Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The Impact of Farm Machinery Management on the Greenhouse Gas Emissions from Canadian Agriculture

ABSTRACT The impact of proposed changes in field operations and land use on fossil fuel consumption on Canadian farms was analyzed using a computer model of the mechanics of farm machinery. The model predicted tractor/harvester power needs (kW), implement sizes and work required (kW-h) to complete each field operation on model farms in Canada's four farming regions. These predictions were integrated nationally using crop area statistics. Farm fieldwork predictions were converted to volume of fuel (l), consumed fuel energy (PJ) and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions (Tg of CO2 equivalent). The model was used to assess the sensitivity of GHG emissions to reduced and zero tillage, removal of summer fallow from the Prairies, increased permanent cover (perennial forage), fuel type and timeliness strategies. These practices are all under consideration as carbon sequestration measures. While fossil fuel consumption is small in comparison to other terms in the agricultural GHG balance (such as nitrous oxide and ruminant methane), modeling on-farm fossil fuel consumption in response to these land management measures has a role to play in climate change mitigation strategies. The model and the sensitivity analysis described here can be applied in any country with mechanized agriculture.
Learning L2 idioms in a CALL environment: the role of practice intensity, modality, and idiom properties

Abstract Idiomatic expressions like hit the road or turn the tables are known to be problematic for L2 learners, but research indicates that learning L2 idiomatic language is important. Relatively few studies, most of them focusing on English idioms, have investigated how L2 idioms are actually acquired and how this process is affected by important idiom properties like transparency (the degree to which the figurative meaning of an idiom can be inferred from its literal analysis) and cross-language overlap (the degree to which L2 idioms correspond to L1 idioms). The present study employed a specially designed CALL system to investigate the effects of intensity of practice and the reading modality on learning Dutch L2 idioms, as well as the impact of idiom transparency and cross-language overlap. The results show that CALL practice with a focus on meaning and form is effective for learning L2 idioms and that the degree of practice needed depends on the properties of the idioms. L2 learners can achieve or even exceed native-like performance. Practicing reading idioms aloud does not lead to significantly higher performance than reading idioms silently.These findings have theoretical implications as they show that differences between native speakers and L2 learners are due to differences in exposure, rather than to different underlying acquisition mechanisms. For teaching practice, this study indicates that a properly designed CALL system is an effective and an ecologically sound environment for learning L2 idioms, a generally unattended area in L2 classes, and that teaching priorities should be based on degree of transparency and cross-language overlap of L2 idioms.
Application of analytic hierarchy process in landslide susceptibility mapping at regional scale in GIS environment

Abstract Landslides are very unpredictable and hazardous phenomenon in the hilly regions. The failure of slopes in hilly regions causes economic losses and fatalities. Aim of this study is to prepare a landslide susceptibility map of Kullu district, Himachal Pradesh (H.P.), India. The factors like slope, aspect, drainage characteristics, geological and lithological are considered for preparation of landslide susceptibility map. The weightage of causative factors are calculated using analytic hierarchy process (AHP). The weighted linear combination technique is used in GIS environment to calculate the landslide susceptibility index. The landslide susceptibility map is divided into four categories according to their susceptibility towards landslides. It is found that a significant area lies under high and very high susceptibility towards landslides. The results of the study can be used by the construction engineers, urban planners and environmental engineers.
A plastid DNA phylogeny of the genus Acacia Miller (Acacieae, Leguminoseae)

Past classifications of the tribe Acacieae Rchb. are outlined and the confusion concerning the relationships of the three subgenera of Acacia Mill. are highlighted. A plastid DNA analysis of Acacieae shows that the genus Acacia is not monophyletic. Furthermore subgenera Acacia Vassal and Aculeiferum Vassal are sister taxa and neither appear closely related to subgenus Phyllodineae (DC.) Ser. Subgenera Acacia andAculeiferum form a clade that is basal to a well-supported clade consisting of tribe Ingeae Benth. taxa, Faidherbia albida (Del.) A. Chev. and subgenus Phyllodineae. The series of relationships suggested by the cpDNA data contradicts previous investigations of the tribe. Possible explanations of this conflict are explored, and the taxonomic implications of the plastid DNA data set are considered.
Inter-annual variation in the gonad cycle of the mackerel icefish

Spawning by Antarctic fish is generally considered to be seasonal and restricted to a brief period during the autumn and winter. Arising from this it has been assumed that the gonadal maturation cycle is also closely associated with the time of year. The gonad maturation cycle of the mackerel icefish Champsocephalus gunnari was investigated using data collected during research surveys and from sampling the commercial fishery. Spawning appears to occur at the same time each year, but the timing of gonadal development is subject to a considerable inter-annual variation. The implications of this variation are discussed with respect to feeding conditions.
Effect of Hypochlorite Oxidant or Extrusion on Nutrient Intake and Digestibility of Cotton Textile Byproduct by Holstein Heifers

Abstract Woldeghebriel, A. , Bernard, J.K. and Mueller, T.C. 2000. Effect of hypochlorite oxidant or extrusion on nutrient intake and digestibility of cotton textile byporduct by Holstein heifers. J. Appl. Anim. Res., 17: 225–237. A 5x5 Latin square design trial was conducted to determine the effect of a hypochlorite oxidant and extrusion on nutrient intake and digestibility of textile mill byproduct (TMB) and compare TMB with pelleted cottonseed hulls (PCSH). Treatments included pelleted cottonseed hulls (PCSH), untreated (CONT), predigested with a hypochlorite oxidant (PD), extruded (EXT), and predigested. and extruded. (P&E) byproduct. Extrusion increased the bulk density of TBM by 32% and did not alter nutrient intake or digestibility compared with CONT. Dry matter (DM) and nutrient intake of heifers was not affected by treatment with hypochlorite oxidant. Apparent digestibility of neutral (NDF) and acid detergent fiber (ADF) was lowest for PCSH compared with TMB and was greatest for PD compared with CONT. Ruminal NH3 -N concentrations were highest for EXT but lowest for PCSH and PD. Molar proportions of propionate was greatest for PD and lowest for CONT and. EXT. In situ disappearance of DM and NDF indicated that TMB is digested very slowly and the rate of fermentation was not affected by oxidant or extrusion. These results indicated that fiber in TMB is more digestible than PCSH. Treatment of TMB did not improve in situ ruminal fiber digestibility, but hypochlorite oxidant appeared to potentially increase total tract fiber digestibility. Extrusion increased bulk density of TMB, but did not alter nutrient digestibility.
Indicator Approach to Assessing Climate Change Vulnerability of Communities in Kenya: A Case Study of Kitui County

Community vulnerability to climate change can be conceptualized as an aggregate of three vulnerability components: exposure to climatic stress, sensitivity to climate stress and adaptive capacity. However, even within similar regions these vulnerability components are spatially differentiated necessitating the understanding of a regions vulnerability pattern before targeting adaptation assistance. This research sought to understand the differentiated vulnerability patterns of communities in Kitui County as well as the existing coping strategies to guide implementation of adaptation assistance. Indicator approach to vulnerability assessment and focus group discussions were used to understand the vulnerability pattern and coping strategies respectively. Results showed a differentiated vulnerability pattern with a west to east gradient across Kitui County. The pattern exhibited less vulnerability scores on the western and central parts and more vulnerability scores on the eastern and northern parts of the County. Existing coping strategies have become inadequate with increasing climate variability, severity and frequency of extreme climate events, which render the communities even more vulnerable. The patterns of vulnerability can guide appropriate targeting of adaptation assistance and in turn lead to improved climate change resilience and community livelihoods.
Competition in Higher Education: A Survey

The structure and functioning of the market of higher education in the United States possess distinctive if not puzzling features such as the wide spectrum of institutional arrangements and sources of funding, stark segmentation in levels of selectivity and instructional resources, and high variance in tuition pricing across and within institutions, including price discrimination based on merit and ability to pay. At the same time, many fundamental questions, including what defines the quality of higher education and explains its (growing) cost continue to be debated. The Chapter surveys theoretical analyses addressing this range of issues.
KURDISH STUDENTS’ ATTITUDES TOWARDS THE USE OF FILMS IN TEACHING LITERARY WORKS IN EFL CLASSROOM

The current study investigates Kurdish students’ attitudes towards the use of films in teaching literary works at universities in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq. The study also highlights whether using films in teaching literary works is beneficial or not and what challenges are faced by them. The data were collected by using questionnaires and interviews from 60 students aged between 18-24 years old from both private and public universities. Out of 60 students, 15 were randomly chosen to be interviewed. Results show that some students consider teaching literary works using films is beneficial, as it encourages students to study and read more literary works and it also makes them actively interact with the content which helps them remember the events more effectively. However, the study also reveals that some Kurdish students consider teaching literary works using films is a waste of time, and this discourages interaction between students and their teacher. In addition, ‘boredom’ and ‘language difficulty’ are the other two major challenges faced by Kurdish students.
Mechanisms regulating oocyte recruitment and skipped spawning in Northeast Arctic cod (Gadus morhua)

To examine mechanisms that affect fecundity, atresia, and skipped spawning in Northeast Arctic cod (Gadus morhua), we conducted an experiment where wild-caught cod (>60 cm) kept under restricted food regimes were subjected to monthly biopsies and hormonal and physical measurements. The power of body weight as a fecundity proxy increased until the presumed end of follicle proliferation in early November; thereafter, it remained stable. Atresia occurred in most females, but for maturing females, mainly close to spawning. Eighteen percent of the females had small gonads with predominantly previtellogenic oocytes at sacrifice in January. These females were past-spawners, verified by postovulatory follicles in their gonads. These “skippers” had lower condition than maturing cod from December, smaller livers upon sacrifice, and lower plasma 17β-estradiol values from early November. Until November, oocytes developed similarly for all females, but in November, oocyte development was arrested at the early cortical.
HEMOGRAMA E BIOQUÍMICA CLÍNICA SANGUÍNEA DE ARARAS (Ara sp.) MANTIDAS EM SÍTIOS ECOLÓGICOS NO ESTADO DA BAHIA

This research aimed to establish reference values for hemogram and clinical biochemistry, aiming at to evaluating the liver function of healthy macaws ( Ara sp .), with the influence of species on the blood constituents, in order to contribute to the health monitoring of this species kept in ecological farms in the state of Bahia (Brazil). We used forty-five blood samples from three distinct species: green-winged macaw ( Ara chloroptera ), blue-and-yellow macaw ( Ara ararauna ) and scarlet macaws ( Ara macao ). A total of 3.5 mL of blood was collected from the ulnar vein of each bird: 1.5 mL was placed in tubes containing EDTA, to carry out the hemogram, and 2.0 mL of blood without anticoagulant was used to obtain serum, for the biochemical analysis. The averages obtained for the blood of the genus Ara were PCV: 2.74 ± 0.48 x10 6 /? L; VG: 36.8 ± 5.56%; Hb: 15.4 ± 2.42 g/dL; thrombocytes:9,580 ± 2,850 x10 3 /? L; leukocyte count: 5,340 ± 3,580/? L; lymphocytes: 1,408.8 ± 1,020.7/? L; heterophils: 3,252.0 ± 2,026.3/? L; monocytes: 169.1 ± 227.5/? L; basophils: 34.2 ± 72.3/? L; eosinophils: 186.9 ± 183.9/? L. The results of the serum biochemical parameters were activity of the enzymes AST 67.6 ± 12.8 IU/L; CK 77.9 ± 44.6 IU/L; LDH 240.1 ± 85.6 IU/L; cholesterol 160.3 ± 34.8 mg/dL; triglycerides 111.8 ± 58.6 mg/dL; glucose 228.5 ± 38.1 mg/dL and total proteins: 3.37 ± 0.8 g/dL. Significant differences (p <0.05) influenced by species were detected for the values of number of PCV, GV, number of leukocytes and the concentration of cholesterol and glucose. KEYWORDS: Biochemistry; Haemogram; Psittacidae .
Mapping the Sustainable Development Goals Relationships

Sustainable development addresses humanity’s aspiration for a better life while observing the limitations imposed by nature. In 2015, the United Nations General Assembly approved the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) with the aim to foster the organizational operationalization and integration of sustainability and, therefore, to address the current and forthcoming stakeholder needs and ensure a better and sustainable future for all, balancing the economic, social, and environmental development. However, it is not entirely clear which are the mutual relationships among the 17 SDGs and this study aims to tackle this research gap. The results of the correlation confirm that Poverty elimination (SDG1) and Good health and well-being (SDG3) have synergetic relationships with most of the other goals. SDG7 (Affordable and clean energy) has significant relationships with other SDGs (e.g., SDG1 (No poverty), SDG2 (Zero hunger), SDG3 (Good health and well-being), SDG8 (Decent work and economic growth), SDG13 (Climate action)). However, there is a moderate negative correlation with SDG12 (Responsible consumption and production), which emphasizes the need to improve energy efficiency, increase the share of clean and renewable energies and improve sustainable consumption patterns worldwide. There is also confirmation that SDG12 (Responsible consumption and production) is the goal strongly associated with trade-offs. To sum up, this research suggests that change towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals offers many opportunities for reinforcing rather than inhibiting itself. However, some SDGs show no significant correlation with other SDGs (e.g., SDG13 (Climate action) and SDG17 (Partnerships for the goals), which highlights the need for future research.
Persistence of the broad-toothed rat (Mastacomys fuscus) across Victoria is correlated with climate and elevation

Abstract Context. The broad-toothed rat (Mastacomys fuscus; BTR) is distributed throughout south-eastern Australia, but its populations are restricted and dispersed. BTRs prefer cooler, wetter habitats and, as such, future climate change is projected to lead to further range reductions. However, recent changes in its distribution have not been well documented, and there is limited knowledge about the current occupancy and population size of the species in Victoria. Aims. To evaluate recent historical changes in the distribution of BTRs in Victoria, and to test whether changes in distribution are correlated with climate and elevation. Methods. We obtained all documented records of BTRs in the state before 1990 and used field notes and verbal descriptions to geo-reference their historical localities. We then used a repeated sampling design to resurvey all historically occupied sites with a geographic coordinate uncertainty of 4 km or less. We tested for the effects of climate and elevation on the persistence of BTRs. Key results. We detected BTRs at 32 of 68 historical sites surveyed. Consistent with climate model predictions, site persistence was more likely to occur at sites of higher elevation and precipitation and less likely to occur at sites with a higher temperature. Minimum temperature of the coldest month was the single best predictor of persistence. Conclusions. These results demonstrated a substantial decline in the persistence of BTRs at historical sites across Victoria and provided a benchmark for future monitoring and management efforts. Implications. The decline of BTRs from historically occupied sites across Victoria is consistent with their listing as endangered in the state, and climate correlations suggest further declines, with projected climate change compounding other threats to the species such as introduced predators, feral herbivores, fire and land use. However, the status of BTRs in Victoria and understanding of the threats to their persistence are based on sparse data, highlighting the critical need for more effective monitoring of the species.
A Frequency-Domain EP-based Receiver for Faster-Than-Nyquist Signaling

This paper proposes a new Frequency-Domain (FD) receiver based on Expectation Propagation (EP) for Faster-Than-Nyquist (FTN) signaling. Our system model is based on a circular convolution of the shaping filter leading to a Circular FTN (CFTN) waveform allowing a FD process at reception without cyclic prefix. We solve a Maximum A Posteriori criterion using EP combined with an original Gaussian family yielding a low-complexity FD Minimum Mean-Square Error (MMSE) equalizer combined with a Constellation Matcher in charge of realigning the symbol estimates with respect to the constellation. This new FD-EP receiver for FTN signaling is compared to RS-BCJR and M*-BCJR receivers as well as the MMSE equalizer. The proposed FD-EP receiver is shown to perform slightly better than MMSE at 1.5 bits/s/Hz, and represents a low complexity alternative compared to RS-BCJR or M*-BCJR. Furthermore, while existing receivers are not able to handle higher spectral efficiencies, our FD-EP allows FTN signaling to almost achieve its matched-filter bound at 3 bits/s/Hz with channel coding.
Water management for maize grown in sandy soil under climate change conditions

To reduce climate change risks on maize yield grown in sandy soil, agricultural management practices must be studied. The aim of the study was to determine whether improved water management practices could reduce the vulnerability of maize to drought stress by climate change. Eight fertigation treatments in addition to farmer irrigation (control treatment) were tested. Two climate change scenarios were incorporated in the CropSyst model to assess maize yield responses to variable fertigation regimes under different climate change conditions. The results showed that under current climate, the highest and lowest water productivity (WP) values were obtained when irrigation was applied using 0.8 and 0.6 potential crop evapotranspiration (ETc) with fertigation application in 80% and 60% of application time, respectively. The highest WP under the tested climate change scenarios was obtained when irrigation was applied using 1.2 and 0.8 of ETc with fertigation application in 80% of application time, respectively, in 2009 and 2010 growing seasons. Irrigating maize grown in sandy soil under drip irrigation with an amount of either 1.2 or 0.8 of ETc with fertigation application in 80% of application time are recommended to enhance the WP and reduce maize’s damage caused by extreme climate change.
Seasonal variability in the relationship between body length and individual dry weight as related to food abundance and clutch size in two coexisting Daphnia species

Dry weights of individual Daphnia galeata and D. hyalina, which coexist in Lake Con- stance, were determined weekly during a two year investigation. From each sample and each species a length — weight relationship (LWR) was calculated resulting in 54 (65) regression equations based on N = 2466 (3032) in D. galeata (D. hyalina). The constants (Ln(A)) and (B) of the LWRs showed a marked seasonal variability, ranging from Ln(A) = 1.0784 - 2.4740(1.0152 - 2.3860) and B = 2.14 — 4.20(2.11 - 4.15). The seasonal variability of the LWR was estimated with four different models. Condensing the 54 (65) equations into one seasonal cycle resulted in a model with an explained variance of r 1 = 0.873 (0.869). Three more models were established by calculating multiple regres- sions with lake stratification, average fecundity (E), and food concentration as determining variates. Differences in LWRs of the two Daphnia species were significant (p <0.001). As the most useful approximation during the period of stratification, LWRs are recommended for D. galeata: Ln(W) «= (1.5674 + 0.0287*(E)) + Ln(L)*(3.3611 + 0.0111*(E)) as a generalized LWR for an epilimnetic daphnid, and for D. hyalina: Ln(W) = (1.5593 + 0.0613'(E)) + Ln(L)*(3.2709 + 0.0017*(E)) as LWR for a daphnid which migrates diurnally between epi and hypolimnion. The explained variance of this model is r2 = 0.843 (0.826). The influence of food concentration in the epilimnion on LWRs was found to be significant on Ln(A) but not on (B).
Effects of egg size (weight) and age on hatching performance and chick quality of broiler breeder

A total of 2000 Hubbard Classic females and 180 males (male to female ratio 1:11) close to standard body weights were selected and managed separately in the same shed. The objective of this experiment was to study the effects of egg size (small, medium and large) at mid (45 weeks) production cycle and flock age (30, 45 and 60 weeks old) on hatching egg weight loss, fertility, hatchability traits, chick weight and chick yield in a commercial Hubbard Classic broiler breeder flock. The results showed that minimum egg weight loss (P ≤ 0.05) was recorded in large egg size group at different incubation periods and egg weight losses decreased with advancing the age of breeder hens. Maximum fertility and hatchability (P ≤ 0.05) was noticed in small egg size group, followed by medium and large egg size groups. However, maximum embryonic mortality (P ≤ 0.05) during incubation and higher percentage of infertile eggs was recorded in large size egg group, followed by medium and small egg size groups. Low fertility, hatchability was recorded (P ≤ 0.05) in older hen at the age of 60 weeks. The chick weight and chick length were amplified (P ≤ 0.05) with increasing the egg size. However, egg size was not influenced (P ≥ 0.05) on chick yield. The chick weight, chick yield and chick length were improved (P ≤ 0.05) with advancing age of broiler breeder.