Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Coastal sediment balance in the eastern part of the Gulf of Riga (2005–2016)

A hurricane known as Ervin or Gudrun travelled over Latvia in 8–9 January, 2005. As a result of severe SW and W winds, as well as lack of sea ice, clearly pronounced changes in the distribution of coastal sediment has been induced. Cross-shore profile leveling at various time instants was used to obtain quantitative estimates of the amount of accumulated sediments. The total volume of sediments eroded from the subaerial part of coastal slope reached 0.8 million m3. This paper represents assessment of consequent changes and coastal slope “rebuilding” success after this storm event. The data indicates lack of significant overall net loss of subaerial sediment volume along the most part of the eastern coast of the Gulf of Riga. Significant primary dune growth and beach accumulation is mostly limited to southernmost part of assessed coastal stretch. Total volume of fine sediments in beach and primary dunes still is 5 % lower than before erosion event of 2005. Erosion vulnerability and total length of coastal sections that are expected to be a subject to future coastal retreat is increasing.
Market Timing with Moving Averages: Anatomy and Performance of Trading Rules

In this paper, we contribute to the literature in two important ways. Therst contri- bution is to demonstrate the anatomy of market timing rules with moving averages. Our analysis offers a broad and clear perspective on the relationship between different rules and reveals that all technical trading indicators considered in this paper are computed in the same general manner. In particular, the computation of every technical trading indicator can be equivalently interpreted as the computation of the weighted moving average of price changes. The second contribution of this paper is to perform the longest out-of-sample testing of a set of trading rules. The trading rules in this set are selected to have clearly distinct weighting schemes. We report the detailed historical performance of the trading rules over the period from 1870 to 2010 and debunk several myths and common beliefs about market timing with moving averages.
Inhibition of Nodulation and Nitrogen Nutrition of Leguminous Crops by Selected Heavy Metals

This work studied the effects, under greenhouse conditions, of six heavy metals (Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Ni, and Pb) on three leguminous crops representing food, feed, and forage crops commonly grown in Egypt. Metal concentrations ranged from 0 to as high as 4.8 mmol kg−1 soil. Results showed that all three plant parameters measured (dry matter yield, nodulation, and N uptake) decreased significantly with increasing heavy-metal concentrations. Plots of the natural log of each parameter against metal concentration were linear within the ranges studies. From the slopes of these regression lines, the concentration of each heavy metal required to achieve 50% reduction (R50) of each parameter was calculated. In general, the lowest metal concentrations for R50 were for Cd2+ and Pb2+ and the highest were for Cr3+ and Cu2+. Heavy-metal additions to soils should be closely monitored because they can negatively affect nodulation and N nutrition of leguminous crops.
Original Contribution CHARACTERISTICS AND PROXIMATE COMPOSITION OF JAPANESE QUAIL (COTURNIX JAPONICA) CARCASS IN A SEMI ARID AREA OF NIGERIA

Characteristics and proximate compositions of Japanese quail carcass in a semi arid area of Nigeria were determined at the Poultry Unit of the Department of Animal Science, University of Maiduguri using 300 random bred Japanese quail. Sex, color type, weight group and age had significant effects on carcass characteristics. Sexual dimorphism was in favor of the females for most carcass characteristics; however, dressed percent (72.41%) was significantly higher in males than females (68.02%). Wild type Japanese quails had significantly higher slaughter weight (132.66 g) than light brown (121.33 g). The values for most carcass traits increased with increase in age and weight of birds. Abdominal fat deposit in the Japanese quail became noticeable only at 24 weeks (1.39 g) of age and increased to 10.70 g at 52 weeks. The mean values of moisture, dry matter, protein, ether extract and ash in whole Japanese quail carcass were 78.22, 21.78, 15.55, 12.23 and 2.91%, respectively. The corresponding values for breast meat were 78.88, 21.12, 17.90, 2.01 and 2.28% while those of thigh were 82.28, 17.72, 13.63, 2.91 and 2.86%. Age had effect on composition of whole carcass, breast and thigh meats, moisture content of whole quail carcass decreased with a reversing trend for dry matter, crude protein and ether extract. At 6 weeks of age, moisture in whole quail was 14.85% higher than at 24 weeks. In contrast, at 24 weeks dry matter, crude protein and ether extract were 11.06, 7.89 and 17.32% respectively, higher than at 6 weeks. Similar trends were observed for breast and thigh meats, though the former had better quality.
Is news related to GDP growth a risk factor for commodity futures returns?

Expectations about future economic activity should theoretically affect the demand for inventory holdings and therefore commodity spot and futures prices. Consistent with these predictions, we find that news related to future GDP growth is a significant factor that is priced in the cross section of commodity futures sorted by percentage net basis. The latter is highly correlated with inventories. In particular, it establishes that commodity futures with high inventory levels provide a hedge against risk associated with future GDP growth so that investors are willing to accept lower return. By contrast, those commodity futures with low inventory levels are inversely related to the GDP-related factor so that investors require a higher return. Such results suggest that commodity futures excess returns are a compensation for risk.
Effects of turbulence on plankton: an overview of experimental evidence and some theoretical considerations

From the literature we obtained experimental data on the effects of small-scale turbulence on plankton at the organism scale. Normalized rates in response to turbulence were calculated in the present study for parameters related to growth, ingestion and energy expenditure. Growth rates are, in general, negatively affected by turbulence. Nevertheless, the data are highly biased towards a specific group of organisms, dinoflagellates, which could have peculiar physiological impediments under turbulence. Ingestion rates seem to be increased by turbulence, especially at low and intermediate levels. The few data available on energy expenditure indicate increases under turbulent conditions. Although many experiments were conducted at very high levels of turbulence with respect to oceanic conditions, in most studies the Kolmogorov size microscale remained larger than the size of the planktonic organisms. Thus, organisms responded to turbulence or turbulence-derived stimuli below the Kolmogorov lengthscale. The ecological relevance of interactions between turbulence and other size-related parameters, such as reactive distances, mean free paths and Batchelor microscales, are mentioned mainly in terms of predation, nutrient uptake and competition. Specifically, mean free paths seem relevant to determine encounter rates for organisms that show concentrations similar to those typical for large protozoa and algae (both within these organisms and between them and their potential predators). Characteristic time scales for different planktonic organisms are also explored in relation to the corresponding Kolmogorov time microscale. All planktonic organisms will experience fluctuations in the nutrient or food-particle fields over their lifetime. If other characteristic times are considered, such as the time between particle capture or nutrient uptake events, fluctuations may or may not be experienced over those times depending on the feeding mode and the turbulence intensity.
Effect of the use of different periodontal curettes on the topography and roughness of root surface

Periodontal scaling is the treatment approach most used to remove dental calculus, plaque, and altered cementum from root surface. During root decontamination, the instruments used leave the root rougher and more irregular. Objective: To verify the root surface after mechanical scaling with different Gracey curettes steel through SEM and superficial roughness analyses. Material and methods: Twelve teeth were embedded in acrylic resin. The teeth were instrumented with new Gracey curettes Gracey 5/6 from different brands. The groups (n=2) were divided into: control, no instrumentation (GC); carbon steel (CSN); stainless steel Neumar (SSN); stainless steel Millenium (SSM); premium steel Neumar (PSN); Hu-Friedy (HF). An area measuring 3 x 3 mm2was marked on the distal surface of the root to guide the Reading of the root topography on SEM and rugosimeter. The data were analyzed by a single examiner previously calibrated. SEM analysis was based on scores of the root surface smoothness after scaling. We analyzed the parameters of mean roughness (Ra) and mean roughness deepness (Rz). SEM data were submitted to statistical analysis through Fisher’s exact test (p < 0.002) and roughness data by Anova followed by Student t test. Results: The quality of the active surface of the curette demonstrated by SEM and roughness analyses that it can exert difference in the result regarding to the homogeneity produced after the scaling of root surface. Group SSM demonstrated a homogenous root surface (score 0) in SEM and better smoothness in rugosimeter analysis. Conclusion: According to com the methodology used, the group of curettes that provided better smoothness of root surface after scaling was SSM.
Stamping, Clapping and Chanting: An Ancient Learning Pathway?

In this review I explore the effect of temporal integration as a means of improving learning in schoolchildren. I focus first on theorists that have linked physical activity with a positive effect on children’s learning and second to psychological studies that have established the existence of innate temporal patterns. These findings are related to a model of temporal integration that I have developed from Croce’s writings on aesthetics (1900). From philosophy to neurology, I discuss recent neurological findings relating to timing and conclude that an organ of temporal integration, regulation and coordination operates in the brain with respect to physical, intuitive and higher cognitive function. I link recent findings in neurophysiology to notably similar findings in recent biomusicological studies. The finding that humans have an involuntary physical response to loud, low-frequency sounds are attributed to an innate legacy of proto-music and proto-dance behaviour among hominids. I develop the model of temporal integration further by examining the literature on stamping and clapping patterns of ancient traditional dances in relation to Husserl’s writings on theoretical succession. From philosophy to pedagogy, I summarise the review by proposing stamping, clapping and chanting as a means of achieving improved temporal integration.
Experimental validation of conventional and nonconventional lightning protection systems

Three types of lightning protection systems are in common use today: conventional systems, charge transfer systems, and systems based on early streamer emission air terminals. There is a wealth of empirical data validating the effectiveness of conventional lightning protection systems installed in accordance with recognized standards. Field studies of charge transfer systems show that they do not prevent lightning strikes as has been claimed. Studies of early streamer emission air terminals show that their performance in the field is similar to that of conventional sharp-pointed air terminals, and they do not have a greatly enhanced zone of protection as has been claimed.
Connecting RS Ophiuchi to [some] type Ia supernovae

Aims. Recurrent nova systems like RS Oph have been proposed as a possible channel for type Ia supernova (SN) explosions based on the high mass of the accreting white dwarf. Additional support for this hypothesis has recently been provided by the detection of circumstellar material around SN 2006X and SN 2007le, showing a structure compatible with that expected for recurrent nova outbursts. We investigate the circumstellar environment of RS Oph and its structure with the aim of establishing a firmer and independent link between this class of objects and type Ia SN progenitors. Methods. We study the time evolution of Ca ii ,N ai ,a nd Ki absorption features in RS Oph before, during, and after the last outburst, using multi-epoch, high-resolution spectroscopy and applying the same method as was adopted for SN 2006X and SN 2007le. Results. A number of components are detected , that are blue-shifted with respect to the systemic velocity of RS Oph. In particular, one feature strongly weakens in the first two weeks after the outburst, at the same time that the very narrow P-Cyg profiles disappear, which are overimposed on the much wider nova emission lines of H, He, Fe ii, and other elements. Conclusions. We interpret this as the signature of density enhancements in the circumstellar material, suggesting that the recurrent eruptions might indeed create complex structures within the material lost by the donor star. This establishes a strong link between RS Oph and the progenitor system of the type Ia SN 2006X, for which similar features have been detected.
The legacy of the Crusaders: Complex history of colonization and anthropochory in the land snails Levantina (Gastropoda, Pulmonata) in the Eastern Mediterranean

The Eastern Mediterranean land snails Levantina display a disjunct distribution spanning the Middle East (Levant), Cyprus, few locations along the Aegean Turkish coast between Bodrum and Datca and on the islands of Rhodes, Karpathos and a few surrounding islets (Dodecanese). These land snails are strictly bound to limestone; shell variability is noticeable with a pair of umbilicate and non-umbilicate forms parapatrically distributed in the Levant and along the Aegean Turkish coast; they overlap on the Dodecanese islands. We sequenced fragments of two mitochondrial genes (Cytochrome Oxidase I and 16S rRNA) from the historical Levantina materials available at the Museums of Hamburg and Berlin. The aim of the study is to explain the current distribution of Levantina in the Eastern Mediterranean in light of an earlier hypothesis suggesting anthropochory due to the movements of Crusaders across the area. The deeper nodes in our phylogeny indicate that Levantina reached the Dodecanese from continental Turkey during the Pliocene exploiting continuity of landmasses. In five circumstances the same haplotype co-occurs on two different islands; one haplotype is shared between one island (Rhodes) and the Levant. We suggest that the movements of Crusaders likely explain the current distribution of haplotypes. In particular, the Knights Hospitaller of St. John occupied Cyprus, the Dodecanese and the facing Turkish coasts for more than two centuries (1306–1522) after they withdrew from Jerusalem in 1187 and from the Levant in 1291. Snails could have been introduced as an item of food or transported with other material including limestone used for building.
Shareholder Rights and the Effects of Acquirer Cash Holdings on Merger Performance

In the U.S., cash-rich acquirers perform better in the presence of strong shareholder rights both at deal announcement and in the long run after mergers. Cash-rich acquirers underperform only when they are less financially constrained and when their shareholders possess weak rights. In the U.K., this positive cash effect on acquirer performance persists on average. In both countries, positive cash holdings effects are stronger when an acquirer is more financially constrained and can be explained by the precautionary motive.
NON-EQUIVALENCE BETWEEN PHONOLOGY AND PHONETICS

In her paper, Arvaniti [1] supports a model of production and perception which distinguishes phonological representations from their phonetic surface form. She draws on intonational data as evidence that an abstract phonological representation is necessary to capture native speakers’ competence to extract unique significance when faced with multiple phonetic variations. This view is in direct contrast to models which advocate that contours are holistic and all variation must be coded in detail. My commentary professes sympathy with Arvaniti’s approach and adds further evidence from segmental variation in support of abstract representations.
ASSESSMENT OF SECONDARY METABOLITES WITH RELATION TO THEIR ANTIOXIDANT ACTIVITY OF FUNGAL ENDOPHYTES ISOLATED FROM MEDICINAL PLANTS

Objective: The detection of fungal endophytes and assessment of their antioxidant activity isolated from two medicinally important plants, Calotropis procera (L.) R. Br. and Catharanthus roseus (L.) G. Don. from parts of Burdwan district of West Bengal, India. Methods: Isolation of fungal endophytes was carried out following the standard methods in potato dextrose agar (PDA) media. Identification, determination of colonization frequency, fermentation and extraction was done as stated in the standard protocol. Qualitative assay of the bioactive compound has investigated by standard protocol specifically for them. Quantitative estimation of total phenol was done by spectrophotometric method using gallic acid as standard. The antioxidant activity of the cell-free extract was determined by phosphomolybdenum assay and 2, 2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) scavenging method. Results: Three dominant endophytic fungi each from C . procera and C. roseus with high colonization frequency in Penicillium singorense 25% and Alternaria alternata 21.87 % respectively has isolated and identified. Qualitative detection of secondary metabolites revealed that Penicillium singorense isolated from both plants and Aspergillus neoflaviceps (from C . procera ) were found to be able to produce all the functional metabolites so far tested. It is evident that highest phenol 27.65±1.2 mg/g and flavonoid 2.06±0.1 mg/g content was shown by Curvularia geniculata. Highest antioxidant activity was exhibited by C. geniculata in both phosphomolybdenum assay i.e., total antioxidant capacity 2.46±0.11 and % inhibition of DPPH radical 94.55±0.015%. Conclusion: Present study, therefore highlights the growing concept that the bioactive compounds produced by the endophytes not only established host endophyte relationship but also have an immense chance of an application in the field of medicine, agriculture and industry.
Effect of different ratios of municipal solid waste compost on growth parameters and yield of Marigold (Calendula officinalis Moench.) and Daisy (Bellis Perennis L.).

In a country like Iran, where soil organic matter is less than 1% and in most cases even less than 0.5 %, Municipal solid waste (MSW) is a permanent and inexpensive source of organic matter. Various experiments have indicated that applications of compost improve plant health, yield and nutritional quality. However, the quality of the compost determines the growth and the development of plants. The purpose of this study was evaluating the effect of different ratio of organic compost from urban waste on the growth of two Ornamental plants, Marigold (Calendula officinalis Monch.) and Daisy (Bellis Perennis L.). Five treatments (potting-mixes) were used, soil (Clay, Silt and sand with 1:1:1 ratios) (as a control),the soil with 25% compost, the soil with 50% compost, the soil with 75% compost and 100% compost. Fresh and dry-weight of shoots and roots, plant height, and chlorophyll content were measured. The results of this study confirm the beneficial treatment to improve the growth parameters is 25% and 50% compost in alendula officinalis and 25% compost in Bellis perennis.
Dynamics of preemergent herbicides in production systems with straw 1

The use of production management systems with the implementation of cultures in the straw provides many benefits, including protection against soil erosion, increase in organic carbon content, increasing the microbial population, soil moisture conservation and emergence inhibition of some weeds. Given these changes, the preemergent herbicides used in the systems with straw are intercepted before reaching the ground and when leached from the straw they may present differences in their dynamics in the soil. It is important to consider the dynamics of herbicides both in the straw and in the soil, taking into consideration the straw origin, quantity and distribution, as well as the herbicides physicochemical characteristics and the intensity and the period without rain after application of the herbicide. All these factors determine the amount of the herbicide intercepted by straw and its behavior in the soil. Thus, the aim of this review is to understand the dynamic of preemergent herbicides applied in straw and soil in no-till systems, raw sugarcane and minimum tillage. The maintenance of straw on the ground can both intercept and retain the preemergent herbicides applied, reducing their ability to reach the straw layer and causing a reduction in weed control. The longer the time interval between the application and the occurrence of rain or irrigation, the lower the amount of herbicide leached to the soil. Therefore, in crops with soil covered with straw, herbicides that are less vulnerable to losses by volatilization and photodecomposition should preferably be used, in other words, herbicides with higher solubility, low vapor pressure and octanol-water partition coefficient.