Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
BENZENE EXPOSURE ANALYSIS IN INFORMAL SHOE INDUSTRY WORKERS IN SUKAJAYA VILLAGE, WEST JAVA VIA LEUKOCYTE COUNT AND S-PHENYLMERCAPTURIC ACID MEASUREMENT IN URINE

Background: Benzene is a hematotoxic and carcinogenic compound contained in the glue used in the shoe industry. This compound has been suspected of causing decreased leukocyte counts, which is one of the blood cell production disorders. Benzene exposure can be determined by measuring the concentration of S-phenylmercapturic acid (S-PMA) in urine.Objective: This study was conducted to determine the association between S-PMA urine concentration and the leukocyte count of shoe industry workers.Methods: The study design was cross sectional and the data were collected by conducting interviews, analyzing urine samples for S-PMA concentrations, and conducting blood examinations. Chi square and multiple logistic regression were used for the analysis.Results: The results showed there were no concentrations of S-PMA in urine that exceeded the Biological Exposure Index (BEI) value (≤25 μg/g creatinine). Higher S-PMA concentrations in this study show a higher risk of decreased leukocyte counts. When controlling for age, duration of work, history of infection, Body Mass Index (BMI), smoking, occupation, and exercise, workers with high S-PMA urine concentration were found to be at higher risk of a decreased leukocyte count.Conclusion: Although S-PMA urine concentrations were still below BEI values, workers with higher S-PMA urine concentration were more at risk of leukocyte counts of 5.0 x 103/μL. The decrease in the minimum BEI S-PMA limit value was lower than the current standard may need to be considered.
Optimal vs naïve diversification in

This paper contributes to the literature on cryptocurrencies by examining the performance of naïve (1/N) and optimal (Markowitz) diversification in a portfolio of four popular cryptocurrencies. We employ weekly data with weekly rebalancing and show there is very little to select between naïve diversification and optimal diversification. Our results hold for different levels of risk-aversion and an alternative estimation window.
Evaluation of Ethiopian Barleys Genetic Variation for Agronomic and Nutritional Quality Traits in Northern Ethiopia

Barley is an important crop mainly used for human food in Ethiopia, but little is known on variation in nutritional quality. The objective of this paper was to evaluate the nutritional quality among different Ethiopian barley lines. Of 144 Ethiopian barley genotypes tested, a subset of 39 genotypes was selected using Near Infrared Reflectance (NIR), grown in field trials at three locations and evaluated for quality and agronomic traits. There were significant variations in chemical contents with significant environmental effects. The mean values (range) over the three sites were: starch (52.5–61.5%), protein (9.7–15.0%), β-glucan (3.4–5.4%), thousand kernel weight (TKW) (36.7–62.1 g), Fe (27.8–48 mg kg), and Zn (23.7–50.2 mg kg). Most hulless lines had significantly higher β-glucan and protein contents, but lower TKW and grain yield than the hulled lines. Protein, β-glucan, Fe and Zn contents were negatively correlated with starch and grain yield, whereas TKW was positively correlated with grain yield. Most of the barley lines showed consistent performance in quality traits across environments, and the genetic factor contributed up to 65% of the total variation. The results revealed that nine hulled (BCC19, BCC21, BCC126, BCC158, BCC161, BCC46, BCC132, BCC136 and Himblil) and three hulless lines (BCC180, BCC182 and BCC184) had higher than average starch, βglucan, protein, Fe and Zn contents with medium to high TKW and grain yield. These barley genotypes seem suitable for food uses and are promising in barley breeding.
Climate–groundwater dynamics inferred from GRACE and the role of hydraulic memory

Abstract. Groundwater is the largest store of freshwater on Earth after the cryosphere and provides a substantial proportion of the water used for domestic, irrigation and industrial purposes. Knowledge of this essential resource remains incomplete, in part, because of observational challenges of scale and accessibility. Here we examine a 14-year period (2002–2016) of Gravity Recovery and Climate Experiment (GRACE) observations to investigate climate–groundwater dynamics of 14 tropical and sub-tropical aquifers selected from WHYMAP's (Worldwide Hydrogeological Mapping and Assessment Programme) 37 large aquifer systems of the world. GRACE-derived changes in groundwater storage resolved using GRACE Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) mascons and the Community Land Model's land surface model are related to precipitation time series and regional-scale hydrogeology. We show that aquifers in dryland environments exhibit long-term hydraulic memory through a strong correlation between groundwater storage changes and annual precipitation anomalies integrated over the time series; aquifers in humid environments show short-term memory through strong correlation with monthly precipitation. This classification is consistent with estimates of groundwater response times calculated from the hydrogeological properties of each system, with long (short) hydraulic memory associated with slow (rapid) response times. The results suggest that groundwater systems in dryland environments may be less sensitive to seasonal climate variability but vulnerable to long-term trends from which they will be slow to recover. In contrast, aquifers in humid regions may be more sensitive to climate disturbances such as drought related to the El Niño–Southern Oscillation but may also be relatively quick to recover. Exceptions to this general pattern are traced to human interventions through groundwater abstraction. Hydraulic memory is an important factor in the management of groundwater resources, particularly under climate change.
Year-round record of near-surface ozone and O3 enhancement events (OEEs) at Dome A, East Antarctica

Abstract. Dome A, the summit of the East Antarctic Ice Sheet, is an area challenging to access and is one of the harshest environments on Earth. Up until recently, long-term automated observations from Dome A (DA) were only possible with very low power instruments such as a basic meteorological station. To evaluate the characteristics of near-surface O3, continuous observations were carried out in 2016. Together with observations at the Amundsen–Scott Station (South Pole – SP) and Zhongshan Station (ZS, on the southeast coast of Prydz Bay), the seasonal and diurnal O3 variabilities were investigated. The results showed different patterns between coastal and inland Antarctic areas that were characterized by high concentrations in cold seasons and at night. The annual mean values at the three stations (DA, SP and ZS) were 29.2±7.5, 29.9±5.0 and 24.1±5.8 ppb, respectively. We investigated the effect of specific atmospheric processes on near-surface summer O3 variability, when O3 enhancement events (OEEs) are systematically observed at DA (average monthly frequency peaking at up to 64.5 % in December). As deduced by a statistical selection methodology, these O3 enhancement events (OEEs) are affected by significant interannual variability, both in their average O3 values and in their frequency. To explain part of this variability, we analyzed the OEEs as a function of specific atmospheric processes: (i) the role of synoptic-scale air mass transport over the Antarctic Plateau was explored using the Lagrangian back-trajectory analysis Hybrid Single-Particle Lagrangian Integrated Trajectory (HYSPLIT) method, and (ii) the occurrence of “deep” stratospheric intrusion events was investigated using the Lagrangian tool STEFLUX. The specific atmospheric processes, including synoptic-scale air mass transport, were analyzed by the HYSPLIT back-trajectory analysis and the potential source contribution function (PSCF) model. Short-range transport accounted for the O3 enhancement events (OEEs) during summer at DA, rather than efficient local production, which is consistent with previous studies of inland Antarctica. Moreover, the identification of recent (i.e., 4 d old) stratospheric-intrusion events by STEFLUX suggested that deep events only had a minor influence (up to 1.1 % of the period, in August) on deep events during the variability in near-surface summer O3 at DA. The deep events during the polar night were significantly higher than those during the polar day. This work provides unique data on ozone variation at DA and expands our knowledge of such events in Antarctica. Data are available at https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.3923517 (Ding and Tian, 2020).
Interactive comment on “Constraints on long term warming in a climate mitigation scenario” by

This study explores the long-term warming of climate for heavily mitigated scenarios, discussing the reasons behind changes in the sensitivity of warming to cumulative carbon emitted over time. An efficient model ensemble is generated and integrated with both prescribed concentration pathways (e.g. Figure 1), and an adaptive pathway algorithm to generate warming scenarios that restore towards the desired warming targets (e.g. Figure 2).
Effects of the Marinating Process on the Quality of the Domesticated Reindeer (Rangifer Tarandus) By-products

The development of methods for the complete and complex processing of raw food materials is one of the main ways to achieve the efficiency of its use: reduce production costs, expand products range and increase products demand. Over the last years, growing attention is paid to the search and development of new technologies of the processing of non-traditional and underutilized types of food materials, such as meat and by-products from alternative animal species. The research was aimed at studying the influence of the marinating process on the quality of the newly developed food product. The object of research was the tongue of domesticated reindeer, the underutilized raw materials of the Kola Peninsula. Product samples were taken in 2012-2016 on the basis of the agricultural production cooperative "Tundra", research was carried out on the basis of the Department of Food Production Technologies of the Federal State Budgetary Educational Institution of Higher Education "Murmansk State Technical University". The effects of marinating and duration of heat treatment on the quality of the product samples was studied. The parameters characterizing the generalized indicator of quality were selected organoleptic (appearance, flavor and taste), physical (cutting force) and microbiological. The optimal composition of the marinade is proposed. The technology of culinary processing of the domesticated reindeer tongue was optimized.
Impact of Regional Differences on P2P Lending: Evidence from China

Taking the representative P2P lending platform Renrendai as an example, this paper focuses on the impact of borrower’s region on the behavior of lenders and borrowers in the market. According to the Chinese six geographical regions the borrowers are from, this paper empirically analyzes the difference of success rate of borrowing and default rate in the six regions using the binary logistic regression model and further studies the reasons behind the regional difference. The result shows that the impact of regional difference is significant and the borrower from northern China are more likely to fund successfully, but the impact of regional difference on the default rate is insignificant, and the economic, financial and education development level in regions have a significant impact on the success rate of borrowing. This paper studies the regulatory differences of P2P platforms in various regions of China, the result shows that eastern China, central and southern China, and Beijing (in northern China) have paid more attention and importance to the regulation of P2P platforms. JEL Classification F12
Youth Developmental Experiences Among Female Hockey Players: The Role of Relative Age

Relative age differences can lead to varying sport participation opportunities; however, scant research has focused on the impact of relative age on experiences within sport. This study explored if youth developmental experiences differed by relative age among competitive female ice hockey players. Players within Ontario ( n = 264) completed an online survey that contained the Youth Experience Survey for Sport (YES-S) along with additional demographic questions. The YES-S measures 5 dimensions of positive (i.e., personal and social skills, cognitive skills, goal setting, and initiative) and negative developmental experiences in sport. The results of the multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA) suggested that the developmental experiences reported by athletes did not differ across birth quartiles (Wilks’ Lambda = 0.940, F (15, 707.105) = 1.061, p = . 390). Although there was a relative age effect (RAE) trend within this sample of competitive female ice hockey players, the differences across birth quartiles were not statistically significant. It appears that relative age does not result in youth having different positive and negative sporting experiences. Exploring the characteristics of sport environments (e.g., coaches, practices) and personality traits of competitive athletes to better understand how relatively younger athletes continue their participation in sport despite being at a perceived disadvantage warrants further investigation.
Response of carbon and water fluxes to environmental variability in two Eastern North American forests of similar-age but contrasting leaf-retention and shape strategies

Abstract. The annual carbon and water dynamics of two Eastern North American forests were compared over a six year period from 2012 to 2017. The geographic location, forest age, soil, and climate were similar between the sites, however, the species composition varied: one was a deciduous broadleaf forest, while the other an evergreen needleleaf forest. During the 6-year study period, the mean annual net ecosystem productivity (NEP) of the coniferous forest was slightly higher and more variable (218 ± 109 g C m−2 yr−1) compared to that of the deciduous broadleaf forest NEP of 200 ± 83 g C m−2 yr−1. Similarly, the mean annual evapotranspiration (ET) of the conifer forest over the 6-year study period was higher (442 ± 33 mm yr−1) compared to that of the broadleaf forest (388 ± 34 mm yr−1), but with similar interannual variability. Significant abnormalities in fluxes were measured between sites during drought years. Summer meteorology greatly impacted fluxes at both sites, but to varying degrees and with varying responses. In general, warm temperatures caused higher ecosystem respiration (RE), resulting in reduced mean annual NEP values – an impact that was more pronounced at the deciduous broadleaf forest compared to the evergreen needle-leaf forest. However, during drought years, the evergreen forest saw greater annual reduction in carbon sequestration compared to the deciduous forest. In the evergreen conifer forest, variability of summer meteorology greatly controlled the forest's annual carbon sink-source strength. Annual ET at both forests was driven by changes in air temperature (Ta), with the largest annual ET measured in the warmest years in the deciduous forest. Additionally, prolonged dry periods with increased Ta, greatly reduced ET. During drought years, the carbon and water fluxes of the deciduous forest were less sensitive to changes in temperature or water availability compared to the evergreen forest. If longer periods of increased temperatures and larger precipitation variability during summer months are to be expected under future climates, our findings suggest the carbon sink capacity of the deciduous forest will continue, while that of the conifer forest remains uncertain in the study region.
A Wireless Sensors Network for Monitoring the Carasau Bread Manufacturing Process

This work copes with the design and implementation of a wireless sensors network architecture to automatically and continuously monitor, for the first time, the manufacturing process of Sardinian Carasau bread. The case of a traditional bakery company facing the challenge of the Food-Industry 4.0 competitiveness is investigated. The process was analyzed to identify the most relevant variables to be monitored during the product manufacturing. Then, a heterogeneous, multi-tier wireless sensors network was designed and realized to allow the real-time control and the data collection during the critical steps of dough production, sheeting, cutting and leavening. Commercial on-the-shelf and cost-effective integrated electronics were employed, making the proposed approach of interest for many practical cases. Finally, a user-friendly interface was provided to enhance the understanding, control and to favor the process monitoring. With the wireless senors network (WSN) we designed, it is possible to monitor environmental parameters (temperature, relative humidity, gas concentrations); cinematic quantities of the belts; and, through a dedicated image processing system, the morphological characteristics of the bread before the baking. The functioning of the WSN was demonstrated and a statistical analysis was performed on the variables monitored during different seasons.
Numerical two-dimensional thermal analysis of the human skin using the multigrid method

Heat can be used as an adjuvant treatment of many diseases and also as a powerful tool to help diagnose cancers, with the advantage to be a noninvasive exam. Some tumors may be best diagnosed by evaluating body temperature distribution, for instance, it is observed that local temperatures of the skin over a tumor are higher than the average skin temperature. Certainly, it is expected from medical diagnostics to be, early, fast and very precise. Especially if the health problem is a tumor, it is necessary to know the shape and the size of the cancer. Thermal images can provide further information about the tumor, generally, the thermal diagnostic is made comparing images of the region with a bioheat model. In this context, the present study shows interesting results about the multigrid method applied to solve the Pennes bioheat equation in two dimensions, using a non-stationary and steady state cases for the skin heath and with melanoma. The multigrid method presented itself as an extremely efficient and fast tool to solve the bioheat equation with refined grids that provide good spatial precision.
Antimicrobial potential of Pediococcus acidilactici from Bekasam, fermentation of sepat rawa fish (Tricopodus trichopterus) from Banyuasin, South Sumatra, Indonesia

Melia S, Purwati E, Kurnia Y. F, Pratama D. R. 2019. Antimicrobial potential of Pediococcus acidilactici from Bekasam, fermentation of sepat rawa fish (Tricopodus trichopterus) from Banyuasin, South Sumatra, Indonesia. Biodiversitas 20: 3532-3538. This study aimed to determine the antimicrobial potential of lactic acid bacteria isolated from bekasam. Bekasam is a result of sepat rawa fermentation from Banyuasin District, South Sumatra, Indonesia. The results showed that the morphological and biochemical properties of lactic acid bacteria were Gram-positive and cocci, negative catalase and included in homofermentative groups. The biggest antimicrobial activity was shown by bekasam isolate to Escherichia coli O157: H7 (21.26 mm), followed by Staphylococcus aureus ATCC25923 (18.23 mm) and Listeria monocytogenes CFSAN004330 (5.10 mm), while diameter barriers for crude bacteriocin supernatant isolates lactic acid bacteria to Escherichia coli O157: H7, Staphylococcus aureus ATCC25923 were 14.99 mm, 17.69 mm, and Listeria monocytogenes CFSAN004330 had no antimicrobial activity at neutral pH. The results of molecular identification with 16S rRNA showed that lactic acid bacteria isolated from bekasam isolate have similarity with Pediococcus acidilactici strain PB22 that has antimicrobial potential against pathogenic bacteria and potential as bio preservatives.
Mortgage Concentration, Foreclosures and House Prices∗

Previous research has shown that mortgage foreclosures generate a negative externality on nearby house prices. In this paper, we conjecture that lenders with a larger share of a neighborhood’s outstanding mortgages on their balance sheets internalize this externality and are thus more inclined to renegotiate defaulting loans. We provide evidence supporting this conjecture using zip code level data on house prices and foreclosures during the 2007-2009 U.S. housing market crisis. We find that zip codes with larger outstanding mortgage concentration experienced fewer foreclosures and smaller house prices declines. These findings are not driven by prior local economic conditions, mortgage securitization or ex-ante lenders characteristics, and hold within geographical areas exposed to common economic shocks, such as MSAs or counties. We also find that the concentration of outstanding mortgages matters more in zip codes of non-judicial states where foreclosure procedures are less costly.
Share price reaction to earnings announcement on the London Stock Exchange

IIII CONTENTS . V CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION . 7 1.1 LONDON STOCK EXCHANGE . 9 CHAPTER 2: LITERATURE REVIEW . 13 2.1 EMPIRICAL EVIDENCE FROM US . 13 2.2 EMPIRICAL EVIDENCE FROM EUROPE . 15 2.3 EMPIRICAL EVIDENCE FROM ASIA . 17 2.4 EMPIRICAL EVIDENCE FROM AFRICA AND AUSTRALIA . 19 CHAPTER 3: DATA . 21 CHAPTER 4: METHODOLOGY . 23 4.1 TESTING HYPOTHESIS . 27 CHAPTER 5: EMPIRICAL RESULTS . 29 CHAPTER 6: CONCLUSIONS . 33 BIBLIOGRAPHY . 35
Removal of methylene blue using biosynthesized silver nanoparticles

In recent decades, the focus of science and industry has been concentrated on production of metalnanoparticles (NPs). In this study, the biosynthesis of silver NPs by using Tragopogon buphthalmoides(Tragopogon b.) plant was investigated. Various effective parameters on the synthesis such as pH, extractvolume, concentration of silver nitrate, temperature and reaction time were optimized. Silver nanoparticleswere synthesized under optimal conditions of 0.5 mL Tragopogon b. extract, 4.5 mM silver nitrate,pH=10, temperature=70 °C and synthesis time of 180 min. Characterization of synthesized NPs performedat optimal condition by using UV-Vis spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD), Transmission electronmicroscopy (TEM), Field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM) and Fourier transform infraredspectroscopy (FT-IR). Also study of first and second-order kinetic to the adsorption process of methyleneblue by synthesized NPs at the optimal condition was performed. Resulted absorption peaks, indicatedstrong peaks around the λ = 420 nm which is the certain wavelength for silver NPs. TEM studies indicatedthat the silver NPs are spherical with an average diameter of 13 nm. In adsorption kinetic studies havefound out, the adsorption process follows the second-order kinetic model (R2 = 0.9977, qe = 21.79 mg/g). The results of the present study showed that the plants play a significant role in reducing and stabilizingthe metal NPs, due to their antioxidant properties and high secondary constituents and have high potentialfor synthesis of metal NPs which can be used in the removal of dye contaminants.