Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Alternative Fuels in Cement Manufacturing

Fossil fuels such as coal, petroleum and natural gas provide most of the energy needs of the world today. Coal and natural gas are used in their natural forms, but petroleum and other fossil fuels such as shale and bituminous sands require distillation and refinement to give usable fuels. These fuels exist in any of the following forms: solid, liquid and gas. The finite nature of global fossil fuel resources, high prices and most importantly, their damaging effect on the environment underscore the need to develop alternative fuels1 for many industrial systems that rely on fossil fuels. Increased use of renewable and alternative fuels can extend fossil fuel supplies and help resolve air pollution problems associated with the use of conventional fuels. This chapter reviews in detail some of the main alternative fuels used in cement production. It focuses on types of alternative fuels used, the environmental and socio-economic benefits of using alternative fuels, challenges associated with switching from conventional to alternative fuels, combustion characteristics of the alternative fuels concerned, and their effect on cement production and quality. The aim of this chapter is to provide empirical evaluation of alternative fuels. It offers an invaluable source of information for cement manufacturers that are interested in using alternative fuels. Researchers and students would also find this information valuable for their professional and academic development. Cement is considered one of the most important building materials around the world. Cement production is an energy-intensive process consuming thermal energy of the order of 3.3 GJ/tonne of clinker produced. Electrical energy consumption is about 90 – 120 kWh/tonne of cement (Giddings, et al, 2000; European Commission [EC] 2001). Historically, the primary fuel used in cement industry is coal. A wide range of other fuels such as gas, oil, liquid waste materials, solid waste materials and petroleum coke have all been successfully used as sources of energy for firing cement-making kilns, either on their own or in various combinations. The cement manufacturing industry is also under increasing pressure to reduce emissions. Cement manufacturing releases a lot of emissions such as carbon dioxide (CO2) and nitrogen oxide (NOx). It is estimated that 5 percent of global carbon dioxide emissions originate from cement production (Hendriks, et al, 1998). The use of alternative fuels in cement manufacturing, therefore do not only afford considerable energy cost reduction, but they also have significant ecological benefits of conserving non-renewable resources, the
The Intervening Effects of Whistleblowing in Reducing the Risk of Asset Misappropriation

The motivation of this study is to address the pertinent issue of the risk of asset misappropriation and the reluctance of the informed few to whistleblow. In the absence of whistleblowing, asset misappropriation may continue to be under wraps, causing serious damage to numerous organisations, in particular the banking sector. The main objective of this study is to examine the intervening role of whistleblowing in preventing and detecting fraud in order to reduce the risk of asset misappropriation. A review of the literature was undertaken with the aim of crafting the research instrument based on the fraud triangle theory. Qualitative pretesting and quantitative pilot testing were conducted prior to the final data collection exercise. Cochran’s method was used to compute the estimated sample size. Out of the 553 questionnaires distributed in the final data collection regime, 334 were usable replies and this merits a structural equation modelling to be performed. Data collection assistants were recruited to assist in the data collection process in ten banking organisations. A confirmatory factor analysis was undertaken on the independent, dependent and mediating variables prior to the assessment of the final model. The results of the structural equation model (Chi square = 2.17; RMSEA = 0.06; CFI = 0.85; TLI = 0.84; NFI = 0.76; PGFI = 0.64) were convincing based on the suggestions from previous studies. This study found that whistleblowing has a partial mediating effect on the relationship between the independent variables (internal control system together with professional scepticism) and the risk asset misappropriation. Moreover, it was discovered that there is a full mediation effect of whistleblowing on the relationship between code of ethics and the risk of asset misappropriation.
Relations and Emotions beyond the Boundaries in the Post Crisis Era – An Analysis of the Impact of Selected Variables on the Indian Stock Market

From a decade or so Indian continent has become the centre of attraction in the global economies. This changed outlook is due to the fact that India embraces vast availability of resources and opportunities which makes it the most vibrant global economy in the current scenario of worldwide sluggishness. On this path of growth and prosperity India is showing stiff commitments and competitive edges with developed as well as emerging countries. To be more specific, during this voyage in the Asia pacific region recently on one side India has seen stronger bonding with some of its old mates like Japan but on the other part it has faced strain like situation from its stronger competitor contender china on the same time. Hence, in this context the main aim of this paper is to examine the long run and short run equilibrium impacts of Japan and Chinese stock index as well as macroeconomic variables impact on Indian stock market. This paper finds the presence of both long and short run equilibrium impacts from China and Japan to India. In case of Japanese financial market (Nikki 225) has a trivial negative but significant long run impact whereas, the Chinese stock index (SSE composite) is operating at the short run with the same mild negative but significant impact on the Indian stock market. The results of the impact of macroeconomic variables find the existence of long run as well as short run equilibrium from some of the selected variables on Indian stock market.
Clinical signs in cattle grazing high molybdenum forage

Abstract Revegetation and sustainable cattle grazing are major objectives in the reclamation of mine tailings at the Highland Valley Copper mine in British Columbia, Canada. A total of 84 cow-calf pairs grazed forage extremely high in molybdenum (Mo) for 11 weeks in the summer and fall for 3 consecutive years (1999–2001). The average stocking rate was 0.63 ha AUM−1. The animals' diet consisted primarily of alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) and orchardgrass (Dactylis glomerata L.) containing 100–400 ppm Mo. Both cows and calves showed adequate daily gains of 0.78 kg head−1 day−1 and 1.33 kg head−1 day−1, respectively. Uptake of Mo was demonstrated by elevated levels of Mo in rumen contents and feces. Clinical signs of Mo toxicity were observed in less than half of the cows and in only a few calves. Clinical signs included a stiff shuffling gait, watery diarrhea, and a rough hair coat. Lameness, the primary sign, was resolved in all animals by the end of each trial. Diarrhea was also resolved by the end of the trial and hair coats returned to normal by the following spring. The onset and severity of the affliction appeared to be related to prevailing moisture conditions, which may have affected Mo availability in forage. Some affected animals were treated with Cu injections to no avail. Liver biopsies and serum samples showed marginal to adequate copper (Cu) levels but potentially toxic levels of Mo. In the third year of the trial, Cu-containing boluses were employed but they did not prevent the onset of clinical signs.
Do people have a preference for increasing or decreasing pain? An experimental comparison of psychological and economic measures in health related decision making

This paper investigates preferences for different health profiles, especially sequences of increasing and decreasing pain. We test conflicting predictions in terms of preferences over two painful sequences. The QALY concept relevant for the determination of different levels of health-related quality of life implies indifference, whereas behavioral theories find preferences related to ordering, following the peak-end-rule. Using an experimental design with real consequences we generate decisions about painful sequences induced by the cold pressor test. The results are compared with hypothetical choice data elicited using standard methods. We find that hypothetical methods reveal decisions in line with the peak-end-rule. However when it comes to real consequences of their decisions, subjects are on average not willing to pay for that preference.
Infection rates of natural psyllid populations with ‘Candidatus Phytoplasma mali ’ in South Tyrol (Northern Italy)

Apple proliferation is a severe disease of apple trees spreading in many European apple growing areas. It is caused by ‘Candidatus Phytoplasma mali ’ that was shown to be transmitted through infected grafting material, via natural root grafts and by sap-sucking insects. Two psyllid species, Cacopsylla picta and C. melanoneura , that are recognised as the vectors of the disease, occur in orchards of South Tyrol (Northern Italy). The aim of this study was to assess the infection rates of natural populations of these insect species with ‘Ca. P. mali ’. Two additional psyllid species ( C. mali and Trioza urticae ), which are frequent in some apple orchards of South Tyrol, were also investigated. A total of 801 specimens from 18 orchards was analysed using a real-time PCR procedure. While no specimen of T. urticae was found to be infected with ‘Ca. P. mali ’, the mean infection rate of C. melanoneura and C. mali was below 1 %. The highest infection rate was found for C. picta , with a mean value of 11 % and peaking at 33%. Based on these results, it can be concluded that C. picta plays the major role as the vector of apple proliferation in South Tyrol. Keywords : apple proliferation, Cacopsylla mali, Cacopsylla melanoneura, Cacopsylla picta , pathogen transmission, Trioza urticae
Blood cadmium levels increase prostate specific antigen and insulin-like growth factor-1 among cadmium exposed workers

BACKGROUND Cadmium (Cd) is a heavy metal that is classified as a human carcinogen (group IA), one of the cancers that it can cause being prostate cancer. The development of prostate cancer on a molecular basis involves oncogenes such as insuline-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1). Prostate cancer can be detected in the laboratory through the examination of prostate specific antigen (PSA). The present study aimed to determine the relationship of Cd levels with levels of PSA and IGF-1 in exposed and unexposed workers. METHODS The study design was cross sectional. The subjects of the studycame from two groups of workers, ie. the group of Cd exposed workers who were welding shop workers and the group of unexposed workers who were office workers. The minimum samplesize was 85 people. The independent variable was blood Cd level. The dependent variables were PSA and IGF-1 levels. Blood Cd levels were measured by atomic absorption spectrometry (AAS), while PSA and IGF-1 were measured using ELISA. Data analysis was performed using the Mann-Whitney test and the Spearman correlation test. RESULTS Mean blood Cd level in the exposed workers was 6.5 mg/L and in the unexposed workers 2.15 mg/L. There was a relationship between blood Cd and PSA levels (p<0.05) and between blood Cd levels and IGF-1 (p <0.05). CONCLUSIONS There was a relationship of blood Cd with PSA and IGF-1 levels.among workers. PSA and IGF-1 could be a biochemical markers of disease control in cadmium exposed workers.
Knowledge of Obstetric Danger Signs and Associated Factors among Pregnant Women Attending ANC Service at Gedo Town Health Facilities, 2015

Background: Globally, every minute at least one woman dies from complications related to pregnancy or childbirth. But maternal mortality could be significantly reduced if the women and their families could recognize obstetric danger signs and promptly seeking health care services.Objective: To assess the knowledge of obstetric danger signs and aassociated factors among pregnant women attending ANC service at Gedo town health facilities in 2015. Methods: A facility based cross-sectional study was conducted from March 01-30 of 2015 on a randomly selected 198 pregnant women who were attending ANC service at Gedo town health facilities. Systematic sampling technique was employed to select the study participants and face to face interview based pre-tested questionnaires was used to collect the data. Then bivariate and multivariate data analysis was performed using SPSS window version 16.0 software. Result: Out of the total 208 sampled study participants, about 198 respondents were interviewed with making a response rate of 95%. From the total respondents about 114(57.5%) of the respondents were Knowledgeable about obstetric danger signs and respondents education, occupation and availability of mass-media in the house were independent predictors for obstetric danger signs. Respondents who attended above grade 12 were about four times more likely knowledgeable about obstetrics danger signs than those respondents who were illiterate at (AOR= 4.421, 95% CI: 2.102-9.743). Participants of Government employ in occupational status were about four times more likely knowledgeable about obstetric danger signs than those respondents who were house wife at (AOR=4.561, 95% CI: 2.031-10.115). Participants who have mass media in their house were about three times more likely knowledgeable about obstetric danger signs than those who didn’t have mass media in their house at (AOR=3.129,95% CI:1.550-4.318). Conclusions and Recommendations: In this study significant proportion of mothers were not knowledgeable about obstetric danger signs. This indicates that many mothers are more likely to delay in deciding to seek health care if they face obstetric complications. The educational level of the respondents, occupational status of the respondents, and availability of the mass media in their house were the independent predictors of knowledge about obstetric danger signs. Therefore, an appropriate counseling and health education should be given to all pregnant mothers and their families to increase their knowledge about obstetric danger signs to enable them in early recognition of obstetric danger signs for seeking health care. Keywords : Knowledge of obstetrics danger signs, Gedo town, health facilities
A General Test for Distortions in Performance Measures

Results from the incentive literature suggest that performance measures are often distorted, eliciting dysfunctional and unintended responses. The existence of these responses, however, is difficult to demonstrate in practice because this behavior is typically hidden from the researcher. We present a simple model showing that one can test for the existence of distortions by estimating the change in the association between a performance measure and the true goal of the organization with the measure's introduction. Using data from a public-sector organization, we find evidence consistent with the existence of distortions. We draw implications for the selection of performance measures.
Effect of restricted feeding regimes on compensatory weight gain and body tissue composition in Cirrhinus mrigala (Hamilton) fry.

An experiment was conducted to examine the effect of restricted feeding on compensatory weight gain and body tissue composition in Cirrhinus mrigala fry. The control group was fed to satiation twice a day throughout the 8-week experiment. Feed for the other three groups was restricted for one, two, or four weeks. When reinstated, feed was given to satiation. Fish deprived of feed for two weeks had significantly (p<0.05) higher body weight (5.40±0.20 g) and lower FCR (3.40±0.20) than those of the control (4.55±0.10 g and 6.75±0.02, respectively). At the end of the re-alimentation period, there were no significant differences in dry matter, protein, lipid, or ash contents except that protein content in fish deprived of feed for four weeks was significantly (p<0.05) lower than in fish of other treatments.
Modifications of a Spark ignition Engine to Operate with Hydrogen and Methane Blends

An investigation project is carrying out with the aim to analyze deeply the performance of spark ignition engines fuelled with hydrogen and methane blends in the widest range of operation conditions. This project comprises two phases. This paper is focused to the first one, which expose the selection of engines to achieve the aim of the investigation project, the modifications and sensorization that engines require for hydrogen and methane blends and testing and the gaseous fuel supply line implemented in the testing bench under the most strict safety and efficiency conditions according to technical specifications of installations and equipment for hydrogen.
Organic geochemical characteristics and depositional environment of Lower-Middle Miocene Küçükkuyu Formation, Edremit Gulf, NW Turkey

The Lower-Middle Miocene Kucukkuyu Formation crops out extensively in the Edremit Gulf area (NW Turkey). In this study, shale samples from this unit were investigated to evaluate source rock characteristics, depositional conditions, and hydrocarbon potential. Outcrop samples of the Kucukkuyu Formation were taken from different locations and analyzed by Rock-Eval pyrolysis, vitrinite reflectance (Ro), stable carbon isotope (δ13C), total sulfur (TS), gas chromatography (GC), and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). The total organic carbon (TOC) values range from 0.23 to 6.1 wt. % with an average of 1.76 wt. % for the northern samples and 0.24 to 2.82 wt. % with an average of 1.66 wt. % for the southern samples around the Edremit Gulf. Hydrogen index (HI) values were up to 606 and 712 mg HC/g TOC in the north and south of the gulf, respectively. Organic matter type in the formation consists predominantly of Type II and III kerogen with a minor component of Type I kerogen. Tmax values ranging from 414 to 496 $^{\circ}$C in the north and 423 to 446 $^{\circ}$C in the south of the gulf indicate that most samples are at the beginning of the oil generation window and are thermally immature or early-mid-mature. Vitrinite reflectance (Ro) and biomarker maturity parameters support this result. Based on geological observations, biomarker distributions, and TOC/TS ratios, the Kucukkuyu Formation was deposited in a freshwater to slightly brackish water environment under anoxic-suboxic conditions with organic matter input from aquatic organisms and from terrestrial higher plants. According to Rock-Eval pyrolysis data, the Kucukkuyu Formation mostly has medium to good hydrocarbon-generation potential. However, as these potential source rocks are in general immature and/or early-mature, the hydrocarbon potential of the study area is very limited.
The incidence and impact of flexible working arrangements in smaller businesses

Purpose – The aim of this article is to investigate the incidence and impact of FWAs in smaller businesses in Scotland, as an integral part of a recent European Social Fund project. From theoretical perspectives it discusses the influences on, and impacts of, flexible working arrangements. The focus is then placed on the smaller business sector as regards its distinctive features and flexible working arrangements.Design/methodology/approach – The papers presents the findings from empirical work comprising a large‐scale survey of, and series of interviews with, owner‐managers of smaller businesses in Scotland.Findings – Part‐time work, time off in lieu, staggered working hours and shift swapping are the main types of flexible work in smaller businesses. In many incidences flexible working arrangements are requested by employees, operated informally, and centred on the business needs. There is significant scope for greater uptake of flexible working arrangements in smaller businesses, especially in services.
Effects of Engineered Carbon and Silver Nanoparticles on Plutella Xylostella Consumption, Growth, Pupation, Survival, and Fecundity

Engineered nanoparticles (ENPs) have recently become common in consumer products, and will therefore be entering into both aquatic and terrestrial systems. However, the effects of ENPs on animals is not well characterized. For example, to date there has been no research on the effects of single walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) and silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) (common ENPs) on insects. I examined the effects of pure SWCNTs and AgNPs on consumption, growth, food conversion ratio, pupation, survival, fecundity, and expression of CYP6BG1 using fourth instar of diamondback moth (DBM) larvae with the following concentrations: 8.64, 17.28, 34.56, 69.12 and 138.24 μg/ml SWCNTs; and 4.32 and 8.64 μg/ml AgNPs. I measured CYP6BG1 expression with Realtime PCR. There were no measurable effects of SWCNT on DBM’s consumption, pupation, and survival rate, but negative affect on growth, conversion rate and fecundity at the highest concentration (138.24 μg/ml). AgNPs had no effect on DBM growth, conversion, survival, and fecundity rate, but reduced consumption and pupation rate. In my experiments, CYP6BG1 was upregulated at concentrations of 138.24 μg/ml SWCNTs and 4.32 and 8.64 μg/ml AgNPs compared to control. My research indicates that there is no acute toxicity of SWCNTs on DBM, however further studies are warranted as fecundity and CYP6BG1 expression level appear to be affected. AgNPs are acutely toxic in terms of consumption, but studies are needed to confirm the hypothesis. My research provides insights and a model system for future studies on the effects ENP on insects.
Role of Islamic Banking and Conventional Against Poverty with the Dual Banking System

Islamic banking in Indonesia is present in a dual banking system. Islamic banking is expected to contribute more in the process of economic development and improving people’s welfare. The main objective of this study is to analyze the role of financing Islamic banking and conventional banking credit to the improvement of people’s welfare as measured by reductions in poverty. The study was conducted using the explanatory method, applying the panel regression estimation techniques simultaneously with the Two Stage Least Square method (TSLS) using data from the period 1992-2012. Results of the study reveals that the increased of financing Islamic banking and conventional banking credit assign roles to poverty reduction in Indonesia. The role of Islamic banking financing is lower than conventional bank credit role in reducing poverty. In addition to improve financing and credit, changes should be applied in the value of the instruments of monetary policy, economic growth, unequal distribution of income and the depreciation of the local currency that contribute towards poverty conditions.