Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The functional ecology of variation in flower size and form within natural plant populations

over their lifetimes he remarkable diversity of flowers has a profound impact on humankind. Flower diversity inspires masterpieces of art and literature, fuels highway beautification schemes, gives amateur gardeners moments of great joy and pride, and nurtures industries of bulb growers, seed companies, and horticultural supply houses. Botanists, for their part, have pondered the processes driving diversification in flower form for over two centuries (Sprengel [1793] 1972). Nearly all botanists give animal pollinators credit for the vast smorgasbord of flower shapes and sizes observed in nature. This conclusion is intuitively satisfying in that pollinators have the motive (energy and nutrition gain) and the means (via pollen transfer, a key step in plant sexual reproduction) to exert selection on the floral features of their host plants. Moreover, the taxonomic diversity of pollinators (insects, rodents, lizards, fish, primates, and birds) accommodates a tremendous range of morphology, sensory modality, and behavior to match the variation in flower form.
Lithium abundances along the RGB: FLAMES-GIRAFFE spectra of a large sample of low-mass Bulge stars

Context: A small number of K-type giants on the red giant branch (RGB) is known to be very rich in lithium (Li). This fact is not accounted for by standard stellar evolution theory. The exact phase and mechanism of Li enrichment is still a matter of debate. Aims: Our goal is to probe the abundance of Li along the RGB, from its base to the tip, to confine Li-rich phases that are supposed to occur on the RGB. Methods: For this end, we obtained medium-resolution spectra with the FLAMES spectrograph at the VLT in GIRAFFE mode for a large sample of 401 low-mass RGB stars located in the Galactic bulge. The Li abundance was measured in the stars with a detectable Li 670.8 nm line by means of spectral synthesis with COMARCS model atmospheres. A new 2MASS (J-K) - Teff calibration from COMARCS models is presented in the Appendix. Results: Thirty-one stars with a detectable Li line were identified, three of which are Li-rich according to the usual criterion ($\log\epsilon({\rm Li})>1.5$). The stars are distributed all along the RGB, not concentrated in any particular phase of the red giant evolution (e.g. the luminosity bump or the red clump). The three Li-rich stars are clearly brighter than the luminosity bump and red clump, and do not show any signs of enhanced mass loss. Conclusions: We conclude that the Li enrichment mechanism cannot be restricted to a clearly defined phase of the RGB evolution of low-mass stars ($M\sim1M_{\sun}$), contrary to earlier suggestions from disk field stars.
Cloud Computing and ERP: A Framework of Promises and Challenges

Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems are an integral component of IT infrastructure in many organizations. A recent trend for ERP is the shift from on-premises infrastructure to the cloud environment through utilization of cloud computing technologies. The characteristics of cloud computing induces many promises to cloud-based ERP systems - making ‘Cloud ERP’ a favourable alternative to on-premises ERP systems. However, moving ERP systems into the cloud also presents many challenges. This paper aims to evaluate the promises and challenges of cloud-based ERP systems from a review of the literature and propose a framework to be of utility for IT executives and researchers to assess the key promises and challenges of cloud environments for ERP systems. The contribution of this paper is threefold. First, we identify a set of key promises and challenges to help IT decision makers and researcher to gain a better understanding of cloud computing and ERP. Second, our framework identifies four dimensions of cloud ERP to be assessed: Efficiency, Flexibility, Ubiquity, and Security. We propose that all these dimensions encompass promises and challenges to varying degrees. Third, we propose research opportunities for IS researchers in the domain of cloud-based ERP systems based on the identified four dimensions.
Undergraduates’ Political Participation Behaviors in Public Universities of Hebei Province, China

Political participation is a necessity of human life and the level of it reflects the degree of democracy which can be considered not only the right but also the obligation. Hebei province as a populous province has a large population of undergraduates, especially the expansion the university education policy carrying out in 2008. For the undergraduates in Hebei Province, they do not have adequate political knowledge, political skills and rarely practice in political activities. The objective of this article is to propose and evaluate students’ political participation behaviors in Hebei public universities of China. Data of this article is based on two sources; primary data were collected through questionnaire and 1990 informants were selected based on the cluster sampling method, the main statistical method for evaluation of research hypotheses is on the basis of on the basis of SmartPLS and SPSS software, meanwhile, secondary data which were collected from journal articles, reports and so on. Findings of this study indicate that, the level of students’ political participation was low in public universities in Hebei province in China. Moreover, the author elaborated four reasons that led to the low political participation behaviors in public universities of Hebei Province, which were the weak economic foundation, the backwardness of the cultural environment, the unsound political system and the influence of traditional culture. In addition, the author suggested that political participation among Hebei province public universities students need to improve and develop.
Comparison Between Different Fertilization Sources, Irrigation Frequency And Their Combinations On The Growth And Yield Of Coriander Plant

An experiment was conducted to study the effects of different fertilization sources, irrigation intervals and their combinations on the growth, fruit yield, volatile oil (content & constituents) and chemical composition of Coriandrum sativum, L. plant. Fertiliztion sources as a main factor (NPK, compost, bio-fertilizer and Easterna biofert) and irrigation frequency as subsidiary factor (i.e. 2, 3 and 4 weeks) were applied. The results showed that, the highest vegetative growth parameters i.e plant height, herb weight (fresh & dry), branch number and fruit number/plant, fruit yield (plant & fed.) were related to NPK and irrigation every 2 weeks treatment. The highest values of fruit yield, as well as, volatile oil content, N, P, K, carbohydrates and protein percentages in herb were significantly affected by fertilizers and irrigation frequency. The highest values of the previous characters were obtained by NPK and 2 weeks irrigation interval, in most cases. The most principle compounds composing the volatile oil were α-pinene, β-cymene, γ-terpinene, Linalool, Camphor, Geraniol, Geranyle acetate and Stenol. The treatment of bacteria inoculation with irrigation at 2 weeks resulted in the highest linalool percentage (82.13 %) while the lowest value (19.40 %) was obtained by Eastrna biofert with 4 weeks irrigation interval treatment. To decrease the production cost, protect the environment from pollution, obtain high quality coriander fruits and volatile oil and save the chemical fertilizers, the treatment of compost or bio-fertilizers whether as Easterna biofert or bacteria inoculation and applying irrigation every 2 weeks was recommended.
Power-law random banded matrices and ultrametric matrices: Eigenvector distribution in the intermediate regime

The power-law random banded matrices and the ultrametric random matrices are investigated numerically in the regime where eigenstates are extended but all integer matrix moments remain finite in the limit of large matrix dimensions. Though in this case standard analytical tools are inapplicable, we found that in all considered cases eigenvector distributions are extremely well described by the generalised hyperbolic distribution which differs considerably from the usual Porter-Thomas distribution but shares with it certain universal properties.
Phragmites karka as a Biosorbent for the Removal of Mercury Metal Ions from Aqueous Solution: Effect of Modification

Batch scale studies for the adsorption potential of novel biosorbent Phragmites karka (Trin), in its natural and treated forms, were performed for removal of mercury ions from aqueous solution. The study was carried out at different parameters to obtain optimum conditions of pH, biosorbent dose, agitation speed, time of contact, temperature, and initial metal ion concentration. To analyze the suitability of the process and maximum amount of metal uptake, Dubinin-Radushkevich (D-R) model, Freundlich isotherm, and Langmuir isotherm were applied. The values of for natural and treated biosorbents were found at 1.79 and 2.27 mg/g, respectively. The optimum values of contact time and agitation speed were found at 50 min and 150 rpm for natural biosorbent whereas 40 min and 100 rpm for treated biosorbent, respectively. The optimum biosorption capacities were observed at pH 4 and temperature 313 K for both natural P. karka and treated P. karka. values indicate that comparatively treated P. karka was more feasible for mercury adsorption compared to natural P. karka. Both pseudo-first-order and pseudo-second-order kinetic models were applied and it was found that data fit best to the pseudo-second-order kinetic model. Thermodynamic studies indicate that adsorption process was spontaneous, feasible, and endothermic.
Ostracods of the Upper Pliocene - Pleistocene Punta Mazza succession (NE Sicily) with special focus on the Family Trachyleberididae SYLVESTER-BRADLEY, 1948, and description of a new species

The ostracod associations of the Upper Pliocene-Pleistocene sedimentary succession out-cropping at Punta Mazza (Milazzo, Sicily NE) have been investigated. The ostracod fauna is often well-preserved and well-diversified: there 42 species belonging to 24 genera have been found. The association consists almost exclusively of bathyal taxa such as Bythocypris obtusata (Sars), B. bosquetiana (Brady), Henryhowella ex H. profunda Bonaduce et al. group, Quasibuntonia radiatopora (Seguenza), Retibythere (Bathybythere) scaberrima Brady, Pseudocythere caudata Sars and Bythocythere mylaensis Sciuto. Also, the Krithe group is well-represented with Krithe compressa (Seguenza) and K. pernoides (Bornemann). Further taxa such as Cytheropteron testudo Sars are rare. Almost all species, especially those belonging to Trachyleberididae Sylvester-Bradley are described, illustrated and commented on, including a new species, Acanthocythereis reticulata n.sp. , found in the lower part of the section in Upper Pliocene sediment, is proposed as new. Finally, a specimen belonging to the genus Quasibuntonia Ruggieri is currently given in open nomenclature.
Characterization of the planetary boundary layer height and structure by Raman lidar: comparison of different approaches

Abstract. The planetary boundary layer (PBL) includes the portion of the atmosphere which is directly influenced by the presence of the earth's surface. Aerosol particles trapped within the PBL can be used as tracers to study the boundary-layer vertical structure and time variability. As a result of this, elastic backscatter signals collected by lidar systems can be used to determine the height and the internal structure of the PBL. The present analysis considers three different methods to estimate the PBL height. The first method is based on the determination of the first-order derivative of the logarithm of the range-corrected elastic lidar signals. Estimates of the PBL height for specific case studies obtained through this approach are compared with simultaneous estimates from the potential temperature profiles measured by radiosondes launched simultaneously to lidar operation. Additional estimates of the boundary layer height are based on the determination of the first-order derivative of the range-corrected rotational Raman lidar signals. This latter approach results to be successfully applicable also in the afternoon–evening decaying phase of the PBL, when the effectiveness of the approach based on the elastic lidar signals may be compromised or altered by the presence of the residual layer. Results from these different approaches are compared and discussed in the paper, with a specific focus on selected case studies collected by the University of Basilicata Raman lidar system BASIL during the Convective and Orographically-induced Precipitation Study (COPS).
Walk this way: estimating impacts of Walk in Centres at hospital emergency departments in the English National Health Service

In publicly funded health care systems policy-makers face a dilemma: placing low acuity emergency care services outside hospitals may widen access to care and divert patients from making costly hospital visits, but may also attract new patients that have little need for medical care. Using detailed information contained in hospital records, I evaluate the impacts of one type of low acuity service - Walk in Centres (WiCs) in the English National Health Service (NHS) - relying on timing differences in the deployment of a single wave of services and restricting attention to places where new facilities opened to mitigate endogeneity concerns. Results indicate that WiCs have significantly reduced attendances at hospital Emergency Departments in places close by, but suggest that only between 10-20% of patients seen at hospital-based WiCs and between 5-10% patients seen at other WiCs were diverted from the more costly high acuity facilities at hospitals.
Cost-Efficiency by Arash Method in DEA

Arash Method (AM) was recently proposed to distinguish between efficient decision making units (DMUs) and technically efficient ones where there are no any prices, weights or other assumptions between inputs and outputs of DMUs. This paper illustrates that AM is also able to evaluate the cost-efficiency of DMUs. Indeed, this paper represents that there is no require using cost-efficiency model with possessing AM with a proposition and some examples.
Country-of-Origin Effects on Consumers' Willingness To Buy Foreign Products: An Experiment in Consumer Decision Making

An experiment was employed to investigate the effect of foreign products' countries of origin on consumers' buying intentions. Participants viewed tangible products and were provided different levels of information to test the effect of country of origin on their decisions. The “made-in” effect was significant in a multiple-attribute scenario. Also, the size of the country-oforigin effect was examined through price manipulations. In addition, consumer responses to price changes for products from a less-developed country were investigated through elasticity computations. A durable good from a country was found to be less own-price elastic than a nondurable good from the same country.
Noncommutative continuous Bernoulli shifts

We introduce a non-commutative extension of Tsirelson-Vershik's noises, called (non-commutative) continuous Bernoulli shifts. These shifts encode stochastic independence in terms of commuting squares, as they are familiar in subfactor theory. Such shifts are, in particular, capable of producing Arveson's product system of type I and type II. We investigate the structure of these shifts and prove that the von Neumann algebra of a (scalar-expected) continuous Bernoulli shift is either finite or of type III. The role of (`classical') stationary flows for Tsirelson-Vershik's noises is now played by cocycles of continuous Bernoulli shifts. We show that these cocycles provide an operator algebraic notion for Levy processes. They lead, in particular, to units and `logarithms' of units in Arveson's product systems. Furthermore, we introduce (non-commutative) white noises, which are operator algebraic versions of Tsirelson's `classical' noises. We give examples coming from probability, quantum probability and from Voiculescu's theory of free probability. Our main result is a bijective correspondence between additive and unital shift cocycles. For the proof of the correspondence we develop tools which are of interest on their own: non-commutative extensions of stochastic Ito integration, stochastic logarithms and exponentials.
The lived experiences of resilience in Iranian adolescents living in residential care facilities: A hermeneutic phenomenological study

Background Resilience is one of the main factors affecting human health, and perceiving its meaning for high-risk adolescents is of particular importance in initiating preventive measures and providing resilience care. Objectives This qualitative study was conducted to explain the meaning of resilience in the lived experiences of Iranian adolescents living in governmental residential care facilities. Materials and methods This study was conducted using the hermeneutic phenomenological method. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with eight adolescents aged 13–17 living in governmental residential care facilities of Tehran province affiliated to the Welfare Organization of Iran who articulated their experiences of resilience. Sampling lasted from May 2014 to July 2015 and continued until new themes were no longer emerging. The researchers analyzed the verbatim transcripts using Van Manen's six-step method of phenomenology. Results The themes obtained in this study included “going through life's hardships,” “aspiring for achievement,” “self-protection,” “self-reliance,” and “spirituality. ” Conclusion Our study indicates that the meaning of resilience coexists with self-reliance in adolescents’ lived experiences. Adolescents look forward to a better future. They always trust God in the face of difficulties and experience resilience by keeping themselves physically and mentally away from difficulties. Adverse and bitter experiences of the past positively affected their positive view on life and its difficulties and also their resilience. The five themes that emerged from the findings describe the results in detail. The findings of this study enable nurses, health administrators, and healthcare providers working with adolescents to help this vulnerable group cope better with their stressful life conditions and improve their health through increasing their capacity for resilience.
Climate trends in a specific Mediterranean viticultural area between 1950 and 2006

Aims: An analysis of climate data between 1950 and 2006 in the Herault department, situated in the Mediterranean of France is presented.Methods and results: Data presented include the evolution of mean annual and seasonal temperatures, the Huglin index, total solar radiation, night freshness index, the distribution and efficiency of rainfall and potential evapotranspiration (pET). Results showed an increase in mean annual temperatures of +1.3 °C between 1980 and 2006 and an increase in the mean pET which was 900 mm / year since 1999. Also, harvest dates advanced by up to three weeks and sugar concentrations at harvest increased by up to 1.5 % potential alcohol.Conclusion: The indicators show that in this area certain climatic parameters have evolved over the period studied. Changes are observable in some of the parameters (notably temperature) for the last 30 years whereas others have evolved only in the past few years (e.g. pET). Therefore it is necessary to be circumspect in drawing conclusions on climate change in the area, particularly as regards the possible consequences for viticulture. However, at the plot level, it is clear that irrigation of the vines is becoming increasingly necessary in this region.Significance and impact of study: Climate is a major factor in vine cultivation and in the understanding of viticultural terroirs and wine typicality. The climate trends observed over a 50-year period are discussed in the viticultural context of a Mediterranean region. However, the interaction between climate change and technical progress in viticulture and oenology complicate the analysis over the time frame under consideration.
Debt and Equity

Which is better for a small firm: debt financing or equity financing? A simple intertemporal model suggests that the two have very different potential incentive problems. With equity financing, the manager (an employee) may expend too little effort, while with debt financing, the manager (the owner) may keep the entire cash ow and default on the debt. Depending on the relative severity of these two incentive problems, either debt or equity may dominate the other. These problems are exacerbated by the possibility of an MBO and are reduced by sinking funds, stock or option compensation and non-vested pensions.
Does Insurance Type, Private Versus Public, Have a Correlation with MRSA Carrier Status In a Population Undergoing Orthopedic Surgery?

Background: Preoperative nasal colonization with Staphylococcus aureus (SA) is a strong risk factor for surgical site infection (SSI). Methicillin-resistant SA (MRSA) positive carriers are at a much higher risk of SSI than MRSA negative patients. MRSA screening is expensive. Treatment of everyone with single dose antibiotic is very inexpensive, but has downstream negative consequences. This presents a conundrum. Surrogate measures for MRSA colonization may include insurance status in individuals below Medicare age. Massachusetts Health reform law mandates that Massachusetts residents obtain a state government-regulated minimum level of healthcare insurance coverage termed MassHealth. Questions/Purposes: We hypothesized that patients with government issued insurance would have higher rates of preoperative MRSA colonization compared to those who carry private insurance and that this information could be used to develop treatment algorithms for those undergoing orthopedic procedures that would cost less than screening all patients while avoiding the consequences of routine single dose antibiotic prescription for all. Methods: We performed nasal MRSA screening on all adults undergoing elective inpatient or outpatient orthopaedic surgery at a single institution for the fiscal years 2007 through 2011. The variables of interest included insurance type, age and sex. Results: The overall incidence of MRSA nasal colonization was 3.9%. For those under 65, the percentage of MRSA colonization in patients with government issued insurance (Medicaid and MassHealth) was more than 3 time that of those with private insurance. Conclusion: Our observations suggest that institutions that do not institute MRSA screening programs, or in emergency situations, might consider government issued insurance, specifically Medicaid, as a risk factor for possible MRSA colonization and consider adjusting perioperative antibiotics accordingly. In many states, the Affordable Care Act will include an expansion of Medicaid to similar levels like Massachusetts, potentially making these results applicable nationwide. Level of Evidence III Cross-sectional Study