Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Research on Vermicompost as Plant Growth Promoter and Disease Suppressive Substrate in Latin America

Composted organic materials have been used worldwide since ancient times. An increasing body of experimental evidence indicates that they stimulate plant growth and constitute a means to suppress crop diseases. Specially related to vermicomposts, many Latin American researchers have focused their work on chemical and microbiological analyses, crop production, plant health promotion and social benefits derived from their production and utilisation. This review summarizes published data on these subjects. In spite of the achievement of many interesting results, research needs to be intensified so as to improve the knowledge on these substrates, and favour a more generalized use of vermicomposts in the field.
THE EFFECT OF WORK ENVIRONMENT AND DEMOCRATIC LEADERSHIP ON JOB SATISFACTION AND ITS IMPLICATION ON WORK DISCIPLINE OF PIDIE JAYA DISTRICT PUBLIC WORKS OFFICE

Purpose This study aims to examine the influence of the work environment, democratic leadership on job satisfaction, and its implications for the work discipline of Public Works officials in the Pidie Jaya district. Hypothesis testing is carried out directly and indirectly to see the effect of exogenous variables on endogenous Design/Method The population in this study were all employees, both civil servants and contract employees at the Public Works Office of Pidie Jaya District, totaling 139 people. The research sample was taken as a whole (census). The research model was analyzed using Structural Equation Modeling (SEM). Findings and Originality The results of direct hypothesis testing show that the work environment has a significant effect on job satisfaction (H2), democratic leadership has a significant effect on job satisfaction (H3), work environment has no significant effect on work discipline (H4), democratic leadership has a significant effect on work discipline (H3). H5) and job satisfaction has a significant effect on work discipline (H6). The results of indirect hypothesis testing show that the work environment has no effect on employee work discipline through job satisfaction (H7), and democratic leadership has a significant effect on employee work discipline through job satisfaction (partial mediation) (H8). The originality lies in the research model that combines theprevious models with democratic leadership variable in Pidie Jaya District Public Works Office. Implications and Recommendations The presence of democratic leadership at the Public Works office in Pidie Jaya Regency has proven to be very much in need of strengthening so that it can improve work discipline of its employees.The policy-making authority in the organization must always monitor the level of work discipline of its employees both administratively and directly. For further studies, the researchers recommend conducting further testing to improve work discipline by using work motivation, expertise, work relations, and knowledge sharing variables. Keyword:Work Environment, Democratic Leadership, Job Satisfaction, Work Discipline
Innovative active control strategies for pantograph catenary interaction

The pantograph - catenary interaction is one of the most important features in high speed trains, and to guarantee a reliable current collection is the target that every railway system must take into consideration in order to speed up trains. The problem that goes against this direction is mainly the variation of the overhead equipment's stiness.To understand the phenomenon a lumped mass model of the pantograph with a rigid body attached to the ground representing the contact wire were built up; in this way a complete lumped mass model is developed. All information regarding both wire and pantograph set up is introduced as lumped parameters. Creating the model, dierent active control strategies as ideal control, PID control and optimal control are introduced. All simulations are made in GENSYS, while the control part is made inSIMULINK; a connection between those two softwares was created as part of the thesis using TCP/IP protocol.Results compared to experimental acquisition are satisfactory in terms of contact force representation. The standard deviation and average value's errors of the contact force are lower than 10%; regarding the control system, typically 20% of reduction of the standard deviation compared to the passive case is achieved.Also a comparison with a nite element program is done in order to better understand the limits of the model compared with a more sophisticated one. The comparison shows a good accordance up to 60 % of the average speed of the wave propagation in the catenary. The last feature analyzed is how the behavior of the controlled system changes introducing a real actuator: results shows that the performance is reduced in dierent ways considering dierent speeds, but no instabilities occur.
Performance assessment of vegetable oil-based nanofluid in Minimum Quantity Lubrication (MQL) during machining of Inconel 718

ABSTRACT Metal cutting industries are focusing on the development of sustainable and eco-friendly machining processes. The work focused on the applicability of nanofluid-based minimum quantity lubrication (MQL) during the machining of Inconel 718. The performance of palm oil mixed with nano-molybdenum disulphide (nMoS2) with varying concentrations (0.5%, 1%, and 1.5%) is assessed in machining with MQL. The turning operations have been executed under dry, wet, MQL, and nMQSL (palm oil+ nMoS2) environments. The machining performance is evaluated by measuring surface roughness, tool wear, micro-hardness, and chip morphology. Also, the analysis of worn tools has been performed through a scanning electron microscope (SEM) to comprehend the tool wear mechanism during the turning of Inconel 718. A noteworthy reduction in surface roughness and tool wear (flank and crater wear) is observed with 1% nMoS2 mixed with palm oil compared to other machining environments. Also, the acceptable chip forms are produced with MQL and nMQSL revealed the cooling and lubrication efficacy of the lubricant mixture. Based on the findings of the work, the blend of palm oil mixed with nMoS2 can be considered as a feasible alternative to achieve sustainable machining.
Evaluation of the Iron Horse Peformance Optimization Physical Training Program (IHPOP) in a Light Infantry Brigade, October 2010-April 2011

Abstract : Purpose: To evaluate the effect of a new physical training program on injury risks and to identify risk factors for injury in a Brigade of an Infantry Division. The program included the addition of physical therapy and athletic training staff. Methods: Demographics, physical fitness, and PT activities were obtained from surveys administered to Soldiers upon program implementation and 7 months later. Medical records captured injury-related encounters before and after implementation. Results: Both surveys and medical data were available for 1,250 Soldiers; data on matched males(n=1,183) were analyzed. Injury incidence pre and post-implementation did not differ (55 vs.57/1,000 Soldiers/month, p=0.64) and no difference between Army and brigade trends was observed (p=0.72). However, limited duty days increased after the implementation of the program by 32%. Fitness improved, although the changes measured by Army Physical Fitness Test total scores were significant, improvements were minimal (251 vs.255 points, p0.01). The proportion of Soldiers running 10 miles/week with their unit decreased (36% vs.26%, p0.01) and the proportion cross-training with their unit 1 time/week increased (66% vs.75%, p0.01). Conclusion: While injury rates did not change, the number of limited duty days increased by 32%. For physical training, running mileage decreased, while cross-training increased. Improved access to care may have increased injury identification, thereby masking reductions resulting from PT modifications.
The use of sea safety measures by fishermen

It was seen from the study that the use of sea safety measures was not very popular among the fishermen operating mecahnlsed and non- mechanised crafts and they relied mostly on their own wisdom and skill in saving their lives. Some kind of negligence is also seen on the part of the boat owners who often hire labour for fishing operations. The most urgent need, besides enforcing legal regulations is to educate fishermen regarding the use of safety measures. Training and other methods of intervention may be used to tell them about measures that could be adopted for msmagement of crisis including the use of first- aid. They should be made aware of the need to Invest their efforts In taking precautions to reduce the danger they face In their vocation.
Social Distancing, Temperature, BCG and the Evolution of COVID-19: A Panel-Model Analysis

Background: This work presents results concerning the impact of some variables mentioned in the literature on the daily variation rate of cases (per million inhabitants) of COVID-19, based on a large sample of countries and an empirical model with appropriate control factors. We also propose indicators for measuring social distancing and BCG (Bacilo Calmette-Guérin) vaccine immunization.Methods: A statistical panel-model was applied to daily data for 165 countries from January 22 to July 31, 2020. Besides, two indicators are constructed for each country in the sample. The first of them measures social distancing, based on percentage of people circulating on transport stations, as a proportion of the circulation in a period before pandemic. The second indicator proposed estimates the current percentage of people immunized by BCG vaccine, based on the historical coverage and demographic factors. Results: We estimate that a strict social distancing may be associated with a reduction of around 6 percentage points in the daily variation rate of cases per million of COVID-19. Besides, the effects of temperature and BCG immunization proved to be statistically significant at the usual levels, indicating that lower temperatures and a low (or a lack of) BCG immunization may be related to increases in the daily variation rate of cases (per million inhabitants) of COVID-19.Conclusions: The analysis made clear the role of social distancing to control the pandemic. In addition, the method used did not allow to exclude the hypothesis that the evolution of COVID-19 may be positively associated with lower temperatures and a low (or a lack of) BCG immunization. JEL classification codes: C13; C33; I18
Status Dynamics

Status among peers has been one of the central themes of peer relations research for decades. While the topic has been extensively researched in the Western European and North American literature, less is known about such dynamics in ‘non-Western’ contexts. The paper intends to address this gap by analyzing the status dynamics related to the two most frequently investigated dimensions of status – popularity and acceptance – in a Hungarian, ethnically diverse, longitudinal primary school database. Additionally, we apply a novel multilevel regression model, the within-between random effects model (Bell et al., 2019), which combines the strengths of fixed- and random-effects models and makes the decomposition of within-individual and between-individual effects possible. The paper analyses the first four waves of the panel dataset (N of observations = 4441, N of individuals = 1313). Most of our results are in line with the Western European literature, highlighting the important role of being good at sports, verbal aggression, being considered smart, and physical appearance. With regard to ethnic differences, our results show ethnicized patterns in the relationship between aggression and popularity.
CONTACT TIME AND TAKE-OFF SPEED RELATIONSHIP IN DETERMINING HEIGHT OF JUMP IN JUMPING BADMINTON SMASH

The paper investigates the relationship between the foot contact time with the ground during the planting of foot phase and the horizontal and vertical velocities before take-off to determine an attainable height of jump during a jumping smash performance. World class badminton players were chosen as subjects. Results showed that contact time was found to be about 0.22 s to generate the greatest forward momentum and there was a greater need to convert the horizontal velocity to vertical velocity, as the vertical velocity determines the attainable height of jump.
The Distribution of Income and Wealth in Ireland

Ensuring a fair and efficient distribution of economic resources in society is one of the most important public policy challenges facing democratic governments. This chapter notes how the emergence of new and better data on the composition and distribution of income and wealth has heightened interest in economic inequality. Data on the distribution of both income and wealth are presented, highlighting how Ireland, as a liberal market economy, has high levels of direct market income inequality but the welfare state plays a significant role in redistribution. The provision of robust wealth data is a recent phenomenon for Ireland, one absent from our understanding of living standards, well-being, and redistributive public policies for some time. Wealth is more unequally distributed than income, and it is notably concentrated in housing capital. The chapter concludes by highlighting the relevance and potential of these new insights.
Debridement, Antibiotics and Implant Retention (DAIR) Has High Success Rate for Acute Periprosthetic Joint Infection

Background: The efficacy of debridement, antibiotics and implant retention (DAIR) for acute periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) has been debated. The purpose of this study was to report our clinical outcome and experience of managing acute PJI with DAIR. Methods: A retrospective review of all patients diagnosed with acute PJI after hip or knee replacement surgery and managed with DAIR in our prospective joint replacement register from 2008 to 2019 was performed. Patients’ symptom onset duration, inflammatory marker levels, bacteriology, and surgical outcome were tracked and recorded. Results: A total of 24 patients with 7 after hip replacement and 17 after knee replacement were included. Twenty-one were early post-operative infection and 3 were late acute haematogenous infection. During a mean follow-up time of 29.2±15.1 months, twenty-two were successfully treated while 2 failed who required repeated DAIR. The overall success rate of DAIR was 91.7%. For staphylococcal infection, DAIR has 100% success rate. Five patients presented with symptoms between 4 to 8 weeks also achieved 100% success rate. Conclusions: DAIR has a high success rate for acute PJI, and can be performed in selected patients whose symptoms have sustained for over 4 weeks. DAIR has high rate of success for staphylococcal infection. Metagenomic next-generation sequencing (mNGS) test can be used as a potential tool to identify pathogens in acute PJI. Key Words: Debridement, antibiotics and implant retention (DAIR); acute periprosthetic joint infection, debridement, total knee replacement, total hip replacement
Improved cookstoves and the prevalence of metabolic syndrome in the rural Peruvian Andes: a quasi-experimental study

Background: Household air pollution increases the risk of non-communicable diseases, such as cardiovascular diseases and metabolic syndrome. This study hypothesised that the reduction of household air pollution through the installation of improved cookstoves is associated with the prevalence of metabolic syndrome. We compared the prevalence of metabolic syndrome between adults using open fire stoves and using improved cookstoves in high altitude provinces of Cajabamba and San Marcos in rural Peruvian Andes.Methods: This is a quasi experimental study nested within a randomised controlled trial (parent study) of 317 children randomised in four study arms. The parents study applied a 2x2 factorial design with three single intervention arms (improved cookstove (ICS), early child development (ECD) and Control) and one combined arm (ICS-ECD). This study was conducted 6-10 months after the ICS intervention was implemented and all parents of the 317 children in the parent study were eligible to participate. Ventilated improved cookstoves using biomass fuel were provided to intervention homes. All participants answered a 24-hour food recall and underwent a physical examination for metabolic syndrome diagnosis. Results: A total of 385 participants were allocated to two groups of improved cookstove users with 190 (112 women and 78 men) and open-fire stove users with 195 (123 women and 72 men). Metabolic syndrome was detected in 21% of all participants and more frequently in women than men (26% versus 13%). In women, the improved cookstove intervention was a protective factor for metabolic syndrome (Prevalence Ratio= 0.70 (0.46 to 1.08), p=0.11). In addition, PR increased with age in women. In both gender, significantly lower PR was found in participants living ≥2500 meters above sea level (PR=0.65 (0.42 to 1.00), p=0.051 in women; (PR=0.25 (0.07 to 0.71), p=0.009 in men). Conclusions: The improved cookstove intervention reducing household air pollution is associated with a lower prevalence of MetS in women users. In addition, residential altitude is an important risk factor for metabolic syndrome even in high altitude populations. Keywords: biomass fuel ventilated improved cookstove, household air pollution, metabolic syndrome, high altitude, Peru Trial registration: Trial registration number ISRCTN26548981 at www.srctn. com . Registered retrospectively, Jan. 15 2018.
Access, Opportunity, and Success: Keeping the Promise of Higher Education

Behind the hallowed walls of higher education are students who did not grow up expecting to attend college, students who walked through open doors not knowing what to expect on the other side. For some, these open doors became revolving doors, and they simply gave up. For many others, however, there were unexpected successes, successes that included more than academic accomplishments. These people came through the system with an increased sense of self-confidence that empowered them in the world beyond college. This oral history tells the story of the struggles as well as of the triumphs related to the fight for access and high quality in higher education. Thus, it provides a unique look at the past state of higher education, and at the measures that might be taken to improve our future educational system. The book begins with a brief historical overview of what access to higher education looked like before the 20th century. Following chapters tell the actual stories and are organized around four themes: the power of belief in students; access with success; institutional commitment; and effective support systems. Finally, a set of recommendations is provided that will help to keep the doors open for those still wishing to enter. Educators at all levels, graduate students studying higher education, and interested readers in the general public will all find this book an invaluable resource.
Studio della domanda di servizi di pubblica utilità : un'analisi panel dei consumi residenziali di acquaed energia elettrica

The present work analyses the determinants of water and electricity demand for residential purposes in an Italian region. This thesis analyses a dataset on water consumption in 240 municipalities for a period of 6 years (2000-2005) and a dataset of electricity consumption in 374 municipalities for a period of 11 years (1995-2005), using aggregated data. The aim is to estimate the value of the price elasticity, of the income elasticity, and to analyse the influence of socio-economic, demographic, structural, climate variables on consumption levels and trends. We analyse also the cross-price elasticity of other fuels and the influence of heating systems (central vs single, fuel used) on electricity consumptions, and the influence of management practices applied by water utilities on water consumption. The FEVD (Fixed Effect Vector Decomposition) procedure, recently proposed by Plumper and Troeger (2007), is adopted to estimate panel data characterised by the presence of time invariant variables, or variables which vary rarely in time. FEVD results are compared to other static panel estimators. Results obtained can be useful to elaborate future policies and management practices.
Biodiesel Production from Mixed Culture Algae Via a Wet Lipid Extraction Procedure

With world crude oil reserves decreasing and energy prices continually increasing, interest in developing renewable alternatives to petroleum-based liquid fuels has increased. An alternative that has received consideration is the growth and harvest of microalgae for the production of biodiesel via extraction of the microalgal oil or lipids. However, costs related to the growth, harvesting and dewatering, and processing of algal biomass have limited commercial scale production of algal biodiesel. Coupling wastewater remediation to microalgal growth can lower costs associated with large scale growth of microalgae. Microalgae are capable of assimilating inorganic nitrogen and phosphorous from wastewater into the biomass. By harvesting the microalgal biomass these nutrients can be removed, thus remediating the wastewater. Standard methods of oil extraction require drying the harvested biomass, adding significant energetic cost to processing the algal biomass. Extracting algal lipids from wet microalgal biomass using traditional methods leads to drastic reductions in extraction efficiency, driving up processing costs. A wet lipid extraction procedure was developed that was capable of extracting 79% of the transesterifiable lipids from wet algal biomass (16% solids) without the use of organic solvents while using relatively mild conditions (90 °C and ambient pressures). Ultimately 77% of the extracted lipids were collected for biodiesel production. Furthermore, the procedure was capable of precipitating chlorophyll, allowing for the collection of algal lipids independently of chlorophyll. The capability of this procedure to extract lipids from wet algal biomass, to reduce chlorophyll contamination of the algal oil, and to generate feedstock material for the production of additional bio-products provides the basis for reducing scale-up costs associated with the production of algal biofuels and bioproducts.
Owls (Strigiformes): Annotated and Illustrated Checklist

/ Einfuhrung. - Order Strigiformes / Ordnung Strigiformes. - Owls in Flight / Eulen im Flug. - Wing Formula and Typography / Schwingenformel und Typographie. - Owls Described or Rediscovered in the Last 20 Years / Neu beschriebene und wiederentdeckte Eulen der vergangenen 20 Jahre.
The Air Force Officer Qualifying Test

Abstract : The Air Force Officer Qualifying Test (AFOQT) is an aptitude measure used to select officers, pilots, and combat system operators. This technical report reviews research that answers many common questions about the AFOQT, including whether the test is fair, whether it is biased against minorities or women, whether it is too expensive, whether it should be replaced, and whether it predicts the performance that is important to the Air Force. In addressing these questions, we do not produce original data analyses. Instead, we present a synthesis of the existing knowledge about the AFOQT and other selection tests and examine its implications for the future of the AFOQT.