Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
NITROGEN ACCUMULATION, GROWTH AND YIELD OF MAIZE IN PIGEON

Complete mixed root (CMR) method in a pot experiment was carried out to estimate N accumulation, growth and yield of maize in pigeon pea/maize intercrop. The experiment was conducted during two rainy seasons. N accumulated by maize through below-ground interaction increased steadily with N concentration range of 0.90% at 4WAP to 1.41% at 8WAP in the first trial, while in the second trial N accumulation over the same period ranged between 0.89% and 1.34%. N accumulation by maize through litter application (above-ground process) was significantly (p< 0.05) higher at the early growth stage for both experimental trials. Significant (p< 0.05) higher growth [height (151.36 cm), diameter (2.25 cm)] and grain yield (111.39 g) was obtained for maize with litter application. Generally, the study has established that intercropping tree legumes with cereal crop consistently and considerably increases N accumulation and yield of companion annual crop.
Neogene fluvial and nearshore marine deposits of the Salten section, central Jylland, Denmark

The deposits of the Salten succession was laid down in a transgressive-regressive event during the latest Chattian (latest Oligocene) and/or the early Aquitanian (earliest Miocene). Five facies associations are recognised and interpretated as deposited in 1: High-energy fluvial, 2: Low-energy fluvial, 3: Flood plain, 4: Tidally influenced fluvial, and 5: Marginal marine/delta plain environments. The dating by biostratigraphy indicates that the Salten succession correlates with the Vejle Fjord Formation. The succession correlates with fluvial deposits outcropping in gravel pits at Addit and Voervadsbro and thus these deposits are of latest Oligocene – earliest Miocene. This is in contrast to former studies that indicate a correlation with the upper Lower – Middle Miocene Odderup Formation. The age of the Salten succession as revealed from this study indicates that the Miocene deposits in Jylland are progressively truncated towards the north and east.
The deficit of cooperative attitudes and trust in post-transition economies

Different empirical research has suggested a deficit of cooperative attitudes and of social trust in post-transition countries and even of their degradation compared to the period of centrally planned economies. This deficit may negatively impact on the economic performance of those countries. The objective of this paper is to consider the characteristics and determinants of the propensity to cooperate in post-transition economies and to measure the degree to which they differ from other European economies. The empirical research is based on the European Social Survey. The taxonomy of European countries is provided based of the set of features characterizing cooperative attitudes and an econometric research on the factors impacting on trust in different clusters of countries is carried out. In the first part of the paper the notions of trust and cooperative attitudes are discussed. Next, the literature on the sources of the propensity to cooperate is reviewed. Further, the hypotheses on particular barriers to the development of cooperation and trust both during the time of central planning and then during transition are discussed. The report of the results of econometric research based on the ESS follows. The findings of the research are that while it is true, that post-socialist countries have substantially lower trust in general society, it is rooted more in lower quality of political institutions than in actually lower trustworthiness of the members of the society. Those countries share the general pattern of factors of trust with the other European societies, in which trust does not depend any more on associative activity but, besides quality of institutions, on individual optimism, mind openness and education. The major feature of post-socialist societies nowadays is also distrustfulness of younger generation including this brought up after transition.
Extending Ptakopět for Machine Translation User Interaction Experiments

The problems of outbound translation, machine translation user confidence and user interaction are not yet fully explored. The goal of the online modular system Ptakopět is to provide tools for studying these phenomena. Ptakopět is a proof-of-concept system for examining user interaction with enhanced machine translation. It can be used either for actual translation or running experiments on human annotators. In this article, we aim to describe its main components and to show how to use Ptakopět for further research. We also share tips for running experiments and setting up a similar online annotation environment. Ptakopět was already used for outbound machine translation experiments, and we cover the results of the latest experiment in a demonstration to show the research potential of this tool. We show quantitatively that even though backward translation improves machine-translation user experience, it mainly increases users’ confidence and not the translation quality.
Perbandingan Penggunaan Dua Jenis Ransum terhadap Pertambahan Bobot Badan Harian (PBBH) Konsumsi Ransum dan Konversi Ransum Broiler

Penelitian ini telah dilaksanakan dikandang milik Program Studi Peternakan, Fakultas Universitas Timor, Kabupaten Timor Tengah Utara. Penelitian ini berlangsung selama 42 hari yang mulai dari bulan Maret sampai dengan April 2016. Penelitian ini menggunakan ternak Broiler sebanyak 80 ekor. Tujuan penelitian ini adalah untuk membandingkan kualitas ransum yang dibuat sendiri dengan ransum komersial terhadap pertambahan bobot badan harian (PBBH), konsumsi ransum dan konversi ransum. Metode penelitian yang digunakan adalah data primer berupa data yang diperoleh dari pengamatan langsung yang dilakukan dengan menguji ransum buatan dan ransum komersial. Hasil penelitian ini menunjukkan rata-rata pertambahan bobot badan untuk perlakuan ransum buatan adalah 147,66 g dan perlakuan ransum komersial 149,90 g. Konsumsi ransum perlakuan ransum buatan 99,88 g, perlakuan ransum komersial 101,384 g. Rata-rata konversi ransum untuk perlakuan ransum buatan adalah 0,68 dan perlakuan ransum komersial adalah 0,68. Ransum buatan dan komersil memiliki keunggulan yang sama dalam menghasilkan berat badan, konsumsi ransum dan konversi ransum. Pemanfaatan bahan baku lokal seperti tepung gaplek, tepung daun turi, jagung giling, dedak padi, kunyit dan tepung ikan sangat efektif untuk dimanfaatkan sebagai ransum ternak ayam broiler.
Moiré Artifacts Removal in Screen-shot Images via Multiple Domain Learning

We propose a deep learning-based moiré artifacts removal algorithm for screen-shot images using multiple domain learning. First, we develop the pixel and discrete cosine transform (DCT) networks to estimate clean preliminary images by exploiting complementary information of the moiré artifacts in different domains. Next, we develop a clean edge predictor to estimate a clean edge map for the input moiré image. Then, we propose the refinement network to further improve the quality of the pixel and DCT outputs using the estimated edge map as the guide information and to merge the two refined results to provide the final result. Experimental results on a public dataset show that the proposed algorithm outperforms conventional algorithms in quantitative and qualitative comparison.
Planning for Second Language Oral Production

Over the past few decades a number of second language (L2) researchers have looked to cognitive psychology for ideas on how to develop the speaking skills of L2 learners (e.g., Segalowitz, 2010; Skehan, 1998). This quest for knowledge has led some L2 researchers to become interested in the concept of planning (e.g., Ellis, 2009; Ortega, 1999; Skehan & Foster, 1999), which has been integral to research on human problem solving in cognitive psychology. In particular, L2 planning researchers have drawn on information processing models of planning developed by cognitive psychologists, who consider planning vital for converting one’s knowledge into overt action when attempting to solve problems (e.g., Miller, Galanter, & Pribram, 1960). For example, some L2 researchers have drawn on Levelt’s (1989) model of speech production, originally developed to account for L1 speech production, to consider how planning prior to performing L2 oral tasks helps L2 learners convert their L2 knowledge into overt L2 speech (e.g., Ellis, 2005; Yuan & Ellis, 2003). Thus, based on information processing models, speech planning for both L1 and L2 production is considered a fundamental aspect of the human language production system, which is a subcomponent of general human cognition (Butterworth, 1980). Due to the putative connection between speech planning and production, some L2 researchers have sought to determine how planning might be manipulated to positively impact aspects of L2 learners’ oral task production (e.g., Mehnert, 1998; Sangarun, 2005).
Using Expected Classification Accuracy and Classification Consistency to Guide the Test Development Process for an Adult Education Assessment with Multiple Cut Scores

Measurement precision is an important component in the process of evaluating the validity of an assessment. One way to examine measurement precision is through the reliability coefficients of classical test theory. Another is through the examination of consistency of scores across replications of a testing procedure. The Standards for Educational and Psychological Testing states that the latter approach employs different methods to examine this consistency in terms of standard errors, reliability coefficients per se, generalizability coefficients, error/tolerance ratios, item response theory (IRT) information functions, or various estimates of classification consistency (AERA, APA, NCME, 2014). For criterion-referenced tests that classify examinees into performance categories, a primary focus of measurement precision should be the degree of classification accuracy (CA) or classification consistency (CC). The CASAS GOALS test series are examples of criterion-referenced tests developed on an underlying IRT scale with a principal purpose of correctly and consistently classifying examinees into performance categories for adult education students. By estimating and examining the CA and CC during the development process, CASAS ensures that the final test forms meet the desired CA and CC, while adhering to the test blueprint. This paper describes and summarizes a now popular approach for using an item response theory-based method to estimate CA and CC and examines how this information informs test construction considerations such as item selection and test length. Index Terms – test development, classification accuracy, classification consistency, measurement precision, adult education, reliability
Night-time Luminosity: Does it Brighten Understanding of Economic Activity in India?

In view of the growing popularity of night-time luminosity as a measure of economic activity, this study explores the scope for using such data as a supplement for gross domestic product (GDP) in the Indian context. We found that night-light data exhibit reasonably robust correlataion with GDP and other important macroeconomic indicators like industrial production and credit growth at the national level. Quarter-on-quarter growth of night lights tracks growth of GDP reasonably well. Even after controlling for seasonal factors, the relationship of night lights with value-added in agriculture and private consumption expenditure turns out to be statistically significant. In addition, night lights are strongly correlated with gross state domestic product (GSDP). The elasticity of night lights with respect to GSDP (i.e., the so-called inverse Henderson elasticity) is found to be statistically significant, though relatively smaller in magnitude than similar estimates available at the global level.
Bank capital and liquidity transformation ∗

We study the interaction between bank capital and liquidity transformation from both theoretical and empirical perspectives. We use a con dential Bank of England dataset to identify how bank-speci c changes in capital requirements inuence banks' liquidity-transformation decisions. We nd that banks engage in less liquidity transformation when they have higher capital requirements. This nding suggests that capital and liquidity requirements are at least to some extent substitutes. By establishing a robust causal relationship, our results can help guide the optimal calibration of capital and liquidity requirements. ∗We are grateful for helpful comments from Thorsten Beck, Stephen Cecchetti, Antoine Lallour, Tobias Neumann, and participants at the Workshop for Future Bank Regulation in Limoges, EBA policy research workshop in London and INFINITI conference in Poznan. We also thank Sebastian de-Ramon for invaluable data guidance and helpful comments. Casey Murphy and Philip Massoud provided valuable research assistance. The views expressed in this paper are those of the authors, and not necessarily those of the Bank of England or Moody's Analytics. †Jonathan.Smith@bankofengland.co.uk ‡Guillaume.Arnould@bankofengland.co.uk Kristo er.Milonas@moodys.com ¶Quynh-Anh.Vo@bankofengland.co.uk
Effect of Two Different Disinfectant Agents on Wettability of Elastomeric Impression Materials

Introduction: This study aims to evaluate surface wettability of additional silicone impression materials, which are immersed in different disinfecting agents with different time intervals. Methods: Ninety disk-shaped specimens to be eighteen specimens from each of five different impression materials (four vinyl polysiloxane and one vinyl polyether siloxane) were prepared. The specimens were divided into six groups according to the disinfecting agents (one of them containing ethanol and other one containing benzalkonium chloride) and periods. Then, the specimens were immersed in two disinfecting agents for 1 minute, 1 hour and 24 hours. Later, surface wettability was tested and recorded. Data were analyzed with analysis of variance (ANOVA). Results: There was no difference between impression materials and disinfectants in terms of the effect on the contact angle (p>0.05), and there was a significant difference between disinfection times (p=0.001). Conclusions: One-minute disinfection process increases wettability of specimens compared to long term disinfections.
Alternate migration strategies of eastern monarch butterflies revealed by stable isotopes

Abstract Alternative life history strategies are mechanisms by which organisms are able to maximize fitness across a range of environmental conditions. Fitness is maximized by different strategies depending on context, resulting in trade-offs between life history strategies. Monarch butterflies (Danaus plexippus) employ both migratory and resident life history strategies. Since residents breed throughout the year, but migrants overwinter in reproductive diapause, there are fitness trade-offs between the two strategies. We used stable isotope analysis to evaluate the geographic origins of monarchs in a yearround population in south Florida. Based on stable isotope profiles of hydrogen and carbon (δ2H and δ13C values), we found that 48% (16/33) of monarchs collected in south Florida are migrants that originated from outside the sampling region. Migrants had a larger wing length than residents; thus, switching to a resident strategy could alter their probability of reproductive success. Further work is needed to investigate the mechanism underlying this pattern, but these findings show that alternate life history strategies and sex-specific behaviors are underexplored factors influencing monarch migration and evolution.
Voluntary compliance in networked investment games

We conduct a controlled laboratory experiment to investigate trust and trustworthiness in a networked investment game in which two senders interact with a receiver. We investigate to what extent senders and receivers comply with an exogenous and non-binding recommendation. We also manipulate the level of information available to senders regarding receiver’s behavior in the network. We compare a baseline treatment in which senders are only informed about the actions and outcomes of their own investment games to two information treatments. In the reputation treatment, senders receive ex ante information regarding the average amount returned by the receiver in the previous period. In the transparency treatment, each sender receives ex post additional information regarding the returning decision of the receiver to the other sender in the network. Across all treatments and for both senders and receivers, the non-binding rule has a significant and positive impact on individual decisions. Providing senders with additional information regarding receiver’s behavior affects trust at the individual level, but leads to mixed results at the aggregate level. Our findings suggest that reputation building, as well as allowing for social comparison could be efficient ways for receivers to improve trust within networks.
High-Performance Mg3Sb2-xBix Thermoelectrics: Progress and Perspective

Since the first successful implementation of n-type doping, low-cost Mg3Sb2-xBix alloys have been rapidly developed as excellent thermoelectric materials in recent years. An average figure of merit zT above unity over the temperature range 300–700 K makes this new system become a promising alternative to the commercially used n-type Bi2Te3-xSex alloys for either refrigeration or low-grade heat power generation near room temperature. In this review, with the structure-property-application relationship as the mainline, we first discuss how the crystallographic, electronic, and phononic structures lay the foundation of the high thermoelectric performance. Then, optimization strategies, including the physical aspects of band engineering with Sb/Bi alloying and carrier scattering mechanism with grain boundary modification and the chemical aspects of Mg defects and aliovalent doping, are extensively reviewed. Mainstream directions targeting the improvement of zT near room temperature are outlined. Finally, device applications and related engineering issues are discussed. We hope this review could help to promote the understanding and future developments of low-cost Mg3Sb2-xBix alloys for practical thermoelectric applications.
AN EMPIRICAL INVESTIGATION OF FACTORS ASSOCIATED WITH FIRM PERFORMANCE: EVIDENCE FROM KINGDOM OF SAUDI ARABIA

This study investigates the relations between agency cost variables (firm size, leverage and auditor type) and the firm performance of 392 listed companies in the Saudi Stock Exchange (Tadawul) during 2007-2010. This study identifies two measurements of the firm performance: (1) ROA and (2) ROE. Using the multiple regressions, the results of this study show that the likelihood a firm performance (ROA) is significantly affected increases with the firm size. On the other hand, leverage and auditor type have no influence on the firm performance. Interestingly, the explanatory power of firm performance (ROA) model is high. Somewhat surprisingly, model (2)'s explanatory power is insignificant indicating to the inability of the proposed variables (firm size, leverage and auditor type) in explaining the expected effect on firm performance (ROE).
Development of Chia (Salvia hispanica, L.) and Quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa, L.) Seed Flour Substituted Cookies- Physicochemical, Nutritional and Storage Studies

Cookie is a popular food medium for nutrient fortification. They are easy to prepare and carry, ready to eat products consumed by people of all age groups. Chia and quinoa seeds have attained recent scientific attention amongst consumers due to their potential health promoting effects. In this study, chia and quinoa seed flours were used to substitute refined wheat flour in cookie doughs at 5%, 10% and 15% substitution levels. Six composite cookies, coded as C-5%, C-10%, C-15%, Q-5%, Q-10% and Q-15% were prepared. Significant differences in physical, physicochemical and nutritional properties were observed. Diameter and spread ratio decreased due to increased fiber and protein content causing flour granulation. This also increased cookie hardness. Rise in the level of omega-3 fatty acid was evident from gas chromatography analyses. The developed cookies were rich in phenolics, flavonoids and antioxidants. Sensory analysis data indicated overall acceptability of all the substituted cookie samples to be above the level of 6 in a 9-point hedonic scale. Based on the identified sensory and nutritional attributes, C-10% and Q-15% were considered to be the best substituted samples. Both the cookies could be stored in sealed polypropylene pouches at room temperature for 60 days without any significant alteration in texture. Rancidity development was inhibited by chia and quinoa antioxidants. No microbial load was recorded in aqueous extracts of freshly prepared and after storage. Analysis of significant difference between all the results was carried out by Duncan’s multiple range tests at a significance level of 0.05. The present study indicated that chia and quinoa substituted cookies can be used as a protein, FFA and antioxidant enriched commercial product with better than average sensory properties.
Help or Hindrance? The Impact of Harmonised Standards on African Exports

We test the hypothesis that product standards harmonised to de facto international standards are less trade restrictive than ones that are not. To do this, we construct a new database of European Union (EU) product standards. We identify standards that are aligned with International Organisation for Standardisation (ISO) standards (as a proxy for de facto international norms). We use a sample-selection gravity model to examine the impact of EU standards on African textiles and clothing exports, a sector of particular development interest. We find robust evidence that non-harmonised standards reduce African exports of these products. EU standards which are harmonised to ISO standards are less trade restricting. Our results suggest that efforts to promote African exports of manufactures may need to be complemented by measures to reduce the cost impacts of product standards, including international harmonisation. In addition, efforts to harmonise national standards with international norms, including those through the World Trade Organisation Technical Barriers to Trade Agreement, promise concrete benefits through trade expansion.
Disturbance , recovery and tundra vegetation change Final report project 17 / 92-to Svalbard Environmental Protection Fund

1 University of Aberdeen, School of Biological Sciences, Scotland, UK 2 Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU), Dept. of Ecology, Uppsala, Sweden 3 Norwegian Institute for Nature Research (NINA), Dept. of Arctic Ecology, Tromsø, Norway 4 Norwegian University of Life Sciences (NMBU), Faculty of Environm. Sciences & Natural Resource Management, Ås, Norway 5 Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), Dept. of Natural History, Trondheim, Norway
Two-Step Estimation of the Nonlinear Autoregressive Distributed Lag Model∗

We consider estimation of and inference on the nonlinear autoregressive distributed lag (NARDL) model, which is a single-equation error correction model that allows for asymmetry with respect to positive and negative changes in the explanatory variable(s). We show that the NARDL model exhibits an asymptotic singularity issue that frustrates efforts to derive the asymptotic properties of the single-step estimator. Consequently, we propose a two-step estimation framework, in which the parameters of the long-run relationship are estimated first using the fully-modified least squares estimator before the dynamic parameters are estimated by OLS in the second step. We show that our two-step estimators are consistent for the parameters of the NARDL model and we derive their limit distributions. We also develop Wald test statistics for the hypotheses of short-run and long-run parameter asymmetry. We demonstrate the utility of our framework with an application to postwar dividend-smoothing in the U.S.