. The inhalable and respirable dust are being collected then analysed and calculated its Permissible Exposure Limit (PEL). Later, health impact knowledge is being synchronize withthe obtained data. Hence, built environment at the radius 5km, 10km, 15km and 20km were being observed as well as inhalable and respirable dust. The data was analysed using the ICPMS (Nexion 300x) to trace the concentrations of metals. The metals include Ba, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni, Pb, V, and Zn. Generally, the results showed that the total of respirable towards inhalable dust ratio of metal concentration found at Manjung was 88.62%. The highest concentration found inIron was at 4.710 ng m-3 for respirable dust and Zinc for inhalable dust at 7.387 ng m-3; thus, claiming both Iron and Zinc as the dominant metals in Manjung. The pattern of metals concentration found in this research proven that the FGD and ESPs application in Manjung coal-fired power plant contributed in reducing the airborne particles emissions. However, the PEL calculations showed exceeding limits of metals found on site. Hence affecting the human respiratory, cardiovascular and nervous systems. Therefore, new research in developing the policy for the construction of the coal-fired power plant, especially within the radius of residential and public area are in significant need.
Testing for Profitability and Contestability in Banking

The paper investigates the determinants of banking profitability and banking market conditions in Austria. We conduct a panel econometric analysis which allows for testing the hypotheses which have become the most prominent in the literature on bank profitability: the structure-conduct-performance hypothesis, the efficient-structure hypothesis and the relativemarket-power hypothesis. Further, we test whether Austrian banking markets are, on average, contestable. A newly compiled dataset covering more than 700 Austrian banks ranging over the period from 1995 to 2002 is used to carry out these econometric analyses. The empirical findings support the view that the Austrian banks do exert, on average, some local market power. However, the gains in terms of excess profits are rather minor due to low deterrence powers of the incumbent banks. JEL classification: G21, L13, L25, L44