Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The High-Speed Rail and the Productivity of Freeway Bus Service Industry : Taiwan ’ s Casei

This study explores the productivity of Taiwan’s freeway bus service (FBS) industry in response to competition from the Taiwan High-Speed Rail (THSR). We employ the Malmquist index to investigate the productivity of Taiwan’s FBS industry and apply the dynamic panel data (DPD) model to identify the factors influencing its productivity. The emergence of THSR initially worsened the total factor productivity of the FBS industry firstly and stimulated it in a longer time period. We also find that year 2007, sales and management expense, the total assets, and capital/asset ratio of an FBS company are the primary factors positively influencing the productivity. However, lagged 1 period Malmquist index service and service diversity reversely influence it significantly.
The nodal dependence of long-period ocean tides in the Drake Passage

Abstract. Almost three decades of bottom pressure recorder (BPR) measurements at the Drake Passage, and 31 years of hourly tide gauge data from the Vernadsky Research Base on the Antarctic Peninsula, have been used to investigate the temporal and spatial variations in this region of the three main long-period tides Mf, Mm and Mt (in order of decreasing amplitude, with periods of a fortnight, a month and one-third of a month, respectively). The amplitudes of Mf and Mt, and the phase lags for all three constituents, vary over the nodal cycle (18.61 years) in essentially the same way as in the equilibrium tide, so confirming the validity of Doodson's “nodal factors” for these constituents. The amplitude of Mm is found to be essentially constant, and so inconsistent at the 3σ level from the ±13 % (or ∼±0.15 mbar) anticipated variation over the nodal cycle, which can probably be explained by energetic non-tidal variability in the records at monthly timescales and longer. The north–south differences in amplitude for all three constituents are consistent with those in a modern ocean tide model (FES2014), as are those in phase lag for Mf and Mt, while the phase difference for Mm is smaller than in the model. BPR measurements are shown to be considerably superior to coastal tide gauge data in such studies, due to the larger proportion of non-tidal variability in the latter. However, correction of the tide gauge records for non-tidal variability results in the uncertainties in nodal parameters being reduced by a factor of 2 (for Mf at least) to a magnitude comparable (approximately twice) to those obtained from the BPR data.
Cassapro in broiler ration : effect of halquinol Supplementation

A trial was conducted to determine the effect of various level of cassapro (fermented cassava) and halquinol supplementation on the performance of broiler chickens . Experimental rations were formulated isoprotein and isoenergy with graded level of cassapro (0, 10, 20 and 30%) . The 20 and 30% cassapro ration were prepared without and with halquinol supplementation (60 ppm). Each ration was fed to 40 of three day old broilers, divided into 4 cages ( 5 males and 5 females per cage) for 4 weeks. Increasing the level of cassapro significantly reduced body weight gain (P < 0.005), increased feed conversion ratio (FCR) (P < 0.0005) with no effect on feed intake (P < 0.10) . Halquinol supplementation has no effect on feed intake, but significantly increased body weight gain (P <0.05) and improved the FCR (P < 0.01) . It is concluded that high level of cassapro in the ration will cause poorer performance of the birds, however it can be alleviated by halquinolsupplementation. Keywords: Broiler, cassapro, halquinol
Magnetically aligned dust and SiO maser polarisation in the envelope of the red supergiant VY Canis Majoris

Aims. Polarisation observations of circumstellar dust and molecular (thermal and maser) lines provide unique information about dust properties and magnetic fields in circumstellar envelopes of evolved stars. Methods. We use Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array (ALMA) Band 5 science verification observations of the red supergiant VY CMa to study the polarisation of SiO thermal /maser lines and dust continuum at similar to 1.7 mm wavelength. We analyse both linear and circular polarisation and derive the magnetic field strength and structure, assuming the polarisation of the lines originates from the Zeeman effect, and that of the dust originates from aligned dust grains. We also discuss other effects that could give rise to the observed polarisation. Results. We detect, for the first time, significant polarisation (similar to 3%) of the circumstellar dust emission at millimeter wavelengths. The polarisation is uniform with an electric vector position angle of similar to 8 degrees. Varying levels of linear polarisation are detected for the J = 4-3 (SiO)-Si-28 nu = 0; 1; 2; and (SiO)-Si-29 nu = 0; 1 lines, with the strongest polarisation fraction of similar to 30% found for the (SiO)-Si-29 nu = 1 maser. The linear polarisation vectors rotate with velocity, consistent with earlier observations. We also find significant (up to similar to 1%) circular polarisation in several lines, consistent with previous measurements. We conclude that the detection is robust against calibration and regular instrumental errors, although we cannot yet fully rule out non-standard instrumental effects. Conclusions. Emission from magnetically aligned grains is the most likely origin of the observed continuum polarisation. This implies that the dust is embedded in a magnetic field >13 mG. The maser line polarisation traces the magnetic field structure. The magnetic field in the gas and dust is consistent with an approximately toroidal field configuration, but only higher angular resolution observations will be able to reveal more detailed field structure. If the circular polarisation is due to Zeeman splitting, it indicates a magnetic field strength of similar to 1-3 Gauss, consistent with previous maser observations.
Comparative Studies of Different Indices Related to Filarial Vector of a Rural and an Urban Area of West Bengal, India

Background: Despite of all types of efforts, mosquito born disease like lymphatic filariasis seems to cause new disease burden in many countries. Proper information about the vector of these diseases is necessary to stop the transmission, but sometime information on vector is scanty from many areas. Present study is designed to collect comparative information about the filarial vector from rural and urban areas of West Bengal in India. Methods: Regular collection of indoor-resting mosquitoes was done from the human habitations of Kolkata (urban area) and Tenya of Murshidabad district (rural area) for 2 years. Collected mosquitoes were identified and examined for different parameters following standard methods recommended by World Health Organization and pioneer workers of the field. Results: In both the areas Wuchereria bancrofti was identified as the causative parasite of filariasis and Culex quinquefasciatus as the vector. In the urban area, overall man hour density, infection rate, infectivity rate and daily mortality rate of the vector was assessed as 27.56, 3.49%, 0.34% and 13% respectively, which was 11.86, 1.41%, 0.14% and 15% respectively in rural area. Average load of microfilaria, 1st stage, 2nd stage and 3rd stage parasite larvae in infected vectors were 8.10, 7.37, 5.38 and 2.75 respectively in urban area, which was 6.45, 5.40, 4.67 and 2.33 respectively in rural area. Among the searched shelters in urban area 4.27%, 8.85% and 1.46% were found to be invaded by 10 or more vector, infected vector and infective vector respectively, which were 1.56%, 2.08% and 0.31% respectively in rural area.Conclusion: Different indices related to the vector mosquito were much higher in urban area of Kolkata than rural area of Tenya in Murshidabad, which indicates that, situation is more favourable in urban study areas for transmission of lymphatic filariasis than the rural one, though the situation in the rural area cannot be neglected. Available data will help to formulate an effective management strategy in those areas.
Bioprospecting and selection of growth-promoting bacteria for Cymbidium sp. orchids

Inoculants containing bacteria which promote growth in plants can increase productivity and both the economic and the environmental cost in plant crop systems. Similarly, in the flower and ornamental plant sector, the use of diazotrophic bacteria is a promising approach for improving orchid propagation from tissue culture to the ex vitro environment. We isolated diazotrophic bacteria from the roots and leaves of Cymbidium sp. The isolates were used to inoculate Cymbidium sp. plantlets during acclimatization in the nursery. After 150 days, plants were collected and their morphological and nutritional characteristics assessed. Eight bacterial strains were isolated containing traits that promote plant growth: Bacillus thuringiensis, Burkholderia cepacia, Burkholderia gladioli, Herbaspirillum frisingense, Pseudomonas stutzeri, Rhizobium cellulosilyticum, Rhizobium radiobacter, and Stenotrophomonas maltophilia. The isolated Herbaspirillum frisingense and Stenotrophomonas maltophilia increased 26 % and 29 % in dry matter in Cymbidium sp. plants, respectively, compared to the control. In addition, H. frisingense led to higher contents of N and P, by 68 % and 28 %, respectively, than those found in the control plants. These isolates, therefore, have potential for application as biostimulants and biofertilizers to promote growth and development of Cymbidium sp. during acclimatization.
FR4-based electromagnetic energy harvester for wireless sensor nodes

Electromagnetic (EM) energy harvesting seems to be one of the most promising ways to power wireless sensors in a wireless sensor network. In this paper, FR4, the most commonly used PCB material, is utilized as a mechanical vibrating structure for EM energy harvesting for body-worn sensors and intelligent tire sensors, which involve impact loadings. FR4 can be a better material for such applications compared to silicon MEMS devices due to lower stiffness and broadband response. In order to demonstrate FR4 performance and broadband response, three moving magnet type EM generator designs are developed and investigated throughout the paper. A velocity-damped harvester simulation model is first developed, including a detailed magnetic model and the magnetic damping effects. The numerical results agree well with the experimental results. Human running acceleration at the hip area that is obtained experimentally is simulated in order to demonstrate system performance, which results in a scavenged power of about 40 µW with 15 m s−2 acceleration input. The designed FR4 energy scavengers with mechanical stoppers implemented are particularly well suited for nearly periodic and non-sinusoidal high- g excitations with rich harmonic content. For the intelligent tire applications, a special compact FR4 scavenger is designed that is able to withstand large shocks and vibrations due to mechanical shock stoppers built into the structure. Using our design, 0.4 mW power across a load resistance at off-resonance operation is obtained in shaker experiments. In the actual operation, the tangential accelerations as a result of the tire–road contact are estimated to supply power around 1 mW with our design, which is sufficient for powering wireless tire sensors. The normalized power density (NPD) of the designed actuators compares favorably with most actuators reported in the literature.
EARLY CRETACEOUS TURTLE TRACKS AND SKELETONS FROM THE JUNGGAR BASIN, XINJIANG, CHINA

ABSTRACT A high density of tracks resembling both the ichnogenera Chelonipus and Emydhipus occurs on surfaces of the Lower Cretaceous Tugulu Group at the Huangyangquan tracksite in Wuerhe district (Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region, northwestern China). These ichnotaxa are especially known from Central Europe where they have been found in Triassic and Upper Jurassic–Lower Cretaceous deposits. Tracks are highly variable in morphology due to having been made while walking and swimming over soft substrates. Nevertheless they are diagnostic of turtle trackmakers and are readily distinguished from those of other aquatic vertebrates such as crocodilians and from those of pterosaurs. Abundant turtle body fossils occur in the region helping to provide strong support for this interpretation. The record enlarges our knowledge of turtles, their environment and distribution in the Early Cretaceous of China.
WELFARE REFORMS IN CENTRAL AND EASTERN EUROPE: A NEW TYPE OF WELFARE REGIME?

This paper discusses some recent socio-economic achievements and losses in Central and Eastern Europe from a comparative perspective. Yet, the paper examines whether the economic-social-political restructuring of Central and Eastern Europe and the ensuing social policy reform has brought new forms of welfare regimes into focus. The paper demonstrates that, despite an increase in poverty and inequalities in many Central and Easter European countries during the last 18 years, the social policy systems have not experienced a radical dismantlement throughout the entire region and still show more comprehensive solutions to social problems than residual ones. Furthermore, the Central and Eastern European region is very diverse regarding the scope and depth of social problems encountered, and some countries have implemented more successful policy solutions than other ones. Nevertheless, the experience of the communist regime, the relatively lower fiscal capacity of the states as well as the higher share of GDP produced in the shadow economy allow the Central and Eastern European countries to group into a distinct post-communist regime. The current global economic crisis, which is felt in the CEE region much more than in the rest of the globe, can reinforce the features of the post-communist welfare model: still quite comprehensive in its structures, but weak in its performance to ensure a decent standard of living for its citizens.
On the Regularistation of Non-Reflecting Boundary Conditions Near Acoustic Resonance

In this paper we discuss the phenomenon of acoustic resonance in the context of nonreflecting boundary conditions and its impact on the analysis of turbomachinery blade flutter. Acoustic resonance is observed on the one hand when flutter curves, i.e., the aerodynamic damping as a function of the interblade phase angle, displays singularities at certain angles. On the other hand, the implementation of appropriate inlet and outlet boundary conditions naturally leads to the normal mode analysis of the Euler equations on eiher cylindrical (2D) or annular ducts (3D). To formulate boundary conditions one typically carries out the normal mode analysis and thus decomposes the space of normal modes as a direct sum of incoming and outgoing modes. This decomposition, however, breaks down when the generalised eigenvalue problem no longer produces a complete set of eigenvectors and one obtains non-trivial Jordan blocks. Both phenomena are shown to be due to acoustic modes with vanishing normal group velocity. The main goal of this paper is to outline how the numerical boundary conditions can be regularised near acoustic resonance. The impact of this regularisation on the prediction of flutter stability is then demonstrated. Moreover, we interpret the regularisation as an interpolation between the exact non-reflecting and the approximative characteristic, one-dimensional boundary conditions.
Income-related health inequality in Portugal

The Portuguese health care system is based on principles of equity and efficiency. Despite that, it appears that equality has not been fully realized owing to differences in access [Dixon and Massialos (2000)] or self-assessed health [Van Doorslaer and Koolman (2004)]. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the degree of income-related inequality in self-reported health in Portugal using different database and methods than those used by Van Doorslaer and Koolman (2004). This study applies the methods developed by Wagstaff and Van Doorslaer (1994) to measure the degree of income-related inequality in self-reported health by means of concentration indices. The results show that significant inequalities in self-reported ill-health exist and favour groups with higher income. Nonetheless, when compared with a similar study [Van Doorslaer et al. (1997)], the estimates for income related inequality suggest that Portugal in 1998/1999 ranks in the middle of the European countries. The most important contributors to health inequality are income, activity status and education. Regional differences, by contrast, do not exert any systematic influence. Reductions in pro-rich health inequality can be achieved by reducing the effect of income on health or reducing income inequality, or both.
Investigating gender adaptation for speech translation

In this paper we investigate the impact of the integration of context into dialogue translation. We present a new contextual parallel corpus of television subtitles and show how taking into account speaker gender can significantly improve machine translation quality in terms of B LEU and M ETEOR scores. We perform a manual analysis, which suggests that these improvements are not necessary related to the morphological consequences of speaker gender, but to more general linguistic divergences.
Simulation of Tropical Cyclones Using Spectral Bin Microphysics

1.1 Bulk-parameterization and spectral bin microphysics Latent heat release is the main energetic source of tropical cyclones (TCs). The intensity of TCs depends on the magnitude of latent heat release (convective heating), as well as on its vertical distribution, and spatial pattern. The latent heat release in clouds depends on the rates of microphysical processes such as: condensational growth/evaporation of droplets, deposition/sublimation of ice, riming and freezing/melting. These microphysical processes are closely related to cloud dynamical properties such as vertical velocity, cloud top height, etc.Droplets and the majority of ice crystals arise on aerosol particles (AP) playing the role of cloud condensational nuclei (CCN) and ice nuclei (IN), respectively. It is well known that droplet size distributions (DSD) and precipitation formation depend on the concentration and size of CCN. Therefore, the convective heating in TCs should depend on the properties of AP in the environment of TCs. Most equations describing microphysical processes, including those responsible for cloudaerosol interaction are well known in Cloud Physics. Advanced microphysical schemes are needed in order to describe microphysical processes adequately and to properly take into account microphysical factors (such as aerosols). Yet, advanced microphysical schemes are not generally used in tropical cyclone forecasting models. Rather, until 2006 the current operational TC forecast model developed at the Geophysical Fluid Dynamics Laboratory used large scale convective parameterizations (Kurihara 1973 and a simplified version of the Arakawa and Shubert scheme). Since 2006 this model used a simplified ArakawaSchubert scheme for cumulus parameterization and a simplified version of the Ferrier bulkparameterization for large-scale condensation in cases when supersaturation in grid points is reached (Bender et al 2007). Both schemes are insensitive to aerosols. The development of one and two-moment bulk parameterization schemes and their application in mesoscale models was an important step toward the improvement in the description of convective processes and precipitation in numerical models. These schemes were implemented in mesoscale and/or forecast modles such as the Penn State/NCAR Mesoscale Modeling System Version 5 (MM5) (Dudhia et al., 1997), RAMS (Pielke et al, 1992) and the Weather Research Forecast Model (Skamarock et al, 2005), the operational numerical weather prediction model of the German Weather Service (COSMO) (that is combined with an extended version of the 2-moment bulk scheme by Seifert and Beheng
Assessment of Visceral Leishmaniasis Consequences Using Ultrasound

Background and Aim: Visceral leishmaniasis (VL), also known as kala azar, is a parasitic disease that caused by infection with Leishmania parasites, which are spread by the bite of phlebotomine sand flies. An ultrasound examination is strongly advocated for the promote diagnosis and treatment of VL for long term follow up and evaluation of unresponsive cases. The aim of this study was to assess the consequences of VL in the liver, spleen and pancreas of affected participants by using ultrasound. Materials and Methods: A prospective cohort study was conducted in the period of January 2012 to March 2014 in the ultrasound department of Tropical Disease Hospital (TDH) in Khartoum-Sudan, among a group of 100 participants (84% males, 16% females and their ages ranges from 15 to 45 years) positive to VL and had been diagnosed by laboratory tests; either serological or Napier’s Aldehyde test. The Aloka portable ultrasound machine equipped with 3.5 MHz convex probe was used for abdominal ultrasound scanning. Standard Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) was used to analyze the results. Results: The commonest ultrasound findings in VL participants were hepatomegaly (100%), splenomegaly (100%) and ascites (50%). Other complications such as lymphadenopathy (35%), focal splenic lesions (34%), dilated portal vein (7%) and shrinkage liver (4%) were detected. Conclusion: Ultrasound scanning presents an effective role in VL, because of its ability to detect the consequences of this disease in various abdominal organs such as liver, spleen and pancreas earlier, which in turn allowing the possibility to treat these complications and prevents the deterioration of a patient’s health status.
CORRELATION AND PATH COEFFICIENT ANALYSIS OF MORPHOLOGICAL TRAITS OF MAIZE ( ZEA MAYS L . )

Maize is one of the most important grown plants in the world. Superior position of maize is due to his very wide and variety utilisation and because of that, the main goal of all maize breeding programs is to obtain new inbred lines and hybrids that will outperform the existing hybrids with respect to a number of traits. For efficient selection of grain yield, like the most important economic trait, in regard to its on the great influence the environmental factors, has complex mode of inheritance and low heritability, is necessary to know relation between grain yield and morphological traits which are influencing on the grain yield. One of the objectives of this paper was to determine relationship between grain yield and morphological traits. For these purpose two testcross populations which are formed by crossing progenies of NSU1 population after 16 cycles of phenotypic recurrent selection and two testers were tested. In both studied populations significant medium strong correlative relationship was established between grain yield per plant and 100kernel weight. Among other traits in the test-cross population NSU1×568/II NS, positive correlative relation was established only between ear height and length and it showed a high significance. In population NSU1×B73 strongest correlation was established between ear height and kernel row number, but this relationship was negative. Also, since yield components are interrelated and develop sequentially at different growth stages it is important to define direct influence of specific yield components on yield, and their indirect effect via other traits. For that purpose path coefficient analysis were done. In test-cross population where we used inbred line 568/II NS like a tester high significant direct effect on grain yield was established for ear height (p1=-0.403**) and kernel row number (p3=0.390**), while in the second studied population path analysis showed high significant desirable influence of ear length (p2=0.394**) and 100-kernel weight (p4=0.573**) on grain yield.