Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Microbiome Populations in Lebanese Slaughterhouse Settings

Lebanon has traditionally relied on small ruminants and cattle livestock production to generate meat and dairy food products for the region. Consumer interest and changing residential populations have increased demand for these products, and highlighted food safety concerns along the community chain. Traditional livestock production levels have been unable to meet population demand for meat, necessitating supplemental importation of Brazilian and European cattle for this purpose. While microbial assessment has been studied in dairy and poultry sector products and retail fast foods there are no published reports examining microbial populations in slaughterhouse environments or on cut raw red meat in Lebanon. We determined total aerobic bacterial counts per gram of minced muscle specimen and aerobic bacterial counts per Replicate Organism Detection and Counting Plates (RODAC) plate surfaces (using in-house constructed plates) to characterize microbial species populations found in cattle and sheep carcasses immediately after halal slaughter, and on facility floors and walls within two main Lebanese slaughterhouses located in urban Beirut and rural Baalbek, the Bekaa valley, respectively. We also examined the histological appearance of raw meat muscle using snap frozen Optimal Cutting Temperature (OCT) media-embedded muscle specimens placed in liquid nitrogen cooled isopentane. The most frequently isolated bacterial species were Staphylococcus aureus and Yersinia pseudotuberculosis. Statistical examination of microbial number comparisons including both sheep and cattle microbial counts from initial individual visits made to both slaughterhouses were not significantly different using individual Student’s t Tests. However, Chi Square comparison of separate cattle and sheep muscle microbial counts obtained at initial visits to the Beirut and Baalbek slaughterhouses evaluated at initial culture testing were highly significantly different to the 90th percent probability level (χ2 = 3.4225, degrees of freedom = 1, alpha 0.10 = 2.706 ). This is the first published study of this type in Lebanon. Examining aerobic microbial species and processing procedures exhibited in the slaughterhouse environment provides a basis upon which to assess current food safety preventive practices. Developing a surveillance testing system for food animal health and zoonotic disease should facilitate and to consider future Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point (HACCP) planning critical control point sites for intervention within the Lebanese setting.
A Method for Calculation of Face Gradients in Two-Dimensional , Cell Centred , Finite Volume Formulation for Stress Analysis in Solid Problems

In this paper, a procedure is proposed for the evaluation of displacement gradients in a twodimensional, cell centred, nite volume formulation for stress analysis in linear elastic solid problems. Temporary elements with isoparametric formulations are used for calculation of the gradients at the cell boundaries. In this way, stress continuity across the common face of the two adjacent cells will be guaranteed. The formulation is veri ed by three test cases, in which the proposed formulation shows good predictions.
Catabolism of Human γG Immunoglobulins of Different Heavy Chain Subclasses

The rates of catabolism of human γG immunoglobulins of subclasses γG1, γG2, γG3 and γG4 were studied in heterologous species by determining the rates of elimination from the circulation of pairs of 131I- and 125I-labeled human γG myeloma proteins in mice, rabbits, guinea pigs and squirrel monkeys. In all species studied, γG1, γG2 and γG4 myeloma proteins were on the average catabolized at similar rates, whereas γG3 myeloma proteins were catabolized more rapidly. In contrast, individual myeloma proteins within a given subclass differed significantly in their catabolic rates in mice and monkeys, but except for γG3 myeloma proteins, did not differ in rabbits and guinea pigs. Also, individual myeloma proteins were catabolized differently depending on the species injected, in that certain myeloma proteins had a relatively long half-life in one species but a short half-life in another. These experiments indicate that the homologous species and heterologous species catabolize γG immunoglobulins of different heavy chain subclasses in grossly similar fashion, but that minor structural differences between individual proteins which might modulate the rate of catabolism are only recognized by certain heterologous species and not by others.
Indexing of viroids in Citrus orchards of Campania, Southern Italy

During the last three years a survey was made to evaluate the presence and distribution of citrus viroids in the Campania region (Southern Italy). A total of 112 citrus trees of different species and cultivars were inspected visually and sampled. One hundred and four out of the 112 samples graft-inoculated into Arizona 861-S1 “Etrog” citron gave typical viroid symptoms. Viroid infection was confirmed by sequential polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (sPAGE) analysis and molecular hybridization of imprinted membranes. Hop stunt viroid (HSVd), Citrus viroid III (CVd-III) and Citrus exocortis viroid (CEVd) were the most widely detected, accounting respectively for 87, 85 and 68% of the tested sources. Citrus viroid IV (CVd-IV) and Citrus bent leaf viroid (CBLVd), never reported in Italy before, were found in 24 and 13% of the sources. Most of the trees (82%) were infected with more than a viroid. The most frequent viroid combinations were CEVd + HSVd + CVd-III (43%), HSVd + CVd-III (17%) and CEVd + CBLVd + HSVd + CVd-III + CVd-IV (13%).
Credit Union Growth in Mid-sized Markets

Most previous studies of credit union growth used data from the 1990s. This study uses 2002-2004 data from mid-sized cities, in order to be more representative of distinct local markets. In addition, two new independent variables, used vehicle loans rates and loan-to-total asset ratios, were included. Some studies have found that small credit unions grow faster than large ones, while others find the opposite is true. Bank growth studies report mixed results as well. Our model includes variables used in other growth studies, such as credit union size, previous growth, ratio of loans charged off, operating expense ratio, capital-asset ratio, and the ratio of fee income to total assets. In addition, the two new independent variables listed above add to our knowledge of factors that influence credit union growth.When comparing average growth rates of different size credit unions, large credit unions grew faster than small credit unions. However, the regression results show that once we hold other factors constant, small credit unions grew faster. In other words, differences in growth rates may be explained by characteristics other than size alone.Of the two variables not previously tested in other studies, the loan-to-asset ratio, as expected, had a positive effect on growth. This suggests that credit unions with tighter liquidity are more aggressive in attracting deposits, which leads to higher growth rates. However, higher used vehicle loan rates were associated with higher growth -- an unexpected finding.
Technical efficiency changes at the farm-level: A panel data analysis of rice farms in Bangladesh

This paper examines technical efficiency changes at the farm-level for rice farms in Bangladesh over a 17 year period (1987 to 2004) using nationally representative panel data. Results from the stochastic production frontier analysis indicate that technical efficiency of the rice farmers has declined from 83% to 60% over this period due to a host of farm as well as socio-economic factors. Age, education, tenure status and involvement in off-farm work are factor negatively influencing technical efficiency while the relationship with farm size is positive. Under the current production technology and input use, 40% higher production could be reached by removing technical efficiency which is substantial. Policy recommendations include consolidation of land and strengthening of extension services.
Lot Size Constraints and Market Quality: Evidence from the Borsa Italiana

Trading venues often impose a minimum lot size (minimum trade unit [MTU]) to facilitate order execution. We document changes in market quality associated with the reduction of the MTU to one share on the Italian stock exchange, the Borsa Italiana. We observe a substantial improvement in liquidity, with an average decrease in the relative spread of 10.2%, and more significant improvements for those firms for which the MTU constraint was more binding. We also show that the improvement in liquidity is mainly driven by a reduction in adverse selection; that informational efficiency is not significantly affected; and there is an increase in retail trading. We interpret our findings in light of a model of asymmetric information in which the MTU affects traders’ choice of order size.
Title Effects of different evaluative feedback on students ' self-efficacyin learning

Two studies examined the effects of four types of teachers’ evaluative feedback on Chinese students’ self-efficacy in English vocabulary acquisition. In Study 1, a random sample of Grade 8 students (N=79) learned prefixes and received either formative or summative feedback after failure in test. The results showed that students who received summative feedback showed a larger decrease in their self-efficacy than those who received formative feedback. In Study 2, a random sample of Grade 7 students (N=77) went through similar procedures as in Study 1 except that students received either self-referenced or norm-referenced feedback. The results showed that self-referenced feedback was more beneficial to students’ self-efficacy than norm-referenced feedback. The influences of teachers’ evaluation and feedback on students’ self-efficacy are discussed.
Spinel-Structured ZnCr2O4 with Excess Zn Is the Active ZnO/Cr2O3 Catalyst for High-Temperature Methanol Synthesis

A series of ZnO/Cr2O3 catalysts with different Zn:Cr ratios was prepared by coprecipitation at a constant pH of 7 and applied in methanol synthesis at 260–300 °C and 60 bar. The X-ray diffraction (XRD) results showed that the calcined catalysts with ratios from 65:35 to 55:45 consist of ZnCr2O4 spinel with a low degree of crystallinity. For catalysts with Zn:Cr ratios smaller than 1, the formation of chromates was observed in agreement with temperature-programmed reduction results. Raman and XRD results did not provide evidence for the presence of segregated ZnO, indicating the existence of Zn-rich nonstoichiometric Zn–Cr spinel in the calcined catalyst. The catalyst with Zn:Cr = 65:35 exhibits the best performance in methanol synthesis. The Zn:Cr ratio of this catalyst corresponds to that of the Zn4Cr2(OH)12CO3 precursor with hydrotalcite-like structure obtained by coprecipitation, which is converted during calcination into a nonstoichiometric Zn–Cr spinel with an optimum amount of oxygen vacancies resul.
Electrically tunable, room-temperature quantum-cascade lasers

Electrical tuning of two-section quantum-cascade lasers is systematically investigated as a function of temperature and optical power. In pulsed operation, the active region design exhibits a low threshold current density (5.2 kA/cm2), a high peak (100 mW), and average (3 mW) powers at 300 K. The strong linear Stark tuning of the laser transition allows large tuning ranges of 40 cm−1, corresponding to a wavelength tune from 9.75 to 10.15 μm at 260 K for a peak optical output power of 10 mW. The tuning range is still 20 cm−1 at the same optical output power at T=300 K.
Dynamic Transition Rules for Geographical Cellular Automata

There is rapid development of CA models for simulation of land use patterns and urban systems recently.The existing traditional models use the same transition rules in large areas or at long times.These models have limitations because they use the same factors and weights for different places and time intervals.In this paper,a method using dynamic transition rules was presented for producing more reliable urban simulation.The advantages of dynamic transition rules are apparent.Firstly,it uses different factors and weights in different place which is consistent with actual urban systems.Secondly,the main factors can be obtained from the dynamic transition rules in different places which may produce different urban development patterns.Based on the stepwise logistical regression model,dynamic transition rules were obtained for simulating the evolution of the urban systems in five towns of the Dongguan city from 1988 to 2004.Compared with the general CA model,the simulation precision is improved by using this method.From the factors and weights of dynamic transition rules,three types of development patterns were obtained: center development pattern,road development pattern and center-road development pattern.
Cyclic pore pressure generation in silty soils under the action of combined waves and current

Ocean waves and current always coexist in the offshore shallow water environments, which may bring the corresponding seabed responses more complex than those under pure waves. The responses of a silty soil under the action of combined waves and current were physically modeled with a specially designed water flume. A series of tests for the progressive waves with a following-current or with an opposing-current have been conducted, respectively. Both the water-surface elevation and the pore pressure, including the transient and residual components, at various depths in the silty soil were measured simultaneously. The effects of both wave loading history and superimposing current upon waves on the pore pressure responses are examined. It is indicated that the amplitude of the transient porepressure component is enlarged for the following-current case and reduced for the opposing-current case. The maximum amplitude of the residual pore-pressure component decreases gradually during the subsequent series of wave loading under the same wave conditions.
A Spectro‐Photometric Model of Mars in the near‐infrared

The present model provides estimates of the spectral radiance of Mars in the 0.4–5.7 µm domain. The model is based on several composite surface spectra that correspond to the main types of materials observed. Photometric effects are simulated with both a Minnaert model and a phase function derived from ISM spectra. Aerosols scattering is taken into account for small opacities (single scattering). Thermal emission is accounted for through an emissivity model previously used to derive reflectance from IRS data. Emission and scattering by molecules are also included. Temperature and pressure are allowed to vary with season, local time, and latitude; regional effects, including surface elevation, are averaged out in this version. Results are validated by comparisons with various data sets. One of the main discrepancies with observations is related to atmospheric absorptions deeper than observed, which is probably due to coupling between absorption and scattering.
UK practice in dealing with claims for delay

The paper describes four methods of dealing with delay claims that effectively sum up the main approaches to this problem that have been offered in the literature. This is then followed by a description and discussion of results from a new survey aimed at finding out exactly how professionals in the UK construction industry approach these difficult issues. It appears that those who deal with delay claims in the UK are likely to use a critical path method network to do this and generally approve of a methodology that attempts to understand how well the contractor would have fared ‘but for’ the existence of employer‐responsible delays. There is less agreement about who should be said to own the float, but as is explained in the paper, it is possible for this matter to be dealt with by the insertion of a clause in the contract documents.
Levelling the Playing Field: On the Missing Role of Network Externality in Designing Renewable Energy Technology Deployment Policies

In creating a level playing field that facilitates the deployment of renewable energy technology (RET), the traditional energy policy regime based on eliminating RET’s cost gaps versus fossil energy technology (FET) may be not sufficient. Building on an economic model of energy technology adoption that features network externality, this paper takes an explicit account of the potential importance of network externality in the design of RET adoption policies. We argue that as incumbent FET has established pervasive deployment and installed base advantages within the existing energy production, distribution and service network, it would create a network externality mechanism that makes it difficult to dislodge the dominant FET-based technological regime, leading to an inertia against the adoption of newly emerging RET even if energy policy regulations have been put in place to eliminate RET’s cost disadvantage. We hence propose that a reformulation of RET policy paradigm should consider extending the traditional scheme centring on eliminating cost gap to a new one that corrects for both cost and network externality gaps.
Prevalence of the E. coli type three secretion system 2 (ETT2) locus among enterotoxigenic E. coli (ETEC), shigatoxin-producing E. coli (STEC) from weaned piglets

ETT2 locus is a second cryptic type III secretion system in Escherichia coli which was first discovered through the analysis of genome sequences of enterohemorrhagic E. coli O157:H7. To determine the presence of ETT2 locus in enterotoxigenic E. coli (ETEC) and shigatoxin-producing E. coli (STEC), 60 intestine mucosa samples from weaned piglets with diarrhea and/or edema disease were studied. Thereafter, 20 ETEC, 46 STEC and 24 STEC/ETEC were isolated and identified from these samples, PCR based on ECs3703 and ECs3737 genes were developed for rapid detection of the presence of ETT2 locus. The results obtained showed that the ETT2 locus was identified not only in ETEC but also in various STEC, but the data also revealed that the presence of ETT2 among STEC and STEC/ETEC were higher than that of ETEC. In addition, the ETT2 locus was contained in many fimbriated bacterial isolates which were significantly higher than in nonfimbriated ones.
Vacuum ultraviolet photolysis of hydrogenated amorphous carbons - I. Interstellar H2 and CH4 formation rates

Context. The interstellar hydrogenated amorphous carbons (HAC or a-C:H) observed in the diffuse medium are expected to disappear in a few million years, according to the destruction time scale from laboratory measurements. The existence of a-C:H results from the equilibrium between photodesorption, radiolysis, hydrogenation and resilience of the carbonaceous network. During this processing, many species are therefore injected into the gas phase, in particular H2, but also small organic molecules, radicals or fragments. Aims. We perform experiments on interstellar a-C:H analogs to quantify the release of these species in the interstellar medium. Methods. The vacuum ultraviolet (VUV) photolysis of interstellar hydrogenated amorphous carbon analogs was performed at low (10 K) to ambient temperature, coupled to mass-spectrometry detection and temperature-programed desorption. Using deuterium isotopic substitution, the species produced were unambiguously separated from background contributions. Results. The VUV photolysis of hydrogenated amorphous carbons leads to the efficient production of H2 molecules, but also to small hydrocarbons. Conclusions. These species are formed predominantly in the bulk of the a-C:H analog carbonaceous network, in addition to the surface formation. Compared with species made by the recombination of H atoms and physisorbed on surfaces, they diffuse out at higher temperatures. In addition to the efficient production rate, it provides a significant formation route in environments where the short residence time scale for H atoms inhibits H2 formation on the surface, such as PDRs. The photolytic bulk production of H2 with carbonaceous hydrogenated amorphous carbon dust grains can provide a very large portion of the contribution to the H2 molecule formation. These dust grains also release small hydrocarbons (such as CH4) into the diffuse interstellar medium, which contribute to the formation of small carbonaceous radicals after being dissociated by the UV photons in the considered environment. This extends the interstellar media environments where H2 and small hydrocarbons can be produced.
Revisiting the regulation approach: Critical reflections on the contradictions, dilemmas, fixes and crisis dynamics of growth regimes

Capitalist growth regimes are analysed drawing on Marx’s insights into the fundamental contradictions of the capitalist mode of production, regulation theoretical arguments about the five basic structural forms of accumulation regimes and their modes of regulation, historical geographical materialism’s emphasis on spatio-temporal fixes, and state-theoretical accounts of the ‘government + governance’ of capitalist social formations in the shadow of hierarchy. This framework is then applied to four specific growth regimes and their crisis tendencies. These regimes are Atlantic Fordism, two (among many) alternative post-Fordist trajectories – the knowledge-based economy and finance-dominated capitalism – and a radical ‘no-growth’ variant of the ‘Green New Deal’. The article highlights the crisis tendencies of the first three and assesses whether the Green New Deal represents an alternative route out of crisis or the capture of an eco-social project by the forces that brought us finance-dominated accumulation. It concludes with a future research agenda.
Reintroducing women, peace and security

International Affairs 92: 2 (2016) 249–254 © 2016 The Author(s). International Affairs © 2016 The Royal Institute of International Affairs. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd, 9600 Garsington Road, Oxford ox4 2dq, UK and 350 Main Street, Malden, MA 02148, USA. This special issue of International Affairs, launched on International Women’s Day 2016, explores the potential and limits of the Women, Peace and Security agenda, a global policy architecture supporting gender equality and today a significant reference point in the management and resolution of, as well as recovery from, violent conflict. The Women, Peace and Security (conventionally abbreviated to WPS) agenda was formally inaugurated by United Nations Security Council Resolution 1325 in October 2000. Across 18 operative paragraphs, the Council appealed for the greater participation of women in decision-making in national, regional and international institutions; their further involvement in peacekeeping, field operations, mission consultation and peace negotiations; increased funding and other support for UN bodies’ gender work; enhanced state commitments to women’s and girls’ human rights and their protection under international law; the introduction of special measures against sexual violence in armed conflict; and the consideration of women’s and girls’ needs in humanitarian, refugee, disarmament and post-conflict settings. The foundational resolution also mandated the secretary-general both to study the impact of war on women and girls and to report back to the Council regularly.1 Over the ensuing 15 years, these areas of concern have been repackaged several times, sometimes around three ‘themes’ (participation, protection and the gender perspective), at other times around four ‘pillars’ (identified variously: some cite prevention, protection, participation and peacekeeping, while others substitute relief and recovery for peacekeeping and yet others recognize a normative dimension). 2 However expressed, the agenda was demanding, constituting as it did a platform from which it was possible to imagine radical reform of peace and security governance, and it was celebrated as such. For those who had agitated to bring Resolution 1325 into being, WPS was truly transformative in its scope, and its passage through the Council was therefore a ‘watershed’ moment for the global