Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of the productive performance of Colombian hair sheep based on growth traits

Contextualization: Colombian hair sheep [CHS] are animals of great importance, because their genetic material has been adapting for more than 500 years to the environment; besides, these animals have a transcendental role in Colombia for their contribution to food security and family economy. However, a great part of the sheep production in the country presents low production parameters. Knowledge gap: ignorance of Colombian hair sheep (CHS) biotypes’ productivity has led to the undervaluation of the genetic resource found in these animals, accompanied by insufficient efforts to improve sheep production systems. Purpose of the study: determine the productive performance of three biotypes of Colombian hair sheep. Methodology: this study was conducted in these biotypes of hair sheep: Ethiopian [CHSE] (40 individuals), Sudan [CHSS] (60) and Creole crossed with Pelibuey [CHSP] (60). Five growth traits [birth weight, adjusted weaning weight at 90 days, adjusted final weight at the age of 1 year, and pre-weaning and post-weaning weight gain] were evaluated. Descriptive statistical and variance analysis were performed based on variables such as sex, farm, type of birth, parent, and season of birth. Also, a Duncan's multiple range test was performed. Results and conclusions: CHSE showed low productive parameters that were mostly affected by the variables sex and farm [p ≤ 0.05]. CHSs displayed a low to moderate productive performance and many traits were also affected by sex and farm [p ≤ 0.05]. Lastly, CHSP showed moderate to high productive parameters, which were mainly affected by parent, season, and type of birth [p ≤ 0.05]. The results determined the productive performance of the three sheep biotypes, among which CHSE showed low growth parameters, CHSS showed low to moderate parameters, and CHSP displayed moderate to high parameters. In all cases, the three biotypes were mostly affected by non-genetic variables.
Isolation and Identification of Herbicidal Active Compounds from Brassica oleracea L. and Exploration of the Binding Sites of Brassicanate A Sulfoxide

Brassica oleracea L. has strong allelopathic effects on weeds. However, the allelochemicals with herbicidal activity in B. oleracea L. are still unknown. In this study, we evaluated the activity of allelochemicals isolated from Brassica oleracea L. based on the germination and growth of model plant Lactuca sativa Linn. , grass weed Panicum miliaceum, and broadleaf weed Chenopodium album. Additionally, we employed molecular docking to predict the binding of brassicanate A sulfoxide to herbicide targets. The results of this study showed that eight compounds with herbicidal activity were isolated from B. oleracea L. , and the predicted results indicated that brassicanate A sulfoxide was stably bound to dihydroxyacid dehydratase, hydroxymethylpyruvate dioxygenase, acetolactate synthase, PYL family proteins and transport inhibitor response 1. This research provides compound sources and a theoretical foundation for the development of natural herbicides.
Capitulo 2 Integrated Modified OLS estimation of cointegrating regressions with deterministically trending integrated regressors and residual-based tests for cointegration

In this paper we discuss the asymptotically almost efficient estimation of a univariate static cointegrating regression relationship when we take into account the deterministic structure of the integrated regressors, in a slightly more general framework that considered by Hansen (1992). After reviewing the properties of OLS and Fully Modified OLS (FM-OLS) estimation in this framework, we consider the analysis of the recently proposed Integrated Modified OLS (IM-OLS) estimator by Vogelsang and Wagner (2011) of the cointegrating vector and propose a new proper specification of the integrated modified cointegrating regression equation. This alternative method of bias removal has the advantage over the existing methods that does not require any tuning parameters, such as kernel functions and bandwidths, or lags. Also, based on the sequence of IM-OLS residuals, we propose some new test statistics based on different measures of excessive fluctuation for testing the null hypothesis of cointegration against the alternative of no cointegration. For these test statistics we derive their asymptotic null and alternative distributions, provide the relevant quantiles of the null distribution, and study their finite sample power performance under no cointegration through a simulation experiment.
Observational Study on Formation of a Localized Rainfall on a Basin with Heat and Aridity on Days of Weak Synoptic Disturbance in Summer

To elucidate the formation of localized rainfall in a basin with heat and aridity under a weak synoptic disturbance in summer, we described the characteristics of atmospheric conditions on the Kofu Basin preceding the appearance of primary precipitating cells from 23 localized rainfall events on the Kofu Basin on days of weak synoptic disturbance at the surface from 1 June to 30 September in 2012 to 2014. Furthermore, on the basis of a case study of an event on 25 July 2014, the formation of the atmospheric conditions was described from the standpoint of moisture behavior. Owing to the thermal contrast between the Kofu Basin with heat and aridity and the outside environment, the south-component wind blowing in the valley connecting to the coastal region of Suruga Bay and the east-component wind blowing in the valley connecting to the Kanto Plain entered the basin as southwesterly wind and southeasterly wind, respectively, which caused an increase in the water vapor mixing ratio and a slight decrease in temperature at the surface. Thereafter, the amount of precipitable water vapor derived from the global navigation satellite system observations (GNSS-PWV) in the central region of the Kofu Basin increased abruptly after the moderate increase in GNSS-PWV at all the observation points in the basin. Finally, a cloud appeared over the local region between the southwesterly wind and the southeasterly wind and precipitating cells appeared at that location at 3.25 to 6.25 km above sea level. We discussed the moisture transport the Kofu Basin, the concentration of that moisture in a local region, and the appearance of precipitating cells. This is an example of the formation of atmospheric conditions leading to localized rainfall in a basin with heat and aridity.
Interacting Dark Fluids in LRS Bianchi Type-II Universe

At the present paper, Locally Rotationally Symmetric (LRS) Bianchi type-II cosmological model with interacting dark matter (DM) and holographic dark energy (DE) have been discussed. In order to obtain solutions of the field equations, it is assume that the shear scalar (σ) is proportional to expansion scalar (θ). To have a general description of holographic dark energy and dark matter, a phenomenological parameterization of dark energy in terms of its equation of state (EoS) has been taken. Statefinder diagnostic pair i.e.｛r, s｝is adopted to separate other existing dark energy models from this model. Here we discuss two models: when n=1/2, we obtain acyclic universe and the model converges into phantom region whereas when n=3/2, we get a expanding universe and the model converges into quintessence region. Some important geometrical and physical features regarding to this model have also been studied.
Price Level and Inflation Dynamics in Heterogeneous Agent Economies

We study price level dynamics in a heterogeneous-agent incomplete-market economy with nominal government debt and flexible prices. Unlike in representative agent economies, steady-state equilibria exist when the government runs persistent deficits, provided the level of deficits is not too large. We quantify the maximum sustainable deficit for the US and show that it is lower under more redistributive tax and transfer systems. With constant primary deficits, there exist two steady-states, and the price level and inflation are not uniquely determined. We describe alternative policy settings that deliver uniqueness. We conduct quantitative experiments to illustrate how redistribution and pre-cautionary saving amplify price level increases in response to fiscal helicopter drops, deficit expansions
Parental Occupation, Social Class, and School Choice in Southern Philippines: Their Implications to Educational Public-Private Partnership vis-à-vis the K-12 SHS Voucher Program

This study explores the education inequality brought about by senior high school (SHS) choice of families in Bongao, Tawi-Tawi, Philippines, considering a nonmonetary approach to social class based on parental occupation. Furthermore, it underscores implications for educational public-private partnership (EPPP) regarding the K-12 SHS Voucher Program in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM). We used the explanatory sequential mixed methods research design, wherein quantitative research is complemented by qualitative research. A survey of family education, parental (breadwinner) occupation, and SHS school choice was conducted among Grade 12 public, private, and charter schools students. Data analysis considered social status, power of school choice, and the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) government. Results showed more SHS participation from the middle class. Although the charter SHS entails social cohesion, overall findings suggest student segregation in the municipality, considering the public and private SHSs student compositions. As such, there is education inefficiency and inequity, revealing EPPP inefficiency. Based on document analysis, a complementary method, these education inequality issues are attributed to the partial implementation of ARMM regional autonomy posing constraints to government service delivery and compounding poverty. Therefore, government support and regional mechanisms to strengthen capability and accountability are recommended to enhance the state capacity and service delivery in BARMM, Philippines.
Wave Propagation in Inhomogeneous Excitable Media

Excitable media are ubiquitous in nature and can be found in physical, chemical, and biological systems that are far from thermodynamic equilibrium. The spatiotemporal self-organization of these systems has long attracted the deep interest of condensed matter physicists and applied mathematicians alike. Spatial inhomogeneity of excitable media leads to nontrivial spatiotemporal dynamics. Here, we report on well-established as well as recent developments in the experimental and theoretical studies of inhomogeneous excitable media.
In Vitro Comparative Study of Near-Infrared Photoimmunotherapy and Photodynamic Therapy

Simple Summary Near-infrared photoimmunotherapy (NIR-PIT) is a newly developed cancer treatment that uses photoreactive agents and light irradiation, while photodynamic therapy (PDT) is an existing phototherapy using photosensitizers and light irradiation as well as NIR-PIT. The current study investigated the properties of these therapies and their differences with a focus on their cellular binding/uptake specificity and cytotoxicity in vitro. NIR-PIT showed molecule-selective responses and cytotoxicity, whereas PDT showed non-selective cell type responses and cytotoxicity. Additionally, NIR-PIT and PDT induced damage-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs), a surrogate marker of immunogenic cell death, although PDT had different sensitivity between cell lines. Therefore, molecule-specific NIR-PIT may have advantages compared with PDT in terms of efficiency in tumor visualization and induction of DAMPs. Abstract Near-infrared photoimmunotherapy (NIR-PIT) is a new phototherapy that utilizes a monoclonal antibody (mAb) against cancer antigens and a phthalocyanine dye, IRDye700DX (IR700) conjugate (mAb-IR700). Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is a combination therapy that utilizes photoreactive agents and light irradiation as well as NIR-PIT. In the present study, we compared these therapies in vitro. The characterization of cellular binding/uptake specificity and cytotoxicity were examined using two mAb-IR700 forms and a conventional PDT agent, talaporfin sodium, in three cell lines. As designed, mAb-IR700 had high molecular selectivity and visualized target molecule-positive cells at the lowest concentration examined. NIR-PIT induced necrosis and damage-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs), a surrogate maker of immunogenic cell death. In contrast, talaporfin sodium was taken up by cells regardless of cell type, and its uptake was enhanced in a concentration-dependent manner. PDT induced cell death, with the pattern of cell death shifting from apoptosis to necrosis depending on the concentration of the photosensitizer. Induction of DAMPs was observed at the highest concentration, but their sensitivity differed among cell lines. Overall, our data suggest that molecule-specific NIR-PIT may have potential advantages compared with PDT in terms of the efficiency of tumor visualization and induction of DAMPs.
When best is the enemy of good – critical evaluation of performance criteria in hydrological models

Abstract. Performance criteria play a key role in the calibration and evaluation of hydrological models and have been extensively developed and studied, but some of the most used criteria still have unknown pitfalls. This study set out to examine counterbalancing errors, which are inherent to the Kling–Gupta efficiency (KGE) and its variants. A total of nine performance criteria – including the KGE and its variants, as well as the Nash–Sutcliffe efficiency (NSE) and the modified index of agreement (d1) – were analysed using synthetic time series and a real case study. Results showed that, when assessing a simulation, the score of the KGE and some of its variants can be increased by concurrent overestimation and underestimation of discharge. These counterbalancing errors may favour bias and variability parameters, therefore preserving an overall high score of the performance criteria. As bias and variability parameters generally account for two-thirds of the weight in the equation of performance criteria such as the KGE, this can lead to an overall higher criterion score without being associated with an increase in model relevance. We recommend using (i) performance criteria that are not or less prone to counterbalancing errors (d1, modified KGE, non-parametric KGE, diagnostic efficiency) and/or (ii) scaling factors in the equation to reduce the influence of relative parameters.
Effect of Traverse Speed Variation on Microstructural Properties and Corrosion Behavior of Friction Stir Welded WE43 Mg Alloy Joints

The growing demand for Magnesium in the automotive and aviation industries has enticed the need to improve its corrosive properties. In this study, the WE43 magnesium alloys were friction stir welded (FSW) by varying the traverse speed. FSW eliminates defects such as liquefication cracking, expulsion, and voids in joints encountered frequently in fusion welding of magnesium alloys. The microstructural properties were scrutinized using light microscopy (LM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Additionally, the elemental makeup of precipitates was studied using electron dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS). The electrochemical behavior of specimens was evaluated by employing potentiodynamic polarization tests and was correlated with the microstructural properties. A defect-free weldment was obtained at a traverse and rotational speed of 100 mm/min and 710 rpm, respectively. All weldments significantly improved corrosion resistance compared to the base alloy. Moreover, a highly refined microstructure with redistribution/dissolution of precipitates was obtained. The grain size was reduced from 256 µm to around 13 µm. The corrosion resistance of the welded sample was enhanced by 22 times as compared to the base alloy. Hence, the reduction in grain size and the dissolution/distribution of secondary-phase particles within the Mg matrix are the primary factors for the enhancement of anti-corrosion properties.
Numerical and theoretical analyses of the dynamics of droplets driven by electrowetting on dielectric in a Hele-Shaw cell

Droplet movement by electrowetting on dielectric (EWOD) in a Hele-Shaw cell is analysed theoretically and numerically. We propose a simple theoretical model for the motion, which describes well the voltage dependency of droplet speed below the saturation voltage as measured experimentally. The simulation method for numerical analyses is constructed by using the Young–Lippmann equation to represent EWOD and the generalised Navier boundary condition to represent the moving contact line in the context of the front-tracking method. With an adjusted slip parameter, the present full three-dimensional numerical simulation reproduces well the shape evolution and movement speed of droplets as observed experimentally. We verify the proposed theoretical model in numerical experiments with various shapes and voltages. Furthermore, we analyse theoretically the behaviour of the contact line at the onset of droplet motion as observed in the simulation and experiment, and we are able to estimate very well the time scale on which the contact angle changes.
Effectiveness of an Integrated Mobile Application for Lifestyle Modifications in Overweight Women with Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common endocrine disorder in women, characterized by hormonal imbalances and metabolic disturbances. Lifestyle modifications, including weight loss, are crucial for the management of PCOS symptoms. Mobile applications have emerged as promising tools to support lifestyle modifications. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of a 12-week integrated lifestyle modification program, which used a mobile application, among overweight women with PCOS. A randomized controlled trial was conducted with 28 participants, who were assigned to either treatment group, which received a 12-week lifestyle modification program facilitated by a mobile application, or the control group, who were instructed to maintain their usual lifestyle and received an evidence-based leaflet containing information on PCOS. The primary outcome measure was a change in weight over 12 weeks. Insulin resistance, levels of sex hormones, hirsutism, acne, and depressive symptoms were measured as secondary outcomes. The results showed significant weight loss in the treatment group compared to the control group (3.19 vs. 0.79 kg; p < 0.05). Similarly, significant improvements were observed across time in postprandial insulin levels (22.25 vs. 9.29 μIU/mL), hirsutism (2.98 vs. −0.16 points), and depression (7.73 vs. 1.7 points) (p < 0.05) between the two groups. This study highlights the potential benefits of using a mobile application to support lifestyle modifications, including weight loss and improvement in depressive symptoms, in overweight women with PCOS. Further research is needed to explore the long-term effects and incorporation of advanced technologies to enhance PCOS management outcomes. Mobile applications for lifestyle modifications offer a promising avenue for addressing the unique challenges faced by women with PCOS and provide accessible and personalized support for their health needs.
Comprehending The Link Between CSR in SMEs in a Global Marketplace

Despite the rising interest, and existing huge literature on corporate social responsibility (CSR), up to now there is a scarce of research focused on small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) featured as discretionary about philanthropic actions mainly in small emerging markets, where is not an ecumenical assumed concept. This study address this issue by drawing upon the existing literature of CSR undertaking their actions to varying degrees in countless spaces particularly with special attention to the critical issue that cause SMEs either behind their setting to entrance global marketplace pertinent for firms’ strategic decisions in a world where CSR is often a viable tool, as well as seen as something more far-attainment, attractive at a much broader level with business operations and relations with markets that are more complex and turbulent time. In addition, CSR in some instances implicate institutional works pointed at tackling some gaps concerning the environment where SMEs operate. Derived from this, the current study present a set of propositions specifying the importance of useful insight issues consumers’ responses, norms and diffusion, competitiveness and social advantages, and forces preventing SMEs embarking in CSR on the business practices outlining a theoretical explanation. There are unavailable confronts for SMEs undertaking CSR, nonetheless by their very nature they have countless features that can aid the adoption of CSR, especially in small emerging markets.
A new statistical view to modeling of particle residence time distribution in full-scale overflow ball mill operating in closed-circuit

ABSTRACT In the present study, residence time distribution (RTD) of an industrial ball mill operating in closed-circuit with hydrocyclones was measured. Several probability distribution functions (PDFs) constituting exponential, Weibull, Gamma, logistic, normal, and lognormal were applied to obtained RTD results and evaluated based on Anderson-Darling statistic (AD) and associated p-value indices. In addition, three most common empirical RTD models (i.e., perfect mixer, N-Mixer and Weller) were fitted to the given practical data. Aside from assessment of coefficient determination (R 2) for each model, a factor of incorporating the number of model parameters was considered using Bayesian information criterion, low of iterated logarithm criterion and Akaike information criterion. It was revealed that Weibull PDF is fitted reasonably well to the measured experimental data compared with the other PDFs. Despite the relative variance (σ 2) of N-Mixer model was slightly less than the corresponded value of Weller model, the goodness of fit criterion (R 2) and all four information criteria (IC) showed better results for Weller model. Therefore, one large with two small tanks in series along with a dead time was selected as the best model from the statistical point of view. Finally, it was concluded that the RTD models must be evaluated not only on the basis of goodness of fit but also the number of model parameters should be taken into account.
MULTI-CLASS RESOURCE SHARING WITH BATCH ARRIVALS

A cloud provider hosts virtual machines (VMs) of different types, with different resource requirements. There are bounds on the total amounts of each kind of resource that are available. Requests arrive in batches of different sizes. Under the ‘complete blocking’ policy, a request is accepted only if all the VMs in its batch can be accommodated. The ‘partial blocking’ policy would accept a request if there is room for at least one of the VMs in the batch. Blocked requests are lost, with an associated loss of revenue. The trade-offs between costs and benefits are evaluated by means of appropriate models, for which novel solutions based on fixed-point iterations are proposed. The applicability of those solutions is extended, by means of simplifications, to very large-scale systems. Numerical examples and comparisons with simulations are presented.