Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Effects of fodder conservation and ration formulation interventions on dairy performance in Kenya

Use of conserved forages and proper ration formulation has great potential to bridge the gap in dairy nutrition and reduce seasonal variations in milk yield. This study determined the effects of various fodder and ration formulation interventions on dairy farm performance in North Rift, Eastern, and Central regions of Kenya. Seventy-two farms were purposively selected as participating farms and assigned into six groups of twelve as follows: two groups on silage production, two groups on ration formulation, and two control groups having similar production systems and in the same geographical locations as the other groups. Data on daily dry matter feed intake and milk yield were recorded while laboratory analysis was done to determine milk butterfat and protein content. The data was analyzed using a multi-linear regression model to assess the relationship between independent and dependent variables. The results showed that farmers using feed rationing with advisory services had the highest average daily milk yield (19.7 kg/cow) compared to maize train silage (16.8 kg/cow) and those with silage support from Service Provider Enterprises (SPE) (13.3 kg/cow) (P 0.05) across the interventions. In conclusion, use of maize train silage and feed rationing with advisory services increased milk yield and reduced seasonal milk fluctuation. Int. J. Agril. Res. Innov. Tech. 10(2): 76-83, December 2020
Interactive effect of soil mulching and irrigation regime on yield, irrigation water use efficiency and ‎weeds of trickle–irrigated onion

ABSTRACT Reducing the water loss sources, i.e. soil evaporation and weeds presence, is an essential act for keeping well soil moisture to crop growth, especially under drought conditions. Therefore, two–year field trials were conducted for seeking the best compatible practice between irrigation regime and weed control method in onion onion. Three irrigation water regimes (60%, 80% and 100% of the crop water requirements, CWR) and seven weed control practices (rice, wheat and peanut straws as soil mulches as well as oxadiargyl, oxyfluorfen, weeding, and unweeded) were applied. Findings revealed that the application of 60% of CWR either with peanut straw mulch or weeding recorded the maximum reduction in weed biomass. In plots mulched by peanut straw irrigation with 80% of CWR produced acceptable marketable bulb yield, NPK contents, flavonoids content and economic returns closing irrigation by 100% of CWR. In conclusion, the rate of water loss from soil surface through evaporation was much lower in case of mulch treatment than non–mulched one. Thus, mulch not only keeps weeds out but also maintains soil moisture. This allows the opportunity to reduce irrigation water by 20% (80% of CWR) with gaining acceptable yield, saving water and raising benefit/cost ratio.
Fast finite-time dynamic surface tracking control of a single-joint manipulator system with prescribed performance

Based on Lyapunov finite-time stability theory and backstepping control strategy, we put forward a novel fast finite-time dynamic surface tracking control scheme for a single-joint manipulator system with prescribed performance. Compared with most of the traditional prescribed performance finite-time control methods, this work uses a new universal asymmetric barrier function and has a faster convergence speed. In addition, our proposed method eliminates the problem of explosion of complexity based on the dynamic surface. The proposed controller ensures that the closed-loop system is finite-time stable, and the output variable tracks the desired output signal at finite time. Meanwhile, the tracking error converges to the prescribed boundary constraints, and all the signals of the closed-loop system are bounded. In the end, a simulation example is presented to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed scheme.
A Multilevel Monte Carlo Method for the Valuation of Swing Options

In this study, we propose a novel approach for the valuation of swing options. Swing options are a kind of American options with multiple exercise rights traded in energy markets. Longstaff and Schwartz have suggested a regression-based Monte Carlo method known as the least-squares Monte Carlo (LSMC) method to value American options. In this work, first we introduce the LSMC method for the pricing of swing options. Then, to achieve a desired accuracy for the price estimation, we combine the idea of LSMC with multilevel Monte Carlo (MLMC) method. Finally, to illustrate the proper behavior of this combination, we conduct numerical results based on the Black–Scholes model. Numerical results illustrate the efficiency of the proposed approach.
A comprehensive understanding of water photooxidation on Ag3PO4 surfaces

The oxygen evolution reaction (OER) is known to be the bottleneck of water-splitting. Ag3PO4 is a highly efficient visible light photocatalyst for dye degradation and water oxidation to O2, with a higher OER rate than BiVO4 and WO3. Despite extensive studies on Ag3PO4, the surface properties including surface electronic states, reaction sites and mechanisms of OER on Ag3PO4 surfaces are not clear at present. Herein, we reported a comparative first-principles density functional theory study of the bulk, surface properties and the mechanism of OER on the three primary low index facets of Ag3PO4: (100), (110) and (111). We revealed for the first time that the rate-limiting step of the OER on Ag3PO4 (100), (110) and (111) surfaces is the dehydrogenation of HO* (HO* → O* + H+ + e−), which is different from most reported metal oxides and nitrides like TiO2 and g-C3N4. The OER process on the (100) surface tends to proceed by following a different mechanism as that on the (110) and (111) surfaces. The illumination of the Ag3PO4 (100), (110), and (111) surfaces with solar light provides enough overpotential for the OER to proceed spontaneously. In particular, the free energy change of removal of the first proton from water on the Ag3PO4 (111) surface is much lower than that on (100) and (110) surfaces, giving an explanation for the experimentally observed higher catalytic activity of the (111) surface. The exposed phosphorus atoms on the Ag3PO4 (111) surface promote the dehydrogenation of H2O and suppress the formation of mid-gap states. Our results are profound for understanding the underlying mechanism of the photocatalytic water oxidation process occurring on Ag3PO4 surfaces, and serve as a foundation for developing new high-performance Ag3PO4 based photocatalysts for water splitting and organic contaminant decomposition.
Bridging the Intention–Behavior Gap: Effect of Altruistic Motives on Developers’ Action towards Green Redevelopment of Industrial Brownfields

Green redevelopment (GR) is a promising strategy to deal with industrial brownfields, this sustainable initiation usually fails to be implemented practically in China. Thus, investigating the driving mechanism of developer’s GR behavior, as executors of renovation project, is quite essential. The study introduced formative constructs perceived risk (PR) and perceived cost (PC), integrated them with theory of planned behavior (TPB), and extended them by adding two altruistic motives, awareness of responsibility (AR) and awareness of consequence (AC), as moderation variables to explore the bridging role of altruistic motives in GR’s intention–behavior gap. Based on 156 developers-oriented field surveys, the study conducted data analysis through partial least square structural equation modeling. It interestingly showed that subjective norm could primarily affect developers’ GR behavior, while perceived behavior control is not a significant influencing factor. Meanwhile, adding PR and PC as the additional constructs significantly increased the explanatory power of standard TPB model. Furthermore, the conclusion confirmed altruistic motives AR can distinctly adjust the relationship between GR intention and behavior, whereas AC has no such effect. These findings provide a scientific theoretical basis and a targeted path reference for promoting GR of industrial brownfields.
Sappers of Fortress Europe: exploring the micropolitics of borders through the occupational culture of asylum caseworkers in Greece

ABSTRACT This paper considers borders as ubiquitous and pervasive social relations and as sites of struggles, which are shaped through and transformed by social antagonisms and contestations. While much discussion of border struggles focuses on migrants’ resistance and various forms of activism, this paper provides insights on the micro-resistance of those who, instead of overtly opposing and contesting the biopolitical power of border regimes, are integral to their operation: asylum caseworkers who filter and select border-crossers. The paper presents data from interviews with self-identified leftist asylum caseworkers in Greece who, through their work, seek to create cracks in the so-called ‘Fortress Europe’. By exploring the somewhat unexplored occupational culture of leftist asylum caseworkers, we show how, while trying to resist bordering regimes, leftist asylum caseworkers both critique and reproduce the power relations they seek to subvert. Essentially, we provide valuable insights on the limits of resistance due to the workings of powerful technologies of government – informed by neoliberal managerialism – that are operational in day-to-day life of the asylum process. The paper thus provides a novel exploration of the complex and entangled relation between technologies of power and micro-resistances within border regimes in the significant context of Greece.
Effects of hydropeaking on the attached eggs of a rheophilic cyprinid species

Human‐induced changes in the hydrological regimes of lotic waters such as hydropeaking have significant negative impacts on riverine life. However, the impacts of dynamic changes in water flow on adhesive fish eggs are not very well known. We focused on the effects of hydropeaking on the spawning ground of a rheophilic cyprinid fish, the asp (Leuciscus aspius). We tested whether a sudden increase in water velocity caused by hydropeaking may have negative effect on the adhesive eggs by the combination of field observations and laboratory experiments. The main objectives of the study were to (i) investigate abiotic characteristics of an asp spawning ground, (ii) monitor egg densities in relation to hydropeaking events and (iii) test detachment rates of the asp eggs in laboratory conditions in relation to water velocity. The asp spawning ground was associated with shallow water depths (0.2–0.4 m) and flowing water (0.1–0.4 m s−1) during base flow. The water velocity that occurred on the spawning ground during the hydropeaking event was measured to be from 0.7–1.2 m s−1. Asp eggs nearly disappeared from the spawning ground before their hatching time probably due to several hydropeaking events. The laboratory experiments showed the significant dependency of egg detachment rates on the water velocity and substrate type with a critical value of 0.7 m s−1. Our data suggested that eggs may be negatively impacted by flow alterations. Avoiding hydropeaking or keeping water velocity below critical values is recommended for the management of rheophilous fish spawning grounds.
Comparing the Effect of Vitamin E and N-Acetylcysteine on Prevention of Contrast-Induced Nephropathy in Diabetic Patients under Coronary Angiography

Introduction: Considering the incidence of contrast induced nephropathy (CIN) as well as its complications and costs, prevention and reducing the risk of CIN is an essential issue. The present study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of vitamin E and N-acetylcysteine (NAC) on the prevention of CIN in diabetic patients undergoing coronary angiography. Materials and Methods: 360 patients with diabetes who required angiography, including patients with stable angina susceptible to acute myocardial infarction and patients with acute coronary syndrome were included and randomized into three groups . Group 1 received serum therapy (Normal Saline) plus NAC and placebo of vitamin E, group 2 received serum therapy plus vitamin E and placebo of NAC, and group 3 only received serum therapy with two placebos of NAC and vitamin E. The groups were compared considering CIN after angiography. Results: A total of 93 patients were studied in group 1, 94 in group 2, and 113 in group 3. CIN occurred in 4 patients (4.3%), 4 patients (4.3%), and 8 patients (7.1%) in groups 1, 2, and 3, respectively (P=0.58). There was a significant difference in mean difference of creatinine levels before and after study in groups 1 and 2 (both P<0.001). In the subgroup of patients with chronic kidney disease, NAC significantly reduced CIN (P=0.03). Conclusion: The results suggested efficacy of both interventions, considering reduction of mean Serum creatinine ( Scr) after the study, while lack of significant difference in the incidence of CIN could be because of the low number of CIN in our study. The second important finding of this study, probably the reduced risk of CIN in diabetic patients with chronic kidney disease receiving NAC, recommends the use of NAC for prevention of CIN, especially in this subgroup of patients undergoing angiography.
Demonstration and Performance Evaluation of Dual Purpose "Potchefstroom koekoek" Chickens Under Farmers’ Management Conditions in the High Land Areas of Arsi zone, Oromiya Region

The study was conducted to demonstrate and evaluate performance of dual purpose Potchefstroom koekoek chicken with full package under farmers’ management system in the highland areas of Arsi zone, Oromia Region.A total of 18 farmers were selected purposively based on previous experience in poultry rearing, willingness to construct or modify poultry house, access to market and research input availability. Training was given on all chicken management aspects. A total of 55 day-old chickens with other packages were delivered to each participant farmer in Tiyo and Sagure. Data was collected starting from day one following chicken delivery up to start of the first egg lay and continued until 72 week of age. The current study revealed that on average 9.4% and 5.8% of mortality was recorded per participant farmer up to eight weeks of age at Sagure and Tiyo District respectively. 202.3 days (6.7month) and 1.46 kg body weight was recorded on average for first egg lay. The daily percentage of hen- housed egg production per participant farmers was 41.7% at 50 %( 32week) and 69.7% at 52weeks of age with average egg weight of 49.8g and 51.7g respectively. Per participant farmer, on average 1244 birr was expended for purchase inputs and 5500.33 birr was gained from sale of egg, cockerels and replacement chickens as net income. The farmers became aware of the importance of the breed that adapted well under the existing farmers' management condition and performed better than indigenous breeds for egg and meat production. Keywords : koekoek chickens, demonstration, on farm evaluation, mortality DOI: 10.7176/JESD/12-1-04 Publication date: January 31 st 2021
Impact of different FD-related drying methods on selected quality attributes and volatile compounds of rose flavored yogurt melts

Abstract Effects of three freeze drying methods including freeze-drying (FD), infrared pulse-spouted freeze-drying (IRPSFD), and microwave pulse-spouted freeze-drying (MPSFD) on physical properties (color, odor, texture, bulk density, and rehydration time), volatile compounds, bioactive compounds (total phenolics and anthocyanins), and antioxidant capacities of rose flavored yogurt melts are evaluated and discussed. FD samples possessed the shortest rehydration time (7.30 sec) and lowest bulk density (0.117 g/cm3). The color analysis showed the MPSFD sample was darker and had higher red coloration than FD and IRPSFD samples. From the PCA and LDA results, the odor of IRPSFD sample was closer to FD sample than MPSFD sample. FD and IRPSFD showed much better retention of volatile compounds in samples than MPSFD. Moreover, IRPSFD samples contributed better product quality over MPSFD and matched to FD samples. Results indicated that IRPSFD may provide an alternative technique for freeze dried rose flavored yogurt melts and many other foods with high-quality characteristics.
Characterization of phenolic compounds extracted from wheat protein fractions using high-performance liquid chromatography/liquid chromatography mass spectrometry in relation to anti-allergenic, anti-oxidant, anti-hypertension, and anti-diabetic properties

ABSTRACT The purpose of this study was to identify novel natural bioactive phenolic compounds with anti-oxidant, anti-allergic, anti-hypertensive, and anti-diabetic properties in wheat protein fractions. Free and bound phenolic compounds were isolated from the albumin, glutelin-1, glutelin-2, prolamin, and globulin wheat protein fractions. The biological properties of the extracted phenolics were analyzed in vitro using 1,1-diphenyl-2-picryl-hydrazyl assays, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays, angiotensin-1 converting enzyme assays, and α-amylase assays. The free and bound phenolic compounds were identified using liquid chromatography electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry methods. The aromatic rings in globulin were the highest in both before and after the removal of phenolic compounds (1.13 and 1.05 mg/g). The highest values of angiotensin-1 converting enzyme inhibitory and α-amylase inhibition (%) were obtained in glutelin-1 (73.17 and 96.41%, respectively) before removal phenolic compounds. The biological activity was affected by the presence or absence of phenolic compounds. Allergenicity was minimized in the presence of phenolic compounds. Correlation coefficients between wheat protein fractions and biological properties are described.
Export performance: Evidence from agricultural product firms in Vietnam

Abstract This study defines and measures the key factors driving the export performance of agricultural product firms in Vietnam. It uses both qualitative and quantitative research: (i) the qualitative research is carried out through focus group discussions with 10 chief executive officers of firms (5 rice-exporting firms and 5 coffee-exporting firms) and (ii) the quantitative research is conducted through direct interviews with 232 owners or export managers of firms (rice-exporting and coffee-exporting firms) in Vietnam. The results show the following: (i) Export performance is affected by marketing strategies, the characteristics and capabilities of firms, management characteristics, domestic market characteristics, foreign market characteristics, and export barriers. (ii) Marketing strategies are affected by the characteristics and capabilities of firms, management characteristics, and foreign market characteristics. However, the research has certain limitations: (i) Due to limited resources in conducting the research, the sample size consisted of only 232 firms. (ii) This study employed the sampling technique of direct and email interview methods.
Modified DRASTIC model for groundwater vulnerability to nitrate contamination in the Dagujia river basin, China

Due to rapid economic growth and over-exploitation of groundwater, nitrate pollution in groundwater has become very serious. The main objective of this study is to modify the DRASTIC model to identify groundwater vulnerability to nitrate pollution. The DRASTIC model was firstly used to analyze the intrinsic vulnerability. The DRASTIC model with the inclusion of a land-use factor (DRASTIC-LU) was put forward to map the specific vulnerability of groundwater. Furthermore, the support vector machine (SVM) was introduced to avoid the drawback of the overlay and index methods, and the improved integrated models of DRASTICþ SVM and DRASTIC-LUþ SVM were built. Moreover, 103 groundwater samples were collected for building and validating the models. The Root Mean Squared Error (RMSE) of DRASTIC, DRASTIC-LU, DRASTICþ SVM, and DRASTIC-LUþ SVM was found to be 0.853, 0.755, 0.631, and 0.502, respectively. The model DRASTIC-LU was more precise than the original one. The results also showed that the integrated model using SVM exhibited better correlation between the vulnerability value and the nitrate pollution. The study indicated that the modified models including the land-use factor as well as SVM in the DRASTIC model were more suitable to assess the groundwater vulnerability to nitrate.
Analysis Of A Reacting Laminar Flow In A Saturated Porous Media Channel With Two Distinct Horizontal Permeable Walls

An analytical study of momentum and heat transfer characteristics with/without suction/blowing of a reacting laminar flow in a horizontal channel filled with saturated porous media with both isothermal and isoflux boundary conditions has been carried out. The problem was studied under the Arrhenius reaction, viscous dissipation and suction. The dimensional ordinary differential equations governing the flow and the heat transfer characteristics are converted into dimensionless ordinary differential equations. The system is solved analytically using the method of undetermined coefficients and the series solution through perturbation method. Details of velocities and temperature fields for various values of the governing parameters of the problems are presented. The contoured graphical results plotted with the numerical results display the effects of various flow parameters such as thesuction/injection Reynolds number, Re, Darcy number, Da, ratio of the effective viscosity of porous region to the viscosity of the fluid, M, Brinkman number, Br, Peclet number, Pe and the Frank-Kamenetskii parameter, β due to Arrhenius kinetic term on the velocity and temperature profileswith the two distinct wall conditions.
Blockchain as supply chain technology: considering transparency and security

PurposeThis paper discusses how the features of blockchain technology impact supply chain transparency through the lens of the information security triad (confidentiality, integrity and availability). Ultimately, propositions are developed to encourage future research in supply chain applications of blockchain technology.Design/methodology/approachPropositions are developed based on a synthesis of the information security and supply chain transparency literature. Findings from text mining of Twitter data and a discussion of three major blockchain use cases support the development of the propositions.FindingsThe authors note that confidentiality limits supply chain transparency, which causes tension between transparency and security. Integrity and availability promote supply chain transparency. Blockchain features can preserve security and increase transparency at the same time, despite the tension between confidentiality and transparency.Research limitations/implicationsThe research was conducted at a time when most blockchain applications were still in pilot stages. The propositions developed should therefore be revisited as blockchain applications become more widely adopted and mature.Originality/valueThis study is among the first to examine the way blockchain technology eases the tension between supply chain transparency and security. Unlike other studies that have suggested only positive impacts of blockchain technology on transparency, this study demonstrates that blockchain features can influence transparency both positively and negatively.