Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Performance evaluation of an anaerobic fluidized bed reactor with natural zeolite as support material when treating high-strength distillery wastewater

The performance of two laboratory-scale fluidized bed reactors with natural zeolite as support material when treating high-strength distillery wastewater was assessed. Two sets of experiments were carried out. In the first experimental set, the influences of the organic loading rate (OLR), the fluidization level (FL) and the particle diameter of the natural zeolite (DP) were evaluated. This experimental set was carried out at an OLR from 2 to 5 gCOD (chemical oxygen demand)/l d, at FL 20% and 40% and with DP in the range of 0.2–0.5mm (reactor 1) and of 0.5–0.8mm (reactor 2). It was demonstrated that OLR and FL had a slight influence on COD removal, whereas they had a strong influence on the methane production rate. The COD removal was slightly higher for the highest particle diameter used. The second experimental set was carried out at an OLR from 3 to 20 gCOD/l d with 25% of fluidization and DP in the above-mentioned ranges for reactors 1 and 2. The performance of the two reactors was similar; no significant differences were found. The COD removal efficiency correlated with the OLR based on a straight line. COD removal efficiencies higher than 80% were achieved in both reactors without significant differences. In addition, a straight line equation with a slope of 1.74 d 1 and an intercept on the y-axis equal to zero described satisfactorily the effect of the influent COD on the COD removal rate. It was also observed that both COD removal rate and methane production (QM) increased linearly with the OLR, independently of the DP used.
The Link between R&D Subsidies, R&D Spending and Technological Performance

This paper analyzes the effects of public R&D funding on R&D expenditure and patenting behavior of German firms. The main focus is the direct impact of subsidies on R&D and the indirect effect on innovation output measured by patent applications. We distinguish the productivity of purely privately financed R&D and additional R&D induced by public incentive schemes. For this, a treatment effects analysis is conducted in a first step. The results are implemented into the estimation of a patent production function. It turns out that both purely privately financed R&D and publicly induced R&D show a positive productivity.
Some Financial Implications of Global Warming: An Empirical Assessment

Concurrent with the rapid development of the market for catastrophe (cat) bonds, a steady decline in their risk premia has been observed. Whether the latter trend is consistent with the evolution of natural disasters risk is an open question. Indeed, a large share of outstanding risk capital in the cat bonds market appears to be exposed to some climate change-related risk as, for instance, hurricane risk, which global warming is expected to enhance. This paper addresses the above issue by assessing the global warming evidence, its implications for the natural environment and the drivers of cat bonds risk premia. We find that radiative forcing, i.e. the net insolation absorbed by the Earth, drives the warming trend in temperature anomalies and the trend evolution of natural phenomena, such as ENSO and Atlantic hurricanes, enhancing their disruptive effects. Hence, in the light of the ongoing contributions of human activity to radiative forcing, i.e., greenhouse gases emissions, natural disasters risk appears to be on a raising trend. Yet, the latter does not appear to have been accurately priced in the cat bonds market so far. In fact, while we find that the falling trend in cat bonds multiples is accounted by the expansionary monetary stance pursued by the Fed, we do also find evidence of significant undervaluation of natural disasters risk.
Intermediate culture of juvenile horseshoe crab ( Tachypleus tridentatus ) mixed with juvenile spotted babylon ( Babylonia areolata ) for restocking horseshoe crab populations

The populations of the ‘living fossil’ horseshoe crab Tachypleus tridentatus have decreased dramatically. Releasing juveniles in large quantities, preferably at up to the third instar stage and with better survival in the wild, would be an effective method for replenishing the populations. However, the mortality between second instar and third instar stages is high according to indoor, monospecies culture results. We conducted an outdoor culture of juvenile crabs mixed with juvenile spotted babylon (Babylonia areolata) and found that this technique could enhance the horseshoe crabs’ survival, accelerate their molting and produce large numbers of juveniles. At the final harvest time, after running the mixing culture for 150 days, horseshoe crab juveniles exhibited survival of 32.5% and production of 66,000 individuals with ages beyond the second instar. Spotted babylon had a survival rate of 87.3%. The resultant survival and abundance levels were greater than those previously reported. We propose that these profound results can be attributed to 1) abundant benthic algae grow in outdoor ponds under sunlight, 2) the commensal lifestyle of juvenile horseshoe crab and spotted babylon, which likely prefer different food particle sizes, 3) the behaviors of spotted babylon, such as burrowing and moving in the sediment substrata, probably create an environment that favors horseshoe crab growth, 4) large amounts of space in the outdoor ponds, which improves growth for unknown reasons, and 5) suitable weather conditions from November to April in Guangxi.
Genetic variability and correlation analysis of rice (Oryza sativa L.) inbred lines based on agro-morphological traits

In order to evaluate genetic variability of agro-morphological traits and also determine the correlation between grain yield with its components in rice lines, 17 recombinants inbred lines, their parents and a check variety were grown in research station of Africa rice center in Benin republic during two consecutive years 2013 and 2014. The experiments were laid out in a randomized complete block design with four replications. Phenotypic coefficients of variance were higher than genotypic coefficients of variance in all the characters across the two years. High heritability in broad sense (H2) estimates were obtained for biomass (68.77%), date of 50% flowering (98.11%), plant height (81.94%), leaf area (82.90%), number of panicles (64.40%), leaf dry weight (72.91%), root weight (67.43%) and yield/plant (62.23%) suggesting that the traits were primarily under genetic control. A joint consideration of broad sense heritability (H2) and genetic advance as per cent mean expected (GAM) revealed that leaves dries weight and roots weight combined high heritability and high GAM. Furthermore, high (H2) and high GAM recorded in these characters could be explained by additive gene action. However, high estimates (H2) combined with moderate GAM recorded for biomass, day to 50% flowering, leaf area, number of panicle and yield/plant could be due to non-additive gene effect. Grain yield/plant recorded positive and significant correlation with stem weight (r=0.5262) and biomass (r=0.9291). This result indicates that selection based on these two characters will be highly effective for yield improvement in rice. Key words: Agro-morphological traits, correlation, genetic variability, heritability, rice.
Team capability beliefs over time: Distinguishing between team potency, team outcome efficacy, and team process efficacy

Teams that have positive beliefs about their capability tend to perform more effectively. However, relatively little is known about the nature and change of different types of team capability beliefs. Team potency and team efficacy are two approaches to understanding team capability beliefs, but few studies have considered these beliefs simultaneously. We investigate their distinctiveness and relative predictive power. Additionally, we propose two types of team efficacy: team outcome efficacy and team process efficacy. In two longitudinal samples of executive MBA study teams (sample 1, N = 213 individuals in 41 teams; sample 2, N = 360 individuals in 89 teams), we showed that team potency, team outcome efficacy, and team process efficacy are factorially distinct and measure invariant at four time points over 7 months (except for high levels of team outcome efficacy for which factorial invariance emerged). We also show differential predictive validity. Team outcome efficacy was the strongest predictor of objective team performance, whereas team process efficacy was the best predictor of citizenship behaviours. Team potency predicted both outcomes, albeit more weakly. Collectively, the findings show the value of a more fine-grained approach to teams' capability beliefs, including a new validated measure of team process efficacy.
Numerical Investigation of Aerosol Particle Transport and Deposition in Realistic Lung Airway

Different human activities like combustion of fossil fuels, biomass burning, industrial and agricultural activities, emit a large amount of particulates into the atmosphere. As a consequence, the air we inhale contains significant amount of suspended particles, including organic and inorganic solids and liquids, as well as various microorganism, which are solely responsible for a number of pulmonary diseases. Developing a numerical model for transport and deposition of foreign particles in realistic lung geometry is very challenging due to the complex geometrical structure of the human lung. In this study, we have numerically investigated the airborne particle transport and its deposition in human lung surface. In order to obtain the appropriate results of particle transport and deposition in human lung, we have generated realistic lung geometry from the CT scan obtained from a local hospital. For a more accurate approach, we have also created a mucus layer inside the geometry, adjacent to the lung surface and added all apposite mucus layer properties to the wall surface. The Lagrangian particle tracking technique is employed by using ANSYS FLUENT solver to simulate the steady-state inspiratory flow. Various injection techniques have been introduced to release the foreign particles through the inlet of the geometry. In order to investigate the effects of particle size on deposition, numerical calculations are carried out for different size particle ranging from. The numerical results show that particle deposition pattern is completely dependent on its initial position and in case of realistic geometry; most of the particles are deposited on the rough wall surface of the lung geometry instead of carinal region.
The Fragility of Photo-Truth

National news organisations have few means for exercising first-hand verification of amateur images in breaking news events. This article explores the attitudes Finnish journalists have towards the use of non-professional images. It examines how they perceive the need for the verification of amateur images, their responsibility with regard to that and how they practise verification and transparency in their everyday work. The results show that journalists, while perceiving accuracy and verification as central to journalistic work, either distance themselves from having responsibility for the accuracy of amateur images or attempt to perform or find some form of verification.
Dividend Signaling and Unions

Dividend signaling models suggest that dividends are used to convey information about future earnings to investors. However, in a world where unions also receive these signals, managers are less inclined to send the signal in order to avoid the union capturing these future earnings through higher salaries. Using information from IRS 5500 Forms to measure firm level unionization, I found that the power of dividends as predictors of future earnings tends to be higher for non-unionized firms. Moreover, I use the variation at the state level in the adoption of right-to-work laws to overcome the possible endogeneity of unionization with an instrumental variables approach. The empirical results are robust to different specifications and time periods
Effects of inclusion of local pepper powder or salt to cowpea seeds during storage

The study investigated the effect of inclusion of local pepper powder and salt admixture on cowpea seeds during storage. One gram of pepper powder was added to two kilograms (kg) of cowpea seeds and packaged inside bagco® bag, also one gram of pepper powder with one gram of salt were added to two kilogram of cowpea seeds and packaged inside bagco® bag while two kilograms of cowpea seeds only was packaged inside bagco® bag and serves as a control for aforementioned two samples. The three samples were stored at ambient condition for five weeks and the number of weevil and the weight of each sample were recorded every week.The results showed that the number of weevil in control sample during storage ranging from 18 to 20 while other two samples ranging from 3 to 5 weevils. Also, during the storage period, the weight of control sample decreased from (2.00 to 1.73) kg , but the weight of sample with pepper powder increased from (2.00 to 2.04) kg while the sample with pepper powder and salt increased from (2.00 to 2.08) kg. The results showed that the reduction of the weight of control sample may be attributed to weevils’ infestation of the cowpea seeds during storage. The increase in the weight of other two samples may be attributed to preservation (pepper powder and salt) added to the sample during storage. The study showed that the preservatives used for cowpea seeds retard the growth of adult and larva weevils during storage period. Therefore, usage of pepper powder and salt could be useful for the preservation of cowpea seeds during storage without any adverse effect.
An Empirical Examination of the Major Relationship Factors Affecting Franchisees’ Overall Satisfaction and Intention to Stay

The Nigerian franchise sector witnessed a rapid growth at the turn of the century, from 2001 to 2010, and thereafter started declining. Disputes, relational conflicts, and high rate of outlets closure have characterized the industry over the years. Meanwhile, studies show that to a large extent, success of franchisees depends on the quality of relationship they have with their franchisors. No prior empirical study has investigated the cause of the increasing relationship disputes in the Nigerian franchise industry. This investigation aims to explore the key relationship factors that influence franchisees’ overall satisfaction and intention to stay. Personal interview involving 26 franchisees was used to collect data from different franchise brands across Nigeria. Four factors emerged strongly as the antecedents of the relationship problem in the franchise system. Answering the calls of many scholars for studies in different cultures and settings on franchisor-franchisees relationship, this study provides the first-ever empirical insights into the relationship dynamics between franchisors and franchisees in Nigeria, thereby helping to strengthen the theory in the subject. The study offers some recommendations that will potentially help in reviving the industry for the benefit of the stakeholders and the economy at large.
ASSESSING THE QUALITY OF HEALTH ECONOMIC EVALUATION RESEARCH BY CHEERS INSTRUMENT: A CRITICAL LITERATURE REVIEWIN LAOS, CAMBODIA, AND MYANMAR -

Although economic evaluations play vital roles in healthcare setting, omissions of these reports in Laos, Cambodia, and Myanmar make themselves not to be relied or trusted. Therefore, this study appraises deliberately the quality of inside information to confirm which report can be used for assisting policy-makers. It was conducted in August 2016, using PubMed, Science Direct and Cochrane databases for searching economic analyses published from 1996 to 2016 with following terms either alone or in combination: economic evaluation, cost-effectiveness analysis, cost-benefit analysis, cost-minimization analysis, cost-utility analysis, Laos, Cambodia, Myanmar. Qualified articles are independently assessed by two reviewers based on Consolidated Health Economic Evaluation Reporting Standards (CHEERS) checklist. 1285 citations were identified, but only 17 articles left after the selection. These articles are classified into four quality levels considered as good (n=4), fair (n=6), average (n=4) and below average (n=3). The mean percentage of recommendations fulfilled by papers is 71.3%. In brief, economic evaluations in these countries need to be increased in quantity as well as improved in quality. It is better to standardize by CHEERS guidelines and invest more funding supports for reports.
Scientists connected with society are more active academically

Today, most scientific institutions acknowledge the importance of opening the so-called “ivory tower” of academic research through popularization, industrial innovation or teaching. However, little is known about the actual openness of scientific institutions and how their proclaimed priorities translate into concrete measures. This paper helps getting an idea on the actual practices by studying three key points: the proportion of researchers who are active in dissemination, the academic productivity of these active scientists, and the institutional recognition of their activity in terms of careers. This paper answers these questions by analyzing extensive data about the academic production, career recognition and teaching or public/industrial outreach of several thousand CNRS scientists from many disciplines. We find that, contrary to what is often suggested, scientists active in dissemination are also more active academically. However, their dissemination activities have almost no impact (positive or negative) on their career.
Improving Hospital Mortality Prediction with Medical Named Entities and Multimodal Learning

Clinical text provides essential information to estimate the acuity of a patient during hospital stays in addition to structured clinical data. In this study, we explore how clinical text can complement a clinical predictive learning task. We leverage an internal medical natural language processing service to perform named entity extraction and negation detection on clinical notes and compose selected entities into a new text corpus to train document representations. We then propose a multimodal neural network to jointly train time series signals and unstructured clinical text representations to predict the in-hospital mortality risk for ICU patients. Our model outperforms the benchmark by 2% AUC.
Foraminiferal biostratigraphy and paleoenvironmental reconstruction at the Yaxcopoil‐1 drill hole, Chicxulub crater, Yucatán Peninsula

Abstract The Yaxcopoil‐1 (Yax‐1) drill hole comprises Cretaceous limestones and calcarenites, the K/P boundary cocktail unit (including impact breccia), and a Danian marly clay layer overlain by calcareous marls. The biostratigraphy, paleobathymetry, and environmental turnover across the K/P interval were inferred after analyzing the planktic and benthic foraminiferal assemblages. The Cretaceous samples only contain a few poorly preserved planktic foraminifera of a middle Campanian to Maastrichtian age, while low‐diversity benthic foraminiferal assemblages suggest a sufficient nutrient supply to the sea floor and a shallow neritic, occasionally stressed environment. The impact breccia and the redeposited suevite are overlain by a 46 cm‐thick dolomitic calcareous sandstone unit that contains scarce, reworked planktic foraminiferal specimens. This unit probably represents the uppermost part of the initial infill of the crater. The uppermost centimeters of this unit are bioturbated, and its top represents a hiatus that spans at least the G. cretacea, Pv. eugubina, and part of the P. pseudobulloides biozones. This unit is overlain by a 3–4 cm‐thick marly clay layer that represents a condensed layer. Benthic foraminiferal assemblages suggest a low food supply to the sea floor and environmental instability during the deposition of the marly clay layer. The increase in diversity of the assemblages indicates that the environmental conditions improved and stabilized from the G. compressa biozone toward the A. uncinata (P2) biozone. The Danian planktic and benthic foraminiferal assemblages indicate a deeper, probably bathyal environment.
Microarray Analysis of Undifferentiated and Differentiated Human Pluripotent Stem Cells

Over the last decade, a tremendous progress has been made regarding our understanding of the molecular program involved in early human development. The main reason behind these advancements can be ascribed to the successful isolation of human embryonic stem cell (hESC) lines in the late 1990’s. Based on their fundamental properties of pluripotency and unlimited proliferation, these unique cells have provided the possibility to study early human developmental processes in vitro. However, there are many obstacles to overcome before the potential of these cells can be fully realized. One important issue is to increase the understanding about the gene regulatory mechanisms that control the differentiation of hESCs. A wide variety of tools and technologies have been used to manipulate and study basic hESC characteristics and functions. Furthermore, the parallel analysis of functional derivatives of hESCs has provided important insights into the mechanisms that govern their differentiation into specific cell lineages. Global transcriptional changes in cells and tissues can be studied using molecular techniques such as DNA microarray, EST-enumeration, MPSS profiling, and SAGE. The results from such experiments provide a snapshot of the status of the cells under study. This approach has proven well suited for characterization of the “stemness” state of hESCs, but also for the identification of crucial pathways involved in their differentiation. Large scale gene expression databases have been generated using various hESC lines and technical platforms, and subsequently the information has been analyzed using different bioinformatic approaches. A discrete set of genes has been identified which are highly expressed in hESCs, and these genes are considered to be involved in preserving the pluripotency and self-renewal capacity of the undifferentiated cells. Furthermore, several studies have focused on characterizing the molecular signature of specific differentiation processes. Again, global expression analysis has proven to be a very suitable tool since novel important mechanisms can be revealed in the context of such experiments. More recently, the possibility to analyze also the global expression profile of microRNA (miRNA) has been realized, and microarray based platforms designed specifically for the detection of miRNA species are now available. The concurrent analysis of the global mRNA and miRNA expression profiles of hESCs and their differentiated progenies are anticipated to provide additional insights into the regulatory pathways which are active in the cells in the undifferentiated and differentiated states. In the present chapter, we will
Human Capital and Retirement

This paper investigates the relation between human capital andretirement when the age of retirement is endogenous. This relation isexamined in a life-cycle earnings model. An employee works full timeuntil retirement. The worker accumulates human capital by training-on-the-job and by learning-by-doing. The human capital of an employeeis subject to depreciation when knowledge of technologies becomesobsolete. After a shock in technology, the worker depreciates on hishuman capital. The lower human capital results in a lower life-timeincome, but also in a lower price of an earlier retirement.