Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Distribution of vascular plant species in woodland patches of Ojców National Park (southern Poland) in relation to seed dispersal

Plant diaspore dispersal is a fundamental process affecting the development of forest vegetation and its natural regeneration, especially with regard to typical woodland species, which spread slowly and form short-term soil seed banks. Most of these species have poor seed dispersal mechanisms, which is the major cause of their very slow expansion. The following questions were asked: ( i ) is there a relationship between the age of a woodland and the presence of forest vascular plant species representing different seed dispersal types; ( ii ) how do the proportions change between species representing different seed dispersal types in relation to the age of woodland; ( iii ) what factors determine the presence of species representing a given seed dispersal type; ( iv ) which factors affect the presence and which ones influence the abundance of selected woodland species? A multiple regression models were developed based on data obtained from 144 woodland patches designated for the study. A probit regression analysis was performed for selected species exhibiting various seed dispersal models. Woodland plants of all seed dispersal types show a significant relationship with the age of woodland, starting from the strongest linkage: anemochores, myrmecochores, endozoochores, epizoochores, barochores, autochores. As the woodland ages, the proportion of forest myrmecochores and anemochores grows, whilst the proportion of autochores, epizoochores and endozoochores shrinks. Results obtained indicate that the direct proximity of ancient woodland has a major effect on the occurrence of more poorly dispersing plants in recent woodlands, such as myrmecochores and heavy anemochores.
An Economic Analysis of Black-White Disparities in the New York Police Department’s Stop-and-Frisk Program

We introduce a model to explore the identification of two distinct sources of bias in the New York Police Department’s stop-and-frisk program: the police officer making the stop decisions and the police chief allocating personnel across precincts. We analyze 10 years of data from the stop-and-frisk program in light of this theoretical framework. We find that white pedestrians are slightly less likely than African American pedestrians to be arrested conditional on being stopped. We interpret this finding as evidence that the officers making the stops are on average not biased against African Americans relative to whites, because the latter are stopped despite being a less productive stop for a police officer. We find suggestive evidence of police bias in the decision to frisk. Further research is needed.
Relationship between the Usage of Language Learning Strategies and the Level of Proficiency in Learning Arabic Ab Initio

This study was aimed to investigate the relationship between Language Learning Strategies (LLS) and the level of proficiency of students in Arabic Ab Initio language. There were also several studies done to investigate the achievement of students and their frequent usage of these Language Learning Strategies. Meanwhile, the level of student proficiency was measured by their results based on college-level exam results before they were registered in the Arabic Ab Initio classes. 162 year 1 students were selected randomly. These students were diverse in their courses ranging from Medicine, Engineering to Geology and Dentistry among others. This study used questionnaire as the main research tool to collect information on the use of language learning strategies. The questionnaire consisted of three parts, namely the demographic data, the Arabic Language Learning Strategies and motivation. The results showed that as a whole, the students had used language learning strategies at a moderate level. Metaphysics strategy was the most frequently used strategy. Also, it was found that high-achieving students used the language learning strategies more often and frequently as compared to other students of different proficiency. The Pearson test also showed that there was a significant positive correlation between Language Learning Strategies and the proficiency in the Arabic Ab Initio language.
The Effect of Business Strategies on the Relationship between Leverage Relative and Financial Performance of Listed Companies in Tehran Stock Exchange

This study empirically investigates the effects of business strategies on the relationship between financial leverage and the performance of firms. The research data is collected from 45 firms in the Tehran Security Exchange (TSE) during 2005-2014.The statistical technique is used to examine the assumption of multiple regressions. To test the assumptions, firms were divided into 2 groups: firms with cost leadership strategy and firms with product differentiation strategy. The results indicated that in the firms with cost leadership strategy, there were positive relationships between leverage; cost leadership strategy and dividend payout with performance. The results also suggested that there were positive relationships between leverage and firm's size with performance in the firms with product differentiation strategy, but the relation between product differentiation strategy and dividend payout with performance was negative. Keywords: Cost leadership Strategy, product differentiation strategy, financial leverage, performance.
Comparative Analysis of Geometric Models for Predicting the Dynamic Specific Surface of Foamlike Media

An adaptable geometric pore-scale model is proposed for predicting the specific surface area of actual foams. The proposed model, based on rectangular geometry, is compared to a cubic unit cell model from the literature based on cylindrical struts, a tetrakaidecahedron model as well as a dodecahedron model (both based on either cylindrical of triangular struts). The predicted specific surface areas of the proposed model are of the same order of magnitude as the other model predictions from the literature. The relative percentage errors in the predicted values are at most equal to the relative percentage errors associated with the measured diameter values. This is satisfactory, given the uncertainty in measuring the average pore-scale linear dimensions and also taking into consideration that the possibility of hollow struts, pore blockage and surface roughness are not accounted for in the model. The advantage of the proposed model is that only the solid width or the channel width needs to be known a priori to predict the specific surface area, and that it is physically adaptable. INTRODUCTION Specific surface areas of foamlike porous media are of special interest in the performance and design of reactors and/or heat exchangers which due to their high values enhance heat and mass transfer ([5]). The definition most widely used for the specific surface area of foam structures is the total external surface of the struts per bulk volume of foam subject to the assumption that the surfaces of the struts are perfectly smooth ([7, 8]). If the method of permeametry is used to obtain values for the dynamic specific surface, it cannot at the same time be employed to predict pressure drops, since it uses the latter values to determine the former. In this instance an independent method is required to provide values for the dynamic specific surface. In such a case one has to rely on direct measuring techniques (e.g. volume imaging techniques such as X-ray computer tomography and magnetic resonance imaging) or make use of theoretical correlations based on geometric models. This study will be attributed to a comparative analysis on the predictive capability of such analytical models based on various geometries available in the literature. NOMENCLATURE d = RUC cell size ds = Strut diameter dc = Cell diameter dp = Pore diameter e = Analytical compression function Sfs = Total fluid-solid interface in RUC Sv = Specific surface area Uo = Total RUC volume Greek Symbols e = Porosity ψ = Geometric factor in RUC model Subscripts exp = Experimental f = Fuid s = Solid || = Parallel
Stem cell therapy as one of temporary measures for management of heart failure and pulmonary hypertension in children

Favourable results of experimental studies on animals and several conditions in adult population indicate that bone marrow derived progenitor stem cell (BMPSC) transplantation may play a crucial role. Nevertheless, little is known about possible implementation of the BMPSC transplantation in children, dilated cardiomyopathy and pulmonary hypertension in particular. An increasing understanding of the nature and processes of idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy and pulmonary arterial hypertension in children, as well as the limited treatment options have led our research towards the use of stem cell transplantation in the management of these patients. We performed intramyocardial BMPSC transplantation in 6 patients (4 months to 17 years) with dilated cardiomyopathy. All patients underwent complete detailed examination before and after the procedure. All patients demonstrated an increase in LVEF and degree of shortening of the left ventricular diameter between end-diastole and end-systole after the procedure. A decreased concentration of natriuretic peptide or LVDd on 2D and 3D echocardiography was observed in 5 and 3 of the 6 patients respectively. Intrapulmonary BMPSC transplantation was performed in two patients (9 and 15 years old) with severe pulmonary hypertension due to uncorrected large ventricular septal defects. Both patients showed improvement in lungs’ vascularization. No serious periprocedural side effects were observed. If applied wisely, the stem cell therapy appears to be a safe and effective way for stabilization of critically ill patients with both severe pulmonary hypertension and idiopathic cardiomyopathy.
A continuum damage model to simulate failure in composite plates under uniaxial compression

Experimental investigations and numerical simulations are performed in order to numerically predict the buckling behaviour of thin composite laminated specimens. Experiments are aimed at two objectives: the first is to completely characterize the carbon/epoxy material under simple loading configurations, the second is to test this material in buckling and post-buckling situations. The data collected with the first campaign of experiments are used to obtain the strength parameters required to define a damage model based on the failure theory by Tsai-Wu. This model is implemented in a Finite Element (FE) code and numerical simulations of buckling are executed for unidirectional and cross-ply laminates; results are in good agreement with experiments both in terms of determination of the critical loads and prediction of failure during post-buckling.
Macro-evolutionary trade-offs as the basis for the distribution of european bats

Bats have a high species diversity and show unique ecological traits. The distribution patterns of European bat species differ between species. In this paper we seek to explain which life history traits, or interrelations between traits, can best explain observed differences in the distribution patterns of bats. Traits are interrelated and sometimes involve trade-offs, implying that a change in one trait may have positive or negative consequences for other traits. We describe the main morphological, physiological and ecological adaptations of insectivorous European bat species. We make pair-wise relations between traits, indicating the interrelations between traits, in terms of possible trade-offs. We relate the consequences of these trade-offs to the distribution maps of the species, focusing on the traits relevant for southern and northern distribution limits. We found coarse patterns that might indicate the distribution of related species are a consequence of their physiological, morphological and ecological adaptations and the interrelations between these adaptations. Hence, we think life-history strategies can be used to explain differences in species distribution. The method presented in this paper might also be useful for other mammal groups with a high species diversity, such as Rodentia and Soricidae.
Emotion Recognition along Valence Axis Using Naïve Bayes Classifier

Emotion is an important aspect in the interaction between humans. It is fundamental to human experience and rational decision-making. There is a great interest for detecting emotions automatically. A number of techniques have been employed for this purpose using channels such as voice and facial expressions. However, these channels are not very accurate and can be faked. In this paper, we have used EEG signals for emotion detection. For this, two different emotions from EEG signals are inferred that are unpleasant and pleasant. This will require using sophisticated feature selection techniques like Power Spectral Density (PSD), Short Time Fourier Transform (STFT) and Event Related Potential (ERP) that generates a large set of features on the basis of time- frequency domain. The features have been collected from the raw data available at Enterface 06 website. Naive Bayes classifier has been used to classify the emotions in two classes Low Valence and High Valence. For classification through Naive bayes, with ERP as a feature the classifying accuracy of 56% is obtained, with STFT as a feature determined from 3 participants, the accuracy obtained is 51%. Similarly with PSD as a feature the accuracy achieved is 56%. Finally, on combining the entire data of STFT and PSD of all 3 participants, we obtained better accuracy of about 64%.
The Housing Rental Rate Elasticity of Aggregate Consumption: A Panel Study for OECD Countries

Abstract This paper investigates the impact of changing housing rental rates upon aggregate consumption based on yearly data for 18 OECD countries observed between 1970 and 2004. Estimates of long run elasticities are derived from cointegrating relationships with panel estimation techniques and compared with estimates implicitly given in short run dynamic equations. The results across all estimation approaches yield similar magnitudes and indicate a significantly negative impact of rental rate increases upon aggregate consumption. For the EU-25 or the USA, for example, relevant elasticities lie in the range between −0.13 and −0.17. The jointly estimated elasticities of the wealth components seem unaffected, relative to previous studies, by the inclusion of the rental housing market variables.
Enhancing Economic Performance of Nigerian Manufacturing Firms Using Quantity - Reorder Point Inventory Control System

Purpose: The purpose of the study is to explore whether there is a relationship between quantity Reorder Point Inventory Control and Economic Performance of the manufacturing firms in Nigeria. Using flour mills as a focal point Design/methodology/approach: A quantitative research design was employed, of which secondary data obtained from the annual report and account of ten-year period (2004-2013) from the studied firms was used. Data collected were estimated using regression models of which Ordinary Least Square (OLS) form the basis for estimation. Using OLS, the various cost functions were estimated. Findings: The relationship between profit and inventory; Total Cost and Inventory were also determined. Reorder point, that is the level to which stock of wheat material is allowed to fall before ordering for another raw material was equally determined for each of the studied firms. The study found out that there is a significant positive relationship between profit and demand for wheat inventory; Total cost and Inventory at the studied firms. There is a significant relationship between Reorder Point and Time at the studied Firms also; Research limitations/implications: The study is limited to flour manufacturing companies in Nigeria whose transactions and financial records are made available at Nigeria stock exchange. The assumptions that the estimated cost functions in the study are linear is also a limitation. Normally, carrying cost and ordering cost are quadratic while total cost is cubic which is beyond the scope of the study. Practical Implications: To achieve better economic performance in any organization, the firm has to meet the three fundamental attributes of customer service which are availability; operational performance and service reliability. Availability explains the capacity of a firm having inventory when desired by a customer. Operational performance is all about required time to deliver customers’ order. Service reliability involves the combined attribute of logistics and the firm’s ability to perform all related activities as well as customer provision in critical information regarding operational logistics and status. The attributes involves shipment of damaged free goods; accurate invoicing and error free. All these are found to be enhanced by the use of Reorder Point Inventory Control System. Originality/value: The paper identified attributes of Quantity Reorder Point Inventory Control System as a technique that can enable flour manufacturing firms achieve economic performance. The findings are acknowledged to be unique because they emerged from a well-organized study that employed quantitative research design.
Preliminary Results for Embankment Dam Stepped Spillway Stilling Basin Research

A stilling basin is an energy dissipator for spillways and other hydraulic structures. Designed to generate a hydraulic jump, the structure is meant to contain the jump and return excess flow safely downstream. Traditional design for these structures was developed by United States Bureau of Reclamation (USBR) scientists. Tests were conducted for a range of expected flow conditions (e.g., Froude number, incoming flow depth, tailwater depth, etc.) with a smooth chute providing the incoming flow conditions. A common question among practicing engineers has become: is the stilling basin design criteria applicable if the approach entrance is a stepped chute? Scientists at the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Agricultural Research Service (ARS) Hydraulic Engineering Research Unit (HERU) have developed a research program to evaluate the stilling basin performance associated with stepped chutes. Physical model tests are conducted in a near prototype scale stepped chute facility. Stilling basin Types I, II, III, and IV are being tested. Preliminary results indicate the Froude number at the stepped chute toe ranges from 3.3 ≤ F ≤ 5.5. Hydraulic jumps within this Froude number range were observed to be oscillatory in nature and result in potentially undesirable wave action downstream of the stilling basin for the lower Froude numbers. Preliminary results indicate that the design criteria developed by USBR scientists are applicable for USBR Type IV stilling basins placed at the toe of stepped chutes. This research is expected to extend the knowledge base regarding stilling basins associated with stepped chutes.
Nuts consumption pattern among Malaysian adults: a socio- demographic and dietary behaviour perspective

The nuts consumption pattern of Malaysian adults were assessed by a set of food frequency questionnaire collected from June to December 2008 from 364 adults (129 men and 235 women) which were selected by stratified random sampling from five areas of Penang state. Average total nuts consumption of 0.77 g/day among Penang adults was found to be no gender-specific difference but was significantly different (P<0.05) among ethnic groups with the highest among Indians (0.94 g/day). Kuih pau kacang was the most consumed product with a median of 0.81 g/day. Average monthly nuts expenses were only 0.4% from the household income. Majority of the adult population purchased nuts and their products twice a month (56.3%) from supermarket (34.7%). For the good benefits of nuts, authority should encourage higher nuts intake in Malaysia while enforce a more stringent regulation to protect the consumers from any health effect caused by aflatoxins in nuts and nut products.
N2O emissions from California farmlands: A review

Of the greenhouse gases emitted from cropland, nitrous oxide (N2O) has the highest global warming potential. The state of California acknowledges that agriculture both contributes to and is affected by climate change, and in 2016 it adopted legislation to help growers reduce emissions of greenhouse gases, explicitly including N2O. Nitrous oxide emissions can vary widely due to environmental and agronomic factors with most emission estimates coming from temperate grain systems. There is, however, a dearth of emission estimates from perennial and vegetable cropping systems commonly found in California's Mediterranean climate. Therefore, emission factors (EFs) specific to California conditions are needed to accurately assess statewide N2O emissions and mitigation options. In this paper, we review 16 studies reporting annual and seasonal N2O emissions. This data set represents all available studies on measured emissions at the whole field scale and on an event basis. Through this series of studies, we discuss how such farm management and environmental factors influence N2O emissions from California agriculture and may serve as a basis for improved EF calculations.
Direct and Indirect Effects of Psychological Contract Breach on Academicians’ Turnover Intention in Turkey

This study aims to investigate the assumed direct and indirect relationships between psychological contract breach and turnover intention through psychological contract violation and perceived organizational support. Data for the sample was collected from 570 academicians from a variety of universities in Turkey. Hierarchical regression analyses were conducted to test the hypotheses. The results show that psychological contract breach was positively related to turnover intention and psychological contract violation mediates the relationship between psychological contract breach and turnover intention. Moreover, perceived organizational support moderates the relationship between psychological contract breach and turnover intention, and relationship between psychological contract breach and psychological contract violation. By examining the relationship between psychological contract breach, psychological contract violation, perceived organizational support and turnover intention, this study allows university managers to predict why psychological contract breach results in increased turnover intention and provides some clues on how university organizations can deal with the damaging effects of psychological contract breach.