Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Effect of sex factor on blood ceruloplasmin, copper level of serum and liver in Karadi sheep, Sulaimani province

The objective of this study was to survey the serum ceruloplasmin enzyme, serum copper and hepatic copper in male and female Karadi sheep. The study was carried out on 80 Karadi sheep at the Slaughterhouse in the province of Sulaimani Iraq for a period from November of 2009 to June 2010. Results indicated that the overall mean serum ceruloplasmin, serum copper and hepatic copper level were 112.81±2.10 mg/dl, 112.40±0.71 ug\dl and 124.37±0.93 ug\dl, respectively. Ceruloplasmin concentration was slightly higher among the female (114.36±20.63 mg/L) than that in male (111.28 ± 17.01 mg/dl); serum concentration was higher (p<0.05) for female (122.39±7.13 ug/dl) than those for males (102.42±5.70 ug/dl). Serum activity of ALT was higher (p<0.05) in the female (36.97±3.66 U/L) compared to the males (25.42±2.04 U/L). It can be concluded that the sex, overall, has no significant effects on Karadi sheep in Sulaimani province (north of Iraq) regarding blood ceruloplasmin, copper level of serum and liver.
The Measurement of Asymmetric Dimethylarginine in Human Plasma by High Performance Liquid Chromatography

Objective: We aimed to establish a high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) method to measure plasma ADMA levels easily, sensitively and reliably. Methods: We used fluorescence detection, 50 mM sodium acetate buffer/ methanol/ Tetrahydrofuran as a mobile phase (A, 82:17:1; B, 22:77:1, % v, respectively), gradient method, 338 and 425 nm excitation and emission wavelengths, respectively. Samples were derivatizated with o-Phthaldialdehyde. Results: The recovery was found as 96 to 98,3 %. Intra-assay and inter-assay coefficients of variation (CV) were 2.3% and 2.7%, respectively. Conclusion: These findings suggest that our method is suitable for routine determination of ADMA with more reliable.
Factors Influencing Northern Bobwhite Hunter Success on a Public Wildlife Management Area in Kentucky

Hunter success is a critical measure of northern bobwhite (Colinus virginianus) restoration. Understanding the factors influencing hunter success can guide wildlife agencies in efforts to improve success and satisfaction and sustain hunter support of conservation initiatives. We compared use of vegetation types by radiomarked bobwhite (n1⁄4 30 coveys) and hunting dogs (n1⁄4 241) equipped with Global Positioning System collars during the 2014–2015 quail hunting season on Peabody Wildlife Management Area in western Kentucky. We surveyed hunting parties (n1⁄4252) immediately after their hunt to determine success (flushed bobwhite) and gather huntparty characteristics. We used associated habitat metrics from the dog track, weather variables, hunter and dog characteristics (e.g., age, experience), and hunt metrics (e.g., hours hunted, no. of dogs) to determine factors that influenced hunt success. Dogs used winter wheat firebreaks more than bobwhite regardless of time of day, forested areas more than bobwhite in the morning (0700–1000 hr) and midday (1000–1300 hr), disked areas more than bobwhite during midday, and open herbaceous areas less than bobwhite during morning and midday. The probability of success was positively influenced by number of dogs and hours hunted and negatively influenced by proportion of the hunt track in disked areas. Also, hunter success was greater in November compared with December and January. Our results indicated some key features associated with bobwhite habitat (open areas) may be underexploited by hunters, whereas other features (disked areas, firebreaks, and forested areas) may be overexploited. However, success was influenced primarily by factors that may be related to covey avoidance behavior resulting from substantial hunting pressure rather than where hunters selected to hunt. Lower bobwhite encounter rates (coveys flushed/hour) could cause hunter support to wane and bias hunting data as an indicator of population abundance. Citation: Brooke, J. M. , J. J. Morgan, D. L. Baxley, C. A. Harper, and P. D. Keyser. 2017. Factors influencing northern bobwhite hunter success on a public wildlife management area in Kentucky. National Quail Symposium Proceedings 8:265–272.
Genetic analysis of partial resistance to basal stem rot (Sclerotinia sclerotiorum) in sunflower

Basal stem rot, caused by Sclerotinia sclerotiorum (Lib.) de Bary, is one of the major diseases of sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) in the world. Quantitative trait loci (QTLs) implicated in partial resistance to basal stem rot disease were identified using 99 recombinant inbred lines (RILs) from the cross between sunflower parental lines PAC2 and RHA266. The study was undertaken in a completely randomized design with three replications under controlled conditions. The RILs and their parental lines were inoculated with a moderately aggressive isolate of S. sclerotiorum (SSKH41). Resistance to disease was evaluated by measuring the percentage of necrosis area three days after inoculation. QTLs were mapped using an updated high-density SSR and SNP linkage map. ANOVA showed significant differences among sunflower lines for resistance to basal stem rot (P≤0.05). The frequency distribution of lines for susceptibility to disease showed a continuous pattern. Composite interval mapping analysis revealed 5 QTLs for percentage of necrotic area, localized on linkage groups 1, 3, 8, 10 and 17. The sign of additive effect was positive in 5 QTLs, suggesting that the additive allele for partial resistance to basal stem rot came from the paternal line (RHA266). The phenotypic variance explained by QTLs (R2) ranged from 0.5 to 3.16%. Identified genes (HUCL02246_1, GST and POD), and SSR markers (ORS338, and SSL3) encompassing the QTLs for partial resistance to basal stem rot could be good candidates for marker assisted selection.
Representing Climate and Extreme Weather Events in Integrated Assessment Models: A Review of Existing Methods and Options for Development

The lack of information about future changes in extreme weather is a major constraint of Integrated Assessment Models (IAMs) of climate change. The generation of descriptions of future climate in current IAMs is assessed.We also review recent work on scenario development methods for weather extremes, focusing on those issues which are most relevant to the needs of IAMs. Finally, some options for implementing scenarios of weather extremes in IAMs are considered.
Labour migration, social incorporation and transmigration in the New Europe. The case of Germany in a comparative perspective

This article examines the challenges and opportunities of labour migration for Europe and the European social model in the 21st century. The social incorporation and labour market insertion of labour migrants in Germany is considered in a comparative perspective which highlights the increasing importance of transnational migration and transnational social spaces as a feature of migration in Europe. It is transmigration, it is argued, that could constitute one crucial ingredient of the ‘cement’ for a sustainable social Europe. Cet article examine les défis et les opportunités de l'immigration de travailleurs pour l'Europe et le modèle social européen au 21e siècle. L'intégration sociale et l'insertion sur le marché du travail des immigrants en Allemagne sont examinées dans une perspective soulignant l'importance croissante de l'immigration transnationale et des espaces sociaux transnationaux comme caractéristiques de l'immigration en Europe. Il montre que c'est la transmigration qui pourrait constituer une des composantes fondamentales d'une Europe sociale durable. Dieser Artikel geht auf die mit Migration verbundenen Herausforderungen und Chancen für Europa und das Europäische Sozialmodell im 21. Jahrhundert ein. Die soziale Einbeziehung und die Eingliederung von Arbeitsmigranten in Deutschland wird unter einem vergleichenden Blickwinkel betrachtet, der die zunehmende Bedeutung transnationaler Migration und transnationaler sozialer Räume als Merkmal der Migration in Europa deutlich macht. Der Verfasser erklärt, Transmigration könne ein wesentlicher Bestandteil des „Zements” für ein nachhaltiges soziales Europa sein.
Pricing Policies under Different Objectives: Implications for the Pricing Behaviour of AWB Ltd.

This study is motivated by the suggestion that the objectives of the AWB Ltd have changed since semi-privatisation of the Australian Wheat Board under the Wheat Marketing Act, 1989. Conceptualising this change of objectives as a shift from revenue maximization to profit maximization, this study examines the impact of such a change on the pricing policies of a multi-market price-setting firm. More specifically, this study investigates, for two hypothetical objective functions, a risk averse firm’s price-setting behaviour in an “overseas” and a “domestic” market, given differing costs of supply, uncertain demand functions and differing price elasticities of demand in each market. The aim is to generate empirically testable hypotheses relating to the impact of a change of objectives on pricing behaviour.
A seismic diffraction extraction method for the study of discontinuous geologies using a regularisation algorithm

Seismic diffractions play a vital role in identifying discontinuous geological structures, such as tiny faults and cavities which are important because of their close relationship with the reservoir properties of oil and gas. In this paper, we focus on an extraction method for separation of seismic diffractions. The energy of reflection is usually much stronger than that of the diffraction, thus, removing reflection becomes a key problem for diffraction applications. In order to extract seismic diffractions accurately and stably, we propose an optimised regularisation method based on the local plane-wave equation. By considering two constraints arising from the Sobolev penalty function and the difference operator, we build a stable minimisation model for determining seismic slopes. In computation, an iterative method based on projection onto a convex set for solving the nonlinear minimisation is developed, which can provide fast and accurate solutions. Subtracting the predicted reflections from the seismic image, we can extract the seismic diffractions. Numerical experiments illustrate the effectiveness of the diffraction extraction method in separating tiny faults, scatterers and cavities. Finally, a carbonate reservoir field example is provided to demonstrate the high-resolution capability of the method in revealing small-scale discontinuous geological features. By considering two constraints from the Sobolev penalty function and the difference operator, we have developed an optimised regularisation model for extracting seismic diffractions. An efficient iterative method based on projection onto a convex set has been developed to solve the minimisation problem. The proposed method has high-resolution capability for detecting small-scale discontinuities.
The fully Lagrangian approach to the analysis of particle/droplet dynamics: implementation into ANSYS Fluent and application to gasoline sprays

The fully Lagrangian approach (FLA) to the calculation of the number density of inertial particles in dilute gas-particle flows is implemented into the CFD code ANSYS Fluent. The new version of ANSYS Fluent is applied to modeling dilute gas-particle flow around a cylinder and liquid droplets in a gasoline fuel spray. In a steady-state case, the predictions of the FLA for the flow around a cylinder and those based on the equilibrium Eulerian method (EE) are almost identical for small Stokes number, Stk, and small Reynolds number, Re, (Re = 1, Stk = 0.05). For the larger values of these numbers (Re = 10, 100; Stk = 0.1, 0.2) the FLA predicts higher values of the gradients of particle number densities in front of the cylinder compared with the ones predicted by the EE. For transient flows (Re = 200), both methods predict high values of the number densities between the regions of high vorticity and very low values in the vortex cores. For Stk ≥ 0.1 the maximal values predicted by FLA are shown to be several orders of magnitude higher than those predicted by the EE. An application of FLA to a direct injection gasoline fuel spray has focused on the calculation of the number densities of droplets. Results show good qualitative agreement between the numerical simulation and experimental observations. It is shown that small droplets with diameters dp = 2 μm tend to accumulate in the regions of trajectory intersections more readily, when compared with larger droplets (dp = 10 μm, dp = 20 μm). This leads to the prediction of the regions of high number densities of small droplets.
Text Mining and Reporting Quality in German Banks - A Cooccurrence and Sentiment Analysis

A bank's annual risk report intends to reduce the information asymmetry between the bank and its stakeholders. Using automated text mining measures, we assess the quality of the reports in terms of their fulfillment of regulatory requirement and identify its main drivers in a panel regression. On a set of 343 risk reports from 30 German banks between 2002 and 2013, we further perform a cooccurrence and sentiment analysis and determine several additional characteristics of the reports' text. Our methods detect discrepancies for the reports of distressed and non-distressed banks and also for different types of banks. Some of these discrepancies might indicate an intended concealment of certain risks of a bank. We find that our text mining measures explain the variance of the reporting quality to a large extent. The number of words is an important factor for the determination of risk reporting quality. The share of positive words in a report reduces its reporting quality on average.
Using an Online Vocabulary Memorization Tool versus Traditional Vocabulary Exercises

This study was conducted to reveal what Memrise, an online vocabulary study tool, can offer to upper-intermediate EFL learners compared to traditional vocabulary exercises in L2 vocabulary learning. Two groups of upper-intermediate learners (N=80) were randomly assigned to the experimental group and the control group and were given the Vocabulary Knowledge Scale, VKS for short, as the pre-test and post-test. The participants in both groups were exposed to the target vocabulary items in the same reading text. While those in the experimental group created list of target vocabulary items collaboratively in Memrise and then studied the sets individually, the learners in the control group did traditional vocabulary exercises. The results of the post-tests indicated that there was a significant difference between the control group and the experimental group in favor of the experimental group. The researchers discuss possible pedagogical implications of this significant finding for EFL vocabulary instruction.
Impact of Parthenium on species diversity in Gamo Gofa , Ethiopia

A study was conducted at Gamo Gofa, Ethiopia, to assess the impact of parthenium on plant diversity. Species diversity was computed using Importance value index, Shannon-diversity index, Simpson`s index and evenness index. A total of 21 plant species distributed under 13 families were identified with the most frequent families being Amaranthaceae (19.05), Poaceae (14.28), Asteraceae (9.5) and Cyperaceae (9.5) accounted 52.37% of the total flora. Mean Importance Value Index (IVI%) of Parthenium hysterphorus, Althernathra pungens and Cynodon dactylon were 76.15, 33.27 and 28.58 respectively. Eighteen species manifested low to moderate IVI levels. The diversity indices such as Shannon`s index and evenness index of plant species were reduced rapidly as dominance of parthenium increased in the study area. This indicated that the lowest Shannon Diversity Index value was due to the fact that plant species diversity was highly affected by parthenium. Thus, there is an urgent need to take appropriate measures in the study area, especially, in Arba Minch, to stop its further spread to Nesh Sar Park, known in species richness.
Profile of Parkia speciosa Hassk Metabolites Extracted with SFE using FTIR- PCA Method

A rapid identification, classification and discrimination tool, using Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy combined with Principal Component Analysis (PCA), was developed and applied to determine the profile of the Supercritical Fluid Extraction (SFE) of Parkia speciosa seeds under various temperature and pressure conditions (313, 323, 333, 343, 353 and 363 K and 20.68, 27.58, 34.47, 41.37, 48.26, and 55.16 MPa). The separation and identification of the compounds was carried out by Gas Chromatography coupled with Time of Flight Mass Spectrometry (GC/TOF-MS). This technique has made it possible to detect the variability obtained under different SFE conditions and the separation of different chemical compounds in P. speciosa seeds. The FTIR-PCAresults were verified by GC/TOF-MS, and the FTIR-PCA method successfully identified the unsaturated carboxylic acids with the highest percentage area under the different conditions.
Toward a Model of Mobile User Engagement

In this paper we propose User Engagement (UE) as a conceptual framework for studying mobile information interaction. We redefine the six attributes of UE: focused attention, felt involvement, perceived usability, novelty, aesthetic appeal, and endurability for the mobile environment. We argue that mobile information interaction is an emerging area and situating it in UE can further research in this area.
Hyperspectral analysis in areas of Caatinga degraded in the municipality of Sertânia - PE

The brazilian region semiarid has as predominant vegetation the caatinga. The Caatinga Forest has one of its striking features its excellent adaptation to arid conditions. This exclusively brazilian ecosystem has a great biodiversity, but promote their preservation is a major obstacle to be overcome, one is the best knowledge of their chemical and physical processes. Thus the hyperspectral remote sensing can help enough in the characterization and monitoring of this ecosystem, where the hyperspectral data collected by these sensors can be transformed into different information biophysical aspects of vegetable toppings. In this work was used images hyperspectral of the Hyperion Satellite Earth Observing1 sensor (EO-1). The software utilized for analysis and the pre-processing of the image was the ENVI 4.4 software, where we generated the NDVI - vegetation index (Normalized Difference Vegetation Index) and the indexes of leaf pigments PRI (Photochemical Reflectance Index), SIPI (Structure Insensitive pigment Index) and CRI (1 Carotenoid Reflectance Index). The indices generated answered well to the structure of the cover and characteristics vegetation. Allowing this way, get more accurate data of vegetation indices and leaf pigments such, as chlorophyll and carotenoids.
Callus induction via different growth regulators from cotyledon explants of indigenous chick pea (Cicer arietinum L.) cultivars KK-1 and Hassan-2K

Callus induction from cotyledon explants was studied in indigenous chick pea (Cicer arietinum L.) cultivars KK-1 and Hassan-2K on MS and B5 media containing different combinations and concentrations of growth regulators. Different MS and B5 callusing media containing varying level of 2, 4-D (2 and 4 mg/l), NAA (0.50 and 1 mg/l), BAP (5 and 10 μM) and their combinations were tested for callus induction response. Percent callus and callus fresh weight (g) were recorded after two and four weeks of culture for both genotypes. For KK-1 cultivar, the maximum callus frequency (71 and 97%) followed by (65 and 96%) were observed on 4 mg/l 2,4-D+5 μM BAP in MS and 4 mg/l 2,4-D in B5 media, respectively after two and four weeks of culture. Similarly, the highest callus fresh weight (0.411 and 0.787 g) were also recorded for MS+4 mg/l 2,4-D+5 μM BAP in contrast to B5 where the highest callus weight (0.401 and 0.693 g) was achieved on 4 mg/l 2,4-D only. In Hassan -2K, the highest callus % (68 and 96) and fresh weight (0.572 and 0.821 g) were recorded on MS+4 mg/l 2,4-D+0.50 mg/l NAA after two and four weeks of culture, respectively. In B5 medium, 2,4-D+BAP combination produced average callus induction response for both cultivars.
COBRA Preprint Series Year Paper Properties of Monotonic Effects

Various relationships are shown hold between monotonic effects and weak monotonic effects and the monotonicity of certain conditional expectations. This relationship is considered for both binary and non-binary variables. Counterexamples are provide to show that the results do not hold under less restrictive conditions. The ideas of monotonic effects are furthermore used to relate signed edges on a directed acyclic graph to qualitative effect modification.
Knowledge Management Implementation, Strategic Human Resource Practices and Organizational Performance Mediated by Strategic Planning

This study purpose is to determine the direct effect of strategic HR practices and knowledge management on organization performance, and to examine whether the strategic planning is a mediating variable. This study is conducted at Mandiri Islamic Bank in Malang, East Java. This is explanatory research type, with questionnaire as a tool for data collection. Analysis unit is employee of Independent Islamic banks in Malang. Data is analyzed by path analysis using SPSS. Analysis results showed that knowledge management affect on strategic planning, while strategic HR practices has no effect. Strategic HR practices directly affect on organization performance. Strategic planning mediates the affect of knowledge management on organizational performance. Knowledge management has indirect effect on organizational performance. It is necessary for good planning strategy. Using innovation, opinions sharing, employee’s involvement in decision making process will create better strategic planning, which in turn will affect on organizational performance. Strategic HR practices affect on organization performance because HR become vital resource for companies. Without HR role, automatically organizational performance can not be maximized. Islamic banking leader need to socialize to employees how to apply knowledge management rightly. High SOP allows a leader to motivate and affect subordinates by exchanging rewards with specific performance.
Selective and constructive mechanisms contribute to neural circuit formation in the barrel cortex of the developing rat

The cellular strategy leading to formation of neuronal circuits in the rodent barrel cortex is still a matter of controversy. Both selective and constructive mechanisms have been proposed. The selective mechanism involves an overproduction of neuronal processes and synapses followed by activity dependent pruning. Conversely, a constructive mechanism would increase the number of axons, dendrites, and synapses during development to match functionality. In order to discern the contributions of these two mechanisms in establishing a neuronal circuit in the somatosensory cortex, morphometric analysis of dendritic and axonal arbor growth was performed. Also, the number of synapses was followed by electron microscopy during the first month of life. We observed that axonal and dendritic arbors retracted distal branches, and elongated proximal branches, resulting in increased arbor complexity. This neuronal remodeling was accompanied by the steady increase in the number of synapses within barrel hollows. Similarly, the content of molecular markers for dendrites, axons and synapses also increased during this period. Finally, cytochrome oxidase activity rose with age in barrels indicating that the arbors became more complex while synapse density and metabolic demands increased. Our results support the simultaneous use of both selective and constructive mechanisms in establishing the barrel cortex circuitry.