Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A comparison of the economic and environmental performances of conventional and organic farming: evidence from financial statements

While conventional farming systems face serious problems of sustainability, organic agriculture is seen as a more environmentally friendly system as it favours renewable resources, recycles nutrients, uses the environment’s own systems for controlling pests and diseases, sustains ecosystems, protects soils, and reduces pollution. At the same time organic farming promotes animal welfare, the use of natural foodstuffs, product diversity and the avoidance of waste, among other practices. However, the future of organic agriculture will depend on its economic viability and on the determination shown by governments to protect these practices. This paper performs panel regressions with a sample of Catalan farms (Spain) to test the influence of organic farming on farm output, costs and incomes. It analyses the cost structures of both types of farming and comments on their social and environmental performance.
Single dose esmolol attenuates bispectral index scale response to intubation during fentanyl-midazolam anesthesia for cardiac surgery Kardiyak cerrahide fentanyl-midazolam anestezisine eklenen tek doz esmolol entübasyona verilen bispektral indeks skala yanitini azaltir

Amaç: Bu çalışmada kardiyak anestezi indüksiyonu öncesi verilen esmololün, orotrakeal entübasyona verilen bispektral indeks skala (BIS) yanıtını değiştirip değiştirmediği araştırıldı. Ça­lış­ma­ pla­nı:­Hastane etik kurulu onayı alındıktan sonra koroner arter baypas cerrahisi yapılması planlanan 64 ASA II hasta analiz edildi. Çift kör çalışmada, fentanil-midazolam-roküronyum ile anestezi indüksiyonu yapılmadan önce, hastalar iki gruba ayrıldı ve esmolol (grup E; n=32) veya salin (grup S; n=32) randomize edildi. Hastalara girişte hayati bulgular ve BIS monitörizasyonunu takiben, anestezi indüksiyonundan 5. dakika önce 1 mg/kg intravenöz esmolol veya aynı hacimde salin enjekte edildi. Kalp hızı, ortalama arter basıncı ve BIS yanıtı; başlangıçta, infüzyonu takiben 2. dakikada, indüksiyonu takiben 5. dakikada ve entübasyonu takiben 1, 2. ve 3. dakikalarda kaydedildi. Bu çalışmanın primer sonucu, Δ BIS idi. Bu çalışma Δ BIS’de %20 değişiklik için %95 güce sahipti. Bul gu lar: Esmolol grubunda kalp hızı, başlangıca kıyasla, ikinci dönemde anlamlı düzeyde azaldı. Ortalama arter basınçları tüm zaman aralıklarında her iki grupta benzerdi. Entübasyonu takiben 1. ve 2. dakikalarda BIS yanıtı, salin grubunda, esmolol grubuna kıyasla anlamlı olarak yüksekti. So­nuç:­ Bu çalışmada esmololün, verilişinden itibaren 2 dk. içinde kalp hızını düşürdüğü ve orotrakeal entübasyonun uyarımına bağlı BIS yanıtı artışını baskıladığı görüldü. Buna ek olarak, esmololün, fentanil-midazolam anestezisini derinleştirdiği görüldü.
Citrus Sinensis Separately Increases Serum Plasma Proteins while its Combination Treatment with Carbimazole Reduces-the Thyroid Hormones Connection

Plasma proteins play a vital role in the bioavailability and by implication, the activity of thyroid hormones. This study therefore became expedient in order to investigate the effect of Cit rus sinensis on serum plasma proteins in co mparison with standard thyro-active drugs. Albino wistar rats were rando mly divided into 5 groups of 7 rats each. Group I served as control, group II received 1500mg/kg of fresh orange juice (FOJ), group III received 0.1ug/g of Levothyroxine (LVT), group IV received 0.01mg/kg of Carbimazo le (CA RB) and group V received FOJ (1500mg/kg)+ CA RB (0.01mg/g) once daily per oral for 28 days. The animals were sacrificed after a night fast and blood samples obtained by cardiac puncture and processed by standard procedure to obtain the serum which was used for plasma protein analysis. The results showed that FOJ and LVT significantly (p<0.05) increased total protein, albu min and globulin levels while FOJ+CARB significantly (p<0.05) decreased them. It appears that the separate effect of Cit rus sinensis and LVT on plasma protein is unrelated to their effect on thyroid hormone levels. The co mb ination treat ment appears to synergistically potentiate their antithyroid effect irrespective of the singular effect of Cit rus sinensis on plasma proteins. Thus, there may be need for caution on the excessive consumption of Citrus sinensis during treatment with Carb imazole
A microseismic study in a low seismicity area of Italy: the Città di Castello 2000-2001 experiment

Recent seismological studies contribute to better understand the first order characteristics of earthquake oc- currence in Italy, identifying the potential sites for moderate to large size earthquakes. Ad hoc passive seis- mic experiments performed in these areas provide information to focus on the location and geometry of the active faults more closely. This information is relevant for assessing seismic hazard and for accurately con- straining possible ground shaking scenarios. The area around the Citta di Castello Basin, in the Northern Apennines (Central Italy), is characterized by the absence of instrumental seismicity (M > 2.5), it is adjacent to faults ruptured by recent and historical earthquakes. To better understand the tectonics of the area, we in- stalled a dense network of seismic stations equipped with broadband and short period seismometers collect- ing data continuously for 8 months (October 2000-May 2001). The processing of ∼ 900 Gbyte of data re- vealed a consistent background seismicity consisting of very low magnitude earthquakes (ML < 3.2). Pre- liminary locations of about 2200 local earthquakes show that the area can be divided into two regions with different seismic behaviour: an area to the NW, in between Sansepolcro and Citta di Castello, where seis- micity is not present. An area toward the SE, in between Citta di Castello, Umbertide and Gubbio, where we detected a high microseismicity activity. These findings suggest a probable different mechanical behaviour of the two regions. In the latter area, the seismicity is confined between 0 and 8 km of depth revealing a rather well defined east-dipping, low angle fault 35 km wide that cuts through the entire upper crust down to 12-15 km depth. Beside an apparent structural complexity, fault plane solutions of background seismici- ty reveal a homogeneous pattern of deformation with a clear NE-SW extension.
Rainbow Gravity Corrections to the Entropic Force

The entropic force attracts a lot of interest for its multifunctional properties. For instance, Einstein’s field equation, Newton’s law of gravitation, and the Friedmann equation can be derived from the entropic force. In this paper, utilizing a new kind of rainbow gravity model that was proposed by Magueijo and Smolin, we explore the quantum gravity corrections to the entropic force. First, we derive the modified thermodynamics of a rainbow black hole via its surface gravity. Then, according to Verlinde’s theory, the quantum corrections to the entropic force are obtained. The result shows that the modified entropic force is related not only to the properties of the black hole but also to the Planck length and the rainbow parameter . Furthermore, based on the rainbow gravity corrected entropic force, the modified Einstein field equation and the modified Friedmann equation are also derived.
Measuring efficiency of yam (Dioscorea spp) production among resource poor farmers in rural Nigeria.

Farm-level, output-oriented technical efficiency indices were estimated by fitting stochastic production frontier functions to survey data collected from resource poor yam farmers. Primary data for the study were obtained from 80 yam farmers with the aid of questionnaire using the two-stage sampling technique. By use of the maximum likelihood technique, asymptotic parameter estimates were evaluated to describe efficiency determinants. The most important production factors were land, family labour, hired labour, planting materials and stakes. The mean efficiency index, 0.78 is an indication that yam output could be increased using available technology. Increasing farm holdings either through land acquisition or consolidation by farmers could provide economies of scale.
Performance of Negative Sentences with regard to Learners Proficiency Levels

One of the characteristics of each educational system which can have a great influence on learners’ developmental process is teaching methodology. Teaching methodology embraces ecology and educational environment. The developmental and interactional nature of syntactic features with miscellaneous factors takes account for the complexity of the concept of syntax. The quality of learning is related to both teaching methodology and the objectives of the curriculum. The purpose of the study revolved around three aspects: pathology, recognizing criteria of negation sentences of EFL learners. In pathology part, factors such as quality of teaching, educational sources, teachers’ expertise, measurement, and managing learners were attended and discussed. According to learners and teachers’ viewpoint, managing learners, quality of teaching, educational output, expertise, personality, and educational policies were the main recognizing criteria. Finally, the underlying elements of L2 negation sentences are discussed in which an emphasis is put on research-based education, problem-solving ability, advocating competent learners and many similar factors. The findings of this study can be useful for teachers as well as the educational programmers to improve the quality of language teaching.
Physico-chemical parameters and heavy metals in River Pompom in Okehi Local Government Area of Kogi State, Nigeria

The use of rivers for various purposes has resulted in their deterioration. Water quality involves integrating chemical and biological monitoring methods to evaluate the negative potential human health impact. Water samples from river Pompom in the vicinity of the Nigerian iron ore deposit at Itakpe, Nigeria, were analyzed for pH, turbidity, odour, conductivity, total suspended matter, total dissolved solid, biochemical oxygen demand, chemical oxygen demand, Cd, Cu, Ni, Pb and Zn to determine its suitability for drinking. Water samples were digested with HNO3 and Flame Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy technique was used for the determination of concentration level of heavy metals while the physicochemical parameters were determined by gravimetric and titrimetric methods. Comparing the results obtained with Nigeria (Federal Environmental Protection Agency, FEPA) and WHO permissible guidelines for drinking water the concentration of Cu, Ni, Pb and Zn were found to be within safe limits. The pH, TDS and conductivity were found to be within the WHO safe limits of drinking water. Microbiological characteristics and element speciation are recommended for further quality assessment in the study area.
The relationship between capital structure and product markets: evidence from New Zealand

The main purpose of this paper is to investigate whether the capital structure of New Zealand firms influences their product-market performance in the period from 1984 to 2008. Our main findings are that the use of leverage by publicly listed New Zealand companies leads to an increase in relative-to-industry sales growth, but a decrease in relative-to-industry return on assets (ROA). We also conduct a reverse causality test by examining whether sales growth and ROA influence leverage. We find no evidence that sales growth has an impact on the use of debt, but significant evidence that ROA is negatively correlated with its use. Our results suggest that New Zealand firms use debt to compete more aggressively in their product markets, even though this strategy comes at a cost of lower relative-to-industry profitability. A possible explanation for this behavior is the more competitive trading environment that has developed in New Zealand over the last 25 years.
Food defense management practices in private country clubs

This field study invesƟgated food biosecurity pracƟces in private country clubs in the Midwestern United States. Interviews with managers and observaƟons of actual operaƟonal pracƟces were conducted to idenƟfy areas in country clubs that could be at potenƟal risk of a bioterrorist aƩack. Cost and lack of need were idenƟfied as barriers to implemenƟng a food defense management plan. Background checks and good employment pracƟces were perceived as effecƟve in increasing food biosecurity in clubs. RecommendaƟons to improve food biosecurity in country clubs included background checks for all employees, securing access to chemicals, and issuing idenƟficaƟon badges to all employees.
The Global Distribution of Active Ionian Volcanoes and Implications for Tidal Heating Models

Tidal heating is the major source of heat in the outer solar system. Because of its strong tidal interaction with Jupiter and the other Galilean satellites, Io is incredibly volcanically active. We use the directly measured volcanic activity level of Io’s volcanoes as a proxy for surface heat flow and compare it to tidal heating model predictions. Volcanic activity is a better proxy for heat flow than simply the locations of volcanic constructs. We determine the volcanic activity level using three data sets: the Galileo Photopolarimeter Radiometer (PPR), Galileo Near-Infrared Mapping Spectrometer (NIMS), and New Horizons LEISA. We also present a systematic reanalysis of the Galileo NIMS observations to determine the 3.5 μm brightness of 51 active volcanoes. We find that potential differences in volcanic style between high and low latitudes make high-latitude observations unreliable for distinguishing between tidal heating models. Observations of Io’s polar areas, such as those by Juno, are necessary to unambiguously understand Io’s heat flow. However, all three of the data sets examined show a relative dearth of volcanic brightness near 180 W (anti-Jovian point) and the equator, and the only data set with good observations of the sub-Jovian point (LEISA) also shows a lack of volcanic brightness in that region. These observations are more consistent with the mantle-heating model than the asthenospheric-heating model. Furthermore, all three of the data sets are consistent with fourfold symmetry in longitude and peak heat flow at mid-latitudes, which best matches with the combined heating case of Tackley et al.
Integrated Approaches to Treating Psychological Trauma and Substance Abuse in Women: An Update

Trauma, which can result in PTSD, and substance abuse disorders often co-occur. Sometimes SUD exposes people to additional traumas. Sequential treatment which involves dealing with one disorder at a time has been ineffective in resolving the comorbidity of these disorders. More recently, an integrated approach that involves working with both disorders at the same time is showing positive results. Several integrated models have been developed and some of these models are outlined in this paper. Programs that include psychoeducation and structure for both clients and providers are likely to be most effective. Working closely with clients to establish treatment goals and expectations, and deciding what approach works best, play a major role in determining the success of any program. Future research is necessary to expand the many evidence-based and promising options for integrated PTSD and SUD treatments, in order to determine effectiveness of programs with more diverse and ethnic minority communities. More specifically, research is needed to examine the duration, scope, timing, and combination of components for optimal integration of PTSD and SUD treatment. Finally, medical providers can play an integral role in ensuring that patients, who suffer from both PTSD and SUD, are referred to receive additional services and appropriate resources.
11 Digital Holography and Cell Studies

Digital holographic microscopy (DHM) is a novel high-resolution imaging technique that offers real-time imaging and quantitative measurements of physiological parameters. It has developed into a broad field, and one of many interesting applications is to study cells without staining or labeling them and without affecting them in any way. Digital holography makes it possible to easily measure cell properties that previously have been very difficult to study in living cells, such as cell thickness, volume, and cell refractive index (Marquet et al., 2005; Rappaz et al. 2005; Mölder et al., 2008; El-Schish et al., in press; Persson et al., in press). Living, dying or dead cells as well as fixed cells can be studied. The first DHM images showing living cells were published in 2003 and 2004 (You et al., 2003; Carl et al., 2004), making this field of research rather new. Two of the most interesting functions of DHM is 3-D imaging of objects and to make in-focus measurements over time. Digital holography has been used to study a wide range of cells, e.g. protozoa, bacteria and plant cells as well as several types of mammalian cells such as nerve cells and tumor cells (Emery et al., 2007; Kemper et al., 2006; Moon and Javidi 2007). It has also been applied for studies of cell proliferation, cell movement and cell morphology (Kemper et al., 2009; Yu et al., 2009). Movement in both 2-D and 3-D has been studied (Langehanenberg et al., 2009; Persson et al., in press). In addition, cell viability status can be determined using DHM (Kemper et al., 2006; Kemmler et al., 2007). Interestingly, it is possible to study both single cells and entire populations simultaneously, allowing for very detailed studies. In this chapter we will compare DHM with previously used techniques and discuss the benefits and drawbacks of digital holography cell measurements. We will also present cell studies made possible by DHM.
Physicochemical and Microbiological Parameters of Water from Rivers in Keffi, Central Nigeria

Four water samples were in respective cases collected from river Oadaji, Northern River (NR) designated NR1-NR4 and river Kantou the Southern River (SR) designated SR1-SR4 both of Nasarawa State University, Keffi, Main Campus land area, and were analysed for some physicochemical and microbiological parameters using standard methods. The results obtained were compared with Standard Organization of Nigeria (SON) and WHO standards for drinking and recreational water. The results showed Temperature range 23.50-27.00°C, pH (6.00-6.45), Conductivity (82.95-125.70 μS/cm), Total Dissolved Solids (20.0-58.0 mg/L), Turbidity (36.308.95NTU), Dissolved Oxygen (5.50-13.00 mg/L), Biological Oxygen Demand (5.78-8.68mg/L), Chemical Oxygen Demand (85-145 mg/L), Total Hardness (180-520 mg/L), Nitrate (4.40-25.00 mg/L), Chlorides (10.50-31.45 mg/L), Phosphate (0.10-0.51mg/L), Sulphate (3.50-18.61 mg/L). Results of Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometric (AAS) analysis for trace metals showed that the metal concentrations were minute in both the Northern and Southern rivers; Lead (0.02±0.011 and 0.03±0.017 mg/L) Copper (0.01±0.003 and 0.01±0.002 mg/L), Zinc (0.06±0.020 and 0.11±0.016 Original Research Article Reuben et al.; MRJI, 24(3): 1-12, 2018; Article no.MRJI. 42547 2 mg/L), and Iron (0.16±0.026 and 0.12±0.022 mg/L). Nevertheless, the concentration of lead was above the acceptable limit. There was no statistically significant relationship (P>0.05) between these metals. The analysis of microbiological parameters revealed very high Total Viable Count for all the water samples, ranging between 25 ×10 to 42 ×10cfu/ml, and Most Probable Number index for coliforms to be ≥2400/100 ml, higher than the acceptable limits. Also, E. coli, Salmonella spp, Proteus spp, Bacillus spp, Enterobacter spp, Klebsiella spp and Pseudomonas spp were isolated from the samples examined. The usability of water from these rivers for domestic purposes is not recommended, hence proper treatment is needed before they are consumed or put to any reasonable domestic applications.
Blood Concentrations of Thyroid Hormones and Lipids and Content of Lipids in the Liver of Dairy Cows in Transitional Period

Djokovic R. , H. Samanc, M. Jovanovic, Z. Nikolic: Blood Concentrations of Thyroid Hormones and Lipids and Content of Lipids in the Liver in Dairy Cows in Transitional Period. Acta Vet. Brno 2007, 76: 525-532. The aim of the present investigation was to determine the correlation in the blood concentrations of thyroid hormones, lipids and glucose as well as the content of lipids in the liver of dairy cows in the transitional period. The animals (n = 40) were divided into four groups: the first group included late pregnant cows (n = 10) from the 10 th to 4 th day before calving; the second group included late pregnant cows (n = 10) from the 4th to 1st day before calving; the third group included clinically puerperal healthy cows (n = 10), whereas the fourth group included puerperal cows with clinical symptoms of ketosis (n = 10). Samples of liver and blood tissues were taken from all cows. Pathohistological examination of liver samples showed statistically significantly higher ( p < 0.01) lipid infiltration in ketotic cows compared to healthy cows in late pregnancy and puerperium. Biochemical examination of blood serum showed significantly higher values ( p < 0.01) of free fatty acids in ketotic cows, such as significantly lower blood concentrations of glucose ( p < 0.01), triacylglycerols (p < 0.01), total cholesterol (p < 0.05), triiodthyronine (p < 0.05) and thyroxine (p < 0.05), compared to the values obtained in the blood serum in the groups of healthy cows before and after calving. In this study, significantly positive correlations were determined between the content of lipids in the liver and blood concentration of free fatty acids (r = 0.51; p < 0.05) as well as the negative ones between the content of lipids in the liver and blood concentrations of glucose (r = -0.69; p < 0.05), triacylglycerols (r = -0.55; p < 0.05) and total cholesterol (r = -0.50; p < 0.05) in the group of ketotic cows. Our investigations suggested that a hypothyroidal status was established in ketotic cows and that the blood concentrations of free fatty acids, triacylglycerols, total cholesterol and glucose served as major biochemical indicators in determining liver steatosis in the dairy cows in the transitional period.
Scale Dependence of Midlatitude Air–Sea Interaction

AbstractIt has traditionally been thought that midlatitude sea surface temperature (SST) variability is predominantly driven by variations in air–sea surface heat fluxes (SHFs) associated with synoptic weather variability. Here it is shown that in regions marked by the highest climatological SST gradients and SHF loss to the atmosphere, the variability in SST and SHF at monthly and longer time scales is driven by internal ocean processes, termed here “oceanic weather. ” This is shown within the context of an energy balance model of coupled air–sea interaction that includes both stochastic forcing for the atmosphere and ocean. The functional form of the lagged correlation between SST and SHF allows us to discriminate between variability that is driven by atmospheric versus oceanic weather. Observations show that the lagged functional relationship of SST–SHF and SST tendency–SHF correlation is indicative of ocean-driven SST variability in the western boundary currents (WBCs) and the Antarctic Circumpolar Cur.