Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Milk yield and immune response of periparturient and early lactation friesian cows fed diets supplemented with a high level of amino-acid chelated chromium

The trial was carried out on twenty-one Friesian cows at the end of eight months gestation, nine multiparous and twelve primiparous; allocated into three groups (1 control, 2 and 3 experimental). The same diet was administred to all three groups before partum (12.8 kg DM/head/day) and after partum (18.8 kg DM/head/day). The cows in groups 2 and 3 received two different daily quantities of amino-acid chelated chromium (0.6 and 1.2 mg Cr/kg DM) from 4 weeks prior to presumed parturition to 6 weeks after. The milk yield control was carried out at 15, 30, 42 and 60 days. All animals were immunised two weeks prior to the presumed parturition and two weeks after with the following antigens: ovalbumin and brucellergene. Blood samples were collected weekly to monitor humoral and cell-mediated immune responses. When analysing the results of antibody immunity (ovalbumin) in the sixth blood collection both treated groups significantly increased compared to group 1 (0.5230 and 0.4536 vs. 0.1812 OD; p<0.05). The results of the cell-mediated immune response (brucellergene) had significant differences (p<0.10) in correspondence to the third (between group 2 and control) and the fifth (between groups 3 and 2) blood collection. Significant differences in fat corrected milk were observed at 42 days between group 3 and the other two groups (31.01 vs. 26.99 and 28.66 kg/d, p<0.05) and at 60 days between group 3 and control (30.88 vs. 26.69 kg/d, p<0.05). Before partum and at partum a positive immune response was obtained with a lower dose of chromium. After partum a positive immune response, anti-OVA indicator, was obtained with the higher dose of chromium while, γ-IFN indicator, with the lower dose. A significant increase of the milk yield resulted at both 42 and 60 days with the highest level of chromium. (Asian- Aust. J. Anim. Sci. 2005. Vol 18, No. 8 : 1098-1104)
Experimental Evidence of Stable Aggregates of Water at Room Temperature and Normal Pres- sure After Iterative Contact with a Nafion ® Poly- mer Membrane

Long-range effects in interactions between aqueous solutions and charged surfaces have been frequently reported. Six different experimental techniques have been used to study the properties of water after prolonged contact with a hydrophilic polymer. The presence of supra-molecular aggregates of water, hundreds of nanometres in size, have been observed at ambient pressure and temperature after iterative long-lasting contact of Milli-Q water with a Nafion surface. These isolated aggregates of water also survive lyophilisation. Analytical determination by Ion Chromatography allows us to exclude the role of contaminants. This suggests that water may possess an exceptional self-organisation capability triggered by the contact with a hydrophilic surface.
How can we make electronic dictionaries more effective

The rate at which electronic dictionaries have been replacing their printed counterparts is impressive, though not altogether unexpected, at least by some experts (Atkins 1996). As a result of the revolutionary character of the transition, designers of electronic dictionaries find themselves in a void when it comes to user studies specifically addressing this dictionary format. Naturally, it takes time to plan, conduct, analyse and disseminate the results of empirical user studies. In a rapidly growing area such as e-dictionaries, user research may find itself overtaken by events. While it is certainly reassuring for designers of electronic reference works to be able to base design decisions on solid empirical evidence, holding back development until such evidence is available is often thought to be a waste of time. With such direct evidence lacking, lexicographers can instead look for design principles in user studies done on paper dictionaries: many of the material issues in dictionary design are relatively form-independent, and so findings from paper-based studies may still supply useful pointers for the design of e-dictionaries. Further relevant evidence may come from non-lexicographic studies involving human-computer interaction. Expert intuition continues to be an important source of insight, as are new feedback channels from users, including what has been termed simultaneous feedback (De Schryver and Prinsloo 2001; De Schryver and Joffe 2004) as well as the use of log files (De Schryver and Joffe 2004; Bergenholtz and Johnson 2005; De Schryver et al. 2006; Bergenholtz and Johnson 2007; Tarp 2009; Verlinde and Binon 2010).
The translation of power: A study of boundary objects in public engagement processes

Public consultation and engagement processes have become an integral feature of infrastructure development projects in many parts of the world. Regardless of the drivers behind this trend, legislative or otherwise, a key objective of the process is to facilitate information exchange between affected parties. Somewhat simplified, the process is used by the project team to garner support, collect feedback and address grievances for the project, and by a multitude of stakeholders to voice complaints, lobby for change and secure benefits for themselves. It follows that the process, despite intentions otherwise, is commonly characterised by opposing interests and unequal power relationships that lead to antagonistic standoffs between participants. This paper focuses on what takes place within the engagement process and the format through which information is exchanged. In particular, focus is on the material artefacts that are used to facilitate the information exchange. When used effectively, these artefacts act as boundary objects between participants by allowing them to work together across a diverse range of issues. The paper draws on ongoing research that explores how boundary objects are used in the public engagement process in Hong Kong. The study utilises the Latour-Callon model of ‘interessement’ to trace how information is translated through boundary objects across a series of engagement events. An argument is put forward highlighting how boundary objects both affect and are affected by power struggles between social groups, and how this in turn affects decision making and goal alignment. In so doing, the notion of the boundary objects possessing inherent properties making them effective communication tools across events is rejected, and replaced by a view that puts more emphasis on how and why they are used by the participants.
Common Knowledge and Disparate Priors: When it is O.K. to Agree to Disagree

Abandoning the oft-presumed common prior assumption, partitioned type spaces with disparate priors are studied. It is shown that in the two-player case, a unique fundamental pair of priors can be identified in each type space, from whose properties boundaries on the possible ranges of expected values under common knowledge can be derived. In the limit as the elements of this pair approach each other,a common prior is identified, and standard results stemming from the common prior assumption are recapitulated. It is further shown that this two-player fundamental pair of priors is a special case of the n-player situation, where a representative n-tuple of fundamentally associated priors can be selected, out of at most n-1 such n-tuples, to play an analogous role.
Gravitational microlensing as a test of a finite-width disk model of the Galaxy

The aim of this work is to show, in the framework of a simple finite-width disk model, that the amount of mass seen through gravitational microlensing measurements in the region 0 < R < R◦ is consistent with the dynamical mass ascertained from Galaxy rotation after subtracting gas contribution. Since microlensing only detects compact objects, this result suggests that a non-baryonic mass component may be negligible in this region.
A Comparison of Methodologies for Valuing Decreased Health Effects from Wildfire Smoke

Wildfire seasons are becoming longer and more intense throughout the world, making it increasingly important to monetize the full damages caused by wildfires when analyzing various fire management policies. We estimate the economic costs of the health effects associated with exposure to wildfire smoke using a simple cost of illness approach and for the first time to our knowledge we estimate willingness-to-pay (WTP) for a decrease in symptom days from wildfire smoke using the contingent valuation method and the averting behavior method. Comparing estimates across all three common approaches for estimating the economic cost of exposure to an air pollutant is an important contribution to the literature. This study uses data from the largest wildfire in Los Angeles County’s modern history, the Station Fire of 2009. Our results show that a simple cost of illness estimate is about $3 per day of symptoms, the averting behavior method results in a WTP value of $43 or $94 to avoid one day of wildfire-smoke induced symptom days, depending on the model used, and the contingent valuation method results in a WTP estimate of $74 - $98 to avoid one day of wildfire-smoke induced symptom days, depending on model specification.
Geostatistical Analysis of Soil Nematode Communities under Degraded and Meliorated Grasslands in the Horqin Sand Land

3 Abstract: Geostatistics was applied to assess the spatial distribution of soil nematodes communities under Degraded Grassland (DG) and Meliorated Grassland (MG) in the Horqin Sand Land, Northeast China. Two 140 ×140 m plots, one in DG and the other in MG, were divided into grids with 20 m spacing that included totally 128 sampling points. Soil samples were collected from the depth of 0-20 cm in April 2006. The result showed that nematode richness (number of genera) and abundance were lower under DG than under MG. Acrobeles and Bitylenchus were dominant genera under both DG and MG. The numbers of total nematodes and trophic groups were spatial dependent. Gaussian and Exponential models were the best-fitted models for the studying variables. The spatial ranges for total nematodes, bacterivores and omnivores-predators were shorter under MG than under DG. Maps obtained by kriging showed that the numbers of total nematodes and trophic groups had different distribution patterns under DG and MG. Heterogeneity in the total nematodes and trophic groups was lower under DG than under MG.
Exploring business intelligence and its depth of maturity in Thai SMEs

Abstract Increased complexities in making effective and timely business decisions in highly competitive markets have driven organisations worldwide to adopt business intelligence (BI) technologies. Large enterprises have reached a mature stage of BI adoption while small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) still lag behind—despite organisations of all sizes can benefit from the use of this technology to aggregate, manage and analyse data for assisting decision-making that enhances profitability. This study proposes a BI maturity model for SMEs that distinguishes different levels of BI maturity and identifies the factors that currently impact their levels of BI adoption. The proposed model is empirically tested using survey data from 427 SMEs and analysed using multinomial logistic regression. Results indicate that BI adoption in Thai SMEs is still at an initial stage, with the majority being classified in the lowest level of BI maturity. Significant factors that impact the levels of BI adoption are relative advantage, complexity, organisational resource availability, competitive pressure, vendor selection and owner-managers’ innovativeness. Results from the study can be used by government agencies to develop strategies to increase the rate of BI adoption among SMEs. IT vendors also can use the results to determine which SMEs they should target.
CCN activity of six pollenkitts and the influence of their surface activity

Abstract. Pollenkitt is a viscous material that coats grains of pollen and plays important roles in pollen dispersion and plant reproduction. It may also be an important contributor to pollen water uptake and CCN activity. The chemical composition of pollenkitt varies between species, but has been found to comprise complex organic mixtures including oxygenated, lipid, and aliphatic functionalities. The mix of functionalities suggests that pollenkitt may display aqueous surface activity, which could significantly impact pollen interactions with atmospheric water. Here, we study the surface activity of pollenkitt from six different species and its impact on pollenkitt hygroscopicity. We measure cloud activation and concentration dependent surface tension of pollenkitt and its mixtures with ammonium sulfate salt. Experiments are compared to predictions from several thermodynamic models, taking aqueous surface tension reduction and surfactant surface partitioning into account in various ways. We find a clear reduction of surface tension by pollenkitt in aqueous solution and evidence for impact of both surface tension and surface partitioning mechanisms on cloud activation potential and hygroscopicity. In addition, we find indication of significant impact of complex non-ideal solution effects in systematic and consistent size dependency of pollenkitt hygroscopicity.
Design and fabrication of a mechanized system for casting and compacting laboratory size clay beams

To provide low cost residential buildings for shelter of growing population is a challenge in Pakistan. In its plains, it is more economical to use clay as material of construction instead of reinforced cement concrete due to its higher cost and transportation charges. The structural properties of clay can be modified by compacting and baking. A mechanized system to cast, compact and consolidate laboratory size clay beams was designed and fabricated. The intended object of the development of this system was to expel mixed water from indigenous moist clay beams by compaction to the extent of optimum moisture content of the clay. The purpose is that the beams cast and compacted with this system could attain maximum possible dry density. This system is mainly composed of strong and stiff steel mould, truss supported railing, overhead mono-rail system, swash plate hydraulic pump with fixed displacement, two way control valves and a strong and compact bulk head unit. This bulk head is capable to supply the vertically downward compressive force for compaction and consolidation of the clay beams to higher degree of compaction in the moulding chamber of the system. With this system, moist clay was compacted in the mould up to the density of 2000 kg/m3 and the corresponding moisture content was about 13%, where as the optimum moisture content of the clay was 12%. It is concluded that this system can be used for quick production of compressed clay beams, which can be baked and reinforced. Those reinforced baked clay beams can be used as pre-cast panels for construction of low cost houses.
Studies on physico chemical characteristics of Gymnema sylvestre (Leaf, powder and extract)

Gymnema sylvestre is a reputed herb in the ayurvedic system of medicine. The herb exhibits a broad range of therapeutic effects as an effective natural remedy for diabetes. The mandate of current study was to explore the nutritional and anti diabetic worth of Gymnema sylvestre because of its easily availability and mostly use. The fresh Gymnema sylvestre leaves were green in colour and elliptical in shape. The average weight, length and width of leaves were 0.157, 4.46 and 2.56 respectively. The physico-chemical characteristics of Gymnema sylvestre powder like bulk density (g/ml), tapped density (g/ml), Carr's index, Hausner’s ratio, pH 1% solution, acid insoluble ash (%), water soluble ash (%), water-soluble and alcohol soluble extractive values (%) were 0.43, 0.54, 20.37, 1.255, 6.93, 1.95, 2.60, 17.23 and 4.57 respectively. The proximate composition of Gymnema sylvestre powder like moisture, crude fat, crude protein, crude fiber, total ash and total carbohydrate contents were 7.38, 5.80, 10.94, 11.50, 9.49 and 54.89 per cent respectively. The minerals calcium, magnesium, chromium, zinc, copper and iron were analyzed from Gymnema sylvestre powder, the concentration of these minerals were 1542.63, 592.40, 2.70, 21.80, 12.71 and 36.91 (mg/100g) respectively. Gymnema sylvestre liquid extract had a brownish green colour, no specific odour and bitter in taste while dried extract was brown in colour and also bitter in taste. The physico-chemical characteristics of Gymnema sylvestre dried ethanolic extract like pH 1% solution, saponin test, foaming index, ash content (%), water soluble fraction (%), water-insoluble fraction (%) and gymnemic acid content (%) were 6.8, positive, less than 100, 1.90, 65, 35 and 8.00 respectively.
Industry structure and employment growth: evidence from semiparametric geoadditive models

Using Local Labor Systems (LLSs) data, we assess the effect of the local productive structure on the employment growth in Italy during the period 1981-2008. Italy represents an interesting case study because of the high degree of spatial heterogeneity in local labor market performances and of the presence of strongly specialized LLSs (industrial districts). Building on a semiparametric geoadditive model, our empirical investigation allows us to identify important nonlinearities in the relationship between local industry structure and local employment growth, to assess the relative performance of industrial districts (the places where Marshallian externalities occur)and to control for unobserved spatial heterogeneity.
A Causality and Co-integration Analysis of Some Selected Socio-Economic Determinants of Fertility: Empirics from Tunisia

This study investigates the impact of some selected socio-economic factors on fertility rate in Tunisia over the period of 1971 to 2014. Philips Perron (PP) unit root test is used for testing the stationarity of the variables. For examining the co-integration among the variables of the model, Autoregressive Distributed Lag (ARDL) approach to co-integration is used. Causality among the variables of the model is examined with the help of Variance Decomposition and Impulse Response Function. The estimated results show that selected variables of the model has mix order of integration. Long run results of the study show that female education, urbanization have a significant negative relationship with the fertility rate in Tunisia. The results reveal that life expectancy and per capita income have positive and significant relationship with fertility in Tunisia. The value of ECT reveals that short needs more than 5 years to converge in the long run equilibrium. The results of Variance Decomposition and Impulse Response Function reveal that all independent variables have causal relationship with the dependent variable. The study suggests that socio-economic improvement is a key in reducing fertility rate in Tunisia.
New types of employment, new ways to be uncivil? A thematic analysis of temporary agency workers’ exposure to workplace incivility

The aim of the study was to explore what types of incivility temporary agency workers might experience or witness. A total of 162 temporary agency workers (97 women and 65 men) from three unions and three temporary work agencies completed an online questionnaire. The questionnaire consisted of a one-item question, with an open-ended response format, regarding what types of incivility temporary agency workers might experience or witness in the workplace. The participants were employed in the sectors of healthcare, education, transportation, IT, retail and white-collar service work. Overall, thematic analysis resulted in the identification of six themes: 1) exclusion from the collegiality, 2) with-holding information and resources, 3) acting condescendingly and using insulting remarks, 4) questioning competence and making higher demands, 5) threatening job security and using abusive terms of employment, and 6) showing more severe negative workplace behaviors. The results show that there are types of uncivil behaviors that are not fully captured by the most frequent used measures of today. Exclusion from the collegiality and not being respected for their competence, and condescending behavior were uncivil behaviors typically associated with temporary agency work. The study has implications for the future development of methods for studying incivility and negative workplace behaviors among temporary agency workers.
Weak sensitivity of cloud condensation nuclei and the aerosol indirect e ff ect to Criegee + SO 2 chemistry

Weak sensitivity of cloud condensation nuclei and the aerosol indirect effect to Criegee+SO2 chemistry J. R. Pierce, M. J. Evans, C. E. Scott, S. D. D’Andrea, D. K. Farmer, E. Swietlicki, and D. V. Spracklen Department of Atmospheric Science, Colorado State University, Ft. Collins, CO, USA Department of Physics and Atmospheric Science, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, Canada Department of Chemistry, University of York, York, UK School of Earth and Environment, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK Department of Chemistry, Colorado State University, Ft. Collins, CO, USA Division of Nuclear Physics, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
Retreating from the Brink: Theorizing Mass Violence and the Dynamics of Restraint

The research problem driving this paper is the absence of a strong theory that accounts for variation among cases that have similar probabilities of escalating to genocide and similar forms of organized (usually state-led) mass violence against civilians. Much of the existing theory on genocide focuses on explaining under what conditions and by what processes regimes commit large-scale violence against civilians. I argue that a critical missing dimension to studies of genocide, but also more generally to the study of political violence, is a methodological recognition of negative cases and a theoretical recognition of the dynamics of restraint that helps to explain such negative cases. That is, in addition to asking what causes leaders to choose to escalate violence, I argue that scholars should emphasize conditions that prompt moderation, de-escalation, or non-escalation. I propose an alternative framework for how to conceptualize the process of political violence and review the literature to identify key restraint mechanisms at micro, meso, and macro levels of analysis. I further articulate a provisional theory of genocide using this new analytical framework. I illustrate my argument with an empirical analysis of mass violence cases in Sub-Saharan Africa since independence, and with a more in-depth analysis of comparable crises in Rwanda and Côte d'Ivoire, where the trajectories of violence differed significantly. While this paper draws on extensive empirical research, my primary purpose is not to advance a developed new theory or to test particular hypotheses, but rather to outline a research agenda that promises to draw from and contribute to recent work on the comparative politics of violence.
Cycle Relationship between China's Monetary Policy and Economic Growth Based on the View of FCI

On the issue of correlativity between monetary policy and economic growth, this study firstly concludes the study results done by foreign and domestic scholars; then, based on the latest economic data like interest rate, exchange rate, bank credit and asset price, this study constructs China's real Financial Condition Index by using VAR model; further, this study uses spectrum analysis to study the relationship between FCI and economic growth and reaches the conclusion that monetary policy changes in consistent with and goes ahead of economic growth; lastly, this study raised some policy suggestions based on history of China's monetary policy.