Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Mudanças ocorridas na composição florística em decorrência da exploração florestal em uma área de floresta de Terra firme na região de Paragominas, PA

The objective of this research was to evaluate changes on floristic composition considering two intensities of harvest in 108 ha of primary forest in the Rio Capim forest management unit, which belongs to Cikel Brasil Verde Madeiras Ltda. , in the municipality of Paragominas, PA. Data were collected in two occasions, before logging (2003) and after logging (2004) in 36 50 m x 50 m permanent sample plots, randomly distributed in the area, being 12 in unlogged forest, 12 in logged forest with cutting of boles and 12 in logged forest with cutting of boles plus harvest of coarse woody debris. All trees with DBH > 10 cm were registered. Before logging occurred 4469 trees in the 36 plots (9 ha sample), belonging to 46 families, 138 genera and 228 species. After logging were recorded 4330 trees but two species disappeared (Licaria sp. e Nectandra sp.). Floristic composition, in the two logging intensities, had significant changes due to the reduced impact logging applied in the area. However, there was no changes significant between the two logged areas, indicating that the harvest of the coarse woody debris after logging had not caused significant damage to the remaining forest. Floristic composition changed slightly after logging but changes were not significant among the three communities, suggesting that even with the intensity of logging applied plus the harvest of coarse woody debris the forest could maintain its characteristics very similar to the original forest, in spite of the stock of trees being economically poorer.
Assessing User Computing Effectiveness: An Integrated Model

The importance of end-user computing (EUC) to organizations continues to grow. Many organizations are making sizeable investments in this area. It has become increasingly important for managers to understand the important factors to EUC effectiveness. This paper reports the results of a field study that investigated the determinant EUC effectiveness among 187 end-users. A conceptual path analytic model was developed and tested. The results show that end-user computer experience and attitudes toward EUC have strong direct effects on the variety of tasks for which the system is used, and on general system usage. While lack of task structure has negative effects on end-user satisfaction, end-user attitudes toward EUC have positive effects. Finally, support for EUC has a positive effect on perceived changes in job effectiveness but task structure is found to have a negative effect.
Effect of progesterone therapy versus diet modification on constipation during pregnancy

Background: Pregnant women may experience constipation for the first time or their existing constipation symptoms increase in severity during pregnancy. Aim: To compare the effect of progesterone versus diet modification in the treatment of constipation during pregnancy. Subjects and Methods: Women aged ≥18 years with functional constipation according to the Rome III criteria from obstetrics outpatients′ clinic and midwife practices included in this study. Participants divided into two groups; control group managed with diet modifications and study group pregnant women with threatened miscarriage and advised to take vaginal progesterone ≥1 week. Participants completed a nonvalidated questionnaire created by the authors during the whole week before intake of progesterone or diet modifications and after treatment phase. Independent Student′s t-test and Chi-square (χ2 ) test were used for statistical analysis to compare between two studied groups. Primary outcome measures; change in defecation frequency. Results: Sensation of anorectal obstruction and sensation of incomplete evacuation were significantly less in Group B (progesterone therapy) compared to Group A (diet modification) (54% [154/281] and 62.98% [177/281] vs. 89.76% [614/684] and 91.08% [623/684], respectively) (P = 0.04 and 0.03, respectively). Straining during defecation and manual maneuvers to facilitate evacuation were significantly less in Group B compared to Group A (63.7% [179/281] and 19.9% [56/281] vs. 94.59% [647/684] and 86.54% [592/684], respectively) (P < 0.01 and 0.02, respectively). Episodes of abdominal pain and presence of reflux episodes were also significantly less in Group B compared to Group A (18.5% [52/281] and 17.43% [49/281] vs. 84.11% [589/684] and 75% [513/684], respectively) (P = 0.01 and 0.03, respectively). Conclusions: Estrogen, rather than progesterone, may be a detrimental factor of constipation during pregnancy via decreased bowel movement. Progesterone therapy seems to be effective in the treatment of functional constipation during pregnancy. A randomized placebo controlled trial is required to confirm the data of this study.
Applications of uNDF in Ration Modeling and Formulation

Fiber digestibility and indigestibility are critical factors when assessing forage quality and formulating diets. Digestion characteristics of NDF influence feeding and rumination behavior, rate of particle breakdown, ruminal turnover and fill, dry matter intake, and overall efficiency of milk component output. Traditionally, nutritionists have focused primarily on measures of fiber digestibility, but recently the focus has included indigestible fiber as well because of the recognition of its importance in setting the extent and influencing the rate(s) of fiber fermentation in the rumen. For purposes of nutritional modeling, indigestible NDF is required as the end point for fermentation to allow accurate estimation of the potentially digestible NDF fraction and its rate(s) of digestion. Measuring true NDF indigestibility would require infinite time, so in the actual rumen of a dairy cow or in an artificial rumen system, true indigestibility is never reached. The standard nomenclature is “indigestible NDF (iNDF)” throughout the literature (Mertens, 1993; Huhtanen et al., 2006); however, to improve the accuracy of the standard terminology used to describe fiber fermentation dynamics, Mertens (2013) coined the term “undigested NDF (uNDF)” as the laboratory measure (typically in vitro or in situ) of indigestible NDF at a specified fermentation time. You will see both terms used, and for the most part, they are interchangeable as long as you know the method and time point used to determine the NDF digestion endpoint. However, moving forward, we will standardize our terminology to uNDF. To achieve iNDF requires estimations out to infinite time and that estimated residue might not be consistent with the interactive behavior of the forage and feed with rumen function.
Promoting Organizational Entrepreneurship in Iran: Evidences From Agricultural Extension Workers

The main purpose of this study was to investigate the role of Knowledge Management (KM) in Organizational Entrepreneurship (OE) among agriculture extension workers at Kermanshah Township, Iran. The statistical population in this study consisted of all agriculture extension workers of Jihad-e-Agriculture management and centers of agricultural services at Kermanshah Township (N=143), of whom 129 were available and provided data for this study. The main instrument in this study was a questionnaire which its validity was confirmed by the panel of experts and its reliability was established by Cronbach's Alpha coefficient (α>0.70). Data was analyzed by SPSSwin21 software in two parts of descriptive (frequency, percentage, mean and standard deviation) and inferential (correlation and regression analysis) statistics. Based on the results of enter multiple regression, KM components were the main predictors of OE among agriculture extension workers. The findings of this study have applications for Jihad-e-Agriculture management and centers of agricultural services in order to promoting OE among agriculture extension workers in Iran.
Simulation of the heat and mass transfer processes during the vacuum frying of potato chips

A fundamental two-dimensional model to predict the heat and mass transfer that occur during the vacuum frying of potato chips was solved using the Finite Element toolbox in MATLAB 6.1. The simulation of the heat transfer process included the convection of heat from the surface to the product, the conduction of heat into the product, and a loss of heat using the heat source term representing evaporation. The mass transfer process was divided into two periods: (1) water loss and (2) oil absorption. The first scenario included a diffusion term and a source term. The source term represented the convection and evaporation of water from the product. For the second period, the diffusion term represented the gradual absorption of oil through capillary diffusion. From the simulation, a good agreement between the experimental data and the predicted values was obtained. From the heat transfer model, the rapid increase in temperature of the product toward the boiling point of water (at the associated pressure) followed by its steady increase toward the temperature of the oil was validated. Furthermore, by separating the rate of moisture loss into two parts to represent the constant rate and falling rate period of drying, the model was able to predict an initial period of rapid moisture loss followed by a decreasing rate of moisture loss. The simulation also demonstrated the formation of the crust and the gradual movement of the crust inward. Finally, using two sets of diffusion coefficients that correlated to the two schemes of moisture loss, the model predicted the rapid flux of oil into the product during the constant drying stage, followed by a small amount of oil absorption into its interior once the crust had been established.
The biostratigraphy of the Upper Pliensbachian-Toarcian (Lower Jurassic) sequence at Ilminster, Somerset

Temporary road sections for the A303 bypass at Ilminster, Somerset, revealed Upper Pliensbachian and Toarcian sediments from an alternating limestone–marl facies, in marked contrast to the limestone-dominated Dorset coast succession. The lithostratigraphy is described, with the standard ammonite zonation providing chronostratigraphical correlation. The uppermost Pliensbachian (Spinatum Chronozone) and much of the Toarcian (Serpentinum, Bifrons, Variabilis, Thouarsense and Pseudoradiosa chronozones) of the classic Dorset coast Lower Jurassic sequence are represented by the Beacon Limestone Formation, formerly the ‘Junction Bed’ (a highly condensed carbonate deposit). The Tenuicostatum Chronozone is largely missing from the sequence. Elsewhere in southern and eastern England this interval is poorly or rarely exposed. The argillaceous units have yielded rich microfaunas and -floras (foraminifera, ostracods, calcareous nannofossils and palynomorphs), the biostratigraphical distributions of which are analysed and discussed in relation to contemporary evolutionary patterns and other UK records. This study provides an insight into the micro-biostratigraphy of the Late Pliensbachian to Toarcian interval for onshore southern England.
Regulation of glucose metabolism by bioactive phytochemicals for the management of type 2 diabetes mellitus

Abstract Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is the most prevalent disease and becoming a serious public health threat worldwide. It is a severe endocrine metabolic disorder that has the ability to induce serious complications in all kinds of organs. Although mechanisms of anti-diabetics have been described before, we focus here on the cellular and physiological mechanisms involved in the modulation of insulin and glucose blood levels. As obesity and inflammation are intimately associated with the development of T2DM, their possible relationships are also described. The effects of gut microbiota on insulin resistance have been recently investigated in clinical trials, and we discuss the potential mechanisms by which gut microbiota may improve glucose handling, especially via the metabolism of ingested phytochemicals. Among the historically supported effects of phytochemicals, their therapeutic potential for T2DM leads to consider these natural products as an important pool for the identification of novel anti-diabetic drug leads. This current research extends the descriptions of anti-diabetic effects of plants that are used in traditional medicines or as nutraceuticals. The objective of the present review is to make a systematic report on glucose metabolism in T2DM as well as to explore the relationships between natural phytochemicals and glucose handling.
Stability of demand for money function in Nepal: A cointegration and error correction modeling approach

This paper examines the long run and short run demand for money functions and their stability issues for Nepal using the annual data set of 1975-2009 by using the recently developed ARDL modeling to cointegration popularized by Pesaran and Shin (1999). The bounds test shows that there exists the long run cointgrating relationship among demand for real money balances, real GDP and interest rate in case of both narrow and broad monetary aggregates. Further, the CUSUM and CUSUMSQ test reveal that both the long run narrow and broad money demand functions are stable. The results show that demand for real money balance in Nepal is a stable and predictable function of a few variables and the central bank can rely on the monetary aggregates as intermediate targets for achieving the broad economic objectives.
Osmolality of modified enteral tube feeds for adults in hospitals across the Western Cape Province

Abstract Objectives: The first aim of this study was to determine the incidence of use, reasons for use, and procedures/recipes followed in modifying enteral tube feeds (ETFs) for adults in state and private hospitals across the Western Cape Province (WCP), South Africa (baseline data). The second aim was to determine the osmolality of the modified ETFs used by these hospitals (osmolality data). Design: A descriptive cross-sectional study. Setting and subjects: The study was conducted in January/February 2007. The baseline data was collected by means of a coded questionnaire sent to all state and private hospitals in the WCP (n = 111), excluding all children’s hospitals. The osmolality data was obtained by means of freeze-point depression of the modified ETF recipes obtained from the participating hospitals. Results: A total response rate of 94% was obtained. Of the participating hospitals (n = 104), 48% were state (n = 50) and 52% were private hospitals (n = 54). Sixty-two per cent of hospitals (n = 64) made use of ETFs, with 25% modifying their feeds (n = 16). Twelve recipes were obtained for the osmolality testing. Eight recipes (66%) were significantly lower (p < 0.001), two (16%) were significantly higher (p < 0.001) and two of the recipes did not differ from the standard enteral product. Eight recipes (66%) had a significantly higher average osmolality (p < 0.001) than that of body fluid. The concentrated ETF recipe (1.43 kcal/ml) had the highest osmolality (707 mOsm/kg/H20). Conclusions: Modular ETFs had lower average osmolality than those of the semi-modular and the standard enteral products, and of body fluid (300 mOsm/kg/H20).
Influence of using moringa meal flour as meat extender on quality characteristics of beef burger patties during frozen storage.

This research aimed to use defatted-detoxified Moringa meal as meat extender in manufacture of beef burgers instead of soybean flour (SF). Effect of Moringa meal flour (MMF) addition at different levels (3,6,9 and 12%) on frozen storage stability for most important quality criteria of beef burger patties was studied. The incorporation of defatted-detoxified Moringa meal into beef burger patties instead of soybean flour increased the content of sulfur containing amino acids and caused an improvement or retention of physiochemical quality criteria (pH value, WHC, cooking shrinkage, TVN and TBA contents) during frozen storage, as well as improvement of the microbiological quality, when compared to control sample. Also, beef burger samples containing Moringa meal flour (MMF) exhibited a good sensory properties and better acceptability, especially those contained 9 and 12 %, even after frozen storage for 3 months.
Prediction Value of CRIB-II in Outcome of Preterm and Low Birth Weight Infants: a Prospective Cohort Study

Background: One of the most common methods of identifying mortality risk is the Clinical Risk Index for Babies scoring system (CRIB- II). The aim of this study was assessing the value of CRIB- II in predicting mortality risk in preterm and low birth weight infants in East Azerbaijan- Iran. Materials and Methods: This prospective cohort study was carried out in 2013-2014 during 6 months in NICUs of Alzahra, Taleqani and Children hospitals of Tabriz-Iran. All infants ≤ 32 weeks’ gestational age or ≤ 1500gr birth weight were included in the study using consecutive method. After calculating CRIB- II score, the infants were followed up at 3 months of age and their outcome was determined. The data was analyzed using SPSS-13, t- test, receiver operating characteristics (ROC) and area under curve (AUC) and relative risk (RR). Results: Of total 215 infants, 64 infants (29.7%) died in the hospital and one infant (0.4%) died after discharging from the hospital. 150 (68.8%) infants, were alive at 3 months age follow up. The mean of CRIB- II score in the group of dead infants was higher and statistically significant compared to the group of alive infants (P<0.05). The prediction power of CRIB- II was determined at 8.5 cut off point regarding the outcome of infants. Based on AUC, the CRIB- II score predicted 83% of mortality rate in infants (confidence interval =76-90). Conclusion: Findings indicated the notable power of CRIB- II in predicting infants’ mortality, so it can be used as a simple and reliable tool to prioritize the interventions in Newborn Intensive Care Units (NICUs).
Performance Comparison of Two On-demand Routing Protocols for WSNs

Wireless sensor networks have numerous exciting applications in virtually all fields of science and engineering; including health care, industry, military, security, environmental science, geology, agriculture, and social studies. Wireless Sensor Networks (WSNs) consist of small nodes with sensing, computation, and wireless communications capabilities. Many routing, power management, and data dissemination protocols have been specially designed for WSNs. The focus has been given to the routing protocols which might differ depending on the application and network
Earnings Management and Fraudulent Financial Reporting: The Malaysian Story

Earnings management research has a long and rich history. The agency conflict, incentives, rationalization, opportunity plus having the capability among the managers to manipulate the financial statements lead them to commit fraud. The loopholes in the standards or the deviation from real operational activities promote this situation to prolong. In relation to this issue, this study examines the earnings management behavior among fraud firms in Malaysia. Further, this study examines the relationship between accruals earnings management as a proxy variable for discretionary accruals and real earnings management as the proxy variable for discretionary cash flow. Sample of 57 alleged fraud firms was selected based on the fraudulent financial reporting offences announced in Bursa Malaysia website. The sample data are collected from public firms which committed fraud from 2001 to 2013. This study found a significant negative relationship between accruals earnings management and real earnings management among the fraud firms in Malaysia suggesting that these firms aggressively manage earnings downwards or upwards essentially to avoid regulators scrutiny apart from aiming to achieve personal incentives. The study significantly finds evidence that fraud firms manage earnings on a sequential basis between accruals earnings management and real earnings management prior to fraud year. The findings indicate that firms opt for real earnings management and make full use of its distinguished features of not easily traceable to continue managing earnings immediately subsequent to fraud year. This study may assist regulators, auditors, and policymakers to curb earnings management patterns that have high likelihood of becoming part of fraud antecedent.
S.E.T for Evaluating and Ranking Banks from Viewpoint of Customers

Accurate ranking of banks' branches is a major concern to management. Whereas current methods that used for ranking in banks aren't accurateAppling MCDM methods are closer to reality, so, we suggest a three-stage procedure (S.E.P) for ranking that will help to all of them that want to rank service organizations, for example : ranking banks ,hotels and so on. Three-stage procedure (S.E.T) for ranking include: Servperf, Entropy, and Topsis. First,we evaluate service quality from viewpoint of customers by SERVPERF, second for calculating the criteria weights we applied Entropy method . Finally, and we conduct Technique for Order Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution (TOPSIS) to achieve the final ranking results. An empirical study of ranking banks in public sector is presented to illustrate the effectiveness of the approach. A sample size of 207 participants was collected in three branches of melli bank's Iran, also called the National Bank (margin of Caspian Sea). The samples of 207 respondents were male percent more than female percent, and majority of respondents were below 30 years old (54.4 percent).
Text-messaging Cultures of College Girls in Hong Kong: SMS as Resources for Achieving Intimacy and Gift-exchange with Multiple Functions

Mobile text messaging, variously known as SMS (Short Message Service), text messaging, mobile e-mail, or texting, has become a common means of keeping in constant touch, especially among young people in many parts of the world today. The research literature abounds with studies on the social, cultural, linguistic and communicative aspects of mobile text messaging in different sociocultural contexts in the world. However, almost all of these studies have been conducted outside of Hong Kong. Belowwe shall provide a preliminary literature review of earlier studies related to SMS. Then we shall present our pilot qualitative study. In the findings and discussion section, we shall interpret the findings in light of the relevant research literature.
Search for a positron anisotropy with PAMELA experiment

Abstract. The PAMELA experiment has been collecting data since 2006; its results indicate a rise in the positron fraction with respect to the sum of electrons and positrons in the cosmic-ray (CR) spectrum above 10 GeV. This excess can be due to additional sources, as SNRs or pulsars, which can lead to an anisotropy in the local CR positron, detectable from current experiments. We report on the analysis on spatial distributions of positron events collected by PAMELA, taking into account also the geomagnetic field effects. No significant deviation from the isotropy has been observed.
International Food and Agribusiness Management Review

In the 21st century, the food supply chain has become a complex, interconnected system with strategies that are aimed at creating improved products to satisfy consumers’ demand for safer foods. To stay competitive and ensure consumer confidence, agribusiness firms develop and implement strategies that take into account not only traditional economic factors driving the food demand, but also issues such as food safety and quality. Traceability and assurance protocols help agribusiness companies improve and refine their production processes, thus providing better control over, and transparency of, food quality and safety throughout the food supply chain. This paper reports on the empirical results of focus interviews conducted during the 2004 IAMA conference to determine the current implemented levels of traceability and assurance protocols and considers some of the issues regarding the benefits, costs and constraints of implementing those protocols.