Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of digital soil mapping approaches with large sets of environmental covariates

Abstract. The spatial assessment of soil functions requires maps of basic soil properties. Unfortunately, these are either missing for many regions or are not available at the desired spatial resolution or down to the required soil depth. The field-based generation of large soil datasets and conventional soil maps remains costly. Meanwhile, legacy soil data and comprehensive sets of spatial environmental data are available for many regions. Digital soil mapping (DSM) approaches relating soil data (responses) to environmental data (covariates) face the challenge of building statistical models from large sets of covariates originating, for example, from airborne imaging spectroscopy or multi-scale terrain analysis. We evaluated six approaches for DSM in three study regions in Switzerland (Berne, Greifensee, ZH forest) by mapping the effective soil depth available to plants (SD), pH, soil organic matter (SOM), effective cation exchange capacity (ECEC), clay, silt, gravel content and fine fraction bulk density for four soil depths (totalling 48 responses). Models were built from 300–500 environmental covariates by selecting linear models through (1) grouped lasso and (2) an ad hoc stepwise procedure for robust external-drift kriging (georob). For (3) geoadditive models we selected penalized smoothing spline terms by component-wise gradient boosting (geoGAM). We further used two tree-based methods: (4) boosted regression trees (BRTs) and (5) random forest (RF). Lastly, we computed (6) weighted model averages (MAs) from the predictions obtained from methods 1–5. Lasso, georob and geoGAM successfully selected strongly reduced sets of covariates (subsets of 3–6 % of all covariates). Differences in predictive performance, tested on independent validation data, were mostly small and did not reveal a single best method for 48 responses. Nevertheless, RF was often the best among methods 1–5 (28 of 48 responses), but was outcompeted by MA for 14 of these 28 responses. RF tended to over-fit the data. The performance of BRT was slightly worse than RF. GeoGAM performed poorly on some responses and was the best only for 7 of 48 responses. The prediction accuracy of lasso was intermediate. All models generally had small bias. Only the computationally very efficient lasso had slightly larger bias because it tended to under-fit the data. Summarizing, although differences were small, the frequencies of the best and worst performance clearly favoured RF if a single method is applied and MA if multiple prediction models can be developed.
Direct versus delayed pathways in strong-field non-sequential double ionization

We report full-dimensionality quantum and classical calculations of the double ionization (DI) of laser-driven helium at 390 nm. Good agreement between the quantum and classical results is observed. We identify the relative importance of the two main non-sequential DI pathways: the direct—with an almost simultaneous ejection of both electrons—and the delayed. We find that the delayed pathway prevails at small intensities independently of total electron energy, but at high intensities the direct pathway predominates up to a certain upper limit in total energy, which increases with intensity. An explanation of this increase with intensity is provided.
The Role of Microfinance on Growth of Small-Scale Agribusinesses in Malawi: A Case of Lilongwe District

The emergence and proliferation of Microfinance Institutions (MFIs) in Malawi gave rise to the need for empirical research to assess their role on growth of small-scale agribusiness entrepreneurs. The paper gives the details of the results of a study which was conducted in Malawi to analyze the role of microfinance on the growth of small-scale agribusinesses in Lilongwe District. A financing constraint approach was applied using logit model to determine factors affecting investments of small-scale agribusiness entrepreneurs. The approach stipulates that entrepreneurs in areas with significant presence of MFIs (unconstrained) rely less on internal funds (average profits) for their investment decisions than areas with limited presence of MFIs (constrained). A T-test was also used to compare investment levels of unconstrained and constrained firms to support the results obtained from the financing constraint approach. Loans were among the products which were found to be offered by MFIs although their accessibility was affected by, among others, high interest rates. The logit model revealed that for each additional profit the probability of investment decreased by 46 percent in constrained firms and 39 percent in unconstrained firms. However, the T-test results revealed no significant difference in levels of investments between unconstrained firms and constrained firms. These results show no significant role of MFIs on growth of small-scale agribusiness entrepreneur. The results have insinuated the review of MFI loans conditions such as interest rates if they are to have a significant role on growth of small-scale agribusiness entrepreneurs.
Tunnel Reinforcement Optimization for Nonlinear Material

In this paper, topology optimization is applied in optimizing tunnel reinforcement. Nonlinear behavior of geotechnical material is considered to illustrate the practical material behavior under working condition. The adjoint method is used to derive the nonlinear sensitivities. A revised bi-directional evolutionary optimization (BESO) is used to maximize the structural stiffness of reinforced tunnel with a prescribed volume of reinforcement. The developed BESO method is illustrated in a simple example of tunnel reinforcement design to verify the proposed approach.
Dynamical behavior and synchronization of hyperchaotic complex T-system

In this paper, we introduce a new hyperchaotic complex T-system. This system has complex nonlinear behavior which we study its dynamical properties including invariance, equilibria and their stability, Lyapunov exponents, bifurcation, chaotic behavior and chaotic attractors as well as necessary conditions for this system to generate chaos. We discuss the synchronization with certain and uncertain parameters via adaptive control. For synchronization, we use less controllers than the dimension of the proposed system. Also, we prove that the error system is asymptotically stable by using a Lyapunov function. Numerical simulations are computed to check the analytical expressions.
The Effect of Financial Liberalization and Capital Flows on Income Volatility in Asia-Pacific

This paper examines the effect of financial liberalization on income volatility focused on the direction of capital flows in the Asia-Pacific region. By using a dynamic panel model, this study investigates the effect of financial liberalization on income volatility in 19 Asia-Pacific countries over the period 1976-2015. The results show that the financial liberalization in the Asia-Pacific region associated with low income volatility is only perceived by developed countries, while not for developing countries. This paper also investigates the effect of capital flows on different types of directions. The results show that capital outflows will be associated with low income volatility, whereas capital inflows will be associated with high income volatility. The negative effect of financial liberalization on income volatility in developing countries is caused by the majority of those countries holding larger capital inflows, compared to capital outflows. Therefore, the excess capital inflows in developing countries increase the pressure and the vulnerability to the crisis.
Can compensatory growth contribute to reduce the so-called protein gap in organic pig fattening?

The lack of organic feed with high quality amino acid pattern (protein gap) makes it more difficult to achieve Lysine-energy-ratios in 100 % organic grower diets required for high yielding growing-finishing pigs. The resultant marginal Lysine supply threatens to reduce body protein synthesis. Hence, the objective of our study was to investigate whether a moderate oversupply of Lysine in the finisher period after a marginal Lysine supply in the grower period will result in compensatory growth (CG). 48 gilts and 48 barrows were equally divided into four groups with different Lysine-energy-ratios (g Lysine per MJ Metabolisable Energy [ME]) in the grower diet (grodi) and in the finisher diet (findi): ( i) Group_1 – experimental group: 0.69 (grodi)/0.69 (findi); (ii) Group_2 – negative control group: 0.69 (grodi)/0.59 (findi); ( iii) Group_3 – positive control group: 0.89 (grodi)/0.69 (findi); ( iv) Group_4 – regular control group: 0.89 (grodi)/0.59 (findi). N-reten tion (as criterion for body protein gain) was measured for a random sample of barrows, and growth performance, carcass quality, and meat quality were recorded for all pigs. N-retention indicated compensatory body protein gain for Group_1 barrows. All groups were similar in meat quality and growth performance for the whole fattening period but Group_1 pigs showed CG for daily weight gain and daily feed intake in the finishing period. Group_1 and Group_2 pigs showed only slightly, non-significant lower lean meat percentages than Group_3 and Group_4 pigs, this is taken to be at least partial CG. It is concluded that CG mechanisms help to reduce the protein gap in organic pig fattening, facilitating the implementation of 100 % organic feeding.
On the nature of prejudice: Automatic and controlled processes

Abstract The present research, involving three experiments, examined the existence of implicit attitudes of Whites toward Blacks, investigated the relationship between explicit measures of racial prejudice and implicit measures of racial attitudes, and explored the relationship of explicit and implicit attitudes to race-related responses and behavior. Experiment 1, which used a priming technique, demonstrated implicit negative racial attitudes (i.e., evaluative associations) among Whites that were largely disassociated from explicit, self-reported racial prejudice. Experiment 2 replicated the priming results of Experiment 1 and demonstrated, as hypothesized, that explicit measures predicted deliberative race-related responses (juridic decisions), whereas the implicit measure predicted spontaneous responses (racially primed word completions). Experiment 3 extended these findings to interracial interactions. Self-reported (explicit) racial attitudes primarily predicted the relative evaluations of Black and White interaction partners, whereas the response latency measure of implicit attitude primarily predicted differences in nonverbal behaviors (blinking and visual contact). The relation between these findings and general frameworks of contemporary racial attitudes is considered.
MANAGERIAL ROLE IN ENHANCING EMPLOYEE MOTIVATION IN PUBLIC HEALTH CARE

Engulfed by numerous setbacks pronounced by huge manpower crises, work overload and poor working conditions, public sector employees find it increasingly difficult to ensure a more patientfocused, results-driven and sustainable health care system. Whilst extrinsic rewards are almost nonexistent, managers in public health care can play a pivotal role in enhancing employee motivation through intrinsic factors. This study aims to assess managerial characteristics for public health care (management of attention, meaning, self, trust, risk, feelings) and employee motivation (achievement, power, affiliation) and, the relationships between these. A sample of 338 employees (stratified random sampling) and 18 managers (consensus sampling) were drawn. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used to analyse the data. Based on the results, the study provides guidance for enhancing employee motivation and consequently, service delivery in public health care.
Application of biofilms in the post-harvest conservation of pequi (Caryocar brasiliense Camb.)

Pequi ( Caryocar brasiliense Camb.), fruit characteristic of the Brazilian cerrado, has sensory and nutritional characteristics, pleasant flavor and aroma and considerable presence of lipids and fiber, essential for human consumption. The aim of this study was to assess the post-harvest conservation of this fruit by using different sources of biofilms as a means to ensure the maintenance of fruit physical and chemical characteristics in order to increase its shelf life. Fruits were submitted to four treatments: control (no coating) (T1); 0.5% w/w carnauba wax (T2); 1% w/w cassava starch (T3) and 1.5% w/w xanthan gum (T4) stored during 15 days at BOD at 22 ± 0.1°C and submitted every three days to analyses of titratable acidity, soluble solid, pH, turgor pressure, vitamin C, weight loss and physical structure by scanning electron microscopy. The pH levels and turgor pressure showed expected values for control and coated pequi fruits. The vitamin C, titratable acidity, soluble solids contents and weight loss showed that coatings did not achieve satisfactory results. However, fruits coated with cassava starch showed the best conservation results during the experimental period. Key words : Coatings, shelf life, storage.
Partitioning of cloud water and rainwater content by ground‐based observations with the Advanced Microwave Radiometer for Rain Identification (ADMIRARI) in synergy with a micro rain radar

[1] Cloud and rain liquid water path and total water vapor are retrieved simultaneously from passive microwave observations with the multifrequency dual-polarized Advanced Microwave Radiometer for Rain Identification (ADMIRARI). A data set of linearly polarized brightness temperatures has been collected at 30° elevation angle together with slant radar reflectivity profiles at 24.1 GHz from a micro rain radar (MRR) pointing into the same viewing direction. The slant path integrated values are retrieved via a Bayesian inversion approach, the quality of which is evaluated by a simulation-based retrieval sensitivity study. The algorithm includes a physical constraint by taking into account the rain column structural information from the MRR observations. Measurements and derived path-integrated water component estimates from 23 August to 12 November 2008, obtained in Cabauw, Netherlands, are analyzed. During raining cloud conditions the zenith-normalized root-mean-square error for water vapor, cloud liquid water path, and rain liquid water path are, on average, estimated to 1.54 kg m � 2 , 144 g m � 2 , and 52 g m � 2 , respectively. On the basis of these results, long-term estimated distributions of cloud water–rainwater partitioning for midlatitude precipitating clouds are presented for the first time as obtained by a ground-based radiometer. Citation: Saavedra, P., A. Battaglia, and C. Simmer (2012), Partitioning of cloud water and rainwater content by ground-based observations with the Advanced Microwave Radiometer for Rain Identification (ADMIRARI) in synergy with a micro rain radar, J. Geophys. Res., 117, D05203, doi:10.1029/2011JD016579.
Sensory evaluation, nutritional quality and antinutritional factors of traditionally co-fermented cereals/cowpea mixtures as infant complementary food.

Grains of winnowed cereals and cowpea were weighed in ratio 70:30 w/w (cereal: cowpea) and given to four mothers randomly selected from Well-Baby Clinics. Mothers prepared the mixtures using traditional method of cereal ogi processing. Chemical compositions of obtained mixtures were determined using official standard methods. Proanthocyanidins was by direct sample extraction and absorbance read at 550nm. Total phenol estimation was determined using the Folin & Cioclteu method. Organoleptic properties were determined using 9-point Hedonic scale method. Values of crude protein (%) were comparable in all samples sorghum/cowpea ogi had 11.2; millet/cowpea ogi 10.6 and maize/cowpea ogi 11.0 respectively. Dry matter contents (%) in all samples were comparable. Crude fibre content was higher in millet/cowpea than maize/cowpea and sorghum/cowpea. Phosphorus, magnesium, iron and copper contents (ppm) were higher in millet/cowpea than sorghum/cowpea and maize/cowpea. Values of zinc were comparable in maize/cowpea (1280) and sorghum/cowpea (1150) both of which were significantly higher (p<0.05) than millet/cowpea of 554. Antinutritional factors (ppm) were reduced by cofermentations in all samples. Co-fermentation did not improve the crude protein content, reduced significantly (p<0.05) the mineral contents except zinc and manganese in millet/cowpea. Maize/cowpea ogi was preferred to sorghum/cowpea and millet/cowpea ogi in organoleptic properties.
Book‐To‐Market Equity, Asset Correlations and the Basel Capital Requirement

This paper examines the effect of book-to-market equity (BE/ME) on asset correlations under the Basel capital requirement. We find that BE/ME captures variations in asset correlations after controlling for firm size, default probability and industry effects from 1987 to 2011. Obligors with higher BE/ME exhibit lower asset correlations compared to those with lower BE/ME. Decomposing BE/ME into assets-in-place and growth options based on the asset pricing literature shows that obligors with more assets-in-place or more fixed assets have higher BE/ME and lower asset correlations than those with more growth options. Overall, our findings suggest that BE/ME is an additional important factor that may improve the estimates of asset correlations and thereby banks� capital adequacy.
Vibrational Heat Capacity of Gold Cluster AuN=14 at Low Temperatures

The vibrational heat capacity Cvib of a re-optimized neutral gold cluster AuN=14 was investigated at temperatures 0.5-300/950 K. The vibrational frequency of a optimized cluster was revealed by small atomic displacements using a numerical finite-differentiation method. This method was implemented using density-functional tight-binding (DFTB) approach. The desired set of system eigenfrequencies (3N-6) was obtained by diagonalization of the symmetric positive semidefinite Hessian matrix. Our investigation revealed that the Cvib curve is strongly influenced by temperature, size and structure dependency. The effect of the range of interatomic forces is studied, especially the lower frequencies make a significant contribution to the heat capacity at low temperatures. Surprisingly, the Boson peaks are typically ascribed to an excess density of vibrational states for the small clusters. Finally, temperature dependencies of the vibrational heat capacities of the re-optimized neutral gold cluster have been studied for the first time.
HPV in minority populations: epidemiology and vaccination acceptability

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Rotavirus and Cryptosporidium infection in bovine calves in Southern Botswana

A cross-sectional study on prevalences of Rotavirus (RV) and Cryptosporidium parvum infections was carried out in dairy and beef calves in 31 farms over a 2-year period. Enzyme immunoassay (EIA) was to determine RV and C. parvum antigens in faecal samples. Cryptosporidial oocysts were detected in faecal smears stained by Modified Ziehl-Neelsen (MZN) technique. In dairy and beef animals, RV infections determined by EIA were 38.4% and 22.1% and C. parvum infection were 28.8% and 15.8%, respectively. MZN staining technique detected Cryptosporidium oocysts in 24.5% and 9.2% of the dairy and beef calves’ samples, respectively. At herd level, at least one beef and dairy calf were positive for RV and C. parvum infection in 11 and 10 beef herds out of 18 (61.1% and 55.6%), respectively, and 12 of 13 dairy herds (92.3%) examined. Dairy calves were found to be equally susceptible to RV and C. parvum infections whether reared under semi-intensive or intensive managements, but differences in infections were significant (P 0.05) in these two age groups. Sex of the calf was not associated with shedding of Cryptosporidium oocysts and RV infections. Based on the above results, husbandry advice was given to farmers and adoption of good management practices and immunization of animals resulted in reduction in clinical cases of neonatal diarrhea and mortality rates among dairy calves. Greater understanding of Cryptosporidium species and molecular-based prevalence studies, good hygienic practices on farms and use of RV vaccine in pregnant animals will result in reducing infections. Livestock handlers need to be educated on zoonotic implications of Cryptosporidium, the possibilities of interspecies transmission abilities of Rotaviruses, and the importance of these pathogens in young animals.
The Position of the Verb in Germanic Languages and Simultaneous Interpretation

This paper reports on an experimental study analysing the impact of SOV on simultaneous interpreting fromD andNL into Italian and the language-specific strategies adopted by 15 professional interpreters to tackle SOV-related difficulties. Despite the typological affinity between the two Germanic final-verb languages, the greater rigidity of the SOV structure in German appears to require more extensive anticipation efforts as well as a longer ear-voice span. Dutch is less rigid and characterised by systematic violations of the SOV order through the extraposition of a constituent. The load on short-term memory is, thus, less onerous which justifies a shorter ear-voice span and occasionally a blander approach to reformulation than is the case fromGerman.
Role of Talent Development Process on Competitive Advantage of Telecommunication Firms in Nairobi City County, Kenya

Talent development can be viewed from literature as the strategic activities and programs that help staff develop and enhance superior and unique skills and competencies to accomplish high level institutional objectives. This resource is an important source of competitiveness especially if the talent is strategic in nature inimitable and rare.For this reasons it is important for a firm to appreciate the unique contributions of investing in talent development and its relationship with competitive advantage. To have the right talent on the right job at the right time defines how telecommunication firms reposition their competitive advantage. Competitive firms should therefore effectively harness the sum of a person’s abilities, intrinsic gifts, skills, knowledge, experiences, intelligence, judgment, attitude, character, and drive, ability to learn and to grow potential to positively contribute to creation of an organization competitive advantage. The study sought to establish if there was a positive relationship between talent development processes and competitive advantage. The findings indicated that telecommunication firms have largely invested in talent development plans at (76%) and Talent methodologies at (62%) which are key determinants of successful talent development processes. The study therefore recommended that Telecommunication firms should adopt and implement talent development processes as key source of competitive advantage.