Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Cost-effective BMP placement: Optimization versus targeting

Cost-effectiveness of nonpoint-source pollution reduction programs in an agricultural watershed depends on the selection and placement of control measures within the watershed. Locations for best management practices (BMPs) are commonly identified through targeting strategies that define locations for BMP implementation based on specific criteria uniformly applied across the watershed. The goal of this research was to determine if cost-effectiveness of BMP scenarios could be improved through optimization rather than targeting. The optimization procedure uses a genetic algorithm (GA) to search for the combination of site-specific practices that meets pollution reduction requirements, and then continues searching for the BMP combination that minimizes cost. Population size, replacement level, crossover, and mutation parameters for the GA were varied to determine the most efficient combination of values. A baseline scenario, a targeting strategy, and three optimization plans were applied to a 1014 ha agricultural watershed in Virginia. All three optimization plans identified BMP placement scenarios having lower cost than the targeting strategy solution for equivalent sediment reduction. The targeting strategy reduced average annual sediment loss compared to the baseline at a cost of $42 per kg sediment reduction/ha. The optimization plan with the same BMP choices achieved the same sediment reduction at a cost of $36 per kg/ha. Allocation of BMPs varied among optimization solutions, a possibility not available to the targeting strategy. In particular, the optimization solutions placed BMPs on several stream-edge fields that did not receive BMPs in the targeting strategy.
Heterogeneous Productivity Response to Abolishing Antidumping Protection

This study empirically investigates the effects of abolishing anti-dumping (AD) protection on the productivity of manufacturers operating in import-competing sectors. A panel of French firms protected by AD protection is identified between 2000 and 2008. While for some firms AD protection was abolished at some point during this period, for others AD protection continued. Employing a Difference-in-Difference approach, the empirical analysis indicates that the abolition of AD protection is associated with an on average rise in total factor productivity (TFP) of 4,1% for firms that are cut off from AD protection, as compared to firms protected by a continued AD protection. However, it is found that firms respond heterogeneously to the abolition of AD protection depending on their relatively distance to the domestic productivity frontier and exporting status. The empirical results indicate that the abolition of AD protection has a greater positive effect on the productivity of less efficient and inward-orientated firms.
Anadromous Salmonids in the Delta: New Science 2006-2016

doi: http://dx.doi. org/10.15447/sfews.2016v14iss2art7 As juvenile salmon enter the Sacramento–SanJoaquin River Delta (“the Delta”) they disperse among its complex channel network where they are subject to channel-specific processes that affect their rate of migration, vulnerability to predation, feeding success, growth rates, and ultimately, survival. In the decades before 2006, tools available to quantify growth, dispersal, and survival of juvenile salmon in this complex channel network were limited.Fortunately, thanks to technological advances such as acoustic telemetry and chemical and structural otolith analysis, much has been learned over the past decade about the role of the Delta in the life cycle of juvenile salmon. Here, we review new science between 2006and 2016 that sheds light on how different life stages and runs of juvenile salmon grow, move, and survive in the complex channel network of the Delta. One of the most important advances during the past decade has been the widespread adoption of acoustic telemetry techniques. Use of telemetry has shed light on how survival varies among alternative migration routes and the proportion of fish that use each migration route. Chemical and structural analysis of otoliths has provided insights about when juveniles left their natal river and provided evidence of extended rearing in the brackish or saltwater regions of the Delta. New advancements in genetics now allow individuals captured by trawls to be assigned to specific runs. Detailed information about movement and survival in the Delta has spurred development of agent-based models of juvenile salmon that are coupled to hydrodynamic models. Although much has been learned, knowledge gaps remain about how very small juvenile salmon (fry and parr) use theDelta. Understanding how all life stages of juvenile salmon grow, rear, and survive in the Delta is critical for devising management strategies that support a diversity of life history strategies.
Using a socio-psychological approach for understanding the influence of civil society on economic activity

This paper proposes a socio-psychological approach for empirical research into the influence of civil society contexts on the practices of individual economic actors. This methodological approach is based on social theories that explicitly take into account the link between structure and agency, and the paper explains how such framework can be utilised in qualitative interview-based studies. To illustrate the usefulness of such socio-psychological approach, the paper reports on the findings of a research project that used this methodology as it sought to investigate the influence of Christianity on SME owner-managers’ conceptualisations of practice.
Investigation of Vegetation Dynamics and Range Conditions in Central Desert of Iran (Case Study: Haftooman, Khoor and Biabanak)

Abstract. The purpose of this study was to investigate vegetation dynamics and range conditions considering the climatic conditions and soil properties in Haftooman, Khoor and Biabanak deserts, Iran. For this purpose, after determining vegetation types and the associated species, the type of rangeland utilization, grazing season, the livestock type, the other relevant information, vegetation data including annual canopy cover, perennial forbs, shrubs, total canopy cover, soil moisture and carbon percent were determined over four years. Data were collected along three transects in each vegetation type. For each transect, 10 plots were established. The size of plots was 2.5 x 2.0 m2 considering the life form of dominant species. Embrothermic diagram was drawn according to the monthly temperature and precipitation data of Choopanan synoptic station. Data were analyzed and means comparisons were made using Duncan method. According to the results, significant differences were observed between the years for the annual canopy cover, soil moisture of the second depth, soil cover, soil organic carbon (P<0.01) and Zygophyllum atriplicoides, Artemisia sieberi, Carex stenophylla, shrubs, forbs, total canopy cover, soil moisture of the first depth and the average soil moisture content (P<0.05). In this site, due to the desert conditions, the amount of vegetation and its variation are affected by the precipitation changes.
The Internal Dynamics of Migration Networks in Developing Countries {Population, 1,2000)

Guilmoto Christophe Z. , Sandron Frederic- La dinamica interna de los flujos migratorios en los paises en desarrollo En este articulo presentamos una nueva perspectiva de analisis de las migraciones en los paises en desarrollo, basada en teorias de economia institucional. Proponemos un marco general de analisis en el cual la migracion se considera una « institucion ». Esta perspectiva ofrece una forma mas rigurosa de entender las dinamicas migratorias locales y se presta mas a ejercicios de prediccion que los analisis tradicionales. Рог otra parte, la existencia de unas bases teoricas solidas y de un numero importante de estudios empiricos permiten examinar un cierto numero de proposiciones e hipotesis que ofrecen nuevas perspectivas para el estudio de la movilidad en el tercer mundo. En el articulo hacemos un repaso de las teorias del desarrollo y de su aplicacion a las migraciones. Este ejercicio permite poner de manifiesto la naturaleza de las innovaciones que la aplicacion de la teoria economica institucional hace posible y seňalar sus consecuencias para una vision global de la migracion en el tercer mundo. Tambien analizamos en detaile la creacion de la institucion migratoria, de sus reglas y de su organizacion, asi como el papel central que juegan las redes migratorias en los mecanismos de movilidad. Para finalizar, nos interesamos a las dinamicas endogenas y exogenas de la migracion a partir de nuestra perspectiva.
Multi-dimensional assessment and scoring system for dairy farms

Abstract The aim of the study is to develop a scoring system for dairy farms in order to give specific information about the product and production process of milk. The scoring system, based on a multi-dimensional approach, was developed on the basis of data collected in 29 Italian dairy farms and included different aspects. For the evaluation of animal welfare, a selection of indicators set up in the European Project® assessment protocol for cattle 2009 was used. Environmental sustainability of milk production was assessed by a cradle-to-farm-gate Life Cycle Assessment. Laboratory analyses were carried out on bulk tank milk to evaluate microbiological, nutritional and nutraceutical quality. Nineteen variables were selected and retained to define six quality aspects: animal welfare, environmental and economic sustainability of farms, microbiological, nutritional and nutraceutical quality of milk. Each farm was visited twice; each visit received, for each variable, a score between 1 and 3 based on the frequency distribution of that variable in the farm sample. The relation among farm characteristics and quality aspects showed the importance to maximise dairy efficiency to improve environmental and economic sustainability of the farms and the inclusion of hay in dairy cows’ ration to enhance the nutraceutical and nutritional quality of milk. The proposed multi-dimensional scoring system is a practical tool: for the farmer, to support decisions for improving the quality of the product and the productive process; for the dairy company, as a value-added opportunity; for the consumer, who receives detailed information about nutritional characteristics and production system of dairy products.
New Positive KCa Channel Gating Modulators with Selectivity for KCa3.1

Department of Pharmacology (N.C., B.M.B., V.S., H.W.), School of Medicine, and Department of Chemistry (M.M.O.), University of California, Davis, California, USA; Aragon Institute of Health Sciences I+CS/IIS and ARAID, Zaragoza, Spain (A.O.-V., R.K.); and GIMACES, Faculty of Health Sciences, Universidad San Jorge, Villanueva de Gállego, Spain (M.S.V.) MOL #93286 Molecular Pharmacology Fast Forward. Published on June 23, 2014 as doi:10.1124/mol.114. 093286
First mycological investigation on Italian bats

ABSTRACT - To ascertain the occurrence of White-nose syndrome or similar mycotic dis-eases in Italian bats, fifteen bat carcasses (Myotis capaccini, Miniopterus schreibersii, Myotis sp., Pipistrellus sp.) found in a cave in southern Italy, two dead bats (Rhinolophus hipposideros) collected in a cave in Piedmont, and three living bats (Tadarida teniotis, Hypsugo savii and Pipistrellus nathusii) sampled in Turin (NW Italy) were analysed. Forty-six fungal strains, belonging to 15 species, were isolated in pure culture from different car-casses. Five other taxa were identified by direct microscopical analysis of small pieces of skin or hair. Since neither Geomyces destructans nor any other Geomyces species were found, we concluded that these fungi probably invaded bat hair and tissues only after the death of the animals. Trichosporum chiropterorum was reported for the first time in Italy. Key words: WNS, White-nose Syndrome, Chiroptera, fungi, mycoses RIASSUNTO - Prima indagine micologica dei pipistrelli italiani. Al fine di verificare la presenza della “Sindrome del naso bianco” o altre malattie di origine fungina, 15 carcasse di pipistrello (Myotis capaccini, Miniopterus schreibersii, Myotis sp., Pipistrellus sp.), rin-venute in una grotta dell‟Italia meridionale, due pipistrelli (Rhinolophus hipposideros) rin-venuti morti nella Grotta delle Vene in Piemonte e tre pipistrelli (Tadarida teniotis, Hypsu-go savii and Pipistrellus nathusii), campionati in Torino sono stati analizzati per l‟isolamento e l‟identificazione delle diverse specie fungine presenti. In totale sono stati isolati 46 ceppi fungini appartenenti a 15 specie. Altri 5 taxa, sono stati identificati diretta-mente tramite analisi microscopica di frammenti di pelle o peli. Dal momento che ne Ge-omyces destructans ne altre specie di Geomyces sono state isolate, e altamente probabile che i funghi abbiano invaso i tessuti e il pelo dei pipistrelli solo dopo la morte degli anima-li. Degno di nota e il ritrovamento di Trichosporum chiropterorum, segnalato per la prima volta in Italia. Parole chiave: WNS, sindrome del naso bianco, Chiroptera, funghi, micosi
Enhancing The Enforceability Of Islamic Microfinance Contracts In Oic Countries

The role of Microfinance in alleviating poverty and enhancing social development is increasing. However, Microfinance Institutions (MFIs) suffer from two important problems which undermine their growth. The first one is inherent to their exposure to information asymmetry (adverse selection and moral hazard). The second one is related to the higher cost of debt enforcement especially in the developing countries where they are generally operating. The problem of costly monitoring is also faced by Islamic Microfinance Institutions (IMFIs) and becomes more important in the case of Profit and Loss Sharing contracts. This paper provides a literature survey about the best practices of the MFIs in term of monitoring, discusses their relevance to the IMFIs, and explores the development of specific regulatory and institutional mechanisms to enhance the performance of different schemes of Islamic micro lending programs. It comes up with a number of policy recommendations (for policy makers and managers of the microfinance institutions) detailing the directions of enhancing the regulatory and institutional environment for the sustainable growth of the Islamic microfinance industry in the OIC countries.
CARBON PARTITIONING IN SUBTROPICAL PINUS ROXBURGHII FOREST, SOLAN, INDIA

SHAH S, SHARMA DP, TRIPATHI P & PALA NA. 2014. Carbon partitioning in subtropical Pinus roxburghii forest, Solan, India. This study was carried out in subtropical chir pine forests covering 33 compartments in two forest ranges of Solan district of Himachal Pradesh, India. Non-destructive method for biomass estimation was adopted for trees whereas harvest method was used to determine the biomass of understorey vegetation, i.e. herbs and shrubs. The total ecosystem carbon density was 247.87 t ha-1. Carbon partitioning in different components of the chir pine forest ecosystem were ranked in the order of soil layer (190.89 t ha-1) > vegetation layer (51.13 t ha-1) > detritus (5.85 t ha-1). More carbon was recorded in soil than vegetation with a soil: vegetation ratio of 4.4. Less carbon stock in vegetation and detritus may be attributed to the fact that in the Indian Himalayan region, the dependency of communities on forests is causing their over exploitation and degradation. This emphasises the need for the conservation of these forests as a potential contender for carbon credit claims under ongoing international conventions and protocols.
Current state of peatland soils as an effect of long-term drainage – preliminary results of peatland ecosystems investigation in the Grójecka Valley (central Poland)

Abstract Understanding the effect of long-term drainage of peatland areas is helpful in future peatland management and regulations of water conditions. The aim of this work was to assess the current state of fen peatland soils in the Grójecka Valley (eastern part of the Wielkopolskie voivodeship, central Poland), affected by long-term agricultural use (pastures, meadows) since the 1960s and potentially by lignite open pit mining industry (KWB Konin) since 1980s. Field studies were carried out in 2015 in selected fen peatland areas. Soil material for laboratory analysis was collected from genetic horizons from four soil profiles. The surface horizons of studied organic and organo-mineral soils were built with well-developed moorsh material. They were classified as medium moorshiefied – MtII (profile 1, 3 and 4) and strongly moorshiefied – MtIII (profile 2). Obtained results of physical and physico-chemical analysis indicate that long-term peatland utilization connected with potential impact of the lignite mining, transformed mainly the upper horizons of studied organic and organo-mineral soils. However, despite obvious strong human impact on peatlands ecosystems, we cannot exclude the climate variables, what should be confirmed by long-term monitoring program. Furthermore, presented paper indicated that new subtype moorsh-muddy soils (in Polish: gleby murszowo-mułowe) within the type of gleyic soils should be implemented in the next version of Polish Soil Classification.
Metamorphism, transient mid‐crustal rheology, strain localization and the exhumation of high‐grade metamorphic rocks

We present a series of three‐dimensional numerical models investigating the effects of metamorphic strengthening and weakening on the geodynamic evolution of convergent orogens that are constrained by observations from an exposed mid‐crustal section in the New England Appalachians. The natural mid‐crustal section records evidence for spatially and temporally variable mid‐crustal strength as a function of metamorphic grade during prograde polymetamorphism. Our models address changes in strain rate partitioning and topographic uplift as a function of strengthening/weakening in the middle crust, as well as the resultant changes in deformation kinematics and potential exhumation patterns of high‐grade metamorphic rock. Results suggest that strengthening leads to strain rate partitioning around the zone and suppressed topographic uplift rates whereas weakening leads to strain rate partitioning into the zone and enhanced topographic uplift rates. Deformation kinematics recorded in the orogen are also affected by strengthening/weakening, with complete reversals in shear sense occurring as a function of strengthening/weakening without changes in plate boundary kinematics.
Implementation of cost effective hierarchical Hadoop cluster–a case study for education

To equip the younger generation of the province with computing skills and provide them access to a wide variety of modern educational resources such as multimedia based on educational content in government schools and colleges to set a strong foundation at an early stage of their education. Educational Media help to empower educational institutions by altering the way of using Information Communication Technology (ICT). To put this into practice, several challenges need to be addressed. It requires a scalable technological architecture and algorithms to form a cluster in which effective resource sharing like CPU, Memory among multiple nodes, tools to monitor, assess and evaluate data under hierarchical Hadoop cluster is needed. By analyzing text, audios, videos information, Periodic reports will be generated to assist the students, teachers and Government. In this case, a software framework is required to process big data stored in hierarchical nodes. As the architecture of Hadoop, an open source software framework doesn't support processing the data stored in hierarchical nodes. This case study proposes the Hierarchical Hadoop cluster to alter the way of using ICT. The proposed work helps in monitoring, reporting the usage of ICT and also acts a help desk to address the issues of the educational institutions. This establishes a novel communication media by generating reports on text, audio, video information based on analysis.
PHYSICAL PREPARATION OF ACTIVATED CARBON FROM SUGARCANE BAGASSE AND CORN HUSK AND ITS PHYSICAL AND CHEMICAL CHARACTERISTICS

Sugarcane Bagasse (SB) and Corn Husk (CH) are examples of agricultural wastes being generated in large quantities annually that can be converted into activated carbon that has the potential to remove odorous gas pollutants. Activated carbons composed of a mixture of SB and CH were prepared using the physical activation method. Initially, the SB and CH raw materials were processed into pellets to maintain a uniform size and shape during activation. The activated carbons were prepared by carbonizing the raw fiber pellets at different temperatures under a nitrogen atmosphere for 2 h. This was followed by activation using air as a gasifying agent at different activation temperatures for 40 min. Physical and chemical characterization of the prepared activated carbons was performed. The activation temperature at 800°C gave the best quality with respect to the porosity of the carbon. The highest Brunauer-Emmett-Teller surface area of 255.909 m²g–¹ was achieved by SBCHAC4.
The dual career process in the Brazilian perspective: Unraveling typologies

Un fenomeno que aparece estrechamente relacionado con los cambios en el contexto social, economico y cultural, y que sigue creciendo a lo largo de los anos, ha atraido la atencion de investigadores en el sentido de desarrollar estudios que incluyan tanto al individuo como el campo organizacional. Conocido como familias de doble carrera, este fenomeno pone de relieve un movimiento conjunto de marido y mujer (pareja) en el ambito de la familia y el desarrollo de la carrera profesional de ambos. Con el fin de saber como se establecen estas relaciones, en este estudio se investigan los factores que constituyen el fenomeno de doble carrera en el contexto brasileno. La encuesta ha contado con 340 participantes, todos ex alumnos de una universidad publica que deberian estar casados o hacer vida marital. Los resultados permiten identificar, por medio de la estadistica descriptiva, el perfil de las parejas con dos carreras en el ambito brasileno y comprobar que tipos de doble carrera existen en el pais. Se han obtenido cinco tipos de doble carrera: familista coordinada, familista convencional, centrada en la carrera coordinada, centrada en la carrera convencional y acrobata.
Lean-Against-the-Wind Monetary Policy: The Post-Crisis Shift in the Literature

The debate concerning central banks’ response to potential asset price bubbles initially referred to whether monetary policy should respond at a level over and above the one warranted by the objectives of inflation and output gap stability, trying to slow the growth of perceived asset price bubbles, so as to minimise the adverse effects when the latter burst (the ‘lean-against-the-wind’ -LATW- view). Alternatively, it argued whether it should respond to declines in asset prices only after the bubble bursts (often termed as conventional or ‘cleaning-up’ view), in order to stabilise both output and inflation. The article reviews the shift in the monetary policy literature addressing the above debate in the aftermath of the global financial crisis, and demonstrates that this shift has been in favour of the LATW view. In particular, we contend that the pre-crisis conventional view has incorporated elements of the opposing view, in that it addresses financial frictions in the models of the economy used for the design and conduct of monetary policy. In addition, even the LATW view has altered, in that it advocates further co-operation between monetary and macroprudential policies; the latter designed to promote and ensure financial stability.