Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Information Chains and Content Management

Author(s): Choi, Boyoun | Advisor(s): Karmarkar, Uday S | Abstract: The dissertation consists of three chapters that study topics in information chains. Information chains acquire, process and distribute content (information or data) in a way analogous to physical goods in supply chains. However information chains are different in that demand does not deplete inventories. Rather, information can lose value over time, become erroneous, or false, so that it needs to be purged. Furthermore, it is often not possible to plan or control the production of content, and the arrival of data elements or content can be stochastic. In effect flow in the chain is driven by content arrival, rather than inventory depletion. In the first chapter, we describe the flow of information in the content processing and storage portion of the chain using different models, and formulate decision problems related to capacity planning. The objectives include the size of the content data base (as a proxy for value) and the time required for content to be available to users. In the second chapter, we consider a dynamic capacity planning problem for information content management in supply chains, where information is processed to be entered into a data base, which is then available to customers and users. Information processing is done by workers, and the capacity decision requires the determination of the number of workers required to process a time varying work load. The average time taken for processing is an important performance parameter, and this drives capacity decisions. In the short term planning problem it is possible to vary capacity by using overtime and part-time work. The problem is formulated as a multi-period, nonlinear, mixed integer program. Clearing functions are used to capture processing delays. Small problems can be solved optimally, but large cases can be challenging. We develop Lagrangean relaxation methods to decompose the problem and generate lower bounds, and propose heuristics for solving the problem efficiently.The third chapter models and studies a decision problem faced by supplier of information content. With customers that are sensitive to both price and release time of content, we study profit maximization problem for a monopolist provider. Then we look at the case of supplier with two downstream distribution channels where the channels have to compete on setting their price and release time for the identical content to attract more customers. When supplier fixes the release time for the content and charges fixed prices to both channels, we find that there is an equilibrium pair of prices for the channels to charge the customers.
Influence of the Storage Conditions on the Physicochemical Properties, Antioxidant Activity and Microbial Flora of Different Tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum L.) Cultivars

This study intended to evaluate the influence of different postharvest cooling conditions in the physicochemical, antioxidant activity and microbiological contamination of tomato cultivars namely: Cereja, Chucha, Rama and Redondo. Pink fruits were kept for 15 days under three different storage temperatures (6oC, 12oC and 25oC) during which their weight loss, total soluble solids, pH, color, titrable acidity, lycopene and ascorbic acid contents, total phenolics and antioxidant activity were evaluated every three days. Counts of colony forming units of coliform bacteria, yeasts and molds and the presence of Escherichia coli, were determined before and after 15 days of storage. All studied parameters revealed that temperature and storage duration caused statistically significant differences in nutritional values of every cultivar. It was observed an increase in the lycopene concentration and antioxidant activity with temperature and storage duration. The phenolic and ascorbic acid contents showed a slight increase during storage at every temperature. Microbial contamination was only found in cultivars that grew in direct contact with the soil (Chucha and Redondo) and bacterial population increased exponentially with storage temperature. Our results indicate that the ideal temperature to maintain optimal physiological, biochemical and microbiological profiles of the cultivars studied is 12oC and that the cv. Rama fruit is the most suited for consumption in natura.
Il vocalismo dell'italiano. Analisi di un campione televisio

L'A. donne les premiers resultats d'une recherche voulant decrire le systeme vocalique italien. Cette recherche repose sur l'analyse d'un corpus de discours reel, celui de journaux televises en italien regional. les items analyses consistent en 6400 repetitions de sons vocaliques produits par un total de 40 locuteurs venant de 4 regions differentes d'Italie. L'article prend en considerations les donnees obtenues pour 5 locuteurs masculins venant de Lazio
O C ] 1 M ar 2 01 8 Dynkin games with Poisson random intervention times

This paper introduces a new class of Dynkin games, where the two players are allowed to make their stopping decisions at a sequence of exogenous Poisson arrival times. The value function and the associated optimal stopping strategy are characterized by the solution of a backward stochastic differential equation. The paper further applies the model to study the optimal conversion and calling strategies of convertible bonds, and their asymptotics when the Poisson intensity goes to infinity.
Adolescent Aggression and Parental Behaviour: A Correlational Study

The study was designed to examine the relationship between aggression of adolescents and their parental behavior. A sample of 155 adolescent students (80 Boys and 75 Girls) was taken from the different Senior Secondary schools of District Gurdaspur affiliated to CBSE. Aggression was measured by Aggression Scale (Pal and Naqvi, 1983) and Parental Behaviour was measured by Multi Dimensional Parenting Scale (Chauhan and Khokhar, 1997). The results show that there is significant positive correlation between aggression among adolescents and deviant parental behaviour. Findings of the study revealed that parents show more deviant parenting towards girls in comparison to boys in some of the dimensions. The results also throw some light on gender differences in aggressive behavior of adolescents.
Complement aberrations and autoantibodies to complement proteins in relation to disease mechanisms.

The complement system, a part of the innate immune system with several links to the adaptive immune system, plays an important role in the pathogenesis of many diseases. The purpose of this thesis was to document and clarify some of these mechanisms. The thesis is based on four papers (I-IV). (I and II) Autoantibodies to the C3 cleaving enzyme complex of the alternative pathway, C3 nephritic factors (C3 NeF), cause partial C3 deficiency and are associated with increased susceptibility to bacterial infections. By analysis of samples from 20 patients with C3 NeF, it was confirmed that C3 NeF are of at least 2 types; one with fluid phase (C3 NeF type I) and one with solid phase (C3 NeF type II) activity. Different types of C3 NeF were associated with different serum complement profiles and symptoms. Only C3 NeF type II were found to be associated with circulating autoantibodies to the collagenous region of C1q (aC1qCLR). Defense against Neisseria meningitidis in 26 patients with low C3 concentrations due to C3 NeF was investigated. In patients and control children, homozygosity for the IgG1 and IgG3 IGHG alleles G1M*f and G3M*b was found to be associated with higher serum bactericidal activity (SBA) than was heterozygosity. IGHG alleles correlated to IgG subclass binding to live meningococci, while IgG subclass binding did not correlate to SBA. Thus, the mechanism of influence from IGHG genes on SBA is unclear. IGHG variants are important for immune defense against meningococci in states of deficient complement function. This relationship should be examined further. (III) Serum levels of mannan-binding lectin (MBL) and antibodies to proteins from a potentially nephritogenic Streptococcus pyogenes strain (serotype M1 strain AP1) were investigated in 73 patients with acute poststreptococcal glomerulonephritis (AGN). Antibody responses to the serotype M1-related antigens M1, protein H and streptococcal inhibitor of complement were increased in patients compared to controls. The presence of MBL deficient individuals (serum concentration <0.1 mg/L) among AGN patients showed that the lectin pathway is not required in the pathogenesis of AGN. (IV) Autoimmunity has been implied to participate in the pathogenesis of idiopathic sudden hearing loss (ISHL). Autoantibodies were analysed in sera from 92 patients with ISHL. The most frequently occurring antibody was aC1qCLR, detected in 12 patients (13 %), all with normal serum concentrations of C1q. In ISHL, aC1qCLR probably represents cross-reactivity between C1q and inner ear protein(s). (Less)
THE QUESTION OF AN ISLAMIC FUTURES MARKET

This paper criticizes the tendency to characterize an Islamic futures market mainly in terms of the salam contract (e.g. Khan, 1995). Salam is not only a financing mode, like banking murabahah, but it is basically a means of hedging for capital providers not producers. The financing function of salam implies ‘discounted’ expected future prices, and hence salam is not an ideal means of projecting future prices. Alternatively, the istisnac contract is presented as the appropriate backbone of the Islamic futures market. Istisnac is uniquely characterized by the built-in flexibility of providing two simultaneous functions: a partial financing function and a partial hedging function. When the partial financial function is eliminated and total weight is placed on the hedging function, istisnac boils down to a forward contract. Accordingly, a good anchor will be established for future price movements not particularly affected by an implied ‘discounting’ process. The istisnac-based forward contract is proposed here as an ideal risk managing structure for a bankable profit and loss sharing (PLS) scheme. Although this article adopts the currently accepted juristic opinion, it is concluded by highlighting the need for a more up-to-date ijtihad to develop an Islamic futures market capable of capturing the merits of modern future markets and avoiding their demerits. It raises critical issues in relation to the juristic description of the forward contract as a prohibited debt for debt sale, with a special appeal to the critical juristic works of Kamali (2000), Muhiuddin (1986) and Hammad (1984).
Effect of abscisic acid, Paclobutrazol and Salicylic acid on the growthand Pigment variation in Solanum Trilobatum (l)

Solanum trilobatum (Family: Solanaceae) is one of the common Indian medicinal plants and it has been used in traditional medicine for many centuries. This plant is a thorny creeper with bluish violet flower, more commonly available in southern India has been used traditional in Siddha system of medicines to treat various diseases. The roots, leaves, berries and flowers are used for cough. The decoction of entire Solanum trilobatum plant is used to treat acute and chronic bronchitis. It has been widely used to treat respiratory disorders. This plant is commonly used to treat asthma, cough, dysonoea, chronic febrile infections and difficult parturition. The constituents of this plant include sobatum, -solamarine, solanine, solasodine, glycoalkaloid, diosogenin and tomatidine. Plant growth regulators are substance that influences physiological processes of plants at very low concentration. Abscisic acid is a many important plant growth development processed. Paclobutrazol is a triazolic group of fungicide which has plant growth regulating properties. Salicylic acid is phenolic phytohormones and is formed in plants with role of plant growth and development. The given treatments were started at 70th day followed by 80th, 90th and 100th days. The groups were treated with respect growth hormones by spraying method. After 10th day, the plants were harvested for further analysis. On over all physical assessment plants treated with paclobutrazol were found to have more whole plant fresh weight, dry weight, root length and stem length followed by abscisic acid and salicylic acid. After the physical evaluation, the leaves were collected from each group for pigment analysis. Chlorophyll, carotenoid, anthocyanin and xanthophylls pigment contents were increased in abscisic acid followed by paclobutrazol and salicylic acid.
1948 ‐ 6596 biogeography compendium The ecological biogeography of Amazonia

The Amazon drainage basin (Amazonia) contains the largest continuous area of tropical rain‐ forest in the world and is the most species‐rich terrestrial ecosystem on Earth. In biogeographical terms, the Amazon rainforest is still somewhat of a mystery, beset by data shortfalls in many taxonomic groups, lacking systematic surveys and faced with the challenge of collecting and collating data over a vast area. Nevertheless, considerable progress has been made over the last 20 years, leading to new insights from diverse fields of study. One of the most exciting developments has been the creation of large international research networks which are collating and synthesizing information from widely scat‐ tered permanent botanical plots. Data from these networks and other studies are providing valuable new insights on contemporary biodiversity patterns and processes in Amazonia. Here we review the ma‐ jor findings of these networks and discuss the factors that correlate with and may explain the spatial distribution of Amazonian tree species and the factors that may underpin the emergent patterns of functional traits and diversity across the Amazon Basin.
Reproductive Biology of the White-Crowned Sparrow (Zonotrichia leucophrys pugetensis Grinnell). I. Temporal Organization of Reproductive and Associated Cycles

Because of their wide latitudinal distribution, the races of the White-crowned Sparrow (Zonotrichia leucophrys) offer significant opportunities for comparative studies of the adaptive aspects of annual reproductive cycles and the mechanisms by which they are controlled. Of substantial interest among these races is Z. 1. pugetensis, a short-distance migrant whose breeding area (ca. 40-50oN) lies on the Pacific seaboard of North America between
DO BAND-TAILED PIGEONS SEEK A CALCIUM SUPPLEMENT AT MINERAL SITES?

Abstract We tested the hypotheses that mineral sites in western Oregon are used by Band-tailed Pigeons (Columba fasciata) to supplement dietary calcium and sodium. We compared mineral composition of sites used by Band-tailed Pigeons, adjacent unused sites, and three major food items during the nesting season. Sixty-five percent of used mineral sites were low in calcium (<200 ppm), whereas mean concentrations in food items were high (1,960–2,290 ppm). All but one used mineral site were high in sodium (≥678 ppm), whereas mean concentrations in food items were low (20–254 ppm). Food items were high in mean concentrations of potassium (12,470–26,980 ppm) and potassium:sodium ratios (138–656). Used and adjacent, unused, estuary mineral sites were similar in calcium and sodium concentrations. We hypothesize that because of insufficient sodium intake and inefficient sodium retention, Band-tailed Pigeons seek a sodium source to supplement their diet during the nesting season. Use of mineral sites probably depends upon sodium concentration, but also vegetation structure, development, human activity, and congregation use by Band-tailed Pigeons. Used mineral sites appear to be scarce in western Oregon, and are seemingly essential resources for this species. Eighty-six percent of known currently-used mineral sites are privately owned and subject to possible alteration from land-use practices. Mineral sites used by Band-tailed Pigeons should be included in the overall management scheme for maintaining stable breeding populations of this species.
Exporting Firms and the Demand for Skilled Tasks

This paper explores the link between exports and the demand for skilled tasks. Using the Chilean Encuesta Nacional Industrial Anual (ENIA), an annual census of manufacturing firms, the analysis first shows that Chilean exporters utilize more skills than Chilean non-exporters. More importantly, there is a distinct pattern of task differentiation among exporters both within skilled and unskilled tasks. Exporting firms demand the services of skilled specialized workers (engineers) as opposed to skilled administrative workers and managers. In addition, exporters demand less unskilled labor, especially blue-collar operatives. This suggests that exporters substitute skilled engineers for unskilled blue-collar workers to perform export-related tasks.
Morphological and genetic diversity in olive (Olea europaea subsp. e uropaea L.) clones and varieties

‘Picholine marocaine’ is a predominant olive cultivar in Morocco, widely spread in all the olive growing regions. Clonal selection is one of the breeding methods used for developing varieties, and the clones that showed improved traits in field were selected from ‘Picholine marocaine’. In this study, we compare the potential of microsatellite markers with morphological traits to differentiate the varieties and genotypes developed through clonal selections, and to estimate the relationships among the clonal selections, Moroccan local and Mediterranean varieties. For this purpose, we evaluated 7 clonal selections from ‘Picholine marocaine’, five Moroccan local and seven Mediterranean varieties for variation at 15 morphological traits and 20 microsatellite loci. The results clearly showed that microsatellite markers were more efficient compared to morphological traits to differentiate closely related varieties and genotypes developed through clonal selections, in addition to distantly related varieties. Nine out of the 20 microsatellites markers tested were polymorphic, revealing a total of 48 alleles. Average number of alleles per locus was 5.3, ranged from 3 to 9 alleles. Observed heterozygosity ranged from 0.42 to 1 with a mean of 0.79. Upon comparison, the dendrograms, constructed based on morphological traits and microsatellite markers, showed a positive and highly significant relationship. The combination of microsatellite marker profiles and the morphological characters serve as reliable tools for detailed description of olive varieties.
1 Radiative Effect and Climate Impacts of Brown Carbon with the Community Atmosphere Model ( CAM 5 )

A recent development in the representation of aerosols in climate models is the realization that some components of organic aerosol (OA), emitted from biomass and biofuel burning, can have a significant contribution to short-wave radiation absorption in the atmosphere. The absorbing fraction of OA is referred to as brown carbon (BrC). This study introduces one of the first implementations of BrC into the Community Atmosphere Model version 5 (CAM5), using a parameterization for BrC absorptivity described in Saleh et al. (2014). 9-year experiments are run (2003-2011) with 20 prescribed emissions and sea surface temperatures to analyze the effect of BrC in the atmosphere. Model validation is conducted via model comparison to single-scatter albedo and aerosol optical depth from the Aerosol Robotic Network (AERONET). This comparison reveals a model underestimation of SSA in biomass burning regions for both default and BrC model runs, while a comparison between AERONET and model absorption Angstrom exponent shows a marked improvement with BrC implementation. Global annual average radiative effects are calculated due to aerosol-radiation 25 interactions (REari; 0.13±0.01 W m) and aerosol-cloud interactions (REaci; 0.01±0.04 W m). REari is similar to other studies’ estimations of BrC direct radiative effect, while REaci indicates a global reduction in low clouds due to the BrC semi-direct effect. The mechanisms for these physical changes are investigated and found to correspond with changes in global circulation patterns. Comparisons of BrC implementation approaches find that this implementation predicts a lower BrC REari in the Arctic regions than previous studies with CAM5. Implementation of BrC bleaching effect shows a 30 significant reduction in REari (0.06±0.008 W m). Also, variations in OA density can lead to differences in REari and REaci, indicating the importance of specifying this property when estimating the BrC radiative effects and when comparing similar studies.
Relationship between Job Satisfaction and Turnover Intention Among Lecturers in Tanzanian Public Universities

This study explores the association between job satisfaction and turnover intentions among lecturers in three public universities in Tanzania. It had three objectives: (1) to determine the level of perceived job satisfaction among lecturers; (2) to determine the association between job satisfaction and turnover intention; and (3) to determine the extent to which lecturers’ job satisfaction and turnover intention differs by sex, age and work experience. Data were collected using questionnaires and analysed using SPSS version 20.0. A total of 66 public university lecturers participated in the study by filling in the questionnaires. The findings showed that these lecturers were highly satisfied with all facets of their job. There was a significant negative relationship between job satisfaction and turnover intention among the lecturers, whereby those who were highly satisfied were less likely to have an intention to leave their job. Also, there were significant differences in job satisfaction in relation to age and work experience. On the other hand, the turnover intention differs significantly by sex whereby the male lecturers had a greater intention to leave their job than their female counterparts. We suggest that for the universities to have highly innovative, motivated and productive teaching staff, job satisfaction should be given considerable attention. Keywords: Job satisfaction, Turnover intention, Public universities, Tanzania
Patterns of recolonisation and the importance of pit-digging by the crab Cancer pagurus in a subtidal sand habitat

The nature and level of disturbance to a benthic community caused by the pit-digging activities of the crab Cancer payurus were examined in a shallow sub-tidal sand habitat on the west coast of Scotland. From observations by acoustic tracking we estimate that each individual digs between 6 and 7 pits d' , with a total of 20 pits dug in a 1000 m2 area each day. Recolonisation of s~mula t ed crab pits suggest that the community returned to its original state within 25 to 30 d . This was achleved initially by erosion from the surround~ng sediments, followed by the random arrival of adult colonists from the available benthic pool. Feeding or other competitive interactions within disturbed patches were not altered sufficiently to be reflected as changes in the relative abundance of taxa We estimate that 3.6 % of the habitat wlll be at some stage of recovery from disturbance by pit-digging at this time of year.