Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Forecasting in data-rich environments

Stock and Watson (1998 and 1999) developed a factor-model approach which allows for big data sets to be systematically reduced to a few explanatory factors. In this paper two other methods are proposed. The first one, Partial Least Squares is imported from the Chemometrics literature. The second one, which is based on the Combination of Forecasts literature is a modification of Stock and Watson’s method. We will call this method Principal Components Combination. These methods are
Attitudes, techniques and trends in endodontic treatment by the house surgeons in dental institutes - Karachi

Background: The attitudes, techniques and different approaches toward endodontic treatment reflects the quality of the root canal treatment (RCT) performed by general dental practitioners. Endodontic therapy has been associated with the pre-operative diagnosis of the tooth, microbial factors, quality of RCT. Environmental factors in which the dentist works may also impact quality of RCT. Materials and Methods: The present cross-sectional study was conducted in October 2013 to evaluate the attitudes, techniques and trends in endodontic treatment procedures amongst the house surgeons in dental institutes of Karachi. A cluster sampling technique was employed, and 170 structured questionnaires were distributed to all registered house surgeons employed in six different dental institutes of Karachi. All returned forms were evaluated by a single operator. Descriptive statistics and frequency distribution was analyzed using SPSS version 19. Results: From all given questionnaires, 150 filled questionnaires were collected from participants, which is 88.23% response rate. Conclusion: It was concluded that the recently graduated dental practitioners lacked expertise in certain regards. They were performing procedures that are deviated from the well acknowledged endodontic quality guidelines.
Dynamics of the restructuring fresh produce food markets in the southern African region

Agri-food markets are restructuring, characterised by an increased consolidation and concentration of the industry, as supermarkets continue to expand at an exponential rate throughout the region. Unlike the global phenomenon where the formal markets are replacing informal markets, this is not so in the region. The informal sector is also expanding characterised by a significant level of restructuring. The major supermarkets have restructured their procurement strategies through the introduction of private standards, centralised procurement systems and distribution centres. Despite the increase in agri-food commodities emanating from the expansion of the retail sector, there have been little or no opportunities for smallholder farmers. The restructuring process is likely to exclude farmers from food markets in two ways; firstly through displacement of traditional markets by formal food chains; and secondly, the restructuring process will exclude farmers through the introduction of private standards. Previous studies have ascertained that smallholder farmers prefer informal markets such as hawkers as there are fewer complications with these markets. Informal markets are therefore integral for the survival of smallholder farmers. To redress the negative effects of the restructuring process certain issues need to be addressed. This calls for different stakeholders (public and private sectors and producers) to harmonise their objectives and visions for the sake of smallholder farmers in order for the great potential there is in harnessing the benefits of the restructuring process to be realised.
Some species of Hyphodontia s.l. with encrusted cystidial elements

Some species in Hyphodontia or related genera with encrusted cystidia are discussed. The type specimens of the following species have been studied: Grandinia erikssonii, Hyphodontia heterocystidiata, H. wrightii, Hypochnicium odontioidescens, H. rickii, Palifer seychellensis, and Peniophora verecunda. All all them except P. seychellensis, belong to Hyphodontia s.l. Based on morphological characters of the generic type, Palifer could be considered a synonym of Xylodon.
Are the narrow unflavoured mesons, baryons, and dibaryons, a signature of a new physics ?

New data of narrow low mass unflavoured mesonic structures ar e presented. A table of these exotic masses is obtained adding previously published data. T he mass sequence shows a significant coupling of some of these clusters with stable hadrons: pion , nucleon, and deuteron. Indeed this coupling allows to reproduce rather well the masses of exoti c narrow baryons and dibaryons. A discussion is presented to suggest a possible interpretati on of these exotic hadronic structures.
Complementary effects of organic and mineral fertilizers on maize production in the smallholder farms of Meru South District, Kenya

Low soil fertility is a major constraint to maize production in the small holder farms of Meru South District. This is mainly attributed to the mining of nutrients due to cropping without external addition of adequate nutrients. Mineral fertilizers are expensive hence un affordable by most small holder farmers. The use of organic matter to increase and maintain soil fertility is being considered as a solution to help the lowincome small holder farmers. A study was conducted in Mucwa location, Meru South District to determine the levels of complementarity between organic and mineral N amendments on maize yields and their influence on soil chemical properties. The experiment was set in a complete randomized block design (CRBD) with three replicates. The treatments were compared with the response obtained from control. The general soil fertility parameters changed slightly with Calcium, Magnesium and Potassium increasing in all treatments. The organic Carbon and total Nitrogen was higher in treatments that received sole organic N sources than in sole mineral N and a combination of organic and mineral N sources. The highest maize grain yield of 4.8 t·ha −1 and 4.2 t·ha −1 were realized from sole application of calliandra during the 2005 Short rains and 2006 Long rains cropping seasons. Generally the maize grain yields were lower in treatments with mineral N alone compared to the treatments with organics. Treatments with sole calliandra and sole tithonia had the highest benefit cost ratio (BCR), followed closely by manure treatment. More so, integration of organic and mineral N sources resulted to higher net benefit and BCR than the application of the recommended rate of mineral fertilizers. Results obtained indicated that the use of either organic or combined organic/mineral N soil amendment appear to be superior to using mineral amendment sources alone.
Effect of Knife Velocity on Cutting Energy and Efficiency during Impact Cutting of Sorghum Stalk

A laboratory test-rig consisting of a pendulum-like oscillating arm was designed and fabricated for measuring cutting energy requirement and cutting efficiency on sorghum stalk. The sorghum stalk was fixed in a stalk holder to simulate a free-standing stalk in the field. A blade, sharpened at 30% bevel angle, was attached to the lower end of the arm which cut the stalk at 90o to the stalk axis with knife velocities up to 8.5m/s. The experiment was conducted during cutting of sorghum stalk base (20 mm) and stalk height (120mm) above the ground level. The results showed that there was high correlation p≤0.1 between knife velocity, cutting energy requirement and cutting efficiency. Cutting energy requirement showed negative linear correlation with knife weight and stalk moisture content with cutting efficiency showing positive linear correlation with the parameters. The minimum cutting energy requirements for 20 and 120 mm were 7.87 and 12.55 Nm respectively, at corresponding knife velocities of 2.91 and 3.54 m/s. The maximum cutting efficiencies were 98 and 97% at 5.2 and 7.3m/s knife velocities, respectively.
Effect of coating of hydrocolloids on chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) and green gram (Vigna radiata) splits during deep fat frying

Deep-Frying is one of the most widespread methods of food processing. Cereals and pulses are being extremely used for the manufacture of fried foods all over the world. Due to the consumer awareness, the trend has shifted to low fat fried foods. There are various approaches to reduce fat content of fried foods. One of which is the use of hydrocolloids. In the present study, two selected hydrocolloids viz CMC (Carboxymethyl cellulose) and HPMC (Hydroxypropyl methylcellulose) were coated on Chickpea and Green gram splits in order to evaluate their effect on moisture retention and reduction in oil absorption in these pluses during deep fat frying. Coating of hydrocolloids was achieved using different concentrations (0.5, 1 and 2%), in aqueous solutions for different time of dipping (1, 3 and 5min) to check its effect on quality parameters. Chickpea and Green gram splits were soaked in water for 300min and 180min respectively. Frying was carried out at 170°C for 2min. Coating of hydrocolloids has been proved effective in oil reduction with better organoleptic qualities. Better reduction in oil was found with CMC for 5min (0.5%) and with HPMC for 3min (1%) of dipping. Fried splits were subjected for various analysis. HPMC is having better reduction in oil absorption than CMC during green gram processing. CMC found to be better oil reduction content in chickpea than green gram splits.
The impact of modernization of a 16th century timber-framed farmhouse, Suffolk, UK

– Well intentioned modifications to traditional buildings can potentially be detrimental if the full implications of the work are not fully understood. This paper presents the case of a 16th century Suffolk farmhouse. Extended in the 1700s, the timber-framed building was clad in cement render in the early 20th century. At a later date the timber sole plates were encased in concrete and painted with an impervious resin. Finally in 2005 the panel infills were replaced with rigid polyisocyanurate (PIR) thermal insulation. In-situ environmental monitoring and digital simulation are used to assess the impact of these measures on the performance of the building. The outcomes of this research are now being used to enhance the informed conservation of this building.
The effect of taurine and its metabolites on the pathogenic functions of rheumatoid arthritis fibroblast-like synoviocytes

Fibroblast-like synoviocytes (FLS) are thought to contribute to rheumatoid arthritis (RA) pathogenesis via several mechanisms, e.g. by secreting numerous pro-inflammatory cytokines or by COX-2-generated synthesis of prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), another pleiotropic mediator of inflammation. Moreover, synovial hyperplasia, the most characteristic feature of RA, is belived to be a consquence of intractable proliferation and partial resistance of FLS to apoptosis. We have previously reported taurine chloramine (Tau-Cl) to represent potent inhibitory compound counteracting in vitro these pathogenic function of RA FLS. Tau-Cl is a chlorinated derivative of a dominant free amino acid taurine (Tau), originates from activated neutrophils, and is further converted into sulphoacetaldehyde (SA). The effect of SA on RA FLS functions has not been estimated yet. Therefore, the aim of present study was to compare simultaneously the effect of Tau, Tau-Cl and SA on select cellular responses of FLS, using FLS isolated from the same RA patients. We have found that among tested compounds only Tau-Cl, but neither Tau nor SA, exerts inhibitory effect on RA FLS proliferation as well as on the synthesis of IL-6 and PGE2 by these cells.
Audiotaped Dialogue Journal: A Technique to Improve Speaking Skill of Iranian EFL Learners

This study attempted to investigate whether there was any significant difference between the speaking achievement of learners who were trained by means of audiotaped dialogue journal, dialogue journal writing, or traditional free speech. The participants, 45 male and female students aged between 21 and 32, were selected by random sampling from among free speech classes in an English teaching Institute in Tehran. On the basis of the scores obtained from an oral interview, a one way analysis of variance (ANOVA) was performed, and it was proved that the three groups were homogeneous in terms of their speaking ability. Yet, the ANOVA performed on the scores of the learners after the treatment showed that the oral proficiency of the three groups differed significantly. A follow-up Tukey test revealed that the audiotaped dialogue journal group did not have any advantage over the dialogue journal writing group, whereas there was a statistically significant difference between the audiotaped dialogue journal group and the traditional free speech group.
A parent’s perspective of the bidirectional impact of mental illness in families

Objective: Recent research has found over 70% of children attending a mental health service also have a parent with a mental illness. Research on the impact of mental illness in families focuses primarily on how parental mental illness impacts on children. What is not understood is the experience of parents and children where both have a mental illness. The aim of this study was to investigate the experiences of parents where both a child and a parent have a mental illness.Methods: Thirty-seven parents were interviewed using a narrative design to determine their personal and family experiences. Interviews were analyzed using interpretative phenomenological analysis with a number of themes highlighted.Results: Themes particular to this family type were: impact of parental mental illness; specific strategies; bidirectional impacts of mental illness; and intergenerational factors. Also raised were supports parents would have liked. From the narrative of these parents the challenges of families, where both a parent and a child have a mental illness, are highlighted.Conclusions: It is from these interviews, that awareness of clinicians can be raised, and more effective, well-thought-out interventions put in place. Interventions that take account of the bidirectional influences of mental illness will be more successful in meeting the needs of all members of a family. People do not operate in isolation and providing a family focused approach is an essential first step in helping people manage where mental illness is a prevalent factor for different family members.
Optimisation of extraction conditions of volatile compounds in ‘ Nam Dok Mai ’ mangoes

The Thai mango cultivar ‘Nam Dok Mai’ was extracted using modified Likens-Nickerson’s simultaneous distillation-extraction (LNSDE) apparatus. The most appropriate type of solvents and the extraction time were determined. The extraction time varied between 1, 2, 4 and 6 hours. Dichloromethane, hexane and pentane were used as solvents for this experiment. Twenty-nine volatile compounds were identified from ‘Nam Dok Mai’ mangoes which included aldehydes, alcohols, monoterpene hydrocarbons, sesquiterpene hydrocarbons and non-terpene hydrocarbons. Among the volatile compounds found, trans-ocimene; cis-ocimene; β-elemene; α-guaiene; α-cubebene; germacrene D; furfural; (z)-3-hexen-1-ol; β-cubebene and α-cadinene were mentioned in previous studies. Dichloromethane was determined as the most efficient solvent in terms of the number and concentration of volatile compounds identified. The 4 hour extraction resulted in a similar number and concentration of the volatile compounds as 6-hour extraction and hence 4 hours was considered as an optimum extraction time.
The Eikonal approximation and the asymptotics of the total scattering cross-section for the Schrödinger equation

One considers the total cross-section for scattering by a potentiel gq(x),x∈R m , for large coupling constants g and large wave numbers k. The function q is supposed to behave as a homogeneous function of degree-α,2α>m+1, at infinity. One shows that the total cross-section is asymptotically equal to σ 1 (g/2k) x if k→∞,g/2k→∞,g≤γ 0 k 2 and the constant γ 0 satisfies certain conditions. Here χ=(m−1)(α−1) −1 and the coefficient σ 1 is determined only by the asymptotics of q(α) at infinity. Similar asymptotics is obtained for the forward scattering amplitude. The proofs of these results rely on the so-called eikonal approximation for the wave function of the Schrodinger equation On considere la section efficace totale pour la diffusion par un potentiel gq(x), x∈R m , pour des grandes constantes de couplage g, et des grands nombres d'onde k. On suppose que la fonction q se comporte comme une fonction homogene de degre −α,2α>m+1, a l'infini. On montre que la section efficace totale est asymptotiquement egale a τ 1 (g/2k) x si k→∞, g/2k→∞, g≤γ 0 k 2 et la constante γ 0 satisfait certaines conditions. Ici χ=(m−1)(α−1) −1 et le coefficient σ 1 est determine seulement par l'asymptote de q(x) a l'infini. On obtient un comportement asymptotique semblable pour l'amplitude de diffusion vers l'avant. Les demonstrations de ces resultats de basent sur l'approximation eikonale pour la fonction d'onde de l'equation de Schrodinger
Moral Hypocrisy, Power and Social Preferences

We show with a laboratory experiment that individuals adjust their moral principles to the situation and to their actions, just as much as they adjust their actions to their principles. We first elicit the individuals’ principles regarding the fairness and unfairness of allocations in three different scenarios (a Dictator game, an Ultimatum game, and a Trust game). One week later, the same individuals are invited to play those same games with monetary compensation. Finally in the same session we elicit again their principles regarding the fairness and unfairness of allocations in the same three scenarios. Our results show that individuals adjust abstract norms to fit the game, their role and the choices they made. First, norms that appear abstract and universal take into account the bargaining power of the two sides. The strong side bends the norm in its favor and the weak side agrees: Stated fairness is a compromise with power. Second, in most situations, individuals adjust the range of fair shares after playing the game for real money compared with their initial statement. Third, the discrepancy between hypothetical and real behavior is larger in games where real choices have no strategic consequence (Dictator game and second mover in Trust game) than in those where they do (Ultimatum game). Finally the adjustment of principles to actions is mainly the fact of individuals who behave more selfishly and who have a stronger bargaining power. The moral hypocrisy displayed (measured by the discrepancy between statements and actions chosen followed by an adjustment of principles to actions) appears produced by the attempt, not necessarily conscious, to strike a balance between self-image and immediate convenience.
The Impact of Different Fertigation Practices and Initial Soil Salinity on Soil N and Salinity Transport

For studying the impact of different fertigation practices and initial soil salinity on soil N and salinity transport, large Plexi-glass columns (18.2 cm in diameter and 100 cm long) assembled from sandy loam (Inner Mongolia) and saturation optimum design were employed to simulate a range of initial soil salinity conditions in soil profile and fertigation practices. (4~8 L) solution with 20 g urea dissolved was applied evenly and slowly to the surface of each column. Nitrate and ammonium nitrogen in soil and discharge from the outlet were sampled and the electrical conductivity of soil and the chloride ion concentration of discharges were also measured. Findings from this study include: (1) high initial salinity in soil had a certain impact on the changes of water content of vertical soil section with the time being after large amount of water irrigation and it might increase the rate of infiltration; (2) the amount of irrigation water significantly affected the transport of soil salinity; (3) high soil salinity content was likely to promote the conversion of urea nitrogen to ammonium nitrogen and it might also play an active role in ammonium nitrogen accumulation in drainage; (4) There is a sound linear relation between the cumulative content of chloride ion and that of nitrate nitrogen in the drainage and soil profile (r 2 = 0.8221 and 0.7442).
Manipulating exciton fine structure in quantum dots with a lateral electric field

The fine structure of the neutral exciton in a single self-assembled InGaAs quantum dot is investigated under the effect of a lateral electric field. Stark shifts up to 1.5 meV, an increase in linewidth, and a decrease in photoluminescence intensity were observed due to the electric field. The authors show that the lateral electric field strongly affects the exciton fine-structure splitting due to active manipulation of the single particle wave functions. Remarkably, the splitting can be tuned over large values and through zero. © 2007 American Institute of Physics. DOI: 10.1063/1.2431758
Coupling between upper ocean layer variability and size-fractionated phytoplankton in a non-nutrient-limited environment

We describe the coupling between upper ocean layer variability and size-fraction- ated phytoplankton distribution in the non-nutrient-limited Bransfield Strait region (BS) of Antarc- tica. For this purpose we use hydrographic and size-fractionated chlorophyll a data from a transect that crossed 2 fronts and an eddy, together with data from 3 stations located in a deeply mixed region, the Antarctic Sound (AS). In the BS transect, small phytoplankton ( 20 µm ESD) accounted for 80% of total chl a. The proportion of large phytoplankton increases as the depth of the upper mixed layer (ZUML), and the corresponding rate of vertical mixing, increases. We hypothesize that this change in phytoplankton composition with varying ZUML is related to the competition for light, and results from modification of the light regime caused by vertical mixing.
To appear in Studia Linguistica A UNIFIED ANALYSIS OF EXISTENTALS AND PSYCH-CONSTRUCTIONS IN KOREAN AS PSEUDO-TRANSITIVES

This paper compares the transitivity of existential and psych-constructions in Korean to canonical transitives and intransitives. It is shown that these constructions are neither transitives nor intransitives. This paper argues that they can be unified as pseudotransitives (i.e., somewhere between transitives and intransitives) and provides a structural analysis for pseudo-transitives using Appl. Pseudo-transitives provide support for the theory that transitivity is a continuum, and not categorical (Hopper & Thompson 1980).
Drivers of Stability of Climate Coalitions: Simulations with STACO*

This paper investigates the formation and stability of international climate agreements (ICAs). We argue that an intelligent grandfathering scheme for tradable emission permits can overcome some of the major obstacles in negotiating a self-enforcing international agreement. Two major aspects are identified that can improve the functioning of the permit system in an international climate agreement: (i) incorporating the expected growth of emissions and GDP in developing countries in the distribution of emission permits (dynamic grandfathering), and/or (ii) distributing permits according to the incentives of regions to withdraw from the agreement (incentive grandfathering). We use the applied model STACO to simulate the formation of ICAs. STACO projects costs and benefits of an international agreement where coalition members cooperate on climate change mitigation activities. To allow focus on the main drivers of stability of all possible coalitions, STACO simulates a relatively straightforward cartel formation game with single deviations. Our simulation results show that permit trading based on grandfathering permits proportionate to a static base year level of emissions, as used for example in the Kyoto Protocol, may lead to counter-intuitive transfer flows, and may prevent that effective stable coalitions emerge. This is resolved under a dynamic grandfathering scheme, which leads to small but more effective stable coalitions.