Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Seed germination and seedling growth of Suaeda salsa under salt stress

The effect of increasing concentrations (0, 0.05, 0.1, 0.2, 0.3, 0.4, 0.6 mol 1(-1)) of different salts (Na2SO4, Na2CO3, MgSO4, NaCl, MgCl2) in solution and soil extract solutions of comparable osmotic potentials on: germination of Suaeda salsa seeds was studied. Seed germination decreased significantly with increased salinity. Germination,inhibition was in the following order: MgCl2 > Na2SO4 > Na2CO3 > NaCl > soil extract solution > MgSO4. Non-germinated. seeds under all salt treatments recovered completely when transferred to distilled water, indicating that there was little specific ion effect on seed viability. Seedling growth was studied. under different levels of NaCl salinity (0, 0.05, 0.1, 0.2, 0.4 mol 1(-1)) stress. -Low levels of salinity (0.05-0.1 mol 1(-1)) increased seedling growth, while high levels (> 0.2 mol 1(-1) NaCl) inhibited the growth significantly. Under salt stress, the leaves accumulated high levels of proline, whereas their soluble sugar content decreased with an,increase in salinity. Na+ content in leaves, stems and roots increased with salinity. Ions were mostly accumulated in the shoot, especially in leaves. Under the highest level of salinity. (0.4 mol 1(-1) NaCl), Na+ accounted for more than 91.6% of the ions in leaves, 92.6% in stems and 84.1% in roots. Inorganic ions, especially Na+, were more important than organic solutes in the osmoregulation in S. salsa to adapt to a saline environment.
Trading volume and returns relationship in Greek stock index futures market: GARCH vs. GMM

This paper examines the relationship between trading volume and returns in Greek stock index futures market. For both available stock index futures contracts of the Athens Derivatives Exchange (ADEX), we study GARCH effects in our data and test how well these effects are explained by trading volume (under both GARCH and GMM). For FTSE/ASE-20, trading volume contributes significantly in explaining GARCH effects. However, GMM system estimation suggests that there is a significant relationship between lagged volume and absolute returns, while a positive contemporaneous relationship does not hold. Taken together, these findings indicate that market participants use volume as an indication of prices. For FTSE/ASE Mid 40, the empirical results give different conclusions. Both GARCH and GMM methods confirm that there is no evidence of positive relationship between trading volume and returns. These findings are helpful to financial managers dealing with Greek stock index futures.
Investing in Skill and Searching for Coworkers: Endogenous Participation in a Matching Market

We demonstrate how search frictions have important yet subtle implications for participation in a skilled labor market by studying a model in which agents invest in skill prior to searching for coworkers. Search frictions induce the existence of acceptance-constrained equilibria, whereby matching concerns—as opposed to investment costs—dissuade the marginal agent from investing and participating in the skilled matching market. Such equilibria are robust, relevant, and have comparative static properties that contrast sharply with the intuitive properties arising in a benchmark static setting. We consider an extension with separate matching "marketplaces," and show that our main results continue to hold. (JEL C78, D83, J24)
Simultaneous monitoring of strain and temperature during and after cure of unsymmetric composite laminate using fibre-optic sensors

In this paper, we present a simultaneous measurement of strain and temperature during and after cure of unsymmetric cross-ply composite laminate using fibre-optic sensors. Fibre Bragg grating/extrinsic Fabry–Perot interferometric (FBG/EFPI) hybrid sensors are used to measure those measurands. The characteristic matrix of the sensor is derived analytically and measurements can be done without sensor calibration experiments. A wavelength-swept fibre laser is utilized as a light source. Two FBG/EFPI hybrid sensors are embedded in a graphite/epoxy unsymmetric cross-ply composite laminate in different directions and different locations. We perform the real-time measurement of fabrication strains and temperatures at two points within the composite laminate during the cure process in an autoclave. Also, the thermal strains and temperatures of the fabricated unsymmetric laminate are measured afterward in a thermal chamber. Through these experiments, FBG/EFPI sensors are proven to be an efficient choice for smart monitoring of composite structures.
Precision Measurement of the Strong Coupling Constant of the Minimal Universal Extra Dimensions Model Using Like-Sign Leptons at the Large Hadron Collider

Author(s): Fava, Laura | Advisor(s): Haber, Howard E. | Abstract: If new heavy particles are discovered at the Large HadronCollider (LHC), we will need a way to distinguish among varioustheoretical interpretations for the new physics beyond the StandardModel (BSM). Models of BSM physics often predict specific relationsthat must be satisfied by the couplings of the new particles. Forexample, the coupling of the quark, Kaluza-Klein quark andKaluza-Klein gluon of the minimal Universal Extra Dimensions (mUED)model must equal the strong coupling constant of QCD up to smallsymmetry-breaking corrections that are radiatively generated. Usingcomputer simulations, I investigate the possible precision with whichone can measure this coupling at the LHC by examining like-sign dileptonevents that include additional hadronic jets and missing transverseenergy. To set bounds on the precision of a measurement ofthe mUED strong coupling constant, I vary this constant away fromits predicted value and investigate the resulting change to thenumber of events expected at the LHC. I show that ameasurement of the mUED strong coupling constant can be constrainedto ~5 - 25% provided the systematic uncertainty of the mUEDsignal can be reduced.
Non-isothermal model of the yeasts growth in alcoholic fermentations for high quality wines

Since, one of the most critical variables influencing the bioprocess in winemaking is temperature; a nonisothermal phenomenological model for yeast kinetics in winemaking fermentation was developed. The proposed model, based on a previous published by authors, considers a new expression for the maximum specific cellular growth rate and two more kinetic parameters depending on operation temperature. They are: specific cellular death rate and the carbon dioxide released at 85-95% of its maximum value. The developed model was validated by accurately predicting the cellular growth of own lab-scale fermentations and, it also verifies to follow the typical trend of literature experimental data. For such purpose, model performance between 10 to 40oC was evaluated via simulations for constant and variable temperature predefined trajectories. Since obtained results are satisfactory, this model can be used to track complex temperature profiles to achieve high quality wines, as well as, in other control and optimization strategies.
The Contributions of Positive Illusions to Cultural Differences in Well-being: The Positivity Model

“Positive illusions” refer to the tendencies to perceive the self and others positively. The current study proposes that cultural norms regarding positive illusions contribute to cultural differences in well-being. All pairs of participants completed self-reports and informant reports, and served both as perceivers and targets (N = 906 undergraduate students). A novel validated measure of positive illusions and multi-method assessment of well-being were used to examine cultural differences between Asians and Westerners in well-being. Positive illusions were assessed by means of the halo-alpha-beta model of correlations among ratings of participant’s own and an acquaintance’s personality on the Big Five dimensions (Anusic, Schimmack, Pinkus, & Lockwood, 2009). The results suggest that rating biases influence cross-cultural comparisons of well-being and that European and Asian Canadians have similar levels of well-being.
Effect of spirulina (Arthrospira platensis) supplementation on tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) growth and stress responsiveness under hypoxia

Several recent studies have shown that Arthrospira sp. supplementation of feeds has a beneficial effect on fish health and growth, but less is known about its possible effects on stress responsiveness. The present study was designed to evaluate using Arthrospira platensis as a feed supplement for Oreochromis niloticus fry, reared in recirculating aquaculture systems. Two isocaloric and isonitrogenous fishmeal-based diets were prepared with 0% and 1% A. platensis and fed to fry, approximately 10 mg live weight at the beginning of the experimental period (n=16 tanks, 8 tanks per treatment), at a feeding rate of 6% live weight, four meals a day for 50 d. The weight gain per tank, specific growth rate and feed conversion ratio were similar among treatments but A. platensis supplementation significantly increased survival (p<0.05). Stress responsiveness was measured in all fish from 12 tanks using a non-invasive two-choice test. All fish from one home tank (n=6 tanks per treatment), were placed into a shaded tank where oxygen levels were slowly reduced. A doorway was then opened to a second illuminated tank with normal oxygen levels and the number of fish that left the home tank were counted. The fish fed A. platensis stayed significantly (p=0.001) longer in the home tank (30.20 min ± 13.22) than controls (17.35 min ± 8.32), suggesting a lower stress responsiveness and a higher tolerance to hypoxia.
Assessing efficiency and innovation in the 3PL industry: an empirical analysis

ABSTRACT The Third-party Logistics (3PL) industry is facing both important growth rates and increasing competitive pressure. 3PL providers are required to continuously sustain a more and more competitive cost structure (i.e. efficiency) and develop capabilities to improve their services (i.e. innovation); hence, the evaluation of these key success factors is considered a key issue. This paper develops a quantitative analysis of 71 Italian 3PL providers by using Data Envelopment Analysis to jointly assess efficiency and innovation. Furthermore, through a case study research, it corroborates the quantitative results by investigating the strategies of best-in-class companies. Results allowed identifying 13 3PL providers as efficiency leaders and 6 as leaders from both the efficiency and the innovation side. Their input composition indicates a diversification of the business models. A breakdown of the analysis by size and industry focus, along with empirical evidence on the strategies enhancing efficiency and innovation, is also provided.
Factors predisposing to the occurrence of hypertension in a population of young adults

Introduction. Hypertension (HTN) is a major cardiovascular risk factor and a major cause of mortality worldwide. HTN is increasingly commonly diagnosed in young adults. The aim of this study was to evaluate prevalence of HTN in young adults and to identify factors predisposing to the development of HTN. Material and methods. We studied 203 university students aged 19–25 years who resided in a student dormitory. Four home blood pressure (BP) measurements were performed in all subjects according to the Polish Society of Hypertension guidelines. HTN was defined as mean systolic BP ≥ 135 mm Hg and/or diastolic BP ≥ 85 mm Hg or a history of HTN.
Clinical and Histopathological Study of Important Air-Breathing Fishes

A study was conducted to know the health and disease problems of three important air-breathing fishes viz. Shing ( Heteropneustes fossilis ), Magur ( Clarias batrachus ) and Thai Koi ( Anabas testudineus ) through clinical and histopathological technique from June 2007 to March 2008 collected from selected farms and from local markets. Generally, during December and January, acute pathologies were recorded. Clinical signs of Shing included haemorrhage, extended belly and ulceration. Histopathologically, partly missing and splitted epidermis and dermis, necrotic, vacuoled and ruptured myotomes of muscle with fungal granuloma were observed. Major gill pathologies included partly missing and highly hypertrophied, haemorrhagic gill lamellae, presence of monogenetic trematode and pyknotic cells. In liver, haemorrhagic areas, necrotic, vacuoled, hyperplasid hepatocytes, cell debris, pyknotic nuclei and plenty of inflammatory cells were evident. Haemorrhages, vacuolation, necrosis, missing and ruptured kidney tubules and pyknotic nuclei were the major pathologies of kidney. Clinically, dark red lesion, haemorrhage, necrosis and ulcer in body surface were seen in Magur. Histopathologically observed pathologies in Magur were almost similar to that of Shing. Clinical signs of Thai Koi included discoloration, loss of scales and fins, abnormal caudal fin, haemorrhage in gill and ulcer. Marked histopathology in the skin and muscle were observed such as totally lost epidermis, dermis separated from muscle, severely ruptured, degenerated and missing of myotomes in many places. In gills, hypertrophy, hyperplasia, telangiectasis, clubbing, haemorrhage and massive necrosis in both primary and secondary gill lamellae were found. Pathologies observed in liver and kidney were most alike to that of Shing. In the months of February and March, all the investigated organs of the three fish species were at a healing stage. DOI: http://dx.doi. org/10.3329/pa.v19i1. 17109 Progress. Agric. 19(1): 69 - 78, 2008
Positive Word of Mouth Marketing: Explaining the Roles of Value Congruity and Brand Love

Many companies have found that for their products to be successful in the market, they must first pay for word of mouth marketing and then utilize other types of ads. Previous studies have not paid enough attention to the value of target consumers. This study evaluates the roles of value congruity, brand love, and brand image in creating a consumer commitment that leads to positive word of mouth. The sample is comprised of makeup consumers in Rasht, Iran. At first, thirty stores were selected in the city center. Then, 384 questionnaires were distributed with sampling available in selected stores. Amos 22 was used to test the conceptual model. The results show that the value congruity of the brand consumer has a positive impact on the brand image and brand commitment. Moreover, brand love and brand commitment have a significant positive impact on positive word of mouth. But the impacts of brand image and brand love on brand commitment are rejected. Also, brand image has a significant positive impact on brand love.
The Effect of Motor Imagery on Spinal Motor Neuron Excitability and Its Clinical Use in Physical Therapy

We investigated the influence of the imagined muscle contraction strengths on spinal motor neuron excitability in healthy volunteers. F-wave was used for assessing spinal motor excitability. The F-waves during motor imagery (MI) under 10, 30, 50, 70, and 100% maximal voluntary contractions (MVCs) were compared. Furthermore, we investigated changes of the F-waves during motor imagery for 5min. Motor imagery under 10, 30, 50, 70, and 100% maximal voluntary contractions can increase spinal motor neuron excitability. However, the imagined muscle contraction strengths were not involved in changes of spinal motor neuron excitability. Additionally, spinal motor neuron excitability after 5min from onset of motor imagery returned to the rest level. Thus, in clinical use of motor imagery, slightly imagined muscle contraction strength is enough for facilitating spinal motor neuron excitability. Also, duration of motor imagery needs to be considered.
Assessing the Importance of Attributes for Diagnosis of Diabetes Disease

Diabetes is a chronic, metabolic disease related to the rise of levels of blood glucose. According to the current data from the World Health Organization, 422 million adults have diabetes in the world and prevalence of diabetes is 13.2%. Disregarding the diagnosis and treatment of the disease leads to some major problems on kidneys, heart and blood vessels, eyes, nerves, pregnancy and wound healing. The most common type of diabetes and usually in adults, Type 2 diabetes occurs when the body becomes resistant to insulin or does not make enough insulin. The main objective of this study is to make more successful this disease by investigating the important attributes based on assessing the importance of attributes using the Stability Selection method. The proposed method might be a powerful tool for the importance of attributes, and effective diagnosis of this disease with the classification accuracy is 78.57% and ROC value is 0.75.
Evaluating the Effect of Irrigation on Crop Evapotranspiration in Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) by Combining Conventional and Remote Sensing Methods

Seasonal and growth stage-specific crop evapotranspiration (ET) in three varieties (DBW-17, PBW-502 and HD-2987) of wheat were estimated from a 2-year field study at the agricultural farm of the Institute. A field water balance was used with precise measurements of all the components to compute ET in wheat under adequate (ETc) and limited (ETa) irrigation treatments. Plant growth was monitored through leaf area index and the effect of water stress under limited irrigation was monitored through thermal remote sensing. Results indicated significant difference in crop ET, both seasonal and stage-specific. Peak ETa and LAI in limited irrigation were obtained at flowering (80-95 DAS) stage, compared to milking stage (90-105 DAS) in adequate irrigation treatments. The LAI was significantly related to Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) but saturated at LAI>3.5, indicating limitations of using NDVI for retrieving crop LAI.
Identification of bovine tick species and their prevalence in and around Sebeta Town, Ethiopia

A cross sectional study was conducted from October, 2013 to March, 2014 in and around Sebeta town to identify different tick species infesting cattle, determine the prevalence and assess the risk factors for infestation. Adult ticks were collected from purposively selected 384 cattle and identified to the species level. Host related risk factors such as age, sex and body conditions were also collected. A total of 1,449 adult ticks were collected from different animal body parts. Seven tick species from three genera were identified. Two species each belonged to the genus Ambylomma and Hyalomma and three species belonged to Rhipicephalus. The tick species identified were Rhipicephalus evertsi evertsi (53.4%; 95% CI: 50.6-55.7), Ambylomma variegatum (22.5%; 95% CI: 20.7-25.1), Rhipicephalus decoloratus (10.7%; 95% CI: 9.2-12.4), Hyalomma truncatum (8.6%; 95% CI: 7.2-10.1), Ambylomma cohaerence (2.4%; 95% CI: 1.6-3.3), Rhipicephalus preaxtatus (1.5%; 95%CI: 0.95-2.3) and Hyalomma marginatum rufipes (0.8%; 95% CI: 0.4-1.4). Higher infestation of tick was recorded in male animals as compared to female. However, the variation in prevalence between age, body condition and sex was not statistically significant (p > 0.05). A higher male to female sex ratio of the different tick species was identified in this study. Majority of Ambylomma species were collected from the scrotum area and Rhipicephalus in the ano-vulvar area. Brisket and scrotum were the main sites of attachment for Hyalomma species. Thus, hand spraying of acaricide should target these identified predilection sites. In addition, we recommend further study to assess the ecological, managemental and host related factors influencing tick infestation, thereby appropriated control measure should be put in place. Key words: Sebeta, cattle, ixodid tick, prevalence, species identification.
Modernity and Early Marriage in Iran: A View from Within

past few decades have witnessed important changes in the patterns of marriage in the Middle East and North Africa. These changes are well documented by specialists from various disciplines and from diverse perspectives (see Hopkins 2003; Singerman and Hoodfar 1996; Tucker 1993; Moghadam 1993; Afshar 1993; Abbasi-Shavazi, McDonald, Chavoshi 2003). They stem from a multitude of reasons moulded by modernity and globalisation, which include inter alia rapid urbanisation and physical mobility; better access to education, especially for girls; the transformation of the relationships between the generations and genders; the shift from extended to nuclear family and the loss of larger family networks; the emergence of new opportunities and aspirations in the choice of marriage partners; changes in the marriage and divorce laws, giving women new rights; a considerable increase in the rate of divorce; and finally the inclusion and participation of women in the labour market. The extent of the change, however, varies not only from country to country but in different areas within each country. In spite of the great diversity in marriage patterns in the region, marriage itself remains fundamental to the social identity of all women, regardless of their achievements in other spheres of life, and pressure on women to marry persists. A recent study by Dejong et al. (2005) reviewing the sexual and reproductive health situation of young people in the Arab countries and Iran emphasises that marriage remains central to any discussion in the region of the sexual and reproductive health of young people "because of the universal valuation of marriage and the taboos and religious sanctions against pre-marital and extra-marital sex-
Determinants of Sorghum Producing Households’ Expenditure and Implications for Food Security in Western Kenya and Eastern Uganda

Even though studies have addressed determinants of household expenditure, no effort has been made to evaluate such factors among sorghum producing households in western Kenya and Eastern Uganda. The paper examines household expenditure pattern, its determinants and implications for food security among sorghum farmers in western Kenya and Uganda. Data was collected using ODK software in 5 counties of western Kenya and 4 sites in Uganda, and analyzed using Stata. Sorghum farmers in Western Kenya spend US$ 1,090 annually on basic needs, unlike Ugandan counterparts who use US$ 1,273. Food took 52 % of budget in western Kenya unlike in Uganda where it accounted for 28 %. Education, medicare, clothing and social events took 29 %, 8 %, 6 % and 5 % in Kenya, unlike Uganda where they accounted for 30%, 23 %, 9 %, and 10 % respectively. In western Kenya, income significantly influenced expenditure on food, education, medicare and clothing, unlike Uganda where it only influenced expenditure on education and clothing. Gender influenced expenditure on food and medicare in Western Kenya calling for intra-household consultation when programming food and medicare, but was a non-issue in Uganda. Education only influenced expenditure on clothing in western Kenya, but in Uganda it influenced expenditure on social events and medicare. Household size influenced expenditure on education, clothing and social events in western Kenya, but in Uganda it influenced expenditure on education and medicare. While age influenced expenditure allocations on food, education and medicare in Uganda, it was not significant in Kenya. Economic empowerment of sorghum producing households is critical for increased access to basic necessities. Farmers should be encouraged to increase sorghum production as a way of ensuring food security, and unlocking household income for other pressing family needs. Keywords: Determinants, Expenditure, Sorghum Producing Households, Food Security, Western Kenya, Uganda