Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Characteristics of immersion freezing nuclei at the South Pole station in Antarctica

The effectiveness of aerosols as immersion freez- ing nuclei at the South Pole station was investigated dur- ing January and February 2009 using the FRIDGE-TAU. The analysis consisted of testing the freezing temperature of about 100-130 drops per sample containing aerosols col- lected at ground level and on a balloon lifted to different heights. All the drops froze between 18 C and 27 C. The temperature in which 50 % of the drops froze occurred at 24 C, while nuclei concentration of 1 L 1 at 23 C was calculated. Meteorological conditions such as wind speed, ice precipitation as well as the trajectories of the air masses affected the ice nuclei concentrations. Higher concentra- tions were observed on days when the winds were stronger or when the air mass originated from the sea.
Empirical evaluation of China imports on employment in the South African textile industry

This paper is set to generate some empirical perspective on the impact of Chinese imports on employment levels in the South African textile industry. Using regression analysis as a method of inquiry, this paper critically assess the relationship that exist between textile imports and employment levels as well as between exchange rates and employment levels. South Africa’s imports data, employment data and exchange rate (South African Rand per Chinese Yuan) for the period 1993 to 2011 is used to analyse the relationship between high level of imports from China and employment levels in the industry. Initial findings reveal that an increase in the value of textile imports from China will cause a decline in employment levels in the South African textile industry.
Bioavailability, pharmacokinetics and tissue residues of cephradine (Atocef Forte®) in healthy and colisepticemic broiler chickens

The pharmacokinetics (after single intravenous and oral dose) and tissue residues (orally and daily for five days) of cephradine (20 mg/kg b.wt.) were investigated in healthy and experimentally E.coli infected broiler chickens. Following single intravenous injection to healthy chickens, cephradine obeyed a two compartments open model and the elimination half-life (t 1/2β ), volume of distribution (V dss ) and total body clearance (CL tot ) of cephradine were 2.93 h, 321.5 ml/kg and 0.08 L/h/kg, respectively. Following single oral administration of cephradine to healthy chickens, the peak serum concentration (C max ) of it was 26.7 µg/mL and achieved (T max ) at 2.41 h. The oral bioavailability of cephradine was 87.7%. Cephradine was assayed in kidney, liver, heart, gizzard, spleen, breast muscle, thigh muscle and skin after 24, 48, 72, 96 and 120 h after last dose. On conclusion, cephradine is a good choice for treatment of colisepticemia in chickens due to its higher oral bioavailability and distribution.
Effectiveness of Cooperative Learning For Improving Learners’ Proficiency Level of English Language in Secondary Level Education in Nepal

This longitudinal research study aims at investigating the effectiveness of cooperative learning (CL) for improving learners’ English language proficiency (ELP) level in secondary level education in Nepal. The study comprises 150 learners from grade 10 in the academic session of 2017 among whom 78 learners were chosen for experimental group while 72 for control group. The instruments of proficiency test, questionnaire and interview were used to obtain data that were analyzed using mean, standard deviation, Mann-Whitney Utest and bar graphs. The result shows the effectiveness of CL for improving learners’ ELP level that the overall performance of experimental group of students (M = 26.71, SD = 4.478) in English language was found far better than that of control group of students (M = 16.50, SD = 5.619) with significant difference (p < 0.001). Journal of NELTA , Vol. 22, No. 1-2, 2017 December, Page: 13-25
Thirst response to post-exercise fluid replacement needs and controlled drinking

Perceived thirst (TP) was evaluated as a dependent variable: can it distinguish among several levels of acute dehydration, is it reliable, and how does it respond to the ingestion of a fixed water volume post exercise? In a repeated-measures design, eight physically active students (24.5±3.6 years, mean±SD), reported to the laboratory on four non-consecutive days. They remained at rest or exercised at 32±3°C db and 65±6% rh to a randomly assigned dehydration equivalent to 1, 2, and 3% of body mass (BM). Following exercise, participants ingested a fixed water volume of 1.20% BM in 30 minutes; urine output, TP and plasma volume changes were assessed every 30 minutes over 3 hours. Post-exercise TP was not different before and after showering (p = 0.860), but it was significantly different among conditions (TP = 2.50 ± 0.45, 4.44 ± 0.72, 6.38 ± 0.82, and 8.63 ± 0.18 for 0, 1, 2, and 3% BM, p = 0.001). TP was associated with net fluid balance (r part = -0.62, p 0.05). Thirst perception is valid and reliable in the absence of drinking but it responds inappropriately to water intake.
Consequence of corm size and spacing on flowering and post-harvest parameter in gladiolus

An investigation was carried out at the Horticultural Research Farm Department of Horticulture, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, 221005 (Uttar Pradesh) during the year 2016-17 to standardize the combination of optimum corm sized and spacing for the production of gladiolus with better flowering and post-harvest potentials. The investigation was laid out factorial randomized block design with three replications. The data on various flowering and post-harvest parameters recorded from 5 randomly selected plants from each treatment in each replication. The treatment comprises nine combination with three corm sizes viz. C1 (2-3 cm), C2 (3.1-4 cm) and C3 (4.1-5 cm) and three spacing S1 (30 × 20 cm), S2 (30 × 25 cm) and S3 (30 × 30 cm). Results revealed that combination effect of 4.1-5.0 cm corn size and 30 × 30 cm spacing result maximum number of florets per spike (15.6), diameter of 1st floret (9.2 cm), diameter of 3rd floret (9.0 cm), diameter of 5th floret (8.8 cm), length of spike at colour show (49.4 cm), 1st floret opening (57.7 cm), length of spike at last floret opening (68.6 cm), percentage of florets opened in vase (88.5), vase life (18.0 days), floret longevity (8.0 days) and length of spike after post-harvest (67.0 cm) also provide minimum days taken to initiation of spike (66.8 days), days taken to colour show (74.0 days) and days taken to opening of 1st floret (78.5 days). On contrary the combination effect of 2-3cm corm size and 30×25 cm showed prominent result in terms of highest (9.8 days) days for 1st sprouting, durability of 2nd floret (6.5 days), durability of 3rd floret (6.6 days) and days taken to last floret withering (110.03 days).
Study of eight species of the Anostomidae family (Pisces, Characiformes) by RAPD analysis

Random Amplified Polymorphic DNA (RAPD) techniques were applied to eight Anostomidae species to analyze the genetic variability and genetic similarity within and between species. The results obtained were compared to those from isoenzyme analysis executed for many of the species studied. The proportion of polymorphic loci obtained with 10 primers was over 40%, with the exception of Leporinus amblyhynchus. This is especially important since genetic variability is a population feature both for short term fitness of the individual and for the long term survival of populations. Through subsequent analysis of dendrograms it was possible to discriminate the two Schizodon species from those of the genus Leporinus, even though it was impossible to differentiate L. obtusidens and L. elongatus. RAPD analysis indicates that the two species are genetically very similar, supported Amplificado ao Acaso (RAPD) foi utilizada na analise de oito especies de peixe da familia Anostomidae, com a finalidade de quantificar a variabilidade genetica e estimar a similaridade genetica dentro e entre essas especies. Os resultados foram comparados com dados obtidos anteriormente com isoenzimas, para a maioria das especies analisadas. A proporcao de locos polimorficos obtida, com dez primers, esta acima de 40 %, exceto para Leporinus amblyhynchus. Esse e um fato importante desde que a existencia de variabilidade genetica e uma condicao importante para a sobrevida das especies no meio ambiente Com dendrograma obtido, atraves de analise comparativa, foi possivel discriminar as duas especies de Schizodon daquelas do genero Leporinus, no entanto nao foi possivel separar L. obtusidens e L. elongatus. A analise de RAPD indica que essas duas especies sao geneticamante muito similares, conclusao tambem sustentada por dados de estudos de isoenzimas. Palavras-chave: DNA, polimorfismo, variabilidade genetica, RAPD, Anostomidae, peixe.
Unobtrusive and Highly Accurate Breath Alcohol Analysis Enabled by Improved Methodology and Technology

Alcohol breath testing on a larger scale will save lives. Alcohol abuse is a major contributor to death and disease. Alcohol intake affects the human body by significantly longer response time to external stimuli. In situations where the senses need to be on alert this delay can be the difference between life and death. To make the alcohol breath test more available in everyday use, the mouthpiece has been removed. Instead, the exhaled alcohol is measured directly in a diluted sample. The dilution can be accounted for by simultaneous measurement of an endogenous tracer gas. Because of the lack of a mouthpiece several additional factors influence the alcohol measurement, e.g. the obvious lower abundance of analyte gas, shorter time of analysis and physiological aspects of the tracer gas. My studies include sensor development and validation through laboratory experiments as well as human subject studies. Several sensor parameters are crucial for the functionality of the alcohol detection system and are in need of careful investigation. Human behaviour and physiology also needs further understanding. A better understanding of the system provides vital knowledge for the design of smarter algorithms. Planning, conducting and evaluation of these studies lie within the scope of the licentiate thesis.
Spectral irradiance dependence of sunlight effects on plankton dimethylsulfide production

We investigated the short‐term effects of variable solar irradiance and spectrum on the gross biological production of dimethylsulfide (DMS), a trace gas with potential climatic effects, in eight experiments performed at different times of the year in a northwest Mediterranean coastal site. Experimentally determined net community DMS production, DMS photolysis, and dark microbial DMS consumption rates were used to calculate gross community DMS production by budgeting. In addition, the composition of the bacterioplankton and phytoplankton communities in the initial samples, and the photoinhibition of bulk bacterial heterotrophic activity and phytoplankton photosynthetic efficiency were monitored. Our results show that: (1) gross DMS production is irradiance dependent, with a maximum short‐term stimulation factor of 2‐ to 6‐fold compared to dark incubations; (2) its spectral shape is variable but generally similar to that of phytoplankton photoinhibition or photodamage, with more effective stimulation at shorter ultraviolet wavelengths; and (3) stronger stimulation occurs when samples are overexposed with respect to their prior exposure. Remarkably, the photoresponse of gross DMS production was in most cases strong enough to (at least) compensate the photochemical DMS loss at the water subsurface. Such response would prevent DMS depletion in stratified and highly irradiated waters. Since the initial microbial communities were representative of meso‐ to oligotrophic conditions, our observations should apply to a wide variety of oceanic regimes.
The Effects of the Asian Crisis on Turkish Manufacturing Industries: The Case of Textile, Food and Cement Industries

This paper hypothesizes that Asian crisis has severely affected the financial dimensions of the Turkish industries. The analysis of the financial data for 70 companies from textile, food and cement industries provides evidence to partially support this hypothesis. By principal components analysis we identified five statistical factors that is meaningful and economically significant to represent main financial dimensions contained in twenty-one financial variables of the sample firms. The discriminant analyses based on the identification of the discrimination between financial dimensions of the sample firms for pre- and post-crisis years identified that profitability margins of the export-oriented Turkish textile industry significantly decreased in post-crisis years. No statistically significant changes in financial dimensions are detected for food and cement industries in post-crisis years.
FARMER FIELD FORA AND ADOPTION OF YAM INTEGRATED PEST AND DISEASE MANAGEMENT TECHNOLOGIES IN NORTHERN GHANA

Justification for the use of public funds on programmes and the determination of their effectiveness among other factors call for their evaluation. This study was therefore conducted to investigate the effectiveness of Farmer Field Fora (FFF) and adoption of yam Integrated Pest and Disease Management (IPDM) Technologies in the Nanumba North and Kpandai Districts of the Northern region of Ghana. A multi-stage sampling technique was carried out to select 240 participants and non-participants from the study area. Primary data collection was done in 2012 through individual questionnaire administration and focus group discussions. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, regression analysis and budgetary techniques. From the findings, the farmers’ perceptions of the effectiveness of the FFF were favorable and the FFF led to a close in knowledge gap and the adoption of IPDM technologies. Factors that positively affected adoption were training such as the FFF, farm size, and research contacts. Variables that had negative effects on adoption were age and house hold size. Also, while the benefit cost ratio for project participants was 2.5 that of non-participants in project community and non-participants outside project community were 1.9 and 2.1 respectively. FFF is therefore an appropriate mechanism to transfer IPDM technologies and the process could be adopted for extension activities. However, for a rapid adoption of the technologies, farmers should be supported with credit and more contacts with researchers. Also, younger farmers and large-scale farmers should be targeted for extra support without neglecting older farmers and small-scale farmers. Key words: Farmer Field Fora, benefit cost ratio, integrated pest and disease management, participation, technology adoption, yam.
The Taylor Rule and the Sandpile: A Former Paper’s Review

Looking for ways to establish solid links between Complexity Sciences and Economics, new evidence comes in form of studies that can serve to validate models as the Sandpile and the phenomenon of punctuated equilibrium, when considering the portability of the theories and models from the Complexity Sciences to Economics. This is a review of a former paper on the Taylor Rule and the Sandpile in the light of new findings regarding the recent US Housing Bubble.
Comparison of Gayal (Bos frontalis) and Yunnan Yellow Cattle (Bos taurus): Rumen Function, Digestibilities and Nitrogen Balance during Feeding of Pelleted Lucerne (Medicago sativum)

Three male Gayal (Bos frontalis) and three male Yunnan Yellow cattle (Bos taurus) were fed pelleted lucerne and measurements made of digestibility, nitrogen utilisation, rumen fermentation and microbial population and key plasma metabolites. Total actual dry matter intake was similar but when expressed in terms of live weight or metabolic live weight feed intakes were significantly higher (p<0.05) for Gayal than cattle. Apparent digestibilities of dry matter, organic matter, fibre and dietary nitrogen were similar for both Gayal and cattle. Rumen ammonia nitrogen and total volatile fatty acids were significantly higher (p<0.05) for Gayal than cattle and total numbers of viable rumen bacteria, cellulolytic and amylolytic bacteria, but not proteolytic bacteria nor protozoa, were significantly greater (p<0.05) for Gayal than cattle. Although Gayal have a different rumen ecology to cattle, similar digestive parameters were exhibited. Further research is required to establish relationship between rumen ecology and digestive parameters.
US firms' evaluation of employee credentials in international business

This paper updates a 1991 survey of salaries and careers among US-based international business professionals and managers. These employees typically offer a high level of both international and functional qualifications, implying that aspiring workers need substantial credentials to compete in this market. International credentials directly increase salaries only modestly, suggesting a rough balance of supply and demand for these qualifications. Larger salary premiums are commanded by functional specialties utilizing new information technology. Comparisons of the 1999 and 1991 surveys document partial convergence in employers' treatment of men and women but remaining 'glass ceiling' barriers to women's advancement.
EFFECT OF DIFFERENT LEVELS OF PHOSPHORUS FERTILIZER ON11 HEAVY METALS CONCENTRATION IN DIFFERENT PARTS OF WHEAT PLANT

A biological experiment was conducted at 20/1/2011 to 2/6/2011 in pots in the experimental farm of college of Agriculture, 3.5 km south of Arbil governorate, 36˚ 07N, 44˚01E, 0411359, 03997002 UTM. 411m above the sea level, during growing season 2011-2012 in order to determine the effect of different levels of phosphorus (0,10,20,30,and 40 mgkg -1 on heavy metals concentrations and uptake for different parts roots, shoots and grains of wheat plant Triticum durum L. cv.Summit. Soil samples were collected under the polluted location in the landfills were located between Bnaslawa district and Daratoo county, triple super phosphate fertilizer applied to soils to know the effect of phosphorus absorption and distribution of heavy metals in the different parts of wheat plant by using factorial Complete Randomize Design (CRD) with four replicates. The present investigation started at 24/1/2011 and plants were harvested at 2/6/2011. The increase of applied P caused a significant increase (p ≤ 0.05) of the dry matter weight of different parts of plant (roots, shoots and grains) and a significant decrease of heavy metal concentration. A negative correlation coefficient between P and Fe, Ni, Cd and Pb concentrations in roots were (0.98, 0.94, 0.95 and 0.99 and in shoots part 0.69, 0.93, 0.89, and 0.99 and in grains part 0.89, 0.90, 0.97, and 0.96) respectively.
Towards a Stakeholder Perspective on Competitive Advantage

Competitive advantage and stakeholder management are two important research streams that have attracted much attention during the past few decades. Distinctive approaches to studies on competitive advantage exhibit differences in their assumptions, units of analysis, and strategic implications; however, none of them can individually explain the whole concept of competitive advantage. Although competitive advantage is the core issue of strategic management in which stakeholder management is rooted, the two topics have developed seemingly independently in the literature. By focusing on value creation, value protection, and value capture, this paper suggests a theoretical framework that employs a stakeholder perspective, linking three approaches on competitive advantage—the resource-based view, the relational view, and the activity-position view. This framework provides insight to an incomplete picture of competitive advantage in the extant literature.
Spatial and temporal distribution of sea turtles related to sea surface temperature and chlorophyll-a in Mexican Central Pacific waters

espanolEn este estudio se describe la distribucion espacio-temporal de tortugas marinas y su relacion con parametros oceanograficos en el Pacifico Central Mexicano (PCM) durante el 2010 (invierno, primavera y otono). Los resultados muestran variaciones en la distribucion de tortugas marinas. En invierno, la distribucion de tortugas fue homogenea en areas costeras y oceanicas; asociadas a la presencia de frentes termicos debido a la interaccion de una corriente de agua calida del sur y la intrusion de agua fria proveniente del noroeste, asi como con los limites de un giro ciclonico. En primavera, la distribucion de tortugas se concentro hacia la zona costera y parte central de la zona oceanica, donde prevalecieron los efectos de una surgencia y los limites de un giro ciclonico. El mismo patron de distribucion ocurrio al inicio de otono, mientras que las condiciones oceanograficas cambiaron para la segunda semana de muestreo, cuando ocurrio la formacion de una surgencia costera. Los eventos de apareamiento solo se registraron durante otono para la tortuga golfina (Lepidochelys olivacea), la especie dominante de la region. Se concluye que en otono el patron de distribucion de tortugas marinas fue hacia la zona costera del PCM, y se relaciono con actividades de reproduccion; mientras que en invierno y primavera este patron tendio a la region central/oceanica vinculado potencialmente con actividades de forrajeo. EnglishIn this study we describe the spatial and temporal distribution of sea turtles and their association with oceanographic parameters in waters of the Mexican Central Pacific (MCP) during 2010 (winter, spring and autumn). Our results showed variations in sea turtle distribution through the sampling year. Sea turtle distribution was homogeneous in coastal and oceanic areas during winter; there was an association with thermal fronts generated by a current of cold water flowing from the northwest and a warm current coming from the south, as well as with the boundaries of a cyclonic gyre. Sea turtles were distributed in the coastal zone and the central part of the oceanic zone in spring, where the effects of a cyclonic gyre and coastal upwelling prevailed. The same distribution trend was recorded at the beginning of autumn, whereas oceanographic characteristics changed during the second sampling week, when upwelling occurred. Mating events were only recorded in autumn for olive ridley sea turtles (Lepidochelys olivacea), the dominant species in the region. It was concluded that sea turtles were distributed in the coastal zone of MCP waters in autumn due to reproductive activities, whereas in winter and spring sea turtles were distributed towards the central/oceanic region, potentially related to foraging activities.