Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Substrate levels, carbohydrate degradation rate and their effects on ruminal end-product formation

New feed evaluation systems for ruminants, based on dynamic-mechanistic models and predictions of production responses to nutrients, demand accurate prediction of end-products formed during rumen fermentation. The aim of the present work was to investigate the effects of levels of different substrates and carbohydrate degradation rates upon ruminal end-product formation. An in vitro method was introduced to evaluate feeds with respect to ruminal starch degradation. The method was based on incubation of feed samples in a buffered rumen fluid solution and a subsequent enzymatic analysis of remaining starch. Heat treatment generally increased rate or extent of starch degradation to glucose. Use of single time point determinations correlated reasonably well with degradation rate estimates and offers the possibility to reduce the cost of analysis. Two experiments with a 2x2x2 factorial arrangement of treatments were performed with an in vitro rumen simulation technique (SIMCO) to investigate the direct effects and interactions of several dietary factors upon ruminal fermentation. Response in volatile fatty acid (VFA) proportions to starch level was dependent on starch and neutral detergent fibre (NDF) sources. Faster degradation rates of starch and NDF had a positive effect upon microbial N efficiency and the propionate proportion. Increasing the level of N improved microbial N efficiency and increased the proportion of propionate and butyrate at the expense of acetate. Increased feeding level resulted in a lower microbial N efficiency and a lower proportion of propionate. The results of the two in vitro experiments clearly point out that rumen VFA proportions and microbial N efficiency are not only affected by the level of different substrates fermented in the rumen but also their degradation rates. Data from Nordic dairy cow experiments were analysed and modeled with respect to effects of feed characteristics upon rumen fermentation patterns. The final model differed relative to published VFA models by predicting a smaller effects of starch but large effects of silage lactate levels on propionate proportions. To improve the prediction of end-product formation, better characterization of feeds are needed. Carbohydrate degradation rate and type of forage are factors that probably should be included in future models.
COMPACT FILTERING ANTENNA BASED ON DUMBBELL-SHAPED RESONATOR

A filtering antenna based on a dumbbell-shaped resonator is proposed, fabricated and measured. A Γ-shaped antenna and the proposed dumbbell-shaped resonator are used and integrated to be a filtering antenna. The Γ-shaped antenna which acts as a radiator is excited by a coupled line. Measured results show that the filtering antenna achieves an impedance bandwidth of 6.7% at a reflection coefficient |S11| < −10 dB and has a gain of 1.35 dBi. Moreover, a radiation zero occurs at 3.1 GHz. Compared with the characteristics of fundamental Γ-shaped antenna, the design of the dumbbell resonator has little impact on antenna’s radiation patterns. In addition, to explain the mechanism of filtering antenna, the analysis of surface current distribution on patch is given. The size of filtering antenna is 0. 33λ0 ×0. 17λ0 (λ0 is the free-space wavelength at 2.45 GHz). Compared to other recent works, a simpler structure and more compact size are the key features. Owing to the operating bandwidth and the characteristic of filtering, the proposed antenna can be used in modern wireless communications systems.
Planktonic methane production and oxidation within the algal maximum of the pycnocline: seasonal fine-scale observations in an anoxic estuarine basin

High resolution profiles of methane concentration and potential methane-oxidation rates were used to test the importance of in situ production and oxidation in controlling methane structure and dynamics in the southern anoxic basin of the Pettaquamscutt Estuary, Rhode Island, USA. Profiles conducted in both April and August showed low but increasing methane concentrations in the surface oxic layer, a minor maximum about 0.75 m above the Eh = 0 boundary, a methane minimum just above Eh = 0, and a rapid increase to a major maximum about 0.75 m below Eh = 0. Methane concentrations in both maxima increased between April and August while concentrations in the methane minimum decreased. This methane minimum in the suboxic zone was strongly associated with a minor oxygen maximum and a major peak in chlorophyll due to the oxygenic alga Euglena proxima. April incubations in the presence of added oxygen at 2°C supported oxidation rates as high as 9% d-' in and just below the methane minimum at the Eh = 0 boundary, due to psychrophilic methane-oxidation. Similar experiments conducted in August at 22°C showed a similar narrow peak in potential methaneoxidation rates in and just below the methane minimum at the Eh = 0 boundary, suggesting that the boundary was now dynamically controlled by rapid mesophilic methane-oxidation. Analysis of the August incubations at 2°C showed a decline in methane at the depths of the major methane maximum for 4 d, followed by a 4 d increase in methane concentration at the same depths, due presumably to the exhaustion of dissolved oxygen and the cessation of the masking oxidation. These results indicate that the seasonal increase in the major methane maximum is generated Ln situ by psychrophilic methaneproduction, a production that IS largely masked by a concomitant psychrophilic methane-oxidation. The shift from an initial dominance of methane-oxidation to a final dominance of methane-production in the same water sample bottles indicates just how sensitive the structure of the major methane maximum is to the bacterial processes of methanogenesis and methanotrophy, changes in water temperature, and oxygen inputs by in situ primary production and physical intrusions. Such processes have made it bfficult to document a major production of methane in the pycnocllne.
Colleters on the Inflorescence Axis of Croton glandulosus (Euphorbiaceae): Structural and Functional Characterization

Premise of research. Croton glandulosus L. is a ruderal annual species of Euphorbiaceae native to the American tropics and widespread in urban and rural areas in Brazil. We investigated the structure, histochemistry, and ultrastructure of glands on the inflorescence axis of C. glandulosus to explore the relationship between their structure and function. Methodology. Reproductive apexes were prepared according to standard methods for plant anatomy, SEM, and TEM. Histochemical tests were performed using fresh material. Pivotal results. Mature glands are bowling pin shaped and are differentiated into a single-layered secretory epidermis arranged radially around a parenchymatous central axis supplied with xylem. In the neck region of the glands, the epidermal cells present structural components typical of lipophilic secretion, whereas the parenchyma cells are specialized in the production of hydrophilic compounds. The resinous secretion is released by cuticle pores occurring exclusively on the tip of the gland. Conclusions. This is the first report of the occurrence of colleters on the inflorescences of a Croton species. Our observations clearly indicate that glands on the inflorescence axis of C. glandulosus are resin-secreting colleters that may have important protective functions.
HFM: Hybrid File Mapping Algorithm for SSD Space Utilization

Although the technology of flash memory is rapidly improving, SSD usage is still limited due to the high cost per storage capacity. An alternative is to construct the hybrid structure where a small SSD partition is combined with the large HDD partition, to expand the file system space to HDD storage capacity while exploiting the perf ormance advantage of SSD. In such a hybrid structure, increasing the space utilization of SSD partition is the critical aspect in genera ting high I/O performance. In this paper, we present HFM (Hybrid File Mapping) that has been implemented for the hybrid file system in tegrated with SSD. HFM enables to divide SSD partition into several, logical data sections with each composed of the different ex tent size. To minimize fragmentation overhead, HFM defines three different ways of partitioning functions based on the extent size of each data section. Furthermore, file allocations on the extent are performed on the partitioned unit (segment) of extents to reuse the re maining free space as much as possible. The experimental result of HFM using three public benchmarks shows that HFM can be effective in increasing the usage of SSD partition and enables to contribute to provide better I/O throughput.
Analysis of HVOF-sprayed mcraiy coatings using sem image processing

The paper presents an analysis algorithm for SEM images of HVOF-sprayed MCrAlY coatings as used in high-temperature environments. The grain size, orientation and deformation obtained for different oxygen fluence and different MCrAlY powders of spherical morphology are determined, in older to evaluate the coating process.
Replenishment decision support system based on modified particle swarm optimization in a VMI supply chain

This paper proposes a replenishment decision support system, based on response surface methodology (RSM) and modified traveling particle swarm optimization (TPSO). Cross-border cooperation lengthens the distance for transportation and in turn widens the disparity in inventory cost among business partners, thus the accentuated importance of inventory management. Therefore, this paper solves a two-stage stochastic dynamic lot-sizing problem with two-phased transportation cost under a vendor managed inventory. Modified TPSO is proposed to solve a sub-problem, the nonlinear mixed integer programming. In this algorithm, which is executed with a perturbation policy, each move is a feasible solution. RSM is being used to determine the optimal replenishment condition. The result of the experiment indicates that the proposed approach lowers the cost for both the buyer and the vendor. Moreover, the solution quality using modified TPSO was tested and compared with that of the Solver tool in Excel and 3 lot-sizing decision rules.
The Hausman Test Statistic can be Negative even Asymptotically

Summary We show that under the alternative hypothesis the Hausman chi-square test statistic can be negative not only in small samples but even asymptotically. Therefore in large samples such a result is only compatible with the alternative and should be interpreted accordingly. Applying a known insight from finite samples, this can only occur if the different estimation precisions (often the residual variance estimates) under the null and the alternative both enter the test statistic. In finite samples, using the absolute value of the test statistic is a remedy that does not alter the null distribution and is thus admissible. Even for positive test statistics the relevant covariance matrix difference should be routinely checked for positive semi-definiteness, because we also show that otherwise test results may be misleading. Of course the preferable solution still is to impose the same nuisance parameter (i.e., residual variance) estimate under the null and alternative hypotheses, if the model context permits that with relative ease. We complement the likelihood-based exposition by a formal proof in an omitted-variable context, we present simulation evidence for the test of panel random effects, and we illustrate the problems with a panel homogeneity test.
Analysis of deployment techniques for webbasedapplications in SMEs

The Internet is no longer just a source for accessing information; it has become a valuable medium for social networking and software services. Web-browsers can now access entire software systems available online to provide the user with a range of services. The concept of software as a service(SAAS) was born out of this. The number of development techniques and frameworks for such web-applications has grown rapidly and much research and development has been carried out on advancing the capability of web scripting languages and web browsers. However a key part of the life-cycle of web-applications that has not received adequate attention is deployment. The deployment techniques chosen to deploy a web application can have a serious affect on the cost of maintenance and the quality of service for the end user. A SAAS modelled web application attempts to emulate a desktop software package experience. If a deployment process affects the availability and quality of service of a web-application then the core concept of this model is broken. This dissertation identifies approaches to designing a deployment process and the aspects that influence the quality of a deployment technique. A survey was circulated to a number of Irish small to medium sized enterprises (SME) that develop web-based software. The survey shows an overview of multiple deployment processes used by these SMEs. Using this information, along with a review of the available literature and a detailed case study of a typical SME deploying SAAS based products, the dissertation provides a critical analysis and evaluation of the current deployment techniques being used.
A light on the Shadow-Bond approach, the development of RI’s new Commercial Banks PD model

In this thesis the process of developing Rabobank International’s new Commercial Banks Probability of Default model is described. This model had to be redeveloped since the old model was outdated due to the latest financial crisis. The CBPD model is developed with the Shadow-Bond approach, an approach for mimicking S&P’s rating model. During the model development process weaknesses of this approach are addressed and tackled where possible.
Strengthening the practitioner focus in environmental assessment

Environmental assessment (EA) is intended to ensure that environmental issues, in a broad sense, are considered in decision making. EA is globally institutionalised through national and international legislation, policies and guidelines, and a field of practice. However, there is a gap between the expectations on EA presented in these regulatory and guiding documents and how it is addressed in practice. This thesis explores the reasons for this gap, focusing on EA practitioners’ daily work. The aims of the research are development of theory and generation of new empirical knowledge about how EA practitioners think and act in their daily practice. At the heart of the research is the development of a conceptual framework, space for action, that centres on practitioners’ possibilities for influencing practice. The two-dimensional framework is developed iteratively, through empirical and theoretical investigations. The empirical investigations centre on: challenges for practitioners from the multiple perspectives available to apply when deciding appropriate actions; how practitioners think and act when seeking possibilities to influence practice; and, the consultant’s role in determining quality. The theoretical basis for the framework integrates and builds on earlier work by planning theorists and elements from frame theory. The first dimension in the framework concerns how practitioners decide on appropriate actions. This process restricts which perspectives practitioners decide to act on and argue for in practice and, subsequently, which perspectives that have potential to be addressed in EA. The second dimension concerns whether these suggestions for appropriate action are enacted and agreed upon in EA processes. These interactions restrict practitioners’ possibilities of exerting influence on practice, in terms of both the actual scope of an EA, and how the issues and impacts included are addressed, hence influencing EA quality. The results reveal that these dimensions are important for understanding the gap between expectations of improvements and actual practice. They also reveal a need to recognise the evolving and multi-perspectival character of EA, together with opportunities for advancing the field of practice through critical reflection, reframing and multi-profession collaboration. Overall, this thesis contributes to understanding the important role of practitioners in shaping the field of practice, and provides a new theorisation that strengthens the practitioner focus in EA research.
Animated Emoticons for Men’s Conversation

This pilot research focused on developing a tentative design method which is based on scenario-based design and interview/observation for creating the avatar of animated emoticons in men’s conversation. These two approaches as the structure of helix proceed together. For testing and developing the tentative design method, two phases including interviews, observations and a workshop were employed for creating emoticons. In the end, seven new animated emoticons for male users to express four emotions were taken from Chinese four basic emotions: delight, anger, sorrow, and happiness. Except happiness, every emotion had two different emoticons for expressing in men’s conversation. The research integrated two things: 1. as a designer completely obtained participants’ perspectives and experiences, designer’s concepts were much more complete then the design work would be much more effective; 2. when testing the animated emoticons, they successfully attracted recipients’ notice but this confidence should be explored further.
Perspectives for development and industrial application of spray pyrolysis method

The production of industrial products is based on the specific combination among applied methods, as well as the conditions of synthesis, (temperature, pressure, rates of gaseous and liquid fluxes). By the other hand, both of the methods and conditions for synthesis depend on the available equipment, which enables the suitable conditions for processing and further treatment of desired product. The entire behaviour of the corresponding products during their exploitation depends on their features, predetermined simultaneously by their form, composition and structure. All these properties are natural consequences of the technology applied, as a combination of methods, conditions and equipment. In this sense, the present work is an attempt to summarize the basic kinds of methods, equipment, and conditions for obtaining of products for various applications.
Axiomatic Product Design in Three Stages: A Constituent Roadmap That Visualises the Status of the Design Process by Tracking the Knowledge of the Designer

Increasing global competition in manufacturing technology puts pressure on lead times for product design and production engineering. By the application of effective methods for systems engineering (engineering design), the development risks can be addressed in a structured manner to minimise chances of delay and guarantee timely market introduction. Concurrent design has proven to be effective in markets for high tech systems; the product and its manufacturing means are simultaneously developed starting at the product definition. Unfortunately, not many systems engineering methodologies do support development well in the early stage of the project where proof of concept is still under investigation. The number of practically applicable tools in this stage is even worse. Industry could use a systems engineering method that combines a structured risk approach, concurrent development, and especially enables application in the early stage of product and equipment design. The belief is that Axiomatic Design can provide with a solid foundation for this need. This paper proposes a ‘Constituent Roadmap of Product Design’, based on the axiomatic design methodology. It offers easy access to a broad range of users, experienced and inexperienced. First, it has the ability to evaluate if knowledge application to a design is relevant and complete. Secondly, it offers more detail within the satisfaction interval of the independence axiom. The constituent roadmap is based on recent work that discloses an analysis on information in axiomatic design. The analysis enables better differentiation on project progression in the conceptual stage of design. The constituent roadmap integrates axiomatic design and the methods that harmonise with it. Hence, it does not jeopardise the effectiveness of the methodology. An important feature is the check matrix, a low threshold interface that unlocks the methodology to a larger audience.Copyright © 2015 by ASME
Applying Perspectival Rhetorical Analysis in Intercultural Consulting: The Chromosomal Bivalency Model

Perspectival rhetorical analysis provides an approach to the analysis of intercultural and organizational communication processes that can employ contemporary language analytical insights. Billig (1987) and Billig et al.’s (1988) demonstration of the dilemmatic nature of human thought and interaction and Eco’s (1979, 1990) description of the encyclopedic quality of language have provided methodological pathways for implementing Wittgenstein’s (1968) concept of language games and Burke’s (1969b) theory of oppositional discourse. Because the full implementation of these methods is often constrained in the consulting context, the authors have analyzed their approach to consulting situations and discovered that their approach in those circumstances utilizes a method analogous to a theory of chromosomal bivalency prominent in biological science. Two case studies are presented to demonstrate the successful use of the chromosomal bivalency model and to support the proposition that interactive cultural commitments constitute an emergent discourse process analogous to the model.
Two layer k-means based Consensus Clustering for Rural Health Information System

: This paper presents a data clustering approach using two layer k means based consensus clustering. This algorithm helps to partitions the heterogeneous data and form the sub clusters for main clusters to find efficient decision making in rural health information system. In this paper we provide a systematic study of two layer k means based consensus clustering. It helps in both complete and incomplete datasets. Experimental results on MCTS dataset demonstrate that two layer k-means based consensus clustering is highly efficient and comparable to the rural health information system. This algorithm shows high robustness to incomplete basic partitioning with many missing values.
The Black Box of Mutual Fund Fees

This paper re-examines the determinants of mutual fund fees paid by mutual fund shareholders for management costs and other expenses. There are two novelties with respect to previous studies. First, each type of fee is explained separately. Second, the paper employs a new dataset consisting of Spanish mutual funds, making it the second paper to study mutual fund fees outside the US market. Furthermore, the Spanish market has three interesting characteristics: (i) both distribution and management are highly dominated by banks and savings banks, which points towards potential conflicts of interest; (ii) Spanish mutual fund law imposes caps on all types of fees; and (iii) Spain ranks first in terms of average mutual fund fees among similar countries. We find significant differences in mutual fund fees not explained by the fundٳ investment objective. For instance, management companies owned by banks and savings banks charge higher management fees and redemption fees to nonguaranteed funds. Also, investors in older non-guaranteed funds and non-guaranteed funds with a lower average investment are more likely to end up paying higher management fees. Moreover, there is clear evidence that some mutual funds enjoy better conditions from custodial institutions than others. In contrast to evidence from the US market, larger funds are not associated with lower fees, but with higher custody fees for guaranteed funds and higher redemption fees for both types of funds. Finally, fee-setting by mutual funds is not related to fund before-fee performance.