Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The Spanish "via media" to the development of the welfare state

The case of Spain has attracted very little attention from academics and experts in the area of social policy, perhaps because it was under Franco's rule for a period of nearly 40 years. This Working Paper analyses succinctly the process of building a welfare system in Spain during the 20th century stressing general differences and similarities with respect to other advanced industrial countries. At present, Spanish welfare development appears as a via media between both 'corporatist-continental' and Anglo-Saxon 'liberal' models. It also incorporates some socialdemocratic inputs as reference tokens. However, the most relevant aspect concerning future trends is that associated with the deepening of regional and local decentralisation both at the level of planning and policy implementation.
Physiological potential of cauliflower seeds

The assessment of seed physiological performance is essential to provide consistent information to compose quality control programs conducted by seed companies and allow prompt decisions to reduce post-harvest and commercialization problems. This research was carried to evaluate the efficiency of different procedures to determine cauliflower seed vigor. Six lots of the cultivar Sharon were initially characterized by germination and seedling emergence, and subsequently subjected to traditional and saturated salt accelerated aging, controlled deterioration, electrical conductivity, and potassium leachate tests, in two evaluation times. The traditional accelerated aging (41oC/48 h), the saturated salt procedure (45oC/72 h), the controlled deterioration (moisture content adjusted to 20% or 22% and aging at 45oC/24 h), the electrical conductivity (50 seeds/75 mL water and evaluation after 4 h) and the potassium leakage (25 seeds/50 mL of water and evaluation after 30 min) laboratory tests are sensitive to detect differences in the physiological potential of cauliflower seeds. However, those results did not relate to the percentage seedling emergence in greenhouse controlled conditions, as a consequence of the favorable conditions for emergence. However, the differences identified in the tests may be related to the ability of seed lots to perform in less favorable environments.
The Multicell Volume of Fluid (MC-VOF) Method for the Free Surface Simulation of MFD Flows. Part II: Experimental Verifications and Results

This second part of a two-part paper presents the experimental verifications of the Multicell Volume of Fluid method developed in the first part. The calculated results are compared with measurements performed for a medium frequency of about 0.4 kHz in an induction crucible furnace, at the low industrial frequency 50 Hz in an inductive rotational stirrer and at higher frequencies of about 30 kHz in an electromagnetic levitation device. Thus, the verifications were realized in these three laboratory setups for different values of the penetration depth of the electromagnetic field and also for different turbulent molten metal flows with one or two free surfaces. The computational results show a good agreement with the experimental data.The established Multicell Volume of Fluid method, characterized by a strictly volume conserving displacement of the free surface, a precisely defined contour of the calculated free surface without the numerical creation of unphysical holes and separated droplets and by calculation stability, will be further extended to the simulation of the more complex flows and free surface profiles resulted by using a new method of electromagnetic levitation melting in two-frequency magnetic fields.
Reexamining the science of marine protected areas: linking knowledge to action

Marine protected areas (MPAs) are often implemented to conserve or restore species, fisheries, habitats, ecosystems, and ecological functions and services; buffer against the ecological effects of climate change; and alleviate poverty in coastal communities. Scientific research provides valuable insights into the social and ecological impacts of MPAs, as well as the factors that shape these impacts, providing useful guidance or “rules of thumb” for science‐based MPA policy. Both ecological and social factors foster effective MPAs, including substantial coverage of representative habitats and oceanographic conditions; diverse size and spacing; protection of habitat bottlenecks; participatory decision‐making arrangements; bounded and contextually appropriate resource use rights; active and accountable monitoring and enforcement systems; and accessible conflict resolution mechanisms. For MPAs to realize their full potential as a tool for ocean governance, further advances in policy‐relevant MPA science are required. These research frontiers include MPA impacts on nontarget and wide‐ranging species and habitats; impacts beyond MPA boundaries, on ecosystem services, and on resource‐dependent human populations, as well as potential scale mismatches of ecosystem service flows. Explicitly treating MPAs as “policy experiments” and employing the tools of impact evaluation holds particular promise as a way for policy‐relevant science to inform and advance science‐based MPA policy.
Physical and Frictional Properties of Donkey Manure atVarious Depths in Compost Pit

Donkey manure is the oldest organic manure used by man ever since involved in farming. It consists of litter, waste products of crops mixed with animal dung and urine. Therefore, it contains all the nutrient elements present in the plant itself and returns these nutrients to the soil when it is applied to the field for the benefit of succeeding crop. Physical and frictional properties of donkey manure based on different depths of compost pit like viz., 0-12, 12-24, 24-36, 36-48 and 48-60 cm were studied. Physical properties like bulk density (kg m-3), moisture content (%), dry matter content (%) and frictional properties namely angle of repose () and coefficient of friction have been studied at laboratory conditions. The bulk density measured in donkey manure was 261.91, 334.94, 404.92, 439.57 and 452.48 kg m-3 at different depths of manure pit. The moisture content observed in donkey manure was 22.82, 23.09, 24.6, 24.98 and 31.89% at different depths of manure pit. The dry matter content measured for donkey manure was 77.18, 76.91, 75.4, 75.02 and 68.11%. The angle of repose of donkey manure was 41.87°, 43.42°, 45.93°, 47.46° and 49.77° at different depths of manure pit. The external coefficient of friction for donkey manure was 0.69, 0.73, 0.78, 0.8 and 0.83 at different depths of manure pit. The internal coefficient of friction for donkey manure was found to be 0.6, 0.62, 0.74, 0.75 and 0.77.
Managing Intellectual Assets within Knowledge-based Partnerships: Insights from a Survey of Public Laboratories Collaborating with Industry

When public research laboratories and industry meet to produce and exchange knowledge and technologies, they face decisions about how to frame these collaborations to make the best use of each partner’s resources, ensure a productive and fair outcome, and defuse any tensions and conflicts. In this paper we examine these questions through a survey of 130 public laboratories in France. This study contributes new insights into the characteristics of contractual and intellectual property agreements within collaborative R&D settings, which reflect both the strategies adopted by laboratories to manage their intellectual assets and the requirements of their private partners.
Green Synthesis of Silver Nanoparticles byMulberry LeavesExtract

Utilizing the reduced property of mulberry leaves extract and silver nit rate, silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) were synthesized at room temperature. Silver nanoparticles were characterized using UV-visible absorption spectroscopy, scan- ning electron microscopy (SEM ) andX-ray diffract ion (XRD). Further, silver nanoparticles showed effective antibacterial activity toward StaphylococcusaureusandShigella sp.
Patterns of Capital Structure Adjustment by Listing Type: Evidence from European Firms

This study analyzed the questions of whether capital structure adjustment in European firms differed by listing type and by current debt ratio. Major issues are concerned with (1) the adjustment speed toward target debt ratio and (2) the length of the adjustment period required toward the ratios. Results showed that (1) the speed of adjustment of firms with lower debt ratios were faster; (2) the adjustment speeds of listed firms were faster than those of delisted and unlisted firms; and (3) the length of the half-life adjustment time toward target ratio was shorter for listed firms than for delisted and unlisted firms. This paper contributed to the development of capital structure issues in that the adjustment speed could be different depending on firms’ current debt ratios and listing types, unlike previous results in the literature.
Radon Environment in the Korea Invisible Mass Search Experiment and Its Measurement

The level of radioactivity from Rn in the air has to be monitored to control systematic effects on the background level at the KIMS (Korea Invisible Mass Search) dark matter search experiment. We designed and constructed a radon detector using a silicon photodiode that collects Po and Po daughter ions electrically and detects their α decays. Results for the detector calibration with a standard radon source, as well as the dependence of the α-particle detection efficiency on the humidity, are presented. The radioactivity of radon at the YangYang underground laboratory is measured and continuously monitored.
Soil arthropods associated with termite bait monitoring stations in Malaysia

A field study to determine soil arthropods associated with termite monitoring stations (Sentricon®, DowAgroSciences, Indianapolis, Indiana, U.S.A.) was conducted on Penang Island, Malaysia. The effects of environmental parameters and wood species [namely southern yellow pine (Pinus sp.), rubber (Hevea brasilliensis), jelutong (Dyera costulata ) and terentang (Campnosperma aunculata)] as monitoring stakes on the abundance of soil arthropods in the monitoring stations were studied. A total of 16 types of arthropods were found, with acarines (mites) being the most abundant (59.8 ± 9.9 % of the total of 72 stations). Other arthropods that were also frequently found included collembolans (springtails), isopods (sowbugs and pillbugs), formicids (ants), chilopods (centipedes), diplopods (millipedes) and aranea (spiders). Some environmental parameters affected the prevalence of soil arthropods in monitoring stations. Collembolan prevalence decreased significantly (P < 0.05) with increasing rainfall. Aranea and formicid prevalence decreased with increasing soil moisture, while aranea were more abundantly found in monitoring stations with increasing soil temperature. We also found interaction between soil pH and soil organic matter content affecting the abundance of four arthropod groups (acarines, chilopods, diplopods and formicids). Different wood species used as monitoring stakes did not appear to affect the prevalence of soil arthropods in monitoring stations.
Country Image Effect on Customer Loyalty Model

Country image is viewed as the overall perception of consumers from a particular country, based on their prior perception of the country’s production and marketing strengths and weaknesses and this image affect customer attitudes like customer loyalty. The purpose of our study was to develop and validate a customer loyalty model with country image effect in the context of Hot Springs. Based on marketing literature, a comprehensive set of constructs and hypotheses was compiled with a methodology for testing them. A questionnaire was constructed and data were collected from 295 customers of 14 most known Hot Springs in Turkey. Structural equation modeling techniques were applied to analyze the data. The results indicated that country image affect customer loyalty and customer loyalty’s antecedent.
Acceptance of Internet Banking among Consumers in Kota Damansara, Selangor, Malaysia

The main objective of the study is to identify and analyse on the factors affecting adoption of Internet banking by bank consumers. The factors being analysed in this study are security, subjective norms, perceived relative advantage, and perceived ease of use. The study was conducted to achieve the objectives which have been set in this research. The research findings indicate that there is a relationship between subjective norms and perceived relative advantage towards the adoption of Internet banking. Meanwhile, security and perceived ease of use shows not significant towards the adoption of Internet banking.
Metabolic status and oestrous cycle in dairy cows

A study with 40 multiparous high yielding dairy cows was conducted to investigate the influence of an induced negative energy balance (NEB) on reproductive performance. Energy restriction of 49% was performed for 3 weeks beginning on oestrous cycle day 12 of first oestrous cycle after day 85 post partum (pp). From day 20 to day 150 pp animals were monitored for ovary activity three times weekly using rectal palpation and transrectal ultrasound scanning and were inseminated around day 150 pp. Additionally, milk progesterone and milk hydrocortisone were analyzed twice a week. Body condition score and body weight as well as blood glucose, plasma nonesterified fatty acids and plasma β-hydroxybutyrate were recorded weekly. According to oestrous cycle activity before (Period 1 = natural energy deficiency), during (Period 2) and after (Period 3) induced energy restriction animals were assigned to the following groups: Delayed first ovulation until day 45 pp, normal oestrous cycle, prolonged oestrous cycle and shortened oestrous cycle. Sporadic significances, but no clear effect of the metabolic state on reproductive performance could be found during Periods 1 and 2. Service success and conception rate were also not influenced. Our results demonstrate a remarkable adaptation of reproductive activity to metabolic challenges. Animals were able to compensate natural NEB in Period 1 as well as induced NEB (Period 2) for preventing metabolic disorders and maintaining reproductive activity. Therefore dietary energy availability had no effect on reproductive performance at more than 85 days in milk in the present study. To understand reproductive failures in dairy cows focus should be laid on genetic disposition of high yielding individuals that cope successful with metabolic challenges.
Effects of Foreign-Currency Debt on Non-Financial Latin American Firms: Evidence from the 2000s

This paper empirically tests the effects of foreign currency debt on economic performance and investment behavior in non-financial firms in six Latin America and Caribbean countries. It is found find that domestic-currency depreciations may surprisingly increase the exchange-rate induced profits of particularly highly foreign currency-indebted firms (especially those that are foreign owned and others with foreign links). Such depreciations have only a mild correlation with gross profits. Foreign-currency debt seems to have ambiguous effects on fixed investment purchases behavior, possibly attributable to non-financial firms' behavior as financial intermediaries. This effect tends to vanish when financial derivatives are considered.
Outsourcing and Firm Productivity: Evidence for an Italian Local Production System

The paper investigates empirically the impact that outsourcing strategies have on the labour productivity of firms embedded in a local production system characterized by idiosyncratic techno-economic and organizational features. A diachronic cross-section econometric model of the productivity impact of outsourcing is applied to a sample of firms based in the local production system (LPS) of Reggio Emilia (RE) (in Emilia Romagna, Italy). The application confirms some of the results the empirical literature reports for other no or less context specific empirical applications, in particular their dependency on the kind of outsourced activities, the internationalization of the outsourcing firm and time horizon of the productivity effects. On the other hand, when the actual extent at which the different kinds of activities are outsourced is retained, important exceptions to these results are obtained: the positive impact of the externalization of manufacturing activities is the most relevant and the most consistent with the district nature of the investigated LPS.
The effects of teaching and assessment methods on academic performance: a study of an Operations Management course

Whether the use of more active teaching–learning methods has a positive impact on academic performance remains unanswered. This article seeks to contribute to the issue by conducting a study of an Operations Management course with almost 1000 students per year over three consecutive academic years. The study compares three scenarios with differing degrees of student involvement and Information Technology usage. The findings show no differences in terms of exam grades, but there is an increase in the percentage of passes in the most active scenario analysed, in which continuous assessment tests are used. Notwithstanding, student involvement in the optional assessable activities was found to be a significant factor for predicting the likelihood of passing the subject, especially when continuous assessment tests are used, since their grades show a higher correlation with exam grades.
COMMON FIXED POINT OF MAPPINGS SATISFYING RATIONAL INEQUALITY IN COMPLEX VALUED METRIC SPACE

Azam, Fisher and Khan (A. Azam, B. Fisher, M. Khan, Common fixed point theorems in complex valued metric spaces, Numerical Functional Analysis and optimization, 32, No. 3 (2011), 243-253) introduced the notion of complex valued metric spaces and obtained common fixed point result for mappings in the context of complex valued metric spaces. In this paper, exis- tence of common fixed point is established for two mappings on complex valued metric space. Our results unify, generalize and complement the comparable results from the current literature.
The efficacy of wet cupping in the treatment of hypertension

BACKGROUND: Wet cupping is an old method that is still used in medicine, but few empirical studies have been done about its effect on hypertension. The purpose of this research was to study the effect of wet cupping on blood pressure in 35-60 year old patients who were diagnosed with hypertension. METHODS: This study was a random, controlled, clinical trial and samples were 42 patients who referred to Imam Hussein Clinic of Quchan. Samples were determined by purposive sampling method and divided randomly into two groups. Samples of the cupping group were prescribed a series of 3 staged wet cupping treatments at 2 week intervals, and the participants in the control group were only prescribed medication. Blood pressure was measured (for the two groups) at the base line and at 42 days post treatment. Analysis was done by SPSS software version 17. Statistical methods used included independent t-test, paired t-test, and Fisher’s exact test. RESULTS: The study subjects of wet cupping and control groups do not show significant difference in the independent t-test for age, body mass index, duration of hypertension, and duration of antihypertensive drugs, and the two groups are homogeneous with P = 0.983, P = 0.682, P = 0.770, and P = 0.540 respectively. Independent t-test results showed a significant difference in systolic blood pressure in the cupping group before and after wet cupping course (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: With regard to the increasing use of wet cupping in the treatment of a wide group of illnesses and the clients' satisfaction, presenting suitable and proper use, informing people about its usage, and supervising the above-mentioned centers should be considered by authorities.
Modelling Productivity Loss from Heat Stress

Workers exposed to high ambient temperatures, either indoors or out, work slower. The few studies that have measured this loss of productivity show a degree of consistency across widely varying settings. I develop a class of 5-parameter probability models that express productivity as a function of environmental heat and show how the method of fitting can be adapted according to the completeness of the data available. As well as modelling the mean output, it is important to also consider variation between workers, and the model presented here achieves this. The method is illustrated using three previously published datasets from different industries and work environments.
Comparative evaluation of different pretreatment methods on biogas production from paddy straw

The present investigations observed the effect of chemical, enzymatic, biological and micro-wave pretreatment on paddy straw for enhancement of biogas production. Chopped and soaked paddy straw was subjected to chemicals Na2CO3 (1%) and NaOH (2%) concentrations, microwave irradiation (720 watt, 30 min), fungal (spawn impregnated, 7 days) and crude silicase (24 hrs) pretreatment. The proximate and chemical analysis showed 16.0% and 12.1% reduction in lignin and silica content in the case of Na2CO3 pretreated paddy straw whereas 23.0% and 46.8% reduction was observed in enzymatic pretreatment with 43.7% and 31.1% enhancement in biogas production respectively. This clearly indi-cates that Pleurotus ostreatus MTCC 142 is silicolytic as well as ligninolytic in nature. Enzymatic pre-treatment was also compared with, microwave (30 min) and fungal pretreatment which showed 31.2% and 32.8% reduction in silica content enhancing biogas production by 19.7% and 42.6% respectively. NaOH pretreatment showed a maximum increase in biogas production i.e. 49.7% as compared to 1% pretreated sample which showed 28.5% enhancement. The results indicated that the NaOH pretreatment was one of the potential methods to increase biogas production of paddy straw.
Contribution of Calanus species to the mesozooplankton biomass in the Barents Sea

Copepods from the genus Calanus are crucial prey for fish, seabirds and mammals in the Nordic and Barents Sea ecosystems. The objective of this study is to determine the contribution of Calanus species to the mesozooplankton biomass in the Barents Sea. We analyse an extensive dataset of Calanus finmarchicus, Calanus glacialis, and Calanus hyperboreus, collected at various research surveys over a 30-year period. Our results show that the Calanus species are a main driver of variation in the mesozooplankton biomass in the Barents Sea, and constitutes around 80% of the total. The proportion of Calanus decreases at low zooplankton biomass, possibly due to a combination of advective processes (low C. finmarchicus in winter) and size selective foraging. Though the Calanus species co-occur in most regions, C. glacialis dominates in the Arctic water masses, while C. finmarchicus dominates in Atlantic waters. The larger C. hyperboreus has considerably lower biomass in the Barents Sea than the other Calanus species. Stages CIV and CV have the largest contribution to Calanus species biomass, whereas stages CI-CIII have an overall low impact on the biomass. In the western area of the Barents Sea, we observe indications of an ongoing borealization of the zooplankton community, with a decreasing proportion of the Arctic C. glacialis over the past 20 years. Atlantic C. finmarchicus have increased during the same period.