Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The System Dynamics Model in Electronic Products Closed-Loop Supply Chain Distribution Network with Three-Way Recovery and the Old-for-New Policy

With the technological developments and rapid changes in demand pattern, diverse varieties of electronic products are entering into the market with reduced lifecycle which leads to the environmental problems. The awareness of electronic products take-back and recovery has been increasing in electronic products supply chains. In this paper, we build a system dynamics model for electronic products closed-loop supply chain distribution network with the old-for-new policy and three electronic products recovery ways, namely, electronic products remanufacturing, electronic component reuse and remanufacturing, and electronic raw material recovery. In the simulation study, we investigate the significance of various factors including the old-for-new policy, collection and remanufacturing, their interactions and the type of their impact on bullwhip, and profitability through sensitivity analysis. Our results instruct that the old-for-new policy and three electronic products recovery ways can reduce the bullwhip effect in the retailers and the distributors and increases the profitability in the closed-loop supply chain distribution network.
Microfinance Product Diversification: A Domino Effect of Opportunities or Vulnerabilities? A Case Study in Barbados

This paper aims at gaining deeper understanding of the possible effects of combined microfinance (CMF) product delivery. By means of a case-study on the City of Bridgetown (COB), one of the leading credit unions in Barbados, it explores the possible opportunities and challenges dealing with CMF. This case-study suggests that CMF, especially the combination credit-savings, may enhance the cost-efficiency of loan delivery and that it can generate economies of scope for marketing purposes. Savings is at the heart of the growth strategy of the credit union and has contributed to its current large breadth of outreach. The case-study suggests that CMF can also lead to increased costs and new financial risks for MFIs. It brings forward the complex interaction dynamics between different financial products which can lead to a domino effect of cumulative access barriers. Especially unbankable clients, with limited financial capacity, a challenging risk profile and exposed to information asymmetry, are vulnerable to these elements if no appropriate measures are being taken.
JNKs are stress-dependent regulators of acinar maintenance and tumor suppressors in PDAC

Murine knockout of c-Jun N-terminal kinases (JNKs) 1 and 2, cellular stress-detection proteins, does not impair pancreas development or pancreatic lineage specification but JNKs play an important role in stress-dependent acinar maintenance. In pancreatic KrasG12D tumor mice JNKs furthermore could be identified as important suppressors of pancreatic precursor lesion formation and knockout of JNKs led to development of multifocal pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma within weeks after birth.
Pollution status of shooting range soils from Cd, Cu, Mn, Ni and Zn found in ammunition

Abstract Evaluation of concentration of heavy metals found in shooting range soil is important in assessing the pollution risk posed to biota. Soil samples from five shooting ranges found in Botswana were used in this study. All the five shooting ranges accumulated high concentration of Cu ranging from 67.4 ± 0.05 mg/kg to 1569 ± 13 mg/kg followed by Mn (25.9 ± 0.1–953.8 ± 2.8 mg/kg). Pollution risk indices were used to quantify the environmental pollution risk posed by the different heavy metals studied. It was established that even though all the five shooting ranges recorded low concentrations of Cd, this metal still posed the highest pollution risk than any other metal with S/P shooting range recording the highest potential ecological risk index (peri) of 8141 (CCd ~ 3.6 ± 0.03 mg/kg) and TAB at PERI of 3507 (CCd ~ 4.9 ± 0.02 mg/kg). Similarly, contamination factor (CF) value of 271 for Cd was measured at S/P shooting range indicating high contamination from Cd. Pollution risk indices were able to establish that even though concentration of Cd accumulated in the soil was low this heavy metal still posed highest pollution risk to biota. Continuous assessment of the pollution status of these shooting ranges should be carried out in order to establish appropriate best shooting range management practices and remedial strategies.
The effect of the word “love” on compliance to a request for humanitarian aid: An evaluation in a field setting

In 14 bakeries we tested the effect of different messages associated with a fundraising solicitation. An opaque moneybox was placed near the cash register with a message explaining on a first line that the solicitation was for a humanitarian project for African children conducted by students. On the second line the words “DONATING = LOVING” (loving condition), “DONATING = HELPING” (helping condition), or no inscription (control) appeared. The second line was changed each day and for each bakery according to a random distribution. Results showed that more donations were made in the loving condition compared to the two others, whereas there was no difference between the helping and the control conditions. The results are explained using the spreading activation theory.
A Cost Estimation Model For Reuse Based Software Program

Reuse reduces total cost of product but it has its value. As per reuse principle, it is not for free, a reuse program requires a lot of set-up investment as well as additional costs for development and operational activities but benefits are neither linear nor immediate. The aim of this paper is to evaluate the current state of art and practice on cost estimation for a software reuse oriented program by extending the pioneering contribution of other researchers in this direction. A simplified software reuse cost estimation model which presents where, who, how capital investment is done for a reuse program is suggested with various cost effecting factors.
Chapter 2 The Bcl-2 Family Proteins

The Bcl-2 family proteins are a group of evolutionarily conserved molecules that regulate apoptosis mainly at the site of mitochondria. This family of proteins consists of both antideath and prodeath molecules. The latter are also composed of multidomain prodeath molecules and the BH3-only prodeath molecules. While the BH3-only molecules act at the distal, receiving the death signals, the multidomain prodeath and antideath molecules regulate the mitochondrial outer membrane’s permeability to control apoptosis. Protein interactions among the family members are important for their functions and have been explored for therapeutic purposes, as illustrated by the development of the BH3-only mimetics. Recent studies have also indicated that these molecules can act in other subcellular locations and their functions are beyond apoptosis regulation. Thus, the Bcl-2 family proteins also play important roles in autophagy, cell proliferation, and many other cellular functions.
Corporate Governance, Institutional Ownership, and Their Effects on Financial Performance

This paper studies the 105 U.S. Equity Real Estate Investment Trusts for the period of 2007-2012, and explores the relationship between corporate governance, institutional ownership, and financial performance. The results are conclusive and show that the presence of women on the board of directors as well as the choice to opt for a classified board enhances the returns on assets and returns on equity. The second finding of this paper is that the percentage of stocks owned by the top 10 institutions, between the levels of 30% and 50%, are associated with higher returns on assets and returns on equity.
Openness, Financial Development and Economic Growth in Algeria: An ARDL Bound Testing Approach

This study examines the relationship between openness, financial development, and economic growth in Algeria using the autoregressive distributed lag (ARDL) cointegration framework. The results based on the bounds testing procedure confirm that a long-run relationship between openness, financial development, and economic growth exist. Data were obtained from the World Bank Development Indicators for the period of 1980 to 2010. Importantly, our results reveal that, openness has a significantly positive effect on economic growth. Broad money which is a proxy for financial development in this study is positive but insignificantly related to economic growth. Also, both labor force and gross capital formation are insignificant. These findings suggest a dire need for financial reforms in Algeria inorder to improve efficiency in the financial sector so as to stimulate saving/investment and thus, long-term economic growth.
Characteristics of Zeta Potential Distribution in Silica Particles

Most experimental studies available in the literature on filtration are based on observed average zeta potential of particles (usually 10 measurements). However, analyses of data using the average zeta potential alone can lead to misleading and erroneous conclusions about the attachment behavior because of the variation of particle zeta potentials and the heterogeneous distribution of the collector surface charge. To study characteristics of zeta potential, zeta potential distributions (ZPDs) of silica particles under 9 different chemical conditions were investigated. Contrary to many researchers’ assumptions, most of the ZPDs of silica particles were broad. The solids concentration removal was better near the isoelectric point (IEP) as many researchers have noticed, thus proper destabilization of particles is very important to achieve better particle removal in particle separation processes. While, the mean zeta potential of silica particles at a given coagulant dose was a function of particle concentration; the amount of needed coagulant for particle destabilization was proportional to the total surface charge area of particles in the suspension.
Interactive comment on “Four decades of surface elevation change of the Antarctic Ice Sheet from multi-mission satellite altimetry” by Ludwig Schröder et al

Dear Etienne Berthier, Thank you for your comment. We appreciate the thorough and insightful reviews. We think that the comments will contribute to a major improvement of the manuscript. We believe that we will be able, by a major revision of the manuscript, to address all raised concerns. In some more detail, we plan to address the concerns as follows. Clear description of the methodology: We agree that the methodology has to be described in more detail. This is a straightforward task because naturally all the details
Influence of coral mucus on nutrient fluxes in carbonate sands

Mucus release by hard corals of the genus Acropora under submersed and naturally occurring air exposure was quantified at Heron Island/Great Barrier Reef. These measurements were conducted with beaker and in situ container incubation techniques. Mucus release rates for A. mille- pora, normalized to the coral surface area, were 10 ± 5 mg C and 1.3 ± 0.8 mg N m -2 h -1 for submersed corals, and 117 ± 79 mg C and 13 ± 8 mg N m -2 h -1 after exposure to air at low tide. This corresponds to increases by factors of 12 for C and 10 for N. The main monosaccharide components of freshly released Acropora mucus were arabinose and glucose, accounting for 14 to 63% and 13 to 41% of the carbohydrates. A protein content of 13 to 26 mg l -1 caused a low C:N ratio of 8 to 14. The chlorophyll content of 7 to 8 µg l -1 in the mucus compared to 0.6 ± 0.004 µg l -1 in the surrounding seawater revealed mucus contamination with zooxanthellae. A low pH value of 7.7 compared to 8.3 in the surrounding seawater indicates the existence of acidic components in fresh coral mucus. Concentra- tions of most measured inorganic nutrients were highly increased in coral mucus, reaching values of 3 to 4 µM for silicate, 19 to 22 µM for phosphate and 20 to 50 µM for ammonium concentration. Phosphate concentrations were 130-fold higher in coral mucus compared to the surrounding sea- water, underlining the role of coral mucus as a carrier of nutrients. Addition of coral mucus to stirred benthic chambers resulted in a shift of phosphate, ammonium and nitrate/nitrite fluxes towards the sediments, confirming the transport of nutrients via coral mucus into permeable reef sands.
Relationships among the Spruces (Picea, Pinaceae) of Southwestern North America

Abstract Numerous populations from six spruce taxa, including four relict endemics, Picea chihuahuana (Chihuahua spruce), P. martinezii (Martínez spruce), P. mexicana (Mexican spruce), and P. breweriana (Brewer spruce), and two widespread species, P. engelmannii (Engelmann spruce) and P. pungens (blue spruce), were compared at homologous isozyme loci to test various hypotheses about their affinities and origins. Each of the species was clearly separated, and Neighbor-Joining and Unweighted Pair Group analyses of Nei's genetic distance grouped all populations within a taxon into their own clusters. Spruces from Flys Peak, Chiricahua Mountains, Arizona, joined a P. engelmannii cluster and were not a bridge to P. mexicana as previously believed. Spruces from Cerro Mohinora, Chihuahua, were clearly P. mexicana, not phantom hybrids of P. chihuahuana and P. pungens. Nuclear random amplified polymorphic DNA and chloroplast simple sequence repeat and cleaved amplified polymorphic genetic markers were compared in a smaller sample of populations, using distance and parsimony approaches. DNA markers, like isozymes, clearly identified spruces from Cerro Mohinora as P. mexicana. In contradiction to the most recent taxonomic treatment, P. chihuahuana and P. martinezii were separated as distinct species by both isozyme and DNA markers, and formed a sister-species group. Picea engelmannii and P. mexicana formed a separate cluster, and the genetic distance between them was similar to values associated with closely related species but greater than distances typical of subspecies or varieties in conifers. Picea pungens, which is so similar to P. engelmannii that the two are frequently misidentified, was clearly distinguished from it, sometimes joining a P. chihuahuana-martinezii group and sometimes a P. engelmannii-mexicana group, depending on analysis. Picea breweriana was well isolated from all other taxa. Both DNA and isozyme phylogenies agreed with results from crossability studies and contradicted intrageneric relationships constructed largely on cone morphology.
Caribbean Food Crops Society

As reported in previous CFCS meetings peeling and sectioning of citrus is greatly improved by vaccum infusion of commonly available commercial enzyme solutions resulting in improved products of better appearance and flavor quality than those prepared by conventional methods. Commercial enzymes resulted in products with varying flavor, texture and storage stability. When treatments resulted in higher membrane strength in the sections, products dry-packed in shrink-film covered trays had improved texture and stability. In some products white crystals formed during storage. Analysis showed these were naringin and could be prevented by water spray or dips and rinses in dilute base solutions. The process provides more efficient approaches for preparation of prepared citrus segments and may be applicable to other types of fruit pieces as well.
Aggression, impulsivity, and symptom severity: an examination of risk factors for violent behaviors

v List of Figures . viii List of Tables . ix Chapter 1: Introduction . 1 Definitions of Aggression . 3 Aggression and Psychiatric Disorders . 5 Impulsivity in Psychiatric Disorders . 8 Impulsivity and Aggression . 10 The Present Study . 11 Chapter 2: Method . 14 Participants . 14 Measures . 14 Demographics . 14 Brief Symptom Inventory (BSI) . 14 Schizotypal Personality Questionnaire – Brief Revised (SPQ-BR) . 15 Buss-Perry Aggression Questionnaire (BPAQ) . 15 Stroop Color and Word Task: Adult Version . 16 UPPS-P Impulsive Behavior Scale (UPPS-P) . 17 Alcohol, Smoking, and Substance Involvement Screening Test V3.0 (ASSIST V3.0) . 17 Specific Acts Questionnaire (SAQ) . 17 Procedure . 18
On quadratic points of classical modular curves

Classical modular curves are of deep interest in arithmetic geometry. In this survey we show how the work of Fumiyuki Momose is involved in order to list the classical modular curves which satisfy that the set of quadratic points over $\mathbb{Q}$ is infinite. In particular we recall results of Momose on hyperelliptic modular curves and on automorphisms groups of modular curves. Moreover, we fix some inaccuracies of the existing literature in few statements concerning automorphism groups of modular curves and we make available different results that are difficult to find a precise reference, for example: arithmetical results on hyperelliptic and bielliptic curves (like the arithmetical statement of a Harris and Silverman theorem (or the case $d=2$ of a Abramovich and Harris theorem)) and on the conductor of elliptic curves over $\mathbb{Q}$ parametrized by X(N).
The Law and Economics of Self-Dealing April, 2006

We present a new measure of legal protection of minority shareholders against expropriation by corporate insiders: the anti-self-dealing index. Assembled with the help of Lex Mundi law firms, the index is calculated for 72 countries based on legal rules prevailing in 2003, and focuses on private enforcement mechanisms, such as disclosure, approval, and litigation, governing a specific self-dealing transaction. This theoretically-grounded index predicts a variety of stock market outcomes, and generally works better than the previously introduced index of anti-director rights.
Population dynamics of Marula , Sclerocarya birrea sub sp . c affra in Mwenezi , Zimbabwe

This study, conducted in Ward 3, Mwenezi, determined the abundance, distribution and size structure of Marula, Sclerocarya birrea subsp. caffra. The relationship between incidence of debarked stems and size structure was investigated. The study also aimed at establishing whether the current S. birrea population will be able to sustain continued extraction. Results indicate that communities vary spatially and cannot, therefore, be extrapolated from one site to another. Marula stem densities varied from transect to transect, with a pooled density of 7 stems/ ha, but distance from processing centre to each of the belt transects could not be related to the distribution of Marula (r < 0.025, p>0.05). There were no significant differences, at transect level in total stem counts (F = 1.16, df = 10, p>0.05), number of debarked stems (F = 1.65, df = 10, p>0.05) and fruiting stems (F = 1.87, df = 10, p>0.05). Differences were only significant at size class level. The most debarked stems were those with basal diameters of 40.1 to 60 cm, which coincidentally, had the high fruiting incidence. The population size structure in the various transects differed significantly. Frequency of size classes in Belts 6 and 10 indicated that younger trees (saplings and seedlings) are relatively scarce and that mortality of seedlings and saplings may be sufficiently high to prevent recruitment. Inverse J-shaped distribution of Marula in Belts 2, 4, 5, 7 and 9, across the size classes however, indicates that the population is normal (recruitment into upper size classes is occurring) with no previous record of overexploitation. Marula tree variables: height, basal diameter, basal area and canopy cover were positively correlated, and the relationships could be described by simple linear regression model. Marula population projections carried out using the Leslie matrices seem to show that there may be a gradual decrease in stem numbers on a per size class basis and the overall stem counts.
Effects of a fibrolytic enzyme supplement on the performance of Holstein Friesian cows grazing kikuyu

An experiment was conducted to examine the effects of a supplement containing fibrolytic enzymes (FE) (Promote ® , Agribrands International, St Louis, Missouri, USA) on milk production, intake and digestibility of Holstein Friesian cows in mid-lactation and grazing kikuyu pastures. Cows (24 primiparous, 24 multiparous) were fed either 0 or 4 g/cow/d of Promote ® which was incorporated into a grain-based supplement [6.3 kg dry matter (DM)/cow/d]. Positive effects of FE on yields of milk and milk protein were recorded in primiparous cows (P = 0.055, 17.7 vs 18.8 L/cow/d; P = 0.056, 579 vs 622 g/cow/d, respectively), but not in multiparous cows (P = 0.484, 20.3 vs 20.8 L/cow/d; P = 0.427, 543 vs 608 g/cow/d). There were no effects of FE on milk fat yield, milk composition or liveweight change. No significant differences in pasture intake between treatment groups could
Elasto-Plastic Finite Element Evaluation of Flexible Pavements Based on Shakedown Concept

In this paper, three-dimensional elasto-plastic finite element analysis was performed on flexible pavements under vertical repeated traffic loads to evaluate their shakedown behavior. Six different pavements with different structural number (SN) were modeled and subjected to a wide range of cyclic vehicle loads. Shakedown limits were obtained considering both failure and serviceability restraints. Results indicate that shakedown coefficient and shakedown bearing capacity increase with a rise in SN for all load types. Lower limit of shakedown bearing capacity versus SN can be regarded as a criterion for pavement design. Besides, shakedown failure-displacement factor (SFDF) was introduced as an index which is able to include both failure and serviceability criteria to compare pavements in terms of their shakedown behavior. Results suggest increase in SFDF with increasing SN, particularly for light loads. Furthermore, results indicate that increase in asphalt layer thickness always improves shakedown bearing capacity, while increase in base and subbase layer thickness is not only ineffective beyond an effective thickness but may also be damaging. In addition, the results of the present study were compared to lower bound and upper bound shakedown analysis for verification and showed reasonable agreement.
PROTECTIVE ROLE OF EXOGENOUS NITRIC OXIDE AGAINST ZINC TOXICITY IN PLANTAGO MAJOR

Zinc is one of the heavy metal in plants that causes toxicity at high concentration via producing Reactive oxygen species. Nitric oxide can protect cells from oxidative stress produced by reactive oxygen Species. Effect of different concentrations of Zn (0, 100, 300 and 500 μM) and interaction with sodium nitroprusside (SNP, a donor of NO) (100 and 200 μM) were studied on growth parameter (total dry Weight) and some physiological factors (chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b, hydrogen peroxide and malondialdehyde contents), antioxidant enzymes (catalase, peroxidase, ascorbate peroxidase and Superoxide dismutase) in Plantago major L. Excess Zn reduced dry weight and chlorophyll content, resulting a decrease in photosynthesis. Zn stress induced the production of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), leading to malondialdehyde (MDA) accumulation. Furthermore, it was found that the activities of antioxidant enzymes in Zn-treated plants such as superoxide dismutase (SOD) and ascorbate peroxidase (APX) were decreased but peroxidase (POD) and catalase (CAT) were increased. The use of NO especially in low concentration reversed Zninduced negative effects whereas high concentration of NO had no obvious alleviating effect on Zn toxicity in Plantago major L. In particular, application of 100 μM SNP could mitigate Zn stress, as a defense mechanism of the plant against Zn toxicity.