Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Multivariate Analysis for Morphological Characteristics of N’Dama Cattle Breed in Two Agro-ecological Zones of Côte d’Ivoire

Information on morphological characteristics is a prerequisite to sustainable breed improvement, utilization, and conservation. In this study, 108 N’Dama cattle cows from 11 farms of central and northwestern regions of Cote d’Ivoire were described using visual appreciation criteria and linear body measurements. The variables were studied using principal component analysis (PCA) and discriminant analysis. Results indicated that the most common N’Dama is fauve (83.33%) and it has straight back profile (69.44%) and lyre horn (74.07%). Agroecological zone has a significant (p˂0.01) effect on linear body measurements of N’Dama. The central region animals had higher head width (18.94 ± 2.18 cm), skull length (22.51 ± 2.18 cm), skull width (16.51 ± 1.72 cm), muzzle circumference (40.83 ± 2.58 cm), distance between horns (15 ± 1.90 cm), ear length (17.46 ± 2.57 cm), chest length (160.11 ± 15.8 cm), chest depth (71.55 ± 7.41 cm), and body length (125.13 ± 12.22cm) than those of northwestern region N’Dama. Thus, their respective values were: 15.41 ± 2.85 cm, 18.62 ± 2.6 cm, 12.44 ± 3.94 cm, 38.8 ± 2.61 cm, 13.72 ± 1.52 cm, 16.41 ± 1.61 cm, 143.84 ± 8.35 cm, 65.25 ± 4.1 cm, and 119.18 ± 12.38 cm. PCA revealed that N’Dama morphometric variability performed from the 9 variables (Lt, lt, Lc, lc, pt, hg, Pth, Lcp and Lf) were more associated with the first two factors. In regards to the discriminant analysis, these 9 variables distinguished the N’Dama significantly (p˂0.05) into two populations that corresponds with the two agroecological zones.
Is the Theory of Planned Behaviour Valid for Islamic home financing

Abstract This study is aimed at explaining factors influencing the intention amongst bank customers in selecting Islamic home financing that is musharakah mutanaqisah home financing. Drawing upon the theory of planned behaviour (the TPB), this study proposes a model to examine the effects of three explanatory factors namely attitude, subjective norm and perceived behavioural control on such intention. This study tests the TPB in a context of musharakah mutanaqisah home financing. The model of the study is tested using survey data from 168 bank customers who are respondents of the study. Our results suggest that attitude, subjective norm and perceived behavioural control are significantly influencing the intention to select such facility. The relationship between attitude and subjective norm are also statistically significant. The findings also demonstrate the applicability of the TPB in the musharakah mutanaqisah home financing context.
Present‐day and mid‐Holocene biomes reconstructed from pollen and plant macrofossil data from the former Soviet Union and Mongolia

Fossil pollen data supplemented by tree macrofossil records were used to reconstruct the vegetation of the Former Soviet Union and Mongolia at 6000 years. Pollen spectra were assigned to biomes using the plant‐functional‐type method developed by Prentice et al. (1996). Surface pollen data and a modern vegetation map provided a test of the method. This is the first time such a broad‐scale vegetation reconstruction for the greater part of northern Eurasia has been attempted with objective techniques. The new results confirm previous regional palaeoenvironmental studies of the mid‐Holocene while providing a comprehensive synopsis and firmer conclusions. West of the Ural Mountains temperate deciduous forest extended both northward and southward from its modern range. The northern limits of cool mixed and cool conifer forests were also further north than present. Taiga was reduced in European Russia, but was extended into Yakutia where now there is cold deciduous forest. The northern limit of taiga was extended (as shown by increased Picea pollen percentages, and by tree macrofossil records north of the present‐day forest limit) but tundra was still present in north‐eastern Siberia. The boundary between forest and steppe in the continental interior did not shift substantially, and dry conditions similar to present existed in western Mongolia and north of the Aral Sea.
Improvement of Wheat ( Triticum aestivum L.) Yield by Different Row Spacings and Varieties

A field experiment was conducted at CCS Haryana Agricultural University, Hisar during rabi 2011-12 and 2012-13 to study improvement of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) yield by different row spacing and varieties. Three wheat varieties viz. DBW 17, PBW 550 and WH 711 with four row spacings (15.0, 17.5, 20.0 and 22.5 cm) were studied in experimentation split plot design. Results of the experiment revealed that all parameters including growth, yield and yield attributes were significantly influenced by different row spacings. Based on pooled mean data, maximum plant height (90.8 cm) and effective tillers/ m2 (481) were recorded in 15.0 cm row spacing crop, which were significantly higher than wider row spacing whereas, highest 1000 grain weight (42.7 g) and grains/earhead (41.9) were observed in 22.5 cm row spacing. The highest grain yield (54.0 q/ha) and straw yield (84.7 q/ha) were recorded when crop was sown at 15.0 cm row spacing, which was significantly higher than 20.0 and 22.5 cm row spacing crop. Among the cultivars, WH 711 recorded highest 1000 grains weight (43.5 g), whereas maximum grains/earhead were recorded in PBW 550 (41.9). Maximum grain yield (52.7 q/ha) was recorded in PBW 550 though the differences were non significant among different varieties, whereas, maximum straw yield (83.9 q/ha) was found in WH 711. Harvest index of PBW 550 (40.1) was significantly higher than DBW 17 and WH 711.
Simple Tests for Selection Bias: Learning More from Instrumental Variables

We provide simple tests for selection on unobserved variables in the Vytlacil-Imbens-Angrist framework for Local Average Treatment Effects. The tests allow researchers not only to test for selection on either or both of the treated and untreated outcomes, but also to assess the magnitude of the selection effect. The tests are quite simple; undergraduates after an introductory econometrics class should be able to implement these tests. We illustrate our tests with two empirical applications: the impact of children on female labor supply from Angrist and Evans (1998) and the training of adult women from the Job Training Partnership Act (JTPA) experiment.
Cysteamine Potentiates the Anti-Depressive Effects of Venlafaxine in Corticosterone-Induced Anxiety/Depression Mouse Model: Effect on Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor and Tropomyosin-Related Kinase B

The hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis abnormalities have been linked to the occurrence of severe depressive and anxiety states. Venlafaxine, a serotonin and a noradrenaline reuptake inhibitor (SNRI), is an approved antidepressant agent with evidence of non-response to treatment in a subset of patients. In this study, 48 male mice (30-38 g) were used to evaluate the possible anxiolytic and antidepressant influence of intraperitoneal (i.p.) cysteamine (150 mg/kg/day) on i.p. venlafaxine (10mg/Kg and 20mg/Kg), as well as effects on brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) level and tropomyosin-related kinase B (TrkB) gene expression in prefrontal cortex (PFC) in corticosterone-induced anxiety/depression mouse model. The present results provided evidence on insufficient venlafaxine anxiolytic and antidepressant effects in this model. However, cysteamine combined with venlafaxine caused significant antidepressant behavioral effects together with a significant increase in BDNF levels followed by TrkB receptor downregulation in mice PFC. In conclusion, we highlight the potential use of a combination therapy of venlafaxine and cysteamine as a therapeutic strategy for glucocorticoid-related symptoms of depression.
Temporal patterns of settlement in the temperate reef fish Paralabrax clathratus

Variation in settlement of kelp bass, Paralabrax clathratus, from the pelagic to benthic environment was monitored daily during the summer 1998 on the leeward side of Santa Catalina Island, California. Settlement collectors were placed underwater on buoy lines at 5 to 7 m depth to provide a standardized form of spatial and structural refuge for settling larvae. SCUBA divers retrieved and replaced collectors each day for 58 d and totaled the number of kelp bass settlers found. Settlement of kelp bass occurred nonrandomly around the lunar cycle, suggesting a semi-lunar pat- tern of settlement just after the new and full moons, with peak settlement occurring approximately 5d after the full moon. A high, positive correlation was found between settlement and tidal ampli- tude, and between settlement and onshore winds. A high negative correlation was found between settlement and sea surface temperature. This indicates a strong relationship between settlement of kelp bass and high amplitude tides, drops in sea surface temperature and strong onshore winds. These results suggest that internal tidal bores were a likely means of onshore transport, because bores produce near-bottom onshore flow and are prevalent during high amplitude or spring tides, but especially, they coincide with abrupt drops in sea surface temperature. Back-calculated spawn dates of successful settlers suggested a semi-lunar pattern of spawning just after the new and full moons, with peak activity occurring near the full moon. Kelp bass that settled at spring tides were signifi- cantly younger and smaller than kelp bass that settled at neap tides, thus suggesting that settlement of kelp bass is enhanced and larval durations shortened by oceanographic features such as internal tidal bores. Therefore, behavioral or passive synchronization to the lunar and/or tidal amplitude cycles by adult kelp bass during spawning and by kelp bass larvae during settlement result in predictable peaks in daily settlement.
Evaluation of ensemble precipitation forecasts generated through post-processing in a Canadian catchment

Abstract. Flooding in Canada is often caused by heavy rainfall during the snowmelt period. Hydrologic forecast centers rely on precipitation forecasts obtained from numerical weather prediction (NWP) models to enforce hydrological models for streamflow forecasting. The uncertainties in raw quantitative precipitation forecasts (QPFs) are enhanced by physiography and orography effects over a diverse landscape, particularly in the western catchments of Canada. A Bayesian post-processing approach called rainfall post-processing (RPP), developed in Australia (Robertson et al., 2013; Shrestha et al., 2015), has been applied to assess its forecast performance in a Canadian catchment. Raw QPFs obtained from two sources, Global Ensemble Forecasting System (GEFS) Reforecast 2 project, from the National Centers for Environmental Prediction, and Global Deterministic Forecast System (GDPS), from Environment and Climate Change Canada, are used in this study. The study period from January 2013 to December 2015 covered a major flood event in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. Post-processed results show that the RPP is able to remove the bias and reduce the errors of both GEFS and GDPS forecasts. Ensembles generated from the RPP reliably quantify the forecast uncertainty.
Relação Entre Vinho e Saúde. Uma Questão de Moderação

Evidences accumulated over the last thirty years suggest that light to moderate alcohol consumption, especially in the form of red wine, can have benefi cial effects for health. Those benefi ts mostly refer to improvement in cardiovascular health, although relationships with a lower risk of other pathologies such as type 2 diabetes, dementia or cognitive decline in old age have also been established. Most evidences derive from observational studies or from in vitro or animal assays, whereas direct scientifi c data in human are scarce and incomplete. On the other hand, alcohol is a toxic product whose irresponsible and excessive consumption has well-established consequences for health and serious social implications. Furthermore, some adverse effects have been related with the moderate consumption of alcoholic beverages, including an increase in the incidence of different types of cancer. In this article, a revision about the current knowledge about alcohol and health relationships is made, paying particular attention to the case of red wine. RESUMO Observacoes acumuladas ao longo dos ultimos trinta anos sugerem que um consumo de baixo a moderado de alcool, especialmente em forma de vinho tinto, pode ter efeitos benefi cos para a saude humana. As melhoras referem-se sobre tudo a saude cardiovascular, mas tambem a outras patologias como a diabete de tipo 2, demencias ou declinio cognitivo. As maiores evidencias derivam de estudos epidemiologicos ou foram obtidas em ensaios in vitro ou com animais, enquanto os dados cientifi cos em pessoas sao escassos e incompletos. Por outro lado, o alcool e uma substancia toxica cujo consumo excessivo ou irresponsavel tem graves consequencias nao so para a saude mas tambem sociais. Alias, o consumo moderado de bebidas alcoolicas foi tambem relacionado com alguns efeitos adversos incluindo um aumento na incidencia de varios tipos de cancro. Em este artigo e feita uma revisao do estado dos conhecimentos sobre as relacoes entre o consumo de alcool e a saude humana, com especial referencia ao caso do vinho.
MARSIS Observations of Field‐Aligned Irregularities and Ducted Radio Propagation in the Martian Ionosphere

Knowledge of Mars's ionosphere has been significantly advanced in recent years by observations from Mars Express and lately Mars Atmosphere and Volatile EvolutioN. A topic of particular interest are the interactions between the planet's ionospheric plasma and its highly structured crustal magnetic fields and how these lead to the redistribution of plasma and affect the propagation of radio waves in the system. In this paper, we elucidate a possible relationship between two anomalous radar signatures previously reported in observations from the Mars Advanced Radar for Subsurface and Ionospheric Sounding instrument on Mars Express. Relatively uncommon observations of localized, extreme increases in the ionospheric peak density in regions of radial (cusp‐like) magnetic fields and spread echo radar signatures are shown to be coincident with ducting of the same radar pulses at higher altitudes on the same field lines. We suggest that these two observations are both caused by a high electric field (perpendicular to B) having distinctly different effects in two altitude regimes. At lower altitudes, where ions are demagnetized and electrons magnetized, and recombination dominantes, a high electric field causes irregularities, plasma turbulence, electron heating, slower recombination, and ultimately enhanced plasma densities. However, at higher altitudes, where both ions and electrons are magnetized and atomic oxygen ions cannot recombine directly, the high electric field instead causes frictional heating, a faster production of molecular ions by charge exchange, and so a density decrease. The latter enables ducting of radar pulses on closed field lines, in an analogous fashion to interhemispheric ducting in the Earth's ionosphere.
Market potential and regional economic growth in Spain (1860–1930)

In this study, parametric and nonparametric techniques are employed to analyze the effect of changes in regional market potential on the growth of Spanish regions during the period 1860–1930. The study of Spain sheds light on whether the construction of new transport infrastructures coupled with changes in trade policy ultimately shaped regional growth trajectories. The study draws upon new evidence of per capita gross domestic product for Spanish provinces and combines this evidence with Harris' market-potential function to measure regional market potential. Results show that market potential had a positive influence on regional economic growth, particularly between 1900 and 1930.
Adapting Violence Rehabilitation Programs for the Australian Aboriginal Offender

Abstract In this paper the authors address the question of how treatment and rehabilitation programs for violent offenders might be modified to more appropriately meet the needs of different cultural groups and improve treatment responsiv-ity. The focus of the paper is on the needs of Aboriginal violent offenders in an Australian context, although the themes have relevance to treatment programs internationally. Two broad sources of information are used: the published literature relating to violent offending in Aboriginal people in Australia, and a small-scale interview-based qualitative survey of service providers with particular experience in this area. The evidence suggests there may be some distinctive features to Aboriginal violent offending. Suggestions are made on how programs can be more responsive to Aboriginal offender needs, thereby improving treatment and rehabilitation outcomes.
Characterizing repetitive upper arm motions in apple harvesting

The US tree fruit industry has been facing a labour shortage and international price competition. In attempt to respond to these challenges, a harvest-assisting mobile platform was introduced and expected to replace the use of ladders in large industrialized orchards. With the platform semi-autonomously moving along tree rows, workers can continuously pick apples while standing on the platform, without having to climb up and down ladders. One major concern is whether the platform could lead to increased upper-arm repetition, which is one of the risk factors for shoulder pain. Although there are some robust methods for characterizing work repetition in laboratory settings (Speilholtz et al. 2001; Ebaugh et al. 2006; Fuller et al. 2009), methods to measure and characterize repetitive motions in field applications are limited. That is, it is difficult to apply capture motion systems that often require various views in field settings where subjects have to move around. This study aims to develop and evaluate a method using a computational program for characterizing upper-arm repetition from field-collected postural data. Then the method will be used to determine whether there are differences in upper-arm repetition between harvesting apples the conventional ladders and the new technology mobile platforms.
Secrecy Outage Performance of MIMO Wiretap Channels with Multiple Jamming Signals

In this paper, assuming an interference-limited eavesdropper scenario, the secrecy outage performance ofmultiple-input multiple-output wiretap channels with transmit antenna selection is investigated. Considering that the transmitter (Tx) and the receiver (Rx) are equipped with NA and NB antennas, respectively, while the passive eavesdropper is set with NE antennas, closed-form expressions for the secrecy outage probability and non-zerosecrecy rate are derived. In our analysis, both maximal-ratio combining (MRC) and selection combining (SC) are employed at the Rx, while the eavesdropper uses a MRC scheme. The derived outage expressions hold for arbitrary power distributed jamming signals and some of their special cases (i.e., distinct power distributed and equal power distributed jamming signals) are presented. An asymptotic analysis is carried out to show the impact of the number of jamming signals and number of antennas on the secrecy outage performance. Interestingly, our results show thatthe diversity order equals to min(M,NANB), with M denoting the number of jamming signals. This allows us to conclude that the number of jamming signals at the eavesdropper limits the secrecy performance via diversity such that a high number of antennas does not imply necessarily in a performance improvement, unless for a large number of jamming signals.
ScienceDirect International Conference on Accounting Studies 2014 , ICAS 2014 , 18-19 August 2014 , Kuala Lumpur , Malaysia Determinants of accounting choice of noncurrent assets at IFRS first adoption among Nigerian firms

This study examines the determinants of accounting choices for noncurrent assets by Nigerian firms at IFRS first adoption within the framework of positive accounting theory. Data were randomly collected from the annual reports of thirty firms that met the adoption target of 2012 and regression technique was used for the analysis. Firms’ size and ownership concentration are found as predictors of accounting choice for non-current assets. In addition, the firms mainly choose income increasing strategy by the predominant use of cost model and firms with higher ownership concentration tend to use more of fair value model than income increasing strategy. © 2014 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ltd. Peer-review under responsibility of the School of Accountancy, College of Business, Universiti Utara Malaysia.
e in an advanced Knowledge us manufacturing environment

It is now widely accepted that the active utilisation of a company’s knowledge is vital to maintaining competitive advantage in today’s knowledge based economy, particularly within design and manufacturing environments. Despite the rising popularity of Knowledge Based Systems [KBS] to support design reuse, designer’s interaction with these systems is still poorly understood. This paper presents the results of a longitudinal ‘diary study’ to evaluate the role of a KBS in designer’s activities. The results demonstrate the potential for a KBS to operate as the primary source of codified knowledge for designers and can be a viable alternative to verbal knowledge sharing with experts. A KBS is therefore found to be a significant asset for a Small to Medium Enterprise. 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
Mathematical modeling of detonation initiation via flow cumulation effects

The paper concerns two problems connected with the idea of gaseous detonation initiation via flow cumulation effects and convergence of relatively weak shock waves (SW). The first one is the three-dimensional (3D) numerical investigation of shock-to-detonation transition (SDT) in methane-air mixture in a tube with parabolic contraction followed by the tube section of narrow diameter and conical expansion. The second problem is the numerical study of the start-up of the model small-scale hydrogen electrochemical pulse detonation engine with the use of electrical discharge generating the toroidal SW. The investigation is performed by means of numerical simulation with the use of modern high-performance computing systems.