Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Spatially distributed assessment of solar resources for energy applications in Slovakia

Spatial and temporal distribution of available solar energy depends on several factors. Besides latitude and astronomical factors it is strongly influenced by climate factors (e.g. cloudiness, turbidity) and topography. This paper presents a solar database of Slovakia containing spatially-distributed solar energy resource data necessary for planning, sitting and forecasting of solar device installations. The database consists of several data sets showing monthly and annual real-sky and clear-sky irradiation on horizontal and optimally-inclined planes. It was derived from available solar radiation databases, ground-station meteorological data, digital elevation model with a horizontal resolution of 100 m and methodology based on the r.sun solar radiation model. The analysis and modeling was performed within the open-source environment of GRASS GIS. The results show that an average daily sum of real-sky solar irradiation on a horizontal plane is about 3.0 kWh/m 2 /day (ranging from 2.7 to 3.3 kWh/m 2 /day for 95% of the area) with the highest potential in southern areas of the Slovak territory. Northern, mountainous areas have a mixed potential that strongly depends on local topography (areas affected by shadows). The energy yield can be increased by optimization of solar panel inclination. The solar panel inclined to 34-46 degrees receive about 2.9-3.8 kWh/m 2 /day of solar irradiation (95% of the area) with the average value of 3.3 kWh/m 2 /day. The study showed a strong seasonal variation of available solar energy with the highest values during summer months. Horizontal planes in December, in average, receive only 15% of solar irradiation available in June. The optimization of solar panel inclination increases the availability of solar energy during winter up to 30% of June values.
The Dynamics of Pricing Kernels and Relative Risk Aversion

Risk management and the thorough understanding of the relations between financial markets and the standard theory of macroeconomics have always been among the topics most addressed by researchers, both financial mathematicians and economists. This work aims at explaining investors’ behavior from a macroeconomic aspect (modeled by the investors’ pricing kernel and their relative risk aversion) using stocks and options data. Daily estimates of investors’ pricing kernel (PK) and relative risk aversion (RRA) are obtained and used to construct and analyze a three-year long time-series. The first four moments of these time-series as well as their values at the money are the starting point of a principal component analysis. The relation between changes in a major index level and implied volatility at the money and between the principal components of the changes in RRA is found to be linear. The relation of the same explanatory variables to the principal components of the changes in PK is found to be log-linear, although this relation is not significant for all of the examined maturities. Declaration of Authorship I hereby confirm that I have authored this master thesis independently and without use of others than the indicated sources. All passages which are literally or in general matter taken out of publications or other sources are marked as such. Berlin, December 8 2005
AGRONOMY AND SOILS Seed Quality and Planting Date Effects on Cotton Lint Yield, Yield Components, and Fiber Quality

Poor quality cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) seed resulting from unfavorable growing conditions in seed production areas, complicates planting decisions for producers, particularly when higher-priced transgenic cultivars are involved. Studies were conducted to investigate how varying planting dates and genetic backgrounds affected the development, lint yield, and fiber quality for seed lots of varying quality or seed size. Twelve different seed lots of varying cultivars, seed germination rates, and seed sizes were planted at either an early April or early May planting date from 2002 through 2004 at Stoneville, MS. Seeding rate adjustments were made based upon the germination rate of the seed lots and seedling survival expectations for the two planting dates. Seedling emergence counts, dry matter partitioning, lint yield and yield components, and fiber quality data were collected each growing season. Although early planting reduced seedling emergence by 16%, lint yield increased 14%. Planting seed lots of varying germination rates or seed lots generated by blending seeds of varying germination for individual cultivars had essentially no impact on lint yield production and few effects on dry matter production or fiber quality. The larger seed size seed lot of PM 1218BR resulted in 17% more seedlings emerging than the small seed size lot, and that translated into 7% more lint yield for the large size seed lot. The overt negative consequences from inadequate stand establishment on lint yield production by using poor quality seed can mostly be avoided by adjusting the seeding rate to account for poorer germination rates or the poor emergence conditions associated with early planting.
Elevated field atmospheric CO2 concentrations affect the characteristics of winter wheat (cv. Bologna) grains

Abstract. The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of elevated concentration of carbon dioxide (CO2), as expected over coming decades, on yield and quality of winter bread wheat (Triticum aestivum L.). Plants (cv. Bologna) were grown by using the free-air CO2 enrichment (FACE) system at Fiorenzuola d’Arda under ambient (control) and elevated (570 ppm, e[CO2]) CO2 concentrations for two growing seasons. We addressed whether there would be a response of wheat grains to elevated CO2 concentration in terms of the contents of nitrogen (N), micro- and macronutrients, proteins and free amino acids. Under e[CO2], total wheat biomass and grain yield increased in both years of the study. Grain N percentage was reduced under e[CO2], but grain N yield (kg ha–1) was increased. Among macro- and micronutrients, a decrease in zinc concentration was observed. The proteome pattern was significantly different in grains grown at the two different CO2 levels, but the observed changes were highly dependent on interactions with prevailing environmental conditions. Finally, a negative trend was observed in the early germination rates of seeds from plants grown under e[CO2] compared with the controls. The results suggest that the expected increase in CO2 levels and their interactive effects with environmental variables may influence agronomic performance by increasing yield and negatively affecting quality.
Effect of Different Levels of Nano-selenium on Performance , Blood Parameters , Immunity and Carcass Characteristics of Broiler Chickens

Introduction Selenium is one of essential minerals required for optimal growth and productivity in birds. It supports multiple functions related to poultry production, fertility, and disease prevention. Selenium as an integral part of the enzyme glutathione peroxidaseserves as an antioxidant enzyme and helps to control levels of hydrogen peroxide and lipid peroxides. These matobilites are produced during normal metabolic activity (Rotruck et al., 1973; Canoğullari et al., 2010; Baylan et al., 2011). Van Beirendonck et al. (2016) found there is a relation between selenomethionine content in dietary Abstract
Some hypersonic intake studies

Abstract A ‘two dimensional’ air intake comprising a wedge followed by an isentropic compression has been tested in the Cranfield Gun Tunnel at Mach 8·2. These tests were performed to investigate qualitatively the intake flow starting process. The effects of cowl position, Reynolds number, boundary-layer trip and introduction of a small restriction in the intake duct were investigated. Schlieren pictures of the flow on the compression surface and around the intake entrance were taken. Results showed that the intake would operate over the Reynolds number range tested. Tests with a laminar boundary layer demonstrated the principal influence of the Reynolds number on the boundary-layer growth and consequently on the flow structure in the intake entrance. In contrast boundary layer tripping produced little variation in flow pattern over the Reynolds number range tested. The cowl lip position appeared to have a strong effect on the intake performance. The only parameter which prevented the intake from starting was the introduction of a restriction in the intake duct. The experimental data obtained were in good qualitative agreement with the CFD predictions. Finally, these experimental results indicated a good intake flow starting process over multiple changes of parameters.
Phylogenetic relationships and description of a new stygobite species of Bythinella (Mollusca, Gastropoda, Caenogastropoda, Amnicolidae) from southern France

Prié V. & Bichain J.-M. 2009. — Phylogenetic relationships and description of a new stygobite species of Bythinella (Mollusca, Gastropoda, Caenogastropoda, Amnicolidae) from southern France. Zoosystema 31 (4): 987-1000. ABSTRACT A population of the aquatic gastropod Bythinella that does not conform to any described hypogean or epigean species of this genus was discovered in a cave stream in southern France (Folatière cave). Members of this population lacked body pigments and eyespots, which suggests adaptation to a subterranean environment. Mitochondrial COI sequences revealed two lineages within this population, separated by a genetic divergence higher than the inter-specific threshold commonly admitted for hydrobioid species. In contrast, a phylogeny based on the nuclear ITS1 gene clustered the sequenced hypogean specimens in a single clade. Moreover multivariate analyses performed on shell parameters did not enable discrimination between hypogean specimens attributed to each of these two mitochondrial lineages. The high COI variability within the same population and conflict between mtDNA and nDNA trees could be explained by a scenario of introgression by hybridization. Consequently, based on nuclear gene phylogeny, shell and anatomical characters, and ecological evidences, we hypothesize that the easily recognizable hypogean morph of the Folatière cave can be attributed to a distinct and new species — here described and named B. navacellensis n. sp. Our extensive sampling suggests that B. navacellensis n. sp. is distributed within a small delimited and cohesive area located around southern Larzac, covering c. 300 km2. Considering its distribution, restricted to a few subterranean aquifers only, B. navacellensis n. sp. can be categorised as a vulnerable species, VU D2.
The Well-Being of Children Involved with the Child Welfare System: A National Overview

Most children involved with the child welfare system have experienced abuse or neglect and separation from a parent. These traumatic experiences can lead to a variety of behavioral and emotional problems including severe attachment disorders. Additionally, many children in the child welfare system not only come from but are placed in high-risk home environments characterized by poverty, instability, and parents or caregivers with poor psychological well-being. These factors can also contribute to a greater likelihood of poor child well-being, further compromising the healthy development of an already vulnerable group of children.
Self medication pattern in rural areas in Pune, India

Objective: This study was carried to analyze the self medication pattern in rural areas of Pune. Method: Semi-structured questionnaire was used for collection of data. Information about age, sex, name of the self medication, diagnosis for the use of self medication, source of information about the self medication and adverse effects reported to self medications was collected. Results: NSAIDs (33.33), antibiotics (10.32), vitamins (14.08) and GIT ailment drugs (13.61) are most commonly used as self medication in rural areas. Other drugs that self medicated are: drugs for upper respiratory tract infection, antibiotics, antihypertensives, anticonvulsants and diuretics. Information about the self medication was predominantly obtained from previous prescription of doctors (64.32%) and from chemists (23%). Antibiotics like macrolides, fluoroquinolones, cephalosporins, antihelminthics, and furazolidine were taken as self medication in rural areas. 50% of antibiotics used as self medication was associated with development of ADRs. The adverse effects reported with antibiotics self medication were: vomiting, hyperacidity, gastrointestinal discomfort. 21.13% of persons reported adverse effects with NSAIDs self medication. Adverse effects reported with analgesic use in this study were: hyperacidity, skin rashes, nausea. Conclusions: NSAIDs, antibiotics, vitamins and GIT ailment drugs are commonly self medicated in rural areas of Pune. The self medication of antibiotics is disturbing, as these are liable for drug resistance and severe ADRs and hence should be taken under supervision only. Pharmacists, key person in rural areas, can provide information about adverse effects of self medicated drugs and also can guide about proper precautions to be taken for self medication.
Quality versus Quantity: An Investigation into Electronic Word of Mouth’s Influence on Consumer Buying Intention

Online consumer reviews play an increasingly crucial role in shaping purchasing intention. With the wide-spread reviews available around the world on sites like TripAdvisor or Yelp, companies’ reputation and hence survival are potentially at risk. The purpose of this study is to investigate the impacts of electronic word-of-mouth (eWOM) on the individual’s attitudes towards the quantity and quality of online store reviews and consider how it impacts their behavior. We incorporate brand trust as a mediator in the relationship between eWOM and purchase intention. Using a vignette survey experiment centered on coffee shop reviews in Hanoi, Vietnam, we test our hypothesis with 223 respondents. Results showed that the number and quality of review does significantly affect purchase intention. Findings also show that brand trust has a mediating effect on the relationship between online reviews and buying intention. This study assists practitioners to develop user-oriented information review format in order to manage online consumer reviews properly and effectively.
Quantitative real-time PCR analysis of the caecal bacteria population of broiler chickens fed with corn-soy diet containing 20% of palm kernel meal with or without enzyme supplementation.

In the present study, quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction analysis was performed to enumerate the caecal bacterial population of broiler chickens fed with corn-soy based diet containing 20% of palm kernel-meal with or without enzyme supplementation. A total of seventy five day old male Cobb broiler chickswas used in the feeding trial receiving a corn-soy diet with20% of palm kernel meal with or without xylanase or cellulase supplementation at an amount of 200U/kg of feed respectively. On day 35, birds were slaughtered and the caecum content was aseptically collected for the bacterial quantification. Both xylanase and cellulase supplementation in the diet significantly reduced the population of total bacteria, enterococcus and Salmonella spp. bacteria in the caecal digesta of broiler chickens. Moreover, the population of lactic acid bacteria, enterobacteria and Escherichia coli in digesta of broiler chickens fed with enzyme supplementation was also significantly reduced compared to broiler chickens received no enzyme addition in the diet. However, eventhough the population of bifidobacteria analyzed in the caecal digesta of enzyme supplemented broiler chickens was reduced compared to non-supplemented broiler chickens, it is not significantly different. The result obtained suggested that xylanase and cellulase supplementation at an amount of 200 U/kg of feed reduced a number of pathogenic bacteria in the caecal particularly enterobacteria, Escherichia coli and Salmonella spp. bacteria.
A widespread decrease in productivity of sockeye salmon ( Oncorhynchus nerka ) populations in western North America

We used data on 64 stocks of sockeye salmon (Oncorhynchus nerka) from British Columbia (B.C.), Washington, and Alaska to determine whether recent decreases in abundance and productivity observed for Fraser River, B.C., sockeye have occurred more widely. We found that decreasing time trends in productivity have occurred across a large geographic area ranging from Washington, B.C., southeast Alaska, and up through the Yakutat peninsula, Alaska, but not in central and western Alaska. Furthermore, a pattern of predominantly shared trends across southern stocks and opposite trends between them and stocks from western Alaska was present in the past (1950–1985), but correlations have intensified since then. The spatial extent of declining productivity of sockeye salmon has important implications for management as well as research into potential causes of the declines. Further research should focus on mechanisms that operate at large, multiregional spatial scales, and (or) in marine areas where numerous correlated sockeye stocks overlap. Résumé : Les auteurs ont utilisé les données sur 64 réserves de saumon rouge (Oncorhynchus nerka) de la ColombieBritannique (C.B.), Washington et Alaska afin de déterminer si les récentes diminutions de l’abondance et de la productivité du sockeye observées dans le fleuve Fraser, en C.B. , se sont manifestées plus largement. Ils ont constaté que les tendances de diminution de la productivité avec le temps se sont manifestées sur une large étendue géographique allant de l’état de Washington, de la C.B. , du sud-est de l’Alaska et jusque dans la péninsule de Yakutat, en Alaska, mais pas dans le centre et l’ouest de l’Alaska. De plus, ils ont observé un patron de tendances principalement partagées sur l’ensemble réserves du sud et des tendances opposées entre celles-ci et les réserves de l’ouest de l’Alaska, dans le passé (1950–1985), mais les corrélations se sont intensifiées depuis. L’étendue spatiale du déclin de productivité du saumon sockeye porte d’importantes implications pour l’aménagement ainsi que la recherche sur les causes potentielles des déclins. Les recherches à venir devraient se concentrer sur les mécanismes agissant en général, aux échelles spatiales multirégionales, et (ou) dans les régions marines où plusieurs réserves corrélées du sockeye se recouvrent. [Traduit par la Rédaction]
Determinants of Dividend Policy: Evidence from GCC Market

This paper examines the determinants of dividend policy in GCC market based on sample firms in UAE market. An analysis was conducted to understand the dividend trends among different industry sectors in UAE market. The analysis of approximately 120 listed companies reveal that 80 per cent of the companies paid cash dividends during the three year period 2011-2013. The paper also examines the various theoretical attributes used in financial literature to understand the determinants of dividend policy. The partial least squares structural equations modeling (PLS-SEM) was used to test the alternate explanations of corporate dividend payout policy in the gulf market. The study finds support for residual theory and pecking order argument of dividends. Investment policy influences dividend policy. The results support the theory that firms with high growth rate in income requires higher capital expenditure and establish lower dividend payout on account of costly external financing. Liquidity is an important determinant of dividend decision. Stability of dividend payments is not a critical factor considered by financial markets in the region.
IMPACT OF VERMICOMPOST CARRIER BASED BIOINOCULANTS ON THE GROWTH, YIELD AND QUALITY OF RICE (ORYZA SATIVA L.) C. V. NLR 145

Biofertilizers play an important role for supplementing the essential plant nutrients for sustainable agriculture, economy and eco-friendly environment. The term biofertilizers generally are defined as preparation containing live or latent cells of efficient strains of N-fixing, P-solubilizing or cellulolytic microorganisms used for application to seed or soil (Motsara et al., 1995). The use of biofertilizers in crops /plants have been recommended considering the effective /sufficient dose and beneficial response on growth of plants and yield of crops. The biofertilizer is manufactured using effective strains and it is first mass cultured in a liquid medium in a fermentor or containers. The broth is then mixed with a carrier, it may be peat or lignite or charcoal. Finally it is subjected to curing wherein the initial bacteria increase in number depending on the nutrient availability in the carrier. Hence the carrier plays an important role in the shelf life of the inoculated microbial culture. In moist formulation, the carrier absorbs and retains the moisture and provides a surface for growth of the bacteria.
Management Outcomes of Tuberculosis Cases in a Tertiary Hospital in Southwestern Nigeria

Nigeria is currently ranked 5th among the 22 high tuberculosis burden countries in the world. This paper analyses the management outcomes of hospitalized and ambulatory cases of tuberculosis in Olabisi Onabanjo University Teaching Hospital, Sagamu. A retrospective study was conducted in September 2009, using the records of 263 hospitalized patients managed for tuberculosis between January 2000 and December 2002. Information on the management outcome of 308 ambulatory cases of tuberculosis managed by the community health clinic on directly observed therapy short course was also collected for the same time period for comparison. The case fatality rate of the hospitalized cases was found to be 17.1%, while that of the ambulatory cases was 5.2%. The mortality rate among those having co-infection (with TB/HIV) was found to be almost four times higher in the hospitalized cases than the ambulatory cases. Intensification of tuberculosis health education involving the community health workers, early diagnosis and treatment with directly observed therapy short course and contact tracing are recommended to nosedive the high mortality associated with late presentation and complications resulting in hospital admissions.
Optical mobility in cross-type optical particle separation

The optical mobilities of particles in a cross-type particle separation system were measured experimentally. Three particles were chosen to test the effects of optical mobility, namely, polystyrene latex, polymethylmethacrylate, and silica particles. The particles, which had the same optical mobility, showed identical behavior even though their sizes and refractive indices were very different. The optical mobility was validated by measuring the retention distance where each particle was deflected by the radiation force.
Influence of Organizational Form and Customer Type on Online Customer Satisfaction Ratings**

In this paper, we explore the impact of the organizational form (company‐owned versus franchised) and the type of customer (nonbusiness versus business) on online consumer‐generated satisfaction ratings in the hotel industry. Our empirical study deals with 6,348 ripdvisor reviews regarding stays at one of 134 hotels of a plural form chain located in a estern uropean country. Our main finding reveals that the type of customer moderates the relationship between organizational form and customer satisfaction; business travelers having higher satisfaction with franchised hotels than company‐owned hotels in terms of satisfaction. We discuss the implications of these findings for the management of plural form chains.