Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Optimising pasture and grazing management decisions on the Cicerone Project farmlets over variable time horizons

This study addresses the problem of balancing the trade-offs between the need for animal production, profit, and the goal of achieving persistence of desirable species within grazing systems. The bioeconomic framework applied in this study takes into account the impact of climate risk and the management of pastures and grazing rules on the botanical composition of the pasture resource, a factor that impacts on livestock production and economic returns over time. The framework establishes the links between inputs, the state of the pasture resource and outputs, to identify optimal pasture development strategies. The analysis is based on the application of a dynamic pasture resource development simulation model within a seasonal stochastic dynamic programming framework. This enables the derivation of optimum decisions within complex grazing enterprises, over both short-term tactical (such as grazing rest) and long-term strategic (such as pasture renovation) time frames and under climatic uncertainty. The simulation model is parameterised using data and systems from the Cicerone Project farmlet experiment. Results indicate that the strategic decision of pasture renovation should only be considered when pastures are in a severely degraded state, whereas the tactical use of grazing rest or low stocking rates should be considered as the most profitable means of maintaining adequate proportions of desirable species within a pasture sward. The optimal stocking rates identified reflected a pattern which may best be described as a seasonal saving and consumption cycle. The optimal tactical and strategic decisions at different pasture states, based on biomass and species composition, varies both between seasons and in response to the imposed soil fertility regime. Implications of these findings at the whole-farm level are discussed in the context of the Cicerone Project farmlets.
The Two-Component Majorana Equation-Novel Derivations and Known Symmetries

We revisit the two-component Majorana equation and derive it in a new form by linearizing the relativistic dispersion relation of a massive particle, in a way similar to that used to derive the Dirac equation. We are using thereby the Pauli spin matrices, corresponding to an irreducible representation of the Lorentz group, and a lucid and transparent algebraic approach exploiting the newly introduced spin-flip operator. Thus we can readily build up the Majorana version of the Dirac equation in its chiral representation. The Lorentz-invariant complex conjugation operation involves the spin-flip operator, and its connection to chiral symmetry is discussed. The eigenfunctions of the Majorana equation are calculated in a concise way.
Maize response to Tithonia diversifolia and rock phosphate application under two maize cropping systems in Kenya

Objective : The experiment was conducted with the aim of investigating maize response to Tithonia diversifolia and Minjingu Rock phosphate (MPR) applied under maize-bean intercrop as compared to the traditional maize monocrop to improve maize grain yields. Methodology : The experiment was conducted in pots in a greenhouse for the duration of 8 weeks. The trial was laid out in a split plot arrangement with three replicates. The main plots comprised of sole maize crop and maize-bean intercrop whereas the sub plots included the control (no input), Tithonia biomass applied alone, MPR also applied alone, TSP again applied alone and Tithonia biomass co-applied with MPR. Soil samplings were done at 4 and 8 weeks after planting and assessed for . P availability and soil labile P. Data was also taken on maize dry matter yield at 8 weeks. ANOVA was done using SAS (version 9.2) and means separated at 5% probability level using DMRT. Results : Maize-bean intercrop was effective in increasing PR solubilisation, P availability and shoot dry matter production. At the same level of P input from MPR, P availability under maize-bean intercrop increased above the ones under sole maize by 154.8% and 91.4% in the first and second samplings, respectively. The increase is thought to have been partly due to the effect of the rhizosphere acidification by bean ( Phaseolus vulgaris ) during the process of biologically nitrogen fixation. Implications : This farmers-practices matching and also environmentally-friendly low input approach enables farmers to boost production, cut down the cost of production and consequently increase the profit margin. Keywords : Maize-bean intercrop; Maize shoot dry matter yield; P availability; Rock phosphate solubility.
Can functional exercise capacity discriminate older individuals with poor postural control

Inestabilidad postural puede estar relacionada con las limitaciones funcionales como resultado del proceso de envejecimiento. Este estudio tuvo como objetivo evaluar la comparacion entre la capacidad funcional del ejercicio en el control postural de las personas de edad avanzada. Los participantes fueron divididos en tres grupos de acuerdo a su capacidad de ejercicio funcional basado en la Prueba de Caminada de seis minutos (PC6M): 1) grupo Bajo Rendimiento (BR: distancia recorrida ≤ 80% del valor predijo, n = 19), 2) grupo Normal Rendimiento (NR: distancia recorrida 81-100% del valor predijo, n = 21) y 3) grupo Alto Rendimiento (AR: distancia recorrida >100% del valor predijo, n = 23). Todos los grupos realizaron tres pruebas sobre un solo pie por 30s en la plataforma de fuerza. BR presento un mal equilibrio postural en comparacion con NR y AR; con diferencias significativas (p < 0,05) encontrado entre los grupos de los parametros area y velocidad antero-posterior del centro de presion y el limite de tiempo para la postura de una sola pierna. Estos resultados tienen implicaciones para las estrategias de rehabilitacion en relacion con el ejercicio, la evaluacion del equilibrio y la intervencion en los ancianos.
Nitrification and Nitrite Isotope Fractionation as a Case Study in a major European River

In oceans, estuaries, and rivers, nitrification is an important nitrate source, and stable isotopes of nitrate are often used to investigate recycling processes in the water column. The bulk isotope effect of nitrification is hard to predict: It is a two-step-process, where ammonia is oxidized via nitrite to nitrate. Nitrite usually does not 10 accumulate in natural environments, which makes it even more difficult to unravel the divergent isotope effects of both processes. However, during an exceptional flood in the Elbe River in June 2013, ammonium and nitrite accumulated in the water column for a short period, returning towards normal summer conditions within one week. Concentrations were sufficient for the analysis of δ 15
Gender and Entrepreneurship in the Horse-Related Industry

In this paper, we examine the Swedish horse-related industry in terms of entrepreneurship and gender. Based on reports of the industry, a mapping of the entire sector (N= 7504) and a questionnaire (N=520) we find that the industry is portrayed as female gendered, but dominated by men. However, we also find evidence that the industry is changing gender, as women dominate among younger entrepreneurs. The strongest motives for the horse-related entrepreneurs (regardless of gender) are realizing a dream and being able to combine interest with work. We also found that entrepreneurs in this industry mainly network inside the industry.
Semen Characteristics of Rabbit Bucks Experimentally Infected with Trypanosoma brucei brucei in Zaria, Nigeria

Twenty adult rabbit bucks allocated into two groups of ten each as control group A and infected group B was studied for semen characteristics of rabbit bucks experimentally infected with T. brucei brucei for 12 weeks. Group B rabbits were infected with 1 mL of the parasites containing 1×10 6 trypanosomes, while group A bucks were left uninfected. Semen was collected weekly between 9.00-11.00 h and semen samples evaluated for colour, pH, motility, volume, morphology, concentration and spermatozoa live dead ratio. The control bucks had total mean semen volume of 0.52±0.05 mLs, while the infected bucks had mean value of 0.43±0.08 mLs. Semen motility decreased from week six post infection giving mean values of 64.67±4.83% for control group and 45.20±5.79% for infected group. Spermatozoa concentration decreased from five weeks post infection to ten weeks post infection. Control group had highest mean spermatozoa concentration of 165.80±23.13×10 6 /mL at week five and lowest mean of 50.80±17.81×10 6 /mL at week one. Spermatozoa morphology had a mean value of 38.73±1.21% for normal cells and 17.84±1.32% for the infected group. Percentage live sperm cell ratio for control group had live mean values of 59.33±2.21% while infected group had mean values of 48.11±5.86%.
A comparative study of the response of modeled non-drizzling stratocumulus to meteorological and aerosol perturbations

Abstract. The impact of changes in aerosol and cloud droplet concentration ( N a and N d ) on the radiative forcing of stratocumulus-topped boundary layers (STBLs) has been widely studied. How these impacts compare to those due to variations in meteorological context has not been investigated in a systematic fashion for non-drizzling overcast stratocumulus. In this study we examine the impact of observed variations in meteorological context and aerosol state on daytime, non-drizzling overcast stratiform evolution, and determine how resulting changes in cloud properties compare. Using large-eddy simulation (LES) we create a model base case of daytime southeast Pacific coastal stratocumulus, spanning a portion of the diurnal cycle (early morning to near noon) and constrained by observations taken during the VOCALS (VAMOS Ocean-Atmosphere-Land Study) field campaign. We perturb aerosol and meteorological properties around this base case to investigate the stratocumulus response. We determine perturbations in the cloud top jumps in potential temperature θ and total water mixing ratio q t from ECMWF Re-analysis Interim data, and use a set of N d values spanning the observable range. To determine the cloud response to these meteorological and aerosol perturbations, we compute changes in liquid water path (LWP), bulk optical depth (τ) and cloud radiative forcing (CRF). We find that realistic variations in the thermodynamic jump properties can elicit a response in the cloud properties of τ and shortwave (SW) CRF that are on the same order of magnitude as the response found due to realistic changes in aerosol state (i.e N d ). In response to increases in N d , the cloud layer in the base case thinned due to increases in evaporative cooling and entrainment rate. This cloud thinning somewhat mitigates the increase in τ resulting from increases in N d . On the other hand, variations in θ and q t jumps did not substantially modify N d . The cloud layer thickens in response to an increase in the θ jump and thins in response to an increase in the q t jump, both resulting in a τ and SW CRF response comparable to those found from perturbations in N d . Longwave CRF was not substantially altered by the perturbations we tested. We find that realistic variations in meteorological context can elicit a response in CRF and τ on the same order of magnitude as, and at times larger than, that response found due to realistic changes in aerosol state. We estimate the limits on variability of cloud top jump properties required for accurate observation of aerosol SW radiative impacts on stratocumulus, and find strict constraints: less than 1 K and 1 g kg −1 in the early morning hours, and order 0.1 K and 0.1 g kg −1 close to solar noon. These constraints suggest that accurately observing aerosol radiative impacts in stratocumulus may be challenging as co-variation of meteorological properties may obfuscate aerosol-cloud interactions.
Is Insider Trading Regulation Effective? Evidence from UK Takeover Activity

Analysed in this study are the returns on stock prices of target companies surrounding the first publicised dates of completed takeovers in the UK between 2001 and 2010. Two samples are created of 209 and 197 firms for announcement and rumoured dates respectively. Both demonstrate statistically significant cumulative abnormal returns (CARs) prior to the release of information about the impending bid. This paper investigates whether observable factors create this price run-up or if it is the result of disclosed insider trading. Cross sectional analysis of CARs do not corroborate the claim that reported informed trades are the cause of this effect, this may indicate that trading on material non public information goes undisclosed.
Variable rate lime application based on on-line visible and near infrared (vis-NIR) spectroscopy measurement of soil properties in a Danish field

In Denmark recommendations for variable rate lime application is made based on laboratory analyses of organic carbon (OC), pH and clay content (CC). It is done based on one soil sample per hectare, which ignores spatial variation in soil properties at a finer scale. This paper aims to use an on-line visible and near infrared (vis-NIR) spectroscopy sensor to map, with high sampling resolution within field variation in OC, pH and CC in one field of 18 ha in Denmark. It is assumed that this high sampling resolution data will lead to refining the recommendation map of lime for improved adjustment of soil acidity at lower cost. After the on-line measurement of soil spectra, a previously developed calibration models of OC, pH and CC were upgraded with new samples from the Danish field to predict spatial variations and generate comparison and full-point maps using ArcGIS software. Based on on-line predations, lime recommendation was calculated using an algorithm from the Danish Centre of agriculture (DCA). To evaluate the outcome of the on-line measurement based variable rate (OVR) lime approach, as compared to traditional uniform rate (UR) and (TVR) the field was divided equally into 9 plots, which represent three replicates of the three applications. Cost-benefit analysis was carried out based on input (amount of lime applied) – output (barely yield) calculations of the 9 plots. Results showed that the on-line measurement accuracy ranged between good to very good with coefficient of determination (R 2 ) of 0.71 for OC, 0.76 for pH and 0.72 for CC, root mean square error of prediction (RMSEP) of 1.48% for OC, 0.13 for pH and 1.05% for CC, and ratio of prediction deviation (RPD) of 1.93 for OC, 2.08 for pH and 1.98 for CC. It was found that OVR treatments consumed the largest amount of lime of 37 t for the entire field and the UR consumed the smallest amount of 25.3 t for entire field. This was attributed to the fact that the on-line sensor provided a more detailed lime recommendation map, reflecting a better characterisation of within field variability. There was only slightly better yield response for OVR (7.57 t/ha and 136.3 t/field) method over UR (7.51 t/ha and 135.2 t/field) and TVR (7.44 t/ha and 134 t/field) methods, indicating no agronomic response. Therefore, the costbenefit analysis showed no significantly economic benefit (£2.5 / ha) for VRn liming, after one year experiment, which suggests the need for a longer-term experiment to allow the crop response to take place, due to pH buffering. A further on-line measurement is needed to explore changes in within field variation in soil acidity, as compared to the original variation.
Smallholders commercialization of maize production in Guangua district, northwestern Ethiopia

In the urge for transforming the subsistence-oriented production system, the government of Ethiopia has developed and implemented different policies under the umbrella of the countries' policy Agricultural Development Led Industrialization (ADLI). This study is intended to support the government’s decision-making in transforming market-oriented agricultural development through provision of current and specific information on the level of farmers’ participation in maize output market and determinants of farmers’ participation in maize output market in Guangua district of Amhara National Regional State. Primary data was collected from 160 randomly selected smallholder farm households from four randomly selected kebeles in the district. The survey data was analyzed using descriptive statistics and double-hurdle model. From the descriptive statistics it was found that the level of commercialization of maize in the district was 44%. Results of the double-hurdle model analysis showed that in the first hurdle, educational status of the household head, price perception and land holding size played positive and significant role in households’ decision to participate in maize output sales; whereas, distance from extension office was found to affect participation in maize sales negatively and significantly. In the second hurdle; gender of the household head, household size and land holding size have positive and significant role in the volume of maize sold; while distance to the market was found to have negative significant role. Land holding was found to affect both households’ decisions to participate and intensity of participation in maize sales. Based on the findings it is recommended that the government have to strengthen the rural education system, its effort in expanding agricultural extension centers, enhance participation of female headed households, strengthen the family planning program and help the farmers improve land productivity, where possible, by promoting intensification and increasing provision of inputs so as to generate surplus maize output and boost sales. World Scientific News 58 (2016) 65-83 -66
Quantifying hyporheic exchange at high spatial resolution using natural temperature variations along a first‐order stream

Hyporheic exchange is an important process that underpins stream ecosystem function, and there have been numerous ways to characterize and quantify exchange flow rates and hyporheic zone size. The most common approach, using conservative stream tracer experiments and 1‐D solute transport modeling, results in oversimplified representations of the system. Here we present a new approach to quantify hyporheic exchange and the size of the hyporheic zone (HZ) using high‐resolution temperature measurements and a coupled 1‐D transient storage and energy balance model to simulate in‐stream water temperatures. Distributed temperature sensing was used to observe in‐stream water temperatures with a spatial and temporal resolution of 2 and 3 min, respectively. The hyporheic exchange coefficient (which describes the rate of exchange) and the volume of the HZ were determined to range between 0 and 2.7 × 10−3 s−1 and 0 and 0.032 m3 m−1, respectively, at a spatial resolution of 1–10 m, by simulating a time series of in‐stream water temperatures along a 565 m long stretch of a small first‐order stream in central Luxembourg. As opposed to conventional stream tracer tests, two advantages of this approach are that exchange parameters can be determined for any stream segment over which data have been collected and that the depth of the HZ can be estimated as well. Although the presented method was tested on a small stream, it has potential for any stream where rapid (in regard to time) temperature change of a few degrees can be obtained.
Role of the Digestive Gland in Ink Production in Four Species of Sea Hares: An Ultrastructural Comparison

The ultrastructure of the digestive gland of several sea hare species that produce different colored ink (Aplysia californica produces purple ink, A. juliana white ink, A. parvula both white and purple ink, while Dolabrifera dolabrifera produces no ink at all) was compared to determine the digestive gland’s role in the diet-derived ink production process. Rhodoplast digestive cells and their digestive vacuoles, the site of digestion of red algal chloroplast (i.e., rhodoplast) in A. californica, were present and had a similar ultrastructure in all four species. Rhodoplast digestive cell vacuoles either contained a whole rhodoplast or fragments of one or were empty. These results suggest that the inability to produce colored ink in some sea hare species is not due to either an absence of appropriate digestive machinery, that is, rhodoplast digestive cells, or an apparent failure of rhodoplast digestive cells to function. These results also propose that the digestive gland structure described herein occurred early in sea hare evolution, at least in the common ancestor to the genera Aplysia and Dolabrifera. Our data, however, do not support the hypothesis that the loss of purple inking is a synapomorphy of the white-ink-producing subgenus Aplysia.
Solid Phase Extraction to On-Line Preconcentrate Trace Cadmium Using Chemically Modified Nano-Carbon Black with 3-Mercaptopropyltrimethoxysilane

Carbon black (CB) grafted with 3-mercaptopropyltrimethoxysilane (3-MPTMS) was used as solid phase extractor for Cd2+ in a flow injection system coupled to flame atomic absorption spectrometry (FAAS). The influence of pH, buffer concentration, preconcentration flow rate and eluent concentration on preconcentration of Cd2+ were investigated by means of chemometric tools. The characterization of the adsorbent chemically modified was performed by Fourier transform infrared, scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, Raman spectroscopy and textural analysis. To perform the on-line preconcentration, 20.0 mL of a pH 7.0 Cd2+ solution at a flow rate of 4.0 mL min−1 was loaded through 30.0 mg of modified CB and then eluted with 1.0 mol L−1 HCl toward the FAAS instrument. The limits of detection and quantification were found to be 0.20 and 0.66 µg L−1, respectively. Addition and recovery tests carried out in real samples (mineral, tap and saline waters, and cigarette sample) and the analysis of certified reference material (TORT-2, lobster hepatopancreas reference) attested the applicability of proposed method.