Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Tourists’ perception of deadwood in mountain forests

In the traditional forest management the non-living woody biomass in forests was perceived negatively. Generally, deadwood was removed during the silvicultural treatments to protect forests against fire, pests and insects attacks. In the last decades, the perception of forest managers regarding forest deadwood is changing. However, people’s opinions about the presence of deadwood in the forests have been few investigated. In view of this gap, the aim of the paper is to understand the tourists’ perception and opinions towards the deadwood in mountain forests. The survey was carried out in two study areas: the first one in Italy and the second one in Bosnia-Herzegovina. A structured questionnaire was administered to a random sample of visitors ( n =156 in Italy; n =115 in Bosnia-Herzegovina). The tourists’ preferences were evaluated through a set of images characterized by a different amount of standing dead trees and lying deadwood. The collected data were statistically analyzed to highlight the preferred type of forests related to different forms of management of deadwood (unmanaged forests, close-to-nature forests, extensive managed forests and intensive managed forests). The results show that both components of deadwood are not perceived negatively by tourists. More than 60% of respondents prefer unmanaged forests and close-to-nature managed forests, 40% of respondents prefer intensive managed forests in which deadwood is removed during the silvicultural treatments.
Insider Trading and CEO Pay

This Paper presents evidence boards of directors “bargain” with executives about the profits they expect to make from trades in firm stock. The evidence suggests executives whose trading freedom is increased using Rule 10b5-1 trading plans experienced reductions in other forms of pay to offset the potential gains from trading. There are two benefits from trading—portfolio optimization and informed trading profits—and this Paper allows us to isolate them. The data show boards pay executives in a way that reflects the profits they are expected to earn from informed trades. The legal issues about paying using illegal profits are explored. As a matter of policy, the data seriously undercut criticisms of the laissez-faire view of insider trading most closely associated with Henry Manne. At least with respect to classic insider trading (that is, a manager of a firm trading on the basis of information about the firm where she works), if boards are taking potential trading profits into consideration when setting pay, it is difficult to locate potential victims of this trading. Current shareholders should be happy with a deal that pays managers in part out of the hide of future shareholders, and the firm should internalize any costs arising from this payment scheme, since future shareholders should take this into account when deciding whether and what price to buy shares. While there still may be good reasons to prohibit some individuals from trading on material, non-public information, the case for classic insider trading is made much weaker by this data.
Bifurcation and Pattern Variation of Mixed Convection in a Vertical Channel

The stability of stably stratified mixed convective flow in a vertical channel is examined by use of weakly nonlinear stability analysis. The nonlinear results are presented for fluid as water (Prandtl number (Pr) equal to 7) and a fixed Reynolds number Re equal to 1000. The weakly nonlinear analysis predicts only supercritical bifurcation at and beyond the critical Rayleigh number (Ra). The equilibrium amplitude increases beyond the critical point. Due to nonlinear interaction, a substantial enhancement in heat transfer rate is observed from the basic state beyond the bifurcation point. The the impact of nonlinear interaction of waves on pattern of secondary flow is also studied and found it distorts the fundamental wave shape.
The growth of sublimation crystals and surface hoar on the Antarctic plateau

On the Antarctic plateau, precipitation quantities are so low that the surface mass budget is for an impor- tant part determined by exchanges of water vapor between the snow surface and the atmosphere surface. At Dome C (75 S, 123 E), we have frequently observed the growth of crystals on the snow surface under calm sunny weather. Here we present the time variations of specific surface area (SSA) and density of these crystals. Using the detailed snow model Crocus, we conclude that the formation of these crystals was very likely due to the nighttime formation of surface hoar crystals and to the daytime formation of sublimation crys- tals. These latter crystals form by processes similar to those involved in the formation of frost flowers on young sea ice. The formation of these crystals impacts the albedo, mass and energy budget of the Antarctic plateau. In particular, the SSA variations of the surface layer can induce an instantaneous forcing at the snow surface up to 10 W m 2 at noon, re- sulting in a surface temperature drop of 0.45 K. This result confirms that snow SSA is a crucial variable to consider in the energy budget and climate of snow-covered surfaces.
Measuring the tail risks of banks

In order to address the risk of systemic crises it is of paramount importance to have advance information about banks’ exposures to large (negative) shocks. In this paper we develop a simple method for quantifying such exposures in a forward-looking manner. The method is based on estimating banks’ share prices sensitivities to (market) put options and does not require the actual observation of tail risk events. Interestingly, we find that estimated tail risk exposures for U.S. Bank Holding Companies are negatively correlated with their share price beta, suggesting that banks which appear safer in normal periods are actually more crisis prone. We also study the determinants of banks’ tail risk exposures and find that their key drivers are uninsured deposits and non-traditional activities that leave assets on banks’ balance sheets.
Forest Attributes from Radar Interferometric Structure and Its Fusion with Optical Remote Sensing

Abstract The possibility of global, three-dimensional remote sensing of forest structure with interferometric synthetic aperture radar (InSAR) bears on important forest ecological processes, particularly the carbon cycle. InSAR supplements two-dimensional remote sensing with information in the vertical dimension. Its strengths in potential for global coverage complement those of lidar (light detecting and ranging), which has the potential for high-accuracy vertical profiles over small areas. InSAR derives its sensitivity to forest vertical structure from the differences in signals received by two, spatially separate radar receivers. Estimation of parameters describing vertical structure requires multiple-polarization, multiple-frequency, or multiple-baseline InSAR. Combining InSAR with complementary remote sensing techniques, such as hyperspectral optical imaging and lidar, can enhance vertical-structure estimates and consequent biophysical quantities of importance to ecologists, such as biomass. Future InSAR experiments will supplement recent airborne and spaceborne demonstrations, and together with inputs from ecologists regarding structure, they will suggest designs for future spaceborne strategies for measuring global vegetation structure.
Ultimate Possibilities for γ-Ray Pulse Formation in a Vibrated Recoilless Resonant Absorber

We study propagation of γ-radiation from Mössbauer radioactive source through vibrating recoilless resonant absorber and find the optimal conditions to produce periodic train of γ-ray pulses with maximum peak intensity, several times higher than the intensity from the source, and minimum duration, much shorter than the lifetime of the emitting nuclear state of the source. The shape, duration and repetition rate of the pulses are tunable in a wide range. We propose modifications of the recently reported experiment [Nature, 508, 80-83 (2014)] to produce pulses with higher peak intensity and smaller duration using absorbers enriched by the resonant nuclei and discuss possible applications of the generated pulses for the time-domain Mössbauer spectroscopy.
Improvements to the Backpropagation Algorithm

This paper presents some simple techniques to improve the backpropagation algorithm. Since learning in neural networks is an NP-complete problem and since traditional gradient descent methods are rather slow, many alternatives have been tried in order to accelerate convergence. Some of the proposed methods are mutually compatible and a combination of them normally works better than each method alone.
Conservatives' Approach to Work: Less Prepared for Future Work Demands?1

This study examined conservatism in the domain of work by relating conservatism to work-related attitudes and personal initiative. Wilson’s ( 1973) concept was used. defining conservatism as rooted in a generalized intolerance of uncertainty. Focusing on the domain of work, it was hypothesized that conservatism should be related to avoiding uncertainty at work, such as responsibility, innovation. change, and challenge. and that conservatives would take less initiative at work. Hypotheses uere tested in a sample of 478 participants from former East Germany. Questionnaire and behavior-based interview data were analyzed with structural equation modeling procedures; hypotheses were largely supported. Results are discussed referring to future demands at work. It is concluded that conservatives will have more problems adapting to new requirements that evolve with tomorrow’s jobs.
INTEGRATED APPROACH IN THE MANAGEMENT OF BRONCHIAL ASTHMA: A RETROSPECTIVE ANALYSIS

Bronchial asthma is a widely occurring respiratory tract disorder with a poor quality of life, associated with adverse reactions and many achieve incomplete cure. Recently, an integrated approach of allopathy with lifestyle management, psychosocial approaches and evidence based complementary medicine has been promoted in the management of bronchial asthma. Hence, the present study was undertaken to evaluate the same. Methods: The present study was a retrospective analysis of patients diagnosed as asthmatics who were being managed through integrated approach that includes a combination of ayurvedic drugs, lifestyle management and the allopathic agents. The ayurvedic drugs include the respiratory tonics and naturally occurring bronchodilators such as Shwaskaschintamani, Shwaskuthar ras, Vasakasavam, Vasavleham, Mahalaxmivilas rasa . The allopathic drugs include short and long-acting beta-2 agonists and inhalational corticosteroids depending on the intensity of bronchial asthma. Results: A total of 36 children and 71 adults were identified as asthmatics with a median (range) age (in years) of 8 (2-13) and 46 (18-64). A significant resolution of all the symptoms except for hyperacidity was observed at all the follow-up periods as compared to the baseline (P < 0.05). Conclusion: A holistic approach of adding alternative therapies to the conventional pharmacotherapy offers the asthmatic patients a potential to safely control their symptoms in Indian patients.
Analysis of collocations in the Iranian postgraduate students’ writings

It is widely acknowledged that collocations play an important role in second language learning, particularly at the intermediate and advanced levels. This study intended to explore the influence of first language (L1) and the cultural background of learners on the production of collocations. Thirty Iranian postgraduate students participated in this study and their academic writings were analyzed to determine the collocations they produced and to identify the basis for their difficulties in producing collocations. A focus group interview was used to determine the influence of L1 and cultural background of the learners on the production of collocations. The results showed that learners have difficulties with both lexical and grammatical collocations in their writing. First language influence appeared to have a strong effect on the learners’ production of collocation. In addition, as language and culture are not separable, the cultural difference between the first language and target language caused students to come up with odd and unacceptable lexical collocations from the perspective of native speakers. The results indicated that learners are often not aware of the collocations and are not able to control their collocation production.
Antecedants of affective commitment in a multicultural work setting.

This study investigates the relationship between employee perceptions of their organisation’s management of cultural diversity (support for diversity and access to informal networks), their perceived organisational support and affective commitment. A questionnaire survey was developed and distributed to a sample of employees working in a large Australian financial institution. Analysis of the data reveals that cultural diversity management perceptions are not directly associated with affective commitment; rather, diversity management is positively associated with affective commitment via perceived organisation support. This suggests that cultural diversity management practices may need to be perceived by employees as a sign of organisational caring and support before individual commitment will be affected favourably. The study reinforces the need to rethink simple relationships between cultural diversity management perceptions and organisational/individual outcomes, to consider more complex models that include important mediating variables in order to more fully understand the effects of cultural diversity management.
Prevalence of tumors in dogs from the municipality of Toluca , México , from 2002 to 2008

Los estudios epidemiológicos del comportamiento tumoral pueden generar datos importantes sobre la aparición espontánea de neoplasias en animales. En Toluca se carecen de datos epidemiológicos sobre oncología veterinaria. Este estudio de prevalencia de tumores está basado en la población total de perros con dueño del municipio de Toluca y es el primero que se realiza en México. Se recibieron en el Laboratorio del CIESA, durante el periodo 2002/2008 un total de 172 tumores y la prevalencia estimada fue de 1.23/1000 perros con dueño. La prevalencia en hembras fue de 1.37 y en machos de 1.08. La frecuencia de tumores por grupos de edad fue: 59.3% en perros de 7-15 años, 33.7% en perros de 2 a menores de 7 años y el 7% en perros menores de 2 años. La raza que presentó frecuentemente tumoraciones fue el Labrador (18.4%). Los tumores más prevalentes fueron los tumores de piel con una prevalencia de 0.65, seguido de los tumores de glándula mamaria (0.24). Estos resultados muestran que la edad podría estar relacionada en la aparición de tumores malignos y que el factor UV podría relacionarse con la presencia de algunos tipos de tumores cutáneos. Este estudio contribuye al entendimiento epidemiológico de los tumores en perros del municipio de Toluca, con el propósito de establecer el primer Registro de Tumores de perros en México.
Insecurity in the Labor market: The impact of the type of contract on job satisfaction in Spain and the Netherlands

In recent years European countries have seen an increase in temporary labor contracts. In this paper, we examine whether the type of labor contract affects individual’s selfreported job satisfaction. We do that by examining two countries that differ largely with respect to the labor market, i.e. Spain and the Netherlands. The results indicate that the effect of the type of contract on job satisfaction varies between these two countries. For Spain, temporary contracts (fixed-term and casual contracts) are strongly negatively correlated with job satisfaction. For the Netherlands, there is no relationship between job satisfaction and fixed-term contracts for more than a year and casual contracts. There is however a negative effect of fixed-term contracts for less than a year on job satisfaction. These country differences could be due to different individual’s traits and behavior in these countries, such as a different degree of risk tolerance. Nevertheless, it is more probable that the results reflect the different levels of uncertainty associated with temporary contracts in each country. The empirical analysis is based on the European Community Household Panel. The period studied covers the years from 1995 to 2001. JEL-codes: I31, J3, J8
Exploring unexpected outcomes of a progressive land policy: Mozambican land law and industrial tree plantations in Niassa province.

This paper seeks to problematize the role of the state and the ‘formal and informal bundle of powers exercised by different actors’ (Wolford et al. 2013) within the outcomes of the implementation of a progressive land policy. The study attempts to provide an empirical base to apply some theoretical concepts to the processes of land grabbing. The paper has illustrated to what extent and how a progressive land policy can protect people from the impacts of the land grabbing phenomena in three steps. First, it has explored the features of the Mozambican land law. Second, the political economy and political ecology of the problematic have been illustrated with the outcomes of a land grabbing case for industrial tree plantations. Third, the balance of powers among the different parties involved in the process has been discussed. Finally it has been concluded that a legal mechanism to protect land rights like a law, cannot shield people from the current of capital accumulation by itself. The power exercised by the state and the other actors involved in the process of a land law implementation are relevant as well.
A review of Kudoa-induced myoliquefaction of marine fish species in South Africa and other countries

Myoliquefaction of fish musculature results in customer quality complaints and in huge economic losses, especially with regard to Pacific hake (Merluccius productus), farm- reared Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar), South African pilchards (Sardinops ocellatus) and Cape snoek (Thyrsites atun). Myoliquefaction, or 'jelly flesh', is caused by proteolytic enzymes released by the marine myxosporean parasite, Kudoa thyrsites, after the death of the fish. Currently there are no fast methods of detection for this microscopic parasite, and because myoliquefaction is evident only after 38-56 h post-mortem, infected fish inevitably reach the processor and/or consumer. Several methods of detection have been investigated, but most of these methods are time-consuming and/or result in destruction of the fish, and are thus impractical for fishing vessels and fish processors. Limited research is available on possible means of destroying or inhibiting the post-mortem activity of the parasitic proteolytic enzyme. Means such as manipulating post-mortem pH and temperature control have been suggested; leaving opportunities for research into food technology applications such as cold-chain management and ionising radiation.
Effect of Dietary Supplementation of Two Froms of a B-Vitamin and Choline Blend on the Performance of Holstein Calves During the Transition and Early Postweaning Period

An optimal dairy replacement raising system is crucial for optimizing milk production and profit of dairy farms. The replacement system should be developed with the objective of providing targeted management and nutrition to dairy heifers during the entire course of development to meet specific and objective goals. The transition from liquid to solid diets during weaning is often an impediment for maintaining nutrient balance and growth (Weary et al., 2008) while starter formulation and nutrient content are important during this phase. Postweaning growth needs to be optimized to take advantage of the high efficiencies of growth and lower cost per unit of weight gain that can be attained and thus attention should be given to strategies for maximizing the performance through the transition and postweaning period (Kertz et al., 1998).
Medicinal value of the Berberis genus as hypoglycemic agent

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a common chronic disease whose prevalence is currently increasing worldwide. Nowadays, the main antidiabetic agent used is metformin. However, between 10 and 30% of patients undergoing metformin therapy have nonspecific gastric alterations as an undesired secondary effect. Therefore, the search for new therapeutic alternatives is especially useful, where plant- derived products emerge as an excellent phytochemical resource. The objective of this review is to present and discuss the state of the art of current research conducted on the Berberis gender with hypoglycemic activity, which is normally used in alternative medicine therapy for the treatment of T2DM, and its possible mechanisms of action described in literature.
MARKET PRICE COINTEGRATION OF TOMATO: EFFECTS TO NEPALESE FARMERS

Market price cointegration is a critical issue in Nepalese vegetable industry. This study intended to analyze the market price cointegration of tomato and its effect on Nepalese farmers, using secondary monthly time series of wholesale price data (since 2000 to 2010) of the Government of Nepal. The results of error correction model (ECM) showed that the series were stationary, and Kathmandu market was well cointegrated with source markets (Chitwan and Morang). Meanwhile, the vector error correction model (VECM) revealed that price adjustment process was much faster in source markets especially in negative price shocks in response to Kathmandu market, which affected the farmers for speedy price adjustment that leads to be hurt and discouraged. The study recommend policies to establish alternative vegetable markets that reduce the price dependency of farmers on Kathmandu market, encourage traders in involving vegetable marketing, and enhance effective market information services.
Développement de l’imagerie métabolique par IRM-CEST : application à la maladie de Huntington

La maladie de Huntington (MH) est une maladie neurodegenerative hereditaire qui affecte le cerveau. Cette maladie est caracterisee par des signes cliniques tels que la depression, la demence ainsi que des troubles moteurs s’aggravant au fil du temps. Ces deficiences sont dues a une augmentation anormale de la taille des repetitions CAG dans le gene codant la proteine huntingtine. Celle-ci s’accumule dans les cellules cerebrales et entraine leur mort. Des etudes anterieures ont demontre que le profil metabolique mesure en spectroscopie RMN ¹H pouvait etre altere chez les patients atteints de cette maladie ainsi que des atrophies majeures de certaines structures du cerveau. Des hypotheses impliquant des defauts du metabolisme energetique ont ete avancees pour expliquer en partie la physiopathologie de la maladie. Les acteurs du metabolisme pourraient ainsi constituer des biomarqueurs d’interet. A l'aide d'une modalite d'IRM prometteuse appelee CEST (Chemical Exchange Saturation Transfer : Transfert de Saturation par Echange Chimique) il est possible de detecter des protons labiles faiblement concentres qui sont classiquement indetectables en IRM. Il devient ainsi possible de cartographier in vivo la distribution de metabolites comme le glutamate (qui est un neurotransmetteur) ou le glucose (qui est le carburant des cellules) qui sont potentiellement impliques dans les maladies neurodegeneratives. Les developpements methodologiques effectues lors de cette these ont ensuite ete appliques a des modeles de rongeurs de la maladie de Huntington (souris KI140, souris R6/1, rats BACHD) afin d'identifier les biomarqueurs potentiels de la pathologie et d'evaluer la pertinence de ces methodes IRM innovantes. L’ensemble de ces resultats et des methodes mises en place durant cette these montrent le potentiel de l’imagerie CEST pour l’etude des maladies neurodegeneratives.