Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The marginal product value of irrigation water for potato and vine cultivation in the Sandveld region, South Africa

ABSTRACT The advent of grid electrification in the Sandveld region of South Africa in the 1980s increased the utilisation of groundwater resources for commercial irrigation purposes. In the wake of the consequent increased pressure on the resource, it behooves landowners to use water more productively and responsibly. This paper calculated the marginal product value (MPV) of irrigation water for potatoes and vine production in this region to assess and to allow the comparison of the productivity of irrigation water with other commodities and regions. However, the results suggested that the scope for leveraging changes to water use behaviour in the Sandveld solely through water pricing is limited. Given that electricity is a critical input for the utilization of groundwater, we suspect that the price of electricity would be a suitable lever to influence irrigation behaviour. In light of the imminent Government electricity price hikes, we advise some further investigation on the impacts these impending hikes will have on irrigation farming in the study area. We suspect that pumping costs (as opposed to the price of water itself) will become the most limiting factor for irrigation water use in the Sandveld in the foreseeable future. A mixture of water and energy pricing strategies therefore lends itself as a more pragmatic policy approach to follow in order to influence irrigation behaviour, as opposed to a sole focus on water pricing.
Macroeconomic Determinants of Real Exchange Rates

This paper presents a model that integrates money, relative prices, and the current account balance as factors explaining movements in nominal (effective) exchange rates. Thus money and the current account are the proximate determinants of changes in real (effective) rates. The basic model is first analyzed under static expectations. It is an extension of Branson (1977) to include explicitly exogenous disturbances to the current account. Next, rational expectations are introduced, and it is shown that the nominal (and real) rate should be expected to jump instantaneously in response to new information or "innovations" in money, the current account, and relative prices. The model is applied to the quarterly data on effective exchange rates, relative prices, money and the current account for four countries--the U.S., the U.K., Germany and Japan -- since 1973. First the time-series properties of the data are described. All are approximately first-order autocorrelations except all relative prices and Japan's effective exchange rate and current account balance. These are second-order autocorrelations. Then vector autoregressions (VARs) are estimated among the four variables for each country. The residuals from these equations are the "innovations" in the data -- the current movements not predicted by the past. The correlations amongst these innovations are consistent with the theory. Thus the broad conclusion from the paper is that the theoretical model which integrates money, the balance on current account and relative prices, is consistent with movements in these variables since 1973. Real exchange rates adjust to real disturbances in the current account, and time-series innovations in the current account seem to signal the need for adjustment.
The Statistical Complement of Pure Economics

Representative constructive workers in pure economics have conceived of an inductive statistical complement without whose development the a priori instrument must lack concrete effectiveness, 1. — The most important statistical processes that must be employed in the elaboration of the inductive science are described, 8. —Steps which have already been taken in the attempt to bring together pure economics and the theory of statistics in the treatment of concrete material are illustrated, 23. —From a survey of what has been accomplished it is inferred that fecund scientific ideas as well as abiding practical results are to be gained from the development of the Statistical Complement of Pure Economics, 33.
The Correlation between Physical Activity and Grade Point Average for Health Science Graduate Students

Researchers have reported positive associations between physical activity and academic achievement. However, a common belief is that improving academic performance comes at the cost of reducing time for and resources spent on extracurricular activities that encourage physical activity. The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between self-reported physical activity and grade point average (GPA) for health science graduate students. Graduate students in health science programs completed the International Physical Activity Questionnaire and reported their academic progress. Most participants (76%) reported moderate to vigorous physical activity levels that met or exceeded the recommended levels for adults. However, there was no significant correlation between G PA and level of physical activity. Negative findings for this study may be associated with the limited range of GPA scores for graduate students. Future studies need to consider more sensitive measures of cognitive function, as well as the impact of physical activity on occupational balance and health for graduate students in the health fields.
Characterization of Intrinsic Field-Effect Mobility in TFTs by De-Embedding the Effect of Parasitic Source and Drain Resistances

Due to voltage drops across parasitic resistances in semiconductor devices, extracted performance parameters can be strongly dependent on the geometrical structure. In this letter, we report a characterization technique for the intrinsic field-effect mobility μ<sub>FEo</sub> in amorphous InGaZnO (a-IGZO) thin-film transistors (TFTs) by de-embedding the parasitic source and drain resistances <i>R</i><sub>S</sub> and <i>R</i><sub>D</sub>, respectively. We obtained the channel-length (<i>L</i>) -independent intrinsic field-effect mobility μ<sub>FEo</sub> from TFTs with various channel lengths on the same wafer. We expect that this characterization technique for <i>L</i>-independent intrinsic field-effect mobility is useful for accurate characterization, consistent modeling, and robust simulation of a-IGZO TFT circuits.
Compliance to home-based exercise therapy in elderly patients with knee osteoarthritis

Objectives: This study aims to evaluate the compliance to home-based exercise regimen by elderly patients with osteoarthritis of the knee. Patients and methods: Between May 2012 and May 2013 year, a total of 72 patients (54 females, 18 males) over 65 years old with knee osteoarthritis admitted to the Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation outpatient clinic were included in the study. The patients were given a home-based exercise program. They were recommended to perform the exercises 10 times twice a day, for a month. We evaluated the patients’ demographic data, comorbid diseases, whether they exercised previously and compliance to exercise. Results: All patients’ home exercise program compliance was 62.5%. Males were more compliant than female patients and high education and comorbidity were also associated with poor compliance. Conclusion: The compliance of the geriatric patients to home-based exercise program is difficult and multiple variables affect the compliance.
Attenuation of unloading‐induced rat soleus atrophy with the heat‐shock protein inducer 17‐(allylamino)‐17‐demethoxygeldanamycin

We hypothesized that pharmacological induction of HSP70 would attenuate soleus atrophy development under 3 d of rat hindlimb unloading. Male Wistar rats were divided into control (C; n=7), 3‐d hindlimb unloading (HUL; n=7), HUL with HSP90 inducer administration, 17‐allylamino‐17‐emethoxygel‐danamycin (17‐AAG; 60 mg/kg, HUL+17‐AAG, n=8). The relative weight of soleus muscle to body weight [soleus wt (mg)/body wt (g)] in the HUL group was less than that of the C and HUL + 17‐AAG groups (P<0.05). We revealed HSP90, HSP70 mRNA decrease in the HUL group (but not the HUL+ 17‐AAG group) vs. C (P<0.05). The unloading resulted in significant increases of μ‐calpain and conjugated ubiquitin (Ub) levels (proteins as well as mRNAs) vs. the C group, whereas 17‐AAG administration prevented these alterations (studied by SDS‐PAGE and RT‐PCR). pFOXO3 protein was decreased in the HUL group vs. C, but not in HUL + 17‐AAG. Content of E3‐lygase (MuRF‐1, MAFbx) mRNA was increased in both suspended groups. In summary, 17‐AAG administration attenuates soleus muscle atrophy, μ‐calpain, and Ub increases under hindlimb unloading as well as decrease of pFOXO3. —Lomonosova, Y. N. , Shenkman, B S. , Nemirovskaya, T. L. Attenuation of unloading‐induced rat soleus atrophy with the heat‐shock protein inducer 17‐(allylamino)‐17‐demethoxygeldanamycin. FASEB J. 26, 4295–4301 (2012). www.fasebj. org
Organelle purification and selective permeabilisation of the plasma membrane: two different approaches to study vacuoles of the filamentous fungus Ashbya gossypii.

Two different approaches to prepare and characterise vacuoles from the filamentous fungus Ashbya gossypii are described, i.e. the isolation of vacuoles from hyphal cells and the controlled permeabilisation of the plasma membrane. By mechanical lysis of protoplasts and separation of the organelles on a stepped density gradient, we obtained a vacuolar fraction virtually free of contamination by other organelles, unlysed protoplasts and cell debris. The integrity of the isolated organelles was characterised by vital-staining, the presence of alpha-mannosidase, and retained accumulation of basic amino acids. In a second approach, the cell membrane of the fungus was selectively permeabilised by use of the saponin digitonin leaving the vacuoles in their physiological surrounding, i.e. protected by the rigid cell wall. The permeabilisation was monitored by the latency of predominantly cytosolic amino acids and the ATP status of the cells. Functional intactness of the vacuoles within the permeabilised hyphae was demonstrated by maintenance of the pH gradient across the vacuolar membrane as detected by accumulation of the fluorescent dye, Acridine orange. These two methods are well-suited tools for the in situ assay of intracellular compartmentation of metabolites, for vacuolar transmembrane fluxes in Ashbya gossypii, as well as for the direct access to vacuolar membranes and enzymes of this fungus.
The microbiota of the human genitourinary tract: trying to see the forest through the trees.

Based on traditional microbiological methods, namely cultivation and microscopic analyses, the vaginal microbiota (VMB) has been defined as healthy when it is predominated by hydrogen peroxide-producing Lactobacillus spp. , most prominently Lactobacillis crispatus. Similarly, the VMB has been defined as bacterial vaginosis (BV) when it is predominated by Gardnerella vaginalis as well as a number of other anaerobic bacterial species. BV is associated with a distinct vaginal discharge syndrome, poor pregnancy outcomes, pelvic inflammatory disease, post-operative wound infections, and endometritis after elective abortions. Additionally, BV predisposes women to infection by HIV as well as other sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). The application of molecular techniques over the last decade to studies of the VMB has significantly advanced our understanding of its structure and variation. It is now clear that the diversity of the VMB is far more complex than previously recognized; it is comprised of many heretofore unknown bacteria in addition to those previously identified by culture. Here we describe the application of 454 pyrosequencing technology to a study of vaginal specimens from 92 women attending the New Orleans STD clinic in an effort to obtain a more precise view of how different types of "trees" (bacteria) assemble to form a recognizable "forest" (VMB). This knowledge will be useful in the design of future clinical studies that investigate the mechanisms by which the vaginal microbiome influences human health and disease.
Money transmission mechanisms and identified long-run relationships between the Banking Sector's balance sheet and the macroeconomy in Pakistan

This paper employs semi-annual observations from 1964s1 to 2005s1 to evaluate the monetary transmission mechanism that has operated in Pakistan. It does so by using the familiar VAR approach and by analysing impulse responses and variance decompositions to banking sector and macroeconomic variables consequent upon innovations to the chosen indicator of monetary conditions. Those analyses demonstrate that the bank lending channel operates in Pakistan. The resultant VEC models embody cointegration; and this is used to identify long-run relationships between the variables. Observations are extended to 2008s2 to provide some indication of the out-of-sample quality of information provided by those relationships. Investigations using the Kalman filter provide evidence that, crucially, the innovations to the monetary indicators are influenced by sudden adjustments of monetary policy instruments.
Particle Physics in High School: A Diagnose Study

The science learning process improves when the contents are connected to students’ lives. Particle physics has had a great impact in our society in the last years and has changed the theoretical picture about matter fundamental dynamics. Thus, we think that academic contents about matter components and interactions should be updated. With this study we aim to characterize the level of knowledge of high school students about this topic. We built a test with questions about classical atomic models, particle physics, recent discoveries, social implications and students opinions about it. Contrary to our first suspicion, students’ answers show a high variability. They have new physics ideas and show a great interest towards modern concepts. We suggest including an updated view of this topic as part of the curriculum.
Risk management capability building in SMEs: A social capital perspective

This article addresses the under-researched issue of risk management (RM) and risk management capability building in small and medium sized enterprise (SMEs). It draws upon theories of social capital to explain enablers and obstacles for RM capability building and practice sharing in a small and medium-sized construction enterprise in China. Two related propositions are made: first, RM capability is built by SMEs without formal structures and knowledge; and second, such firms are more likely to adopt informal processes to develop RM capability. The article concludes that the role of cognitive capital is the most important for the RM capability building of SMEs and that cognitive capital plays a crucial role in accumulating structural and relational capital. It proposes a model of cognitive capital-based RM capability building in which integrates communication, knowledge, relationship and learning.
On the bank lending channel in a euroised economy: the case of Serbia

This paper investigates the bank lending channel of monetary transmission in Serbia. We collect individual bank balance sheet data for 33 banks over the period 2008Q3-2011Q2 and employ dynamic panel estimation techniques. Two different bank loan supply functions are investigated according to the currency denomination of bank loans in Serbia. Our findings indicate that there is a significant bank lending channel through the domestic and foreign reference interest rates in the growth of domestic currency loans. In the case of foreign currency loans, there is no statistical evidence for the existence of a bank lending channel which may be related to the prevalence of long-term loans in total foreign currency loans and relatively short sample size.
RULES AND DECISION MAKING: UNDERSTANDING THE FACTORS THAT SHAPE REGULATORY COMPLIANCE

This chapter reports original mixed-method data from a national study to assess the perceived effectiveness of aquaculture regulations in fostering compliance. Data were collected through interviews and a survey of state aquaculture coordinators. Qualitative data obtained through interviews provide insight on the interdependencies between regulatory factors, including perceptions of peer pressure, trust, and knowledge sharing and regulatory compliance. Analysis of survey data showed that perceptions of compliance correlates with five factors: (1) Fair and consistent enforcement of regulations; (2) Belief of regulated persons that regulations are scientifically and technically appropriate; (3) Trust of regulatory agents; (4) Trust between industry members; and (5) Knowledge sharing between industry members on scientific/technical and regulatory/administrative issues. The paper concludes with a discussion for policy makers for designing effective policy instruments to govern the aquaculture industry.
Determinants of Indian sub-continent officer–seafarer retention in the shipping industry

The retention of officer–seafarers within the international shipping industry is a difficult problem facing shipping and ship management companies. One strategic option open to all companies that should improve overall retention is to seek to become an employer of choice by providing an intellectual capital environment attractive to officer–seafarers. This is investigated through a survey of officer–seafarers covering areas where ship management can exercise some control over their working conditions. These cover recognition by their employer and commensurate rewards, organizational culture and structure and building relationships with external parties. Experienced Indian sub-continent officer–seafarers were the sample population resulting in more than 200 valid completions. These were analysed using correlation and regression. Although all hypotheses were in the predicted direction, only four passed the significance test: long-term career prospects, a smooth and fair recruitment process, a better relationship with maritime authorities and an employee-friendly organizational culture. Stepwise regression indicated that only organizational culture had a significant positive effect on intention to remain a seafarer. The items in the organizational culture construct accord with recommendations from the literature on becoming an employer of choice and improving employee retention, providing guidance for attracting and retaining officers.
In vitro clonal propagation through mature nodes of Tinospora cordifolia (Willd.) Hook. F. & Thoms.: An important ayurvedic medicinal plant

SummaryA protocol was developed for rapid clonal propagation of the important medicinal climber, Tinospora cordifolia, through in vitro culture of mature nodal explants. Shoots were initiated on both Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium and woody plant medium (WPM) supplemented with 2.32 μM kinetin (KIN). Of the two basal media tested, WPM was found to be superior to MS medium for the induction of multiple shoots. Among the cytokinins tested, N6-benzyladenine (BA) was more effective than KIN for axillary shoot proliferation. KIN was superior to BA in terms of shoot elongation. An average multiplication rate of 6.3 shoots per explant was obtained with WPM supplemented with 8.87 μM BA. Shoot clumps harvested from this medium were transferred to WPM supplemented with 2.22 μM BA and 4.65 μM KIN for shoot elongation. Elongated shoots were rooted in half-strength MS medium supplemented with 2.85 μM indole-3-acetic acid (IAA). Rooted plantlets were successfully transferred to sand and established with 80% survival.
ELECTROCARDIOGRAPHY AND VECTORCARDIOGRAPHY

Make more knowledge even in less time every day. You may not always spend your time and money to go abroad and get the experience and knowledge by yourself. Reading is a good alternative to do in getting this desirable knowledge and experience. You may gain many things from experiencing directly, but of course it will spend much money. So here, by reading electrocardiography and vectorcardiography, you can take more advantages with limited budget.
How market information is transformed into marketing knowledge

In the future, competitors will have more and more opportunities to buy the same information; therefore the companies’ competitiveness will not primarily depend on how much information they possess, but rather on how they can “translate” it to their own language. This study aims to examine those factors that have the most significant impact on the degree to which market studies are utilised by companies. Most of the work in this area has studied the use of information in strategic decisions a priori. This paper — while reflecting on the findings of research on organisational theories of information processing — aims to bridge this gap. It proposes and tests a new conceptual framework that examines the use of managerial market research information in decision-making and knowledge creation within one single model. Collected survey data, including all the top-income business enterprises in Hungary indicate that market research findings are efficiently incorporated into the marketing information system only if the marketing manager has trust in the researcher, and believes that the market study is of high quality. Decision-makers are more likely to learn from market studies facilitating the resolution of some specific problem than descriptive studies of a more general nature.
The Brazilian Electricity Energy Market: The Role of Regulatory Content Intensity and Its Impact on Capital Shares Risk

This study analyzes the risk related effect of content intensity in regulatory legislation on the shares of the companies operating in the Brazilian electricity energy market. For this analysis, the regulatory legislation, enshrined in the Federal Constitution of 1988 until 2013 and addressed to the market, was captured and selected using the Markov Regime Switching model of Regime Change. The intensity of Regulatory Content (RC) in each legislative action was quantified through the content analysis technique. The results suggest that, when classified in event families, the risk impact on shares is different and gradual. Further, the individual analyses of the different types of events, classified according to the RC intensity, show that strong and average intensity events have a higher impact on the risk factors of shares of the companies that constitute the sector. Conversely, political or institutional decisions that have low intensity of RC are not perceived as significant in the market. As research contribution, the results presented confirm that regulatory events must be differentiated by type, since they have varying influences on regulatory risk. Moreover, this study demonstrates that the RC intensity is important, and in this case, the higher its presence, the greater the impact of the potential risk on the regulated sector’s shares. Keywords: Market Model; Capital Asset Pricing Model; Laws JEL Classifications: E3; G38; K23; M48; Q4
Design of Intelligent Controller for Chaotic Permanent Synchronous Motor

In this paper, an intelligent controller design method for the chaotic permanent magnet synchronous motor stability is presented. Active control strategy is a powerful control technique in stability chaotic systems. Learning algorithm using active control techniques, and then intelligent controller will be used. The proposed method can reduce the dimensions of the controller. A comparative study has been one with active and adaptive neural fuzzy controller. Simulation results show that the proposed controller can be chaotic permanent magnet synchronous motor will converge to the unstable equilibrium points. The controller can zero error, while has been tracking well desired value.