Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Storm time dependence of equatorial disturbance dynamo zonal electric fields

We use Jicamarca radar observations of F region vertical plasma drifts and auroral electrojet indices during 1968-1988 to study the characteristics and temporal evolution of equatorial disturbance dynamo zonal electric fields. These electric fields result from the dynamo action of storm time winds and/or thermospheric composition changes driven by enhanced energy deposition into the high-latitude ionosphere during geomagnetically active conditions. The equatorial vertical drift perturbations last for periods of up to 30 hours after large increases in the high-latitude currents. On the average, this process can be described by two basic components with time delays of about 1-12 hours and 22-28 hours between the high-latitude current enhancements and the equatorial velocity perturbations. Our data indicate strong coupling between dynamo processes with different timescales. The short-term disturbance dynamo drives upward equatorial drifts (eastward electric fields) at night with largest amplitudes near sunrise and small downward drifts during the day. These perturbation drifts are in good agreement with results from the Blanc- Richmond disturbance dynamo theory. The dynamo process with time delays of about a day drives upward drift velocities at night with largest values near midnight and downward drifts in the sunrise-noon sector. In this case, the amplitudes of the disturbance drifts maximize during geomagnetically quiet times preceded by strongly disturbed conditions. We also present results of a new equatorial storm time dependent empirical model which illustrate the characteristics of the vertical disturbance dynamo drifts.
A new method to determine bird and bat fatality at wind energy turbines from carcass searches

Abstract Wind energy is of increasing importance for a sustainable energy supply worldwide. At the same time, concerns about the number of birds and bats being killed at wind turbines have been growing. In this situation, methods for a reliable estimation of bird and bat fatality numbers are needed. To obtain an unbiased estimate of the number of fatalities from fatality searches, the probability to detect the carcass of an animal being killed at a turbine has to be assessed by considering carcass persistence rate, searcher efficiency and the probability that a killed animal falls into a searched area. Here, we describe a new formula to determine the detection probability of birds or bats that are killed at wind turbines and which can estimate the number of fatalities from the number of carcasses found. The formula was developed to analyse a large data set of bats killed at wind turbines in Germany. In simulations, we compared it to three other formulas used in this context. Our new formula seems to have unbiased results when searcher efficiency and carcass removal rate are constant over time. When searcher efficiency or carcass removal rate varied with time, all four formulas showed a similar bias. These comparative results can be used to choose between methods depending on the quality of information available. Our estimator can, for instance, be adapted to different situations including temporal changes of searcher efficiency or carcass removal rate because it is based on an explicit process model.
The impact of corporate social responsibility on financial performance

This study investigates whether corporate social responsibility (CSR) affects the financial performance of the United States (US) companies. In particular, the impact of CSR on financial performance is investigated in terms of involvement in socially responsible initiatives instead of outcome. The Environmental, Social and Governance disclosure score as calculated by Bloomberg is used as a proxy for corporate involvement in socially responsible initiatives. Fixed effects regression is employed to estimate the relationship between the extent of corporate social disclosure (CSD) and financial performance using the data of listed companies on the Standard & Poor’s 500 during the period 2009-2013. The results suggest that the involvement in socially responsible initiatives has a significantly positive effect on financial performance. In addition, the control variables, such as total compensation to directors, CEO duality and women presence on board are statistically significant to financial performance. It is important to incorporate a longer period in order to validate the positive relationship between CSR and financial performance, whilst the sample is focused on large in size US companies. This study chose to approach the topic from a different angle in order to provide an alternate perspective on this issue taking into account the involvement of socially responsible initiatives via CSD.
Deregulation, Competition, and Consolidation: The Case of the German Interurban Bus Industry

We provide an empirical assessment of the German interurban bus industry two years after its deregulation in January 2013. In addition to a general description of key developments of the industry, we use a unique route-level price data set to study both competitive interaction in general and the potential price effects of a recently announced merger of the two largest players in the market in particular. We find that route-level average prices, inter alia, do not only depend on the number of competitors but especially on the composition of firms operating on a particular route. Although our empirical results suggest short-term price increases on certain route types post-merger, it remains an open question whether the merger should be classified as anticompetitive.
The Role of Trials and Demonstration Projects in the Development of a Sustainable Bioeconomy

This article provides an overview of the literature on demonstration projects and trials, and accounts for how insights drawn from this literature can contribute to the development of a sustainable bioeconomy. The article reviews the literature on demonstration projects and trials, covering both more broad-based studies on demonstration projects mainly carried out in the US and more specific studies on demonstration projects for energy technologies carried out in Europe, the US, and Japan. The aim of the article is to account for how demonstration projects and trials can contribute to the development of a sustainable bioeconomy.
Effects of -1018G>A polymorphism of HRH2 (rs2607474) on the severity of gastric mucosal atrophy.

BACKGROUND AND AIM Histamine plays important physiological roles in upper gastrointestinal tract and acts via the H2 receptor. A polymorphism -1018 G>A (rs2067474) was identified in an enhancer element of the HRH2 promoter. We attempted to clarify the associations of this polymorphism with the progression of gastric mucosal atrophy. METHODS Gastric mucosa samples were obtained from 398 subjects with no malignancies. The rs2067474 genotype was determined by PCR-SSCP method. The degree of gastritis was assessed in 366 subjects and serum pepsinogen (PG) I/II levels were measured in 108 subjects. The subjects with atrophy score higher or equal to 2 and metaplasia score higher or equal to1 were classified into the severe atrophic gastritis group (SA group). RESULTS The -1018G>A minor allele frequencies in SA and non-SA groups were 8.02% and 13.3%, respectively (p=0.057). The -1018 GG homozygote had a significantly high risk for gastric mucosal atrophy (OR: 2.03, 95%CI: 1.03-4.01, p=0.042). In H. pylori positive subjects, GG homozygote was a more significant risk factor for gastric mucosal atrophy (OR: 2.32, 95%CI: 1.12-4.81, p=0.023). In addition, in the subjects older than 60 years, GG homozygote had also a significant risk for gastric mucosal atrophy (OR: 2.63, 95%CI: 1.15-6.00, p=0.022). In -1018 GG homozygote, PG I/II ratio was significantly lower in H. pylori positive than negative subjects and was significantly decreased with age (p=0.0032 by ANOVA), whereas it was not in the A carrier. CONCLUSIONS Our results suggest that HRH2 -1018 GG homozygote is a risk factor for the severity of gastric mucosal atrophy under the influence of H. pylori infection, especially in older subjects.
How changes in international trade effect African growth

The dismal growth performance of Africa in the last decades is one of the main worries of the global economy. In this paper we design an empirical model to explain how the growth rate of the economy is affected by changes in international trade. The main message of the model is that integration enables countries to exchange more varieties of goods and take advantage of some spillovers linked to the export-import process. These predictions are tested using GMM technique in a panel data performed on a sample of 22 countries belonging to the Sub-Sahara region over the period 1970-2002. The estimations suggest that Africa’s growth rates are positively related to a more open attitude and to a greater integration in international markets. However, the empirical analysis also points out the need of a certain degree of “social capacity” to ensure a successful integration. Finally, our results imply that African nations can profit from the economic growth of the OECD countries, as they are the main buyers of the region.
CLASSIFICATION OF NATURAL FLOW REGIMES IN THE EBRO BASIN (SPAIN) BY USING A WIDE RANGE OF HYDROLOGIC PARAMETERS

This paper presents a classification of different natural flow regimes found in Ebro basin, one of the largest in the Mediterranean region. Determination of flow regimes was based on multivariate analyses using long-term discharge series of unaltered flow data. Mean monthly discharges of the 30 ‘best’ flow series and a total of 52 flow series containing unaltered flow data were selected to represent baseline flow conditions for tributaries throughout the basin. Metrics representing magnitude, duration and frequency components of flow were used to identify hydrologic differences across the basin. A total of six natural flow regimes were identified in the Ebro Basin, using a Ward cluster method. The flow patterns identified and their spatial distribution largely corresponded with climatic zones previously reported for the Ebro Basin, with regime types ranging from pluvio-oceanic in the western part of the basin to Mediterranean in the eastern region. Geologic characteristics of the catchment and altitude of headwaters were also found to play an important role in defining flow regime type. A 19-hydrologic variable subset was used to explain main hydrologic differences among groups (such as magnitude and frequency of extreme flow conditions or magnitude and variance of average flow conditions). However, stepwise discriminant analysis was not able to identify consistent subsets of hydrologic variables that adequately identified the six natural flow regime types in this basin. Canonical discriminant analysis was useful to understand class separation and for the interpretation of results. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Impact of Processing Techniques on Nutrient and Anti-Nutrient Content of Grain Amaranth (A. albus)

Grain amaranth ( Amaranthus albus ) is a pseudo cereal consumed in various parts of the world especially in Africa, India, Nepal and some non-native regions. It has attracted increasing interest over recent decades because of its nutritional and functional properties. Reducing anti-nutrients level in the grain prior to consumption can increase the bioavailability of nutrients. Therefore, this calls for increased efforts towards evaluation of how different processing technologies can improve the bioavailability and absorption of nutrients. Traditionally, amaranth grain is boiled, popped, roasted, or milled to make gruel for consumption. This study investigated the impact of dry and wet heat processing techniques on the nutrient and anti-nutrient contents of grain amaranth. Proximate composition and anti-nutrients content were determined using standard procedures. Protein digestibility was determined after enzyme digestion while starch gelatinization was evaluated using light microscopic techniques The dry heating processes used included roasting(160oC 10min) and popping(190oC 15s)while the wet heating techniques included boiling whole grains and slurries(100oC 25min). Generally, the effects of dry and moist heat processing with regards to loss and retention of the nutrients differed significantly (p>0.05), with only the roasting retaining more of the nutrients than boiled seed flour. A pronounced reduction in the anti-nutrient content (tannins, oxalates, and phytates) was observed in the case of boiling as compared to roasting and popping. Boiling and slurring resulted in, 86.2% and 92.6% increase in protein digestibility respectively whereas roasting reduced it to 66.3% as compared to raw grains (74.8%). Dry heating resulted in partial gelatinization of starch unlike wet processing which showed complete gelatinization. These results indicate that wet processing techniques are superior to dry processing techniques in terms of nutrient bioavailability Keywords : Grain amaranth, gelatinization, protein digestibility, anti-nutrient
A Case Study on the Socio-Economic Conditions of the Artisanal Fisheries in the Cagayan De Oro River

Freshwater fishing is an important socioeconomic aspect of the communities in the Cagayan de Oro River (CDOR), Philippines. The fishery sector in CDOR has the elements that are generally characteristic of artisanal or small-scale fisheries. Before this study, very little was known of the scope and magnitude of artisanal level fishing activities within the CDOR. It has remained undocumented by Local Government Units (LGUs) as it does not contribute directly to the economy in terms of measurable cash flow. However, a number of fishes in the river have higher commercial value compared to marine fisheries in the nearby Macajalar Bay. This study is an attempt to examine the conditions of the CDOR fisheries and to quantify its economic contributions. The economic contribution is measured in terms of the market value of captured aquatic resources. In order to establish the behavior and trends in the fisheries of the different communities, the study area was divided into three sub-zones. Data in this study were collected through interviews of identified fishermen in the different sub-zones. Majority of the fishermen venture into other menial jobs due to proximity to the urban center. Many of them have subsidiary occupations which serve the dual purpose of alternative income and job opportunities and food source because fishing is seasonal. The peak fishing season usually spans two to four months. Comparatively, the earnings derived by the Cagayan de Oro River fishermen are relatively in almost the same range as the marine fishermen in the different parts of the country.
Cross sectional study to assess behavioral problems in multi-transfused thalassemic children and psychosocial factors affecting them

Thalassemia was first noted in the Mediterranean population wnd this geographical association explained its naming as “thalassa” which in greek means the sea and the “Haema” is Greek for blood. Thalassemia is an autosomal recessive haemolytic anaemia that results from defective production of haemoglobin due to mutation in the genes which directs the production of haemoglobin. Beta Thalassemia is the most common single gene disorder. Worldwide approximately 15 million people are estimated to suffer from thalassemic disorders and at here are about 240 million carriers of beta Thalassemia worldwide i.e. 1.5% of world population.
Use of Carabids as environmental indicators in grasslands and cereals

Recent work on Carabidae of grasslands and cereals in northern Europe is summarised. In cereals, the biology and role of individual carabids in pest management has been studied in some detail. Grassland studies have concentrated more on classifying the assemblages present, and relating the fauna to environmental conditions and vegetation management. This information is used in the ecological evaluation of grassland habitats. Recent works emphasize landscape features and pattern in the agricultural environment. Examples are given of the author’s studies on: pitfall trapping for assessing carabid assemblages; management effects on grassland carabids; multivariate analyses of carabids in UK cereals. A prime need is for further work on individual carabid biologies and population dynamics.
Silage Quality of King Grass (Pennisetum purpureophoides) Treated with Epiphytic Lactic Acid Bacteria and Tannin of Acacia

The aim of this study was to evaluate the silage quality of king grass ( Pennisetum purpureophoides ) treated with addition of epiphytic lactic acid bacteria (LAB) prepared from fermented grass extract (FGE) or combined with tannin of acacia. Experiment was arranged to a completely randomized design with six treatments and three replications. Treatments were (A) king grass without additive as a control; (B) king grass + 3% (v/w) of FGE; (C) king grass + 3% (v/w) of FGE + 10 ml of acacia extract (50 g/100 ml); (D) king grass + 3% of FGE (v/w) + 10 ml of acacia extract (50 g/75 ml); (E) king grass + 3% of FGE (v/w) + 10 ml of acacia extract (50 g/50 ml), and (F) king grass + 3% of FGE (v/w) + 10 ml of acacia extract (50 g/25 ml). About 250 g of silage materials were ensiled in 400 ml bottle silos at room temperatures (approximately 28 °C) for 30 days. Variables measured were characteristics of FGE, fermentation characteristics and chemical composition of silage. Data were analyzed by analysis of variance and the significance differences among means were tested by the Duncan's multiple range test. Results showed that the number of lactic acid bacteria in FGE increased from 0.8 × 10 7 cfu/ml to 2.9 × 10 7 cfu/ml after 2 days anaerobic incubation. Concentration of lactic acid in silages with addition of FGE or combined with tannin of acacia (B, C, D, E, and F) were higher (P3-N decreased with increasing concentration of tannin. Butyric acid concentration decreased in silages B, C, D, E, and F as compared to that in silage A. Addition of FGE combined with tannin prepared from acacia leaf improved fermentation quality of king grass silage.
Effect of Sowing Time on Growth, Phenology and Yield Attribute of Summer Groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.) in Allahabad

Groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.) is a annual legume crop and a major oilseed crop of tropical and subtropical countries, which is also known as ‘peanut’, ‘earthnut’, ‘monkey nut’ and ‘goobers’. It is the 13 th most important crop and 4 th most oilseed crop of the world. Groundnut is grown during kharif season in areas with the annual rainfall of 600 to 800 mm. it can be very successfully grown in drought prone area during kharif season, but during summer it required irrigation. Ground is a widely adapted to varying agroclimatic conditions and soils, which has made its cultivation possible in most of the tropical and subtropical countries in the world. Groundnut is a C3 plant where photo respiration is very high. Groundnut is a deep rooted a distinct tap root with secondary and deeply spreading roots, make it drought resistant to some extent. Groundnut is a self pollinated crop and pollination takes place early in the morning. The groundnut is mainly grown in kharif season, but due to inadequate, uncertain and erratic rainfall distribution coupled with infestation of pest and diseases, production is less. The cultivation of this crop during summer is much profitable. The information on appropriate time of sowing of International Journal of Current Microbiology and Applied Sciences ISSN: 2319-7706 Volume 6 Number 4 (2017) pp. 2357-2365 Journal homepage: http://www.ijcmas. com
Palaeoseismic deformations in the Eastern Baltic region (Kaliningrad District of Russia)

The article presents new data on sedimentological structures, which have been discovered at the Ryadino archaeological excavation in the northeast of the Kaliningrad District of Russia (the Šešupė River Valley). Tongue-shaped and domeshaped diapir-like structures indicate liquefaction-induced features. As the most plausible reason, the earthquake-induced shaking is discussed. A preliminary estimation of the time interval for the seismic event covers the period from the early up to the late Holocene. The reasons for seismic activity in this region can be related to neotectonic movements (including glacio-isostatic rebound) as recorded in the southeastern Baltic Sea area of the Fennoscandian ice sheet margin zone. The relation between a palaeoseismic event and the essential changes in the hydrographic network in the region is also discussed.
Spatial variation in the composition of motile macroinvertebrate assemblages associated with two bed types of the seagrass Posidonia oceanica

The influence of continuous (non-fragmented) and reticulate (fragmented) bed type and plant architecture on the species richness, abundance and assemblage composition of motile macroinvertebrates associated with the seagrass Posidonia oceanica was investigated at 3 different spatial scales (10s of metres ('small'), 100s of metres ('medium') and kilometres ('large')). Univariate and multivariate analyses did not identify significant differences in the attributes of macroinverte- brate assemblages between the 2 P. oceanica bed types over the 3 spatial scales considered. On the other hand, significant spatial variation in macroinvertebrate attributes was detected at the large spa- tial scale. Results of univariate regression and multivariate correlation analysis consistently indicated significant relationships between attributes of the macroinvertebrate assemblages and epiphyte bio- mass at the large spatial scale. Although less consistent, significant relationships were also detected between attributes of the macroinvertebrate assemblages, and mean sediment grain size, total organic carbon in sediment and shoot biomass at the large and medium spatial scales. The findings indicate that naturally fragmented and non-fragmented P. oceanica beds have similar habitat charac- teristics for the associated macroinvertebrates and that local factors, which influence seagrass bed architecture and particularly epiphyte load, have greater influence on the seagrass fauna. Data from the present study support the notion that fragmented seagrass beds should receive the same atten- tion as non-fragmented ones with regard to habitat conservation and protection.
Discriminant Analysis of Rural Households Unemployment status in Imo State, Nigeria

This study analyzed the household unemployment rate in Imo State. Data were collected with validated questionnaire from 540 proportionately and randomly sampled rural households in Imo state. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and Discriminant function model. The household unemployment rate in Imo state was found to be 61.4% , therefore the households in Imo state are categorized as unemployed households. About 71% of the household members were frictionally unemployed. Determinants of household unemployment rate were found to be wage rate in non-paid employment, dependents, socioeconomic status, level of education, type of Occupation, health status, and frequency of use of information sources on jobs. The most significant discriminator of unemployed households is education.