Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Mapping the Causes of Forest Fires in Portugal by Clustering Analysis

This paper presents a spatial characterization of the distribution at district level of the forest fire events that occurred in mainland Portugal between 1996 and 2015 and whose causes were investigated. We further examine the breakdown of the causes of these forest fires over this period. Results supported by relevant validated statistics show that of the total fire events recorded, 94.4% were identified as an effective occurrence, of which 22.2% had burned an area greater than 1 ha, and of these only 42.1% were investigated. False alarms or fires without a recorded burning area are more significant in the districts of Aveiro, Lisbon and Porto, the biggest municipalities. Of the fires whose causes were investigated, the largest number of recorded events were in NE regions (49.0%), followed by NW regions (41.7%), and finally in the rest of the country (9.3%). Taking into account the ratio between the investigated fires and the total number of fires and the behavior profile produced for cluster analysis, a different panorama is brought to light, with the center and south regions showing greater effort to investigate the fires. A thorough analysis of the causes and motivations of the ignition of these forest fire occurrences showed that human activity, either deliberate (20.4%) or negligent (29.9%), outweigh natural phenomena (0.6%). Reactivations (14.6%) and Unknown (34.5%) causes decreased as time passed, whereas negligent and deliberate causes increased. However, these results could change if the percentage of unknown information in relation to the origin of the forest fires is considerable. The outcome of this research will support an efficient management related to fire mitigation and suppression including establishing preventive actions to reduce the occurrence of forest fires and emphasize the need to improve the procedure for recording forest fire events in Portugal, especially in relation to identifying their cause.
Essays on Financial Reporting and Auditing Regulation

The global business world requires precise, reliable financial information. It has been argued that the International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRSs) and International Standards on Auditing (ISAs) are important tools in developing a global business language. Historically, countries have developed and pursued their own accounting and auditing standards; however, as national markets grow into a global market, a common set of accounting and auditing standards is needed. Consequently, there is a trend towards IFRS and ISA harmonization worldwide. This study aims to investigate why some countries have adopted the IFRS and ISA standards while others have only partially adopted them. Moreover, previous studies have not examined the adoption of IFRS and ISA and country-specific factors simultaneously. This study suggests that voice and accountability, regulatory quality, and control of corruption achieved within a national economy are all predictive of the degree to which the IFRSs and ISAs are adopted across 113 jurisdictions.
230Th Normalization: New Insights on an Essential Tool for Quantifying Sedimentary Fluxes in the Modern and Quaternary Ocean

230Th normalization is a valuable paleoceanographic tool for reconstructing high‐resolution sediment fluxes during the late Pleistocene (last ~500,000 years). As its application has expanded to ever more diverse marine environments, the nuances of 230Th systematics, with regard to particle type, particle size, lateral advective/diffusive redistribution, and other processes, have emerged. We synthesized over 1000 sedimentary records of 230Th from across the global ocean at two time slices, the late Holocene (0–5,000 years ago, or 0–5 ka) and the Last Glacial Maximum (18.5–23.5 ka), and investigated the spatial structure of 230Th‐normalized mass fluxes. On a global scale, sedimentary mass fluxes were significantly higher during the Last Glacial Maximum (1.79–2.17 g/cm2kyr, 95% confidence) relative to the Holocene (1.48–1.68 g/cm2kyr, 95% confidence). We then examined the potential confounding influences of boundary scavenging, nepheloid layers, hydrothermal scavenging, size‐dependent sediment fractionation, and carbonate dissolution on the efficacy of 230Th as a constant flux proxy. Anomalous 230Th behavior is sometimes observed proximal to hydrothermal ridges and in continental margins where high particle fluxes and steep continental slopes can lead to the combined effects of boundary scavenging and nepheloid interference. Notwithstanding these limitations, we found that 230Th normalization is a robust tool for determining sediment mass accumulation rates in the majority of pelagic marine settings (>1,000 m water depth).
Do barriers to innovation impact changes in innovation activities of firms during business cycle? The effect of the Polish green island

Research background: There is no doubt that innovation is an important source of economic growth. In the assessment of the innovative activity of Polish industrial processing enterprises, two opposing views can be found. The first indicates the exogenous shock resulting from the global financial crisis and the associated innovation crisis and the subsequent period of innovative pessimism. The second shows the Polish economy as the European Green Island due to strong and uninterrupted economic growth over the past 27 years, controlled inflation, and reduction of unemployment as well as increase of the citizens’ well-being. In these conditions, an interesting research gap appeared, which is worth filling, at the centre of which there are factors determining the innovative activity of enterprises, and in particular the role and importance of innovation barriers in various phases of the business cycle. Purpose of the article: The aim of the research is to determine the impact of innovation barriers and degrees of their importance on the innovation activity of Polish industrial processing enterprises during the business cycle. The time frame of the analysis covers three phases of the cycle: the prosperity period of 2004–2006, the global financial crisis of 2008–2010 and the recovery from 2012–2014. Methods: Pearson’s ? 2 independence test and correspondence analysis were used for data analysis. The research results are presented in a graphical form of biplots that describe the coexistence of three types of variables: (1) types of enterprises and ownership sectors, (2) effects or objectives of innovative activity, and (3) innovation barriers and reasons for the lack of innovation. The basis of calculations were three databases covering the mentioned periods. Findings & Value added: High resistance of innovative activity of Polish industrial processing enterprises to economic fluctuations has been demonstrated. Innovation barriers and degrees of their importance had little impact on the operations of enterprises in the first of the analysed periods, when prosperity was booming. The impact of the global financial crisis on innovation activities proved to be counterintuitive, as enterprises have continuously achieved their goals and the importance of innovation barriers has diminished even more. In the third period, innovation barriers no longer had any significance for the innovation activities of enterprises. The phenomenon of a gradual decline in the importance of innovation barriers, regardless of the phases of the business cycle, was called the Polish Green Island Effect. The relationship found is a peculiarity which is probably unprecedented in recent world economic history.
Giving calves 'the best start': Perceptions of colostrum management on dairy farms in England

Good colostrum management can confer protective immunity to newborn calves, making calves less susceptible to infectious disease, and fundamentally improving both their short- and long-term health, welfare and productivity. Industry recommendations commonly refer to 'The Three 'Q's' of colostrum management: the need for calves to receive sufficient 'Quantity' of high 'Quality' colostrum 'Quickly' after birth; some also include 'sQueaky clean' and 'Quantification of passive transfer'. However, research to date suggests that the failure of passive transfer of colostral antibodies is common on commercial dairy farms, contributing to sub-optimal calf health and mortality. This paper explores why this may be the case by investigating stakeholder perceptions of colostrum management and how these perceptions might affect the practice of ensuring adequate colostrum administration to newborn calves. Calf rearing and youngstock management practices on English dairy farms were investigated using 40 in-depth semi-structured interviews: 26 with dairy farmers and 14 with advisors (including veterinarians, feed and pharmaceutical company representatives). Interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed and thematically coded for analysis. 'The Three 'Q's' were found to act as useful reminders about the goals of colostrum management, and a case can be made for further publicising the inclusion of 'sQueaky clean' and 'Quantification of passive transfer' as there remains a lack of focus on colostrum hygiene and measurement of successful antibody transfer. Knowledge of the 'Q's' did not guarantee implementation, and time and labour constraints alongside farmer misconceptions must be addressed when offering professional advice on improving calf health. Further research to encourage on-farm collection and analysis of monitoring data including rates of passive transfer is particularly needed. Advisors must not overlook the importance of colostrum management when assessing farm practices and ensure that they promote evidence-based recommendations if dairy calf morbidity and mortality is to be reduced.
Does size really matter in biogeography? Patterns and drivers of global distribution of marine micro‐ and meiofauna

This study aims to evaluate the role of various factors in structuring biogeographical distribution of small‐sized organisms. More specifically, we analysed the distribution of three groups of marine benthic organisms differing in body size, both unicellular and metazoans, to assess the relevance of geographical and environmental factors on their taxonomic composition.
A Simple Mono-Dimensional Approach for Lap Time Optimisation

Lap time minimisation methods have great relevance in the analysis of race tracks, and in the design and optimisation of race vehicles. Several lap time minimisation approaches have been proposed in the literature, which are computationally demanding because they need to either solve differential equations or to implement a forward–backward integration based on an apex-finding method. This paper proposes an alternative method, based on a mono-dimensional quasi-steady-state numerical approach. The proposed approach uses a simplified vehicle model accounting for combined tyre–road interactions, aerodynamic effects, and power limitations. The method exploits the knowledge of the curvature of the trajectory, which is worked out through a rigorous approach that allows for the use trajectories defined with respect to ageneric curve parameter and not necessarily the arc length. An iterative routine is implemented that exploits the vehicle dynamics, without solving differential equations or performing forward–backward integrations from the trajectory apexes. Simulations are carried out on three different tracks and are shown to be computationally efficient. Despite being intentionally simple, the proposed method allows to grasp key aspects of the problem, such as the effect of the combined tyre–road interactions on the acceleration profiles, and the effect of aerodynamic drag and downforce on the position of the braking point on the track and on the speed profile.
Intermittent Preventive Treatment in Pregnancy with Sulphadoxine-Pyrimethamine Does Not Have Effect on Maternal Hemoglobin at Delivery and Birth Weight in Kisangani, Democratic Republic of Congo

Background: The consequences of malaria during pregnancy are different regarding local conditions of malaria transmission. In stable malaria areas, the main complications are maternal anaemia and fetal growth restriction. This study aims to determine if pregnancy-associated malaria is associated with the risk of the above-mentioned complications and to determine if IPTp-sp reduces them in Kisangani. Methods: It is a cross-sectional analytical study conducted in parturients, in 6 medical facilities of Kisangani, from January 1st to September 30th, 2017. At delivery we measured their hemoglobin, we performed the thick blood smear of their peripheral blood and placental apposition; and we weighed their newborns at birth. Results: Risk of anaemia at delivery increased with malaria access during pregnancy (p = 0.0056; OR: 1.4221, 95% CI: 1.0851 - 1.8638) and peripheral parasitaemia at delivery (p = 0.0000; OR: 6.3855, 95% CI: 4.5552 - 8.9512). LBW increased with peripheral parasitaemia at delivery (p = 0.0000; OR: 3.5299, 95% CI: 2.4424 - 5.1015) and placental parasitaemia (p = 0.0000; OR: 18.3247, 95% CI: 12.5141 - 26.8332). IPTp-sp did not have effect on maternal hemoglobin at delivery (p = 0.1546; OR: 0.7553, IC a 95%: 0.4414 - 1.2923) and the birth weight (p = 0.1225; OR: 0.6638, IC a 95%: 0.3375 - 1.3056). Conclusion: In Kisangani, pregnancy-associated malaria is associated with maternal anaemia at delivery and LBW. IPTp-sp does not reduce the risk of these complications. Therefore, studies evaluating IPTp alternatives are required in malaria endemic areas.
The role of health educators in mitigating health risk from increasing screen time in schools and at home

ABSTRACT Contemporary health educators in schools are responsible for promoting the health of individual students, as well as a healthy school environment. The ongoing push for increasing device use in schools, which is underpinned by the information and communications technology (ICT) capability requirements of the new Australian Curriculum, can potentially lead to health risks for students that may not be well understood by students, schools and families. Widespread increasing implementation of ICT may outpace supporting research into risks. While schools tend to focus on cyber safety in relation to risks from ICT use, limited consideration is given to the other potential health risks of sustained screen time, despite the robust and growing body of research linking sustained screen time to a range of health issues. This paper outlines a crucial practical role for health educators in mitigating health risk to students from increasing screen time in schools and at home. Schools need to communicate the importance of balance in screen time, leading by example and fostering protective partnerships with students, their families and broader community support mechanisms.
Refugee Health Education: Evaluating a Community-Based Approach to Empowering Refugee Women in Houston, Texas

Although resettlement agencies in the United States assist refugees by offering a variety of local social and health services, refugees are still less likely to access these services. Few studies have evaluated refugee health education interventions focusing on barriers to accessing healthcare and overcoming negative social determinants of health. This study evaluated the feasibility, acceptability, and perceived impact of a yearlong health education intervention to empower Burmese refugee women living in Houston, Texas. The intervention included workshops, community excursions, question and answer (Q&A) sessions, and home visits. The evaluation was a formative qualitative study including interviews with Burmese refugee women who participated in the intervention and local resettlement agency caseworkers. Qualitative content analysis guided the data analysis and was conducted to identify categories and emergent themes. Key findings indicated that motivation to participate in the intervention was impacted by the women’s perceived relevance of health education material to Burmese cultural values and opportunities for hands-on learning to promote self-efficacy. Recommendations for future interventions include the use of community health workers to train refugee health educators, pairing English lessons with health education material to promote development of English language skills, developing teaching materials for refugees with low literacy, establishing bottom-up support from refugee resettlement agencies, and incorporating the social work ecological model to tailor health-focused interventions to the specific needs of the refugee community.
How Can Robots Make People Feel Intimacy Through Touch?

This study investigates the effects of the touch characteristics that change the intimacy perceived by humans in human-robot touch interaction with an android robot having a human-like feminine appearance. Past studies on human-robot touch interaction focused on understanding which types of human touches are used to express emotions to robots. However, they less focused on how a robot’s touch characteristics can affect humans’ perceived intimacy. In this study, first, we concentrated on two types of touch characteristics (type and place) and their effects on the perceived intimacy of a commonly used emotion in human-robot interaction, namely happiness. The results showed that the touch types are useful for changing the perceived intimacy, although the touched place did not exhibit any significant effects. Based on the results of our first experiment, we investigated the effects of different touch characteristics (length and part). We concluded that the touch part is useful to change the perceived intimacy, although the touch length did not exhibit any significant effects. Finally, the results suggested that a pat (type) by the fingers (part) is a better combination to express intimacy with our robot.
The shear and compressive yield stress of fibrillated acacia pulp fiber suspensions

Abstract The degree of interactions between fibers and the tendency of fibers to form flocs play an important role in effective unit operation in pulp and paper industry. Mechanical treatments may damage the structure of the fiber cell wall and geometrical properties, and ultimately change the fiber-fiber interactions. In this study, the gel crowding number, compressive and shear yield stress of fibrillated acacia pulps were investigated, and the results showed that the gel crowding number of the refined pulp samples ranged from 8.7 to 10.7, which were much lower than that of un-refined pulps. As the concentration increased, both the compressive yield stress Py{P_{y}} and shear yield stress τy{\tau _{y}} of all suspensions increased accordingly, and the yield stress was found to depend on a power law of the crowding number. Moreover, the values of τy/Py{\tau _{y}}/{P_{y}} were also examined and the variation of τy/Py{\tau _{y}}/{P_{y}} became largely dependent on the fiber morphology and mass concentration.
Ecuador publications in the Science Citation Index Expanded: institutions, subjects, citation and collaboration patterns

Introduction: Ecuador, a country of 17 million inhabitants with a medium human development index of 0.75, has a small scientific productivity in relation to its size and population. Objective: To analyze Ecuador publications in the Science Citation Index Expanded, focusing on productivity, subjects, institutions, citations, and trends. Methods: We analyzed scientific publications by authors from Ecuador from 1900 to 2017 in the Science Citation Index Expanded and compared it with other tropical countries. Results: We found 16 document types (7 806 articles). The three most productive institutions were Universidad San Francisco de Quito, Pontificia Universidad Católica del Ecuador, and Escuela Politécnica Nacional. USA and Spain were the most frequent collaborating countries. Most articles were in English and ecology, botany, and zoology were common, but no field produced over 8 % of articles. However, ecology represents 11.3 % of the total citations. The most cited papers in the database were from large international biology and physics projects with minimal participation of Ecuadorean scientists. Article citations occurs mostly after the SCI stops counting. Conclusion: Science in Ecuador is growing but needs to greatly increase collaboration among Ecuadorean institutions to reduce its dependence on foreing projects. However, this study did not include articles published by the hundreds of Ecuadorean journals not covered by the SCI Expanded.
Microbiological Evaluation of Chicken Carcasses Retailed in Al-Boheira Province with Detection of Some Enteropathogens

A total of 100 freshly slaughtered chicken carcasses samples were randomly collected from different private retail outlets in Al-Boheira Province during the period extended from March to September 2018 including; thigh and breast (50 samples of each). Samples were subjected to microbiological evaluation via making of aerobic plate count (APC), Enterobacteriaceae count (EC), Coliforms count (CC) as well as molds and yeasts counts. In addition, isolation of some enteropathogens including; Escherichia coli, Salmonella and Shigella was attempted. It was recorded that APC ranged from 5×103 to 6.8×105, with a mean value 2.3×105±2.8×105cfu/g in samples collected from breast, while in samples of the thigh it ranged from 4.9×104 to 1.8×106, with a mean value 6.9×105±7.1×105 cfu/g. Concerning EC, it was found that EC ranged from 6×102to 1.8×103, with a mean value 1.3×103±3.8×102 cfu/g in samples of breast, while in the thigh samples, it ranged from 1.8×103 to 2.5×103, with a mean value 2×103±1.7×103cfu/g. Also, it was recorded that CC of the examined samples ranged from 6×102to 1.6×103, with a mean value 1.1×103±3.4×102cfu/g in breast samples, while in thigh samples, it ranged from 1.6×103to 2.3×103, with a mean value1.8×103±1.8×102cfu/g. The trail of isolation of some enteropathogens revealed the isolation of Salmonellae from thigh and breast samples at the rate of 22 and 18%, respectively. E. coli isolated from both types of samples breast and thigh were at percentage of 40%and48% in breast and thigh, respectively. Furthermore, Shigella spp. was isolated from chicken carcasses breast and thigh samples at percentage of 30% and 42%, respectively. Also, it was found that yeast count ranged from 3.1×102 to 5.4×103, with a mean value 2.2×103±2.1×103cfu/g in breast samples of fresh chicken carcasses, while in samples from thigh ranged from 3.8×102 to 5.7×103, with a mean value 2.3×103 ± 2.2×103 cfu/g. Also, it was found that mould count ranged from 1.1×102 to 1.3×102, with a mean value 7.3×102±9.5×102cfu/g in breast samples of fresh chicken carcasses, while in samples from thigh ranged from 1.3×102 to 2.4×103, with a mean value 1×103±9.6×102cfu/g According to the recorded results in the current study, it was clear that increased bacterial counts with occurrence of pathogenic bacteria in the examined samples that exceed the Egyptian standards especially thigh samples reflected the poor hygienic conditions that accompanied the traditional slaughtering process reducing the quality of chicken meat sold under such conditions that should alarm the danger bells to prevent selling of freshly slaughtered chicken carcasses and give the chance for chilled and frozen chicken carcasse.