Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Rosettes, Remingtons and Reputation: Establishing Potential Determinants of Leopard (Panthera pardus) Trophy Prices Across Africa

In a number of African countries, the trophy hunting of large felids is an important revenue generator for landholders, governments and in some cases communities. The hunting of large felids is especially profitable but they are sensitive to harvest, as the killing of prime-aged, dominant males can lead to infanticide and lowered reproductive success. In an attempt to limit the negative impacts of trophy hunting on large felids, the scientific community has proposed a number of interventions, including age restrictions on the animals that may be hunted. Such interventions are theoretically complementary to trophy hunting, as hunters typically seek large trophies, and older animals are normally larger than younger ones in large felids. If trophy size results in an increase in trophy price, then interventions that improve average trophy size could confer elevated earnings. This is particularly true if such interventions increased the number of failed hunts such that the same tag can be sold more than once. However, if trophy size is not one of the most important factors determining the desirability of a hunt (which we judge by the price paid for a trophy hunt package), it may be more difficult to implement such schemes. It is therefore important to evaluate potential determinants of trophy hunt package price; and we examine that here for leopards (Panthera pardus) in Africa, at both the country and outfitter level. We show that Tanzania and Botswana have the most expensive package prices while South Africa has the cheapest packages. At the country level, we found no statistical relationships between package price and leopard trophy size (either through advertised website or Safari Club International (SCI) leopard trophy size), country GDP, relative hunt success, or quota size. Contrastingly, the number of charismatic species offered within a package and an index of outfitter reputation (as measured by total SCI trophy records) were positively associated with package price. Interestingly, SCI leopard trophy size was inversely correlated with package price. Our results suggest that hunters do not value leopard trophy size above other factors, which could hinder the implementation of more sustainable, age-based leopard hunting regulations.
Controls on Radial Growth of Mountain Big Sagebrush and Implications for Climate Change

ABSTRACT. Mountain big sagebrush (Artemisia tridentata Nutt. ssp. vaseyana) covers large areas in arid regions of western North America. Climate-change models predict a decrease in the range of sagebrush, but few studies have examined details of predicted changes on sagebrush growth and the potential impacts of these changes on the community. We analyzed effects of temperature, precipitation, and snow depth on sagebrush annual ring width for 1969 to 2007 in the Gunnison Basin of Colorado. Temperature at all times of year except winter had negative correlations with ring widths; summer temperature had the strongest negative relationship. Ring widths correlated positively with precipitation in various seasons except summer; winter precipitation had the strongest relationship with growth. Maximum snow depth also correlated positively and strongly with ring width. Multiple regressions showed that summer temperature and either winter precipitation or maximum snow depth, which recharges deeper soil horizons, are both important in controlling growth. Overall, water stress and perhaps especially maximum snow depth appear to limit growth of this species. With predicted increases in temperature and probable reduced snow depth, sagebrush growth rates are likely to decrease. If so, sagebrush populations and cover may decline, which may have substantial effects on community composition and carbon balance.
Design Issues in Implementing Maximum-Power-Point Tracking Algorithms for PV Applications

TAMPERE UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGY Master’s Degree Programme in Electrical Engineering JYRI KIVIMÄKI: Design Issues in Implementing Maximum-Power-Point Tracking Algorithms for PV Applications Master of Science Thesis, 62 pages, 5 Appendix pages March 2015 Major: Power Electronics of Electrical Drives Examiner: Prof: Teuvo Suntio
Quantum Computing with Electrons on Liquid Helium

A quantum computer based on electrons floating over liquid helium is described. Each qubit is made of combinations of ground and first excited states of an electron trapped over micro-electrodes just below the helium surface. We describe mechanisms for preparing the initial state of the qubit, operations with the qubits, and a proposed readout. This system is, in principle, capable of \sim 104 operations in a decoherence time, the time in which the wave function collapses.
Norwegian Runes and Runic Inscriptions

Runes, a unique functional writing system, exclusive to northern and eastern Europe, were used for some 1300 years in Scandinavia, from about AD 200 till around the end of the fourteenth century, when the runic alphabet finally gave way to the modern writing system. They were not written, but carved - in stone, and on jewellery, weapons, utensils and wood. The content of the inscriptions is very varied, from owner and carpenter attributions on artefacts to memorials to the deceased on erected stones; contrary to popular belief, they are not necessarily magical or mystical, and the post-it notes of today have their forerunners in such runic reminders as: 'Buy salt, and don't forget gloves for Sigrid. ' The typical medieval runic inscription varies from the deeply religious to the highly trivial (or perhaps crucial), such as 'I slept with Vigdis when I was in Stavanger'. This book presents an accessible account of the Norwegian examples throughout the period of their use. The runic inscriptions are discussed not only from a linguistic point of view but also as sources of information on Norwegian history and culture. Terje Spurkland is Associate Professor of Nordic Medieval Studies at the University of Oslo.
The Financial Determinants of Private Investment in Ghana

This paper examines the financial determinants of private investment in Ghana using annual time series data from 1970 to 2010. Based on the autoregressive distributed lag (ARDL) bounds testing procedure to cointegration, the paper finds existence of cointegration among the variables. The empirical results support the view that private investment declines in both the short run and long run if the real interest rate is high and investors face severe financing constraints when credit is made scarce to the sector. Recommended were policies that would eliminate the financing constraints to make credit easily accessible to private investors.
A Survey on a Classic Core Problem in Operations Research

Our problem of interest consists of minimizing a separable, convex and differentiable function over a convex set, defined by bounds on the variables and an explicit constraint described by a separable convex function. Applications are abundant, and vary from equilibrium problems in the engineering and economic sciences, through resource allocation and balancing problems in manufacturing, statistics, military operations research and production and financial economics, to subproblems in algorithms for a variety of more complex optimization models. This paper surveys the history and applications of the problem, as well as algorithmic approaches to its solution. The most common technique is based on finding the optimal value of the Lagrange multiplier for the explicit constraint, most often through the use of a type of line search procedure. We analyze the most relevant references, especially regarding their originality and numerical findings, summarizing with remarks on possible extensions and future research.
Transformation of Tropical Maize with the NPK1 Gene for Drought Tolerance

The objective of this study was to determine amenability of different tropical maize genotypes to Agrobacterium-mediated transformation with the NPK1 gene for conference of drought tolerance. To achieve this, immature embryos fro m thirteen maize genotypes (IL1, IL3, IL15, IL16, IL28, IL38, IL42, IL43, Hudiba-1, Hudiba-2, Mojtamma-45, A188 and KAT) were transformed by cocultivating with Agrobacterium tumefaciens strain EHA101 harboring the pSHX004 vector. Transgenic tussues were recovered on PPT (3 mg/l)-containing mediu m. Statistically significant differences (p<0.05) were observed between the genotypes with respect to transformation frequency (TF). Overall, IL3 was identified as the most amenable to transformat ion with a TF of 31.7% and proved to be superior to A188, which recorded a TF of 5.82%. Hudiba-2 was identified as the most transformable open pollinated variety (OPV) with a TF o f 8.7% co mpared to that of 7.3% for KAT. IL1 and Mojtamma-45 proved to be poor responders to transformation with TFs of 2.5% and 1.7%, respectively. Putative transgenics were recovered fro m IL3, IL15, Hudiba-2, IL1, IL38, Hudiba-1, A188 and KAT. The frequency of regeneration of PPT resistant shoots varied from 6% for A 188 to 100% fo r Hudiba-2. Stable integration of the transgene was confirmed by PCR. In conclusion we have demonstrated that tropical maize genotypes adapted to Sudan are transformab le with the NPK1 gene. Keywo rds Tropical Maize, Agrobacterium-Mediated Transformation, NPK1, Drought Tolerance
Lead-lag relationship between futures and spot markets in Greece: 1999 - 2001

This paper examines the lead-lag relationship between futures and spot markets in Greece. For both available stock index futures contracts (FTSE/ASE-20 and FTSE/ASE Mid 40) of the Athens Derivatives Exchange (ADEX), we employ a Bivariate GARCH model to explain price discovery of futures market over the crisis period 1999 to 2001. Empirical results confirm that futures market plays a price discovery role, implying that futures prices contain useful information about spot prices (in line with similar findings in the literature). These findings are helpful to financial managers and traders dealing with Greek stock index futures.
Isolation, Characterization and Symbiotic Efficiency of Nitrogen-Fixing and Heavy Metal-Tolerant Bacteria from a Coalmine Wasteland

ABSTRACT: Areas affected by coal mining can be recovered by revegetation with leguminous plants associated with nitrogen-fixing bacteria. This study addressed the isolation and characterization of native nitrogen-fixing bacteria from coalmine wasteland under different vegetation restoration approaches using Macroptilium atropurpureum (DC) Urb and Vicia sativa L. as trap plants. The bacteria were characterized and identified on the basis of 16S rRNA sequences. Additionally, nitrogen-fixing strains were characterized for tolerance to high heavy metal and low pH levels, as well as [. ]
Neotypification and Taxonomic Status of Opephyllum martensii Schmitz in Schmitz et Hauptfleisch (Delesseriaceae, Rhodophyta) from Zamboanga, Southern Philippines

Abstract The monotypic delesseriaceous genus Opephyllum was created by Schmitz in Schmitz and Hauptfleisch for O. martensii, represented by a single collection from Zamboanga on the southwestern tip of Mindanao in the southern Philippines. As the type specimen or collection is no longer in existence, we are neotypifying the taxon based on recent topotype collections made in the spring of 1998. After comparison of this material with species of Martensia from the Indo-Pacific region and Caribbean Sea based on morphological evidence and sequence analysis of chloroplast-encoded rbcL and the nuclear-encoded large subunit ribosomal DNA gene (LSU rDNA), we conclude that Opephyllum is not generically distinct from Martensia despite its lack of the reticulate fenestrations that characterize fronds of every other species of the latter.We therefore propose the new combination Martensia martensii (Schmitz in Schmitz et Hauptfleisch) Lin, Fredericq et Liao for this rare member of the tribe Martensieae, subfamily Nitophylloideae.
Polyethylene glycol increases intestinal absorption and hepatic uptake of indole and skatole in sheep fed sulla

Six lactating ewes were orally drenched each day with polyethylene glycol (PEG) to remove the effects of the condensed tannins in sulla (Hedysarum coronarium) and six other ewes (control) received a drench of water commencing 28 days prior to the measurement period according to a block design. At week 6 of lactation, portal absorption and hepatic uptake of indole and skatole were increased by PEG. Effi ciency of hepatic extraction of indole and skatole was not different between the treatments. The splanchnic release of indole and skatole was higher in the PEG ewes compared with control.
Hybrid Gravitational Search Algorithm with Random-key Encoding Scheme Combined with Simulated Annealing

Summary This paper is devoted to the presentation of a novel hybrid method by combining gravitational search algorithm (GSA) with simulated annealing (SA) method. In GSA, the representation of the problem on hand is based on the random-key encoding scheme. While GSA is employed as a global search algorithm, a multi-type local improvement scheme is incorporated into it, performing as a local search operator. Furthermore, SA is utilized to manipulate the iteration progress algorithmically. The resultant proposed hybrid random-key gravitational search algorithm (Hr-GSA) is tested on the famous traveling salesman problem. The experimental results show that Hr-GSA is more robust and efficient than other seven traditional population based algorithms, such as genetic algorithm, particle swarm optimization, artificial immune system, and so on.
Impact of Strain on Drain Current and Threshold Voltage of Nanoscale Double Gate Tunnel Field Effect Transistor: Theoretical Investigation and Analysis

Tunnel field effect transistor (TFET) devices are attractive as they show good scalability and have very low leakage current. However they suffer from low on-current and high threshold voltage. In order to employ the TFET for circuit applications, these problems need to be tackled. In this paper, a novel lateral strained double-gate TFET (SDGTFET) is presented. Using device simulation, we show that the SDGTFET has a higher on-current, low leakage, low threshold voltage, excellent subthreshold slope, and good short channel effects and also meets important ITRS guidelines.
The use of 3D depth cycloramas in municipal processes

The use of digital panoramic imagery in processes at municipal and cadastral authorities has become common over the last decade. Applications are found among situational awareness, inventory of public areas, real estate valuation, assessment of permits and inspecting security risks. More and more the imagery is being used for measuring and map making. To enhance the quality and effectiveness of the applications and to improve the user friendliness of measuring and map making, a new dimension has been added to the panoramic images: the 3rd dimension. The principle and process behind these so-called Depth Cycloramas is briefly explained and their possibilities in municipal practice are demonstrated. Differences with the employment of LiDAR point clouds concerning precision and possibilities are detailed. Attention is paid to the excellent possibilities offered by Depth Cycloramas for projecting 2D and 3D maps and designs, for stereo viewing and for deriving detailed 3D information of object geometry and object texture.
Quantitative Dengue Serotyping: TheDevelopment of a Higher PerformanceMethod Using SYBR Green Assay

Dengue fever is a serious disease that threatens 40% of the world’s population, and without a vaccine or therapy, accurate diagnosis is critical in trying to save patients. Our work establishes an alternative and more specific set of oligonucleotides for use in detecting the dengue viral genome via semi-quantitative nested PCR using a relatively inexpensive enzyme and a quantitative PCR (qPCR) method using SYBR Green. To validate the DENV detection methods, assays were performed to ensure the specificity and sensitivity by generating five amplicons of standard virus samples obtained from infected Vero cell cultures. Semi-quantitative nested PCR and SYBR Green PCR techniques are important tools in the detection and quantification of the four serotypes of dengue virus and can be used for dengue virus detection in mosquito vectors, as well in serological or other human fluids, in much the same way as tests for dose-responsiveness of antivirals in laboratory cell cultures and viral load determinationsare performed in other types of studies.
Nutritional and sensory quality of two types of Ablo from local cereals of which sorghum (Sorghum bicolor) and millet (Pennisetum glaucum) largely cultivated in Benin

Ablo is wet bread, slightly salty and sweet, steamed and sold in the form of pellets. The study aims to assess the nutritional and sensory quality of two types of Ablo from local cereals of which sorghum and millet widely cultivated in Benin. The methodology adopted was to perform production test followed by analyses in the laboratory. The results showed that both Ablo (millet-based Ablo and sorghum-based Ablo) were acid and respectively had an average pH of 4.23 ± 0.15 and 4.26 ± 0.09. They did not contain lead or cadmium. The two new types of Ablo manufactured had very strong energy values (68.02 ± 1.53 to 187.62 ± 2.30 Kcal/g) and contain essential nutrients for the body including the proteins (7.84 ± 0.18 to 12.83 ± 0.578 mg/g), the sugars (162.33 ± 2.68 to 457.65 ± 1.53 mg/g), the iron (207.25 ± 0.75 to 360.30 ± 4.72 mg/g) and the vitamins (A, B1, B2 and C). They had an acceptable nutritional quality and were generally accepted by the tasters. In the light of the results, the millet-based Ablo and the sorghum-based Ablo can be recommended to consumers.
Revenue Manipulation and Restatements by Loss Firms

SUMMARY: This paper investigates the relation between the extent of a firm’s past and expected future losses or negative cash flows and the ex ante probability that it will manipulate revenues. When a firm has a string of losses or negative cash flows, traditional valuation models do not yield reliable estimates of firm value, and traditional price-earnings ratios are not meaningful. Evidence suggests that market participants tend to value loss firms on the basis of the level and growth in revenues, rather than cash flows and earnings, thereby motivating these firms to overstate revenue. In fact, empirical results indicate that there is a positive relation between the number of years that firms exhibit and/or anticipate losses or negative cash flows and investment in receivables after controlling for credit policy. We further show that the ex ante likelihood that firms manipulate revenue in violation of GAAP is positively associated with the history of past and expected future losses or negative cash flow.
THE TERATOGENIC EFFECTS OF LAMOTRIGINE ON MOUSE FETUS

Introduction: One of the most important complications of antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) is increased congenital malformations. The risk of malformations in such fetuses is 7-10% compared to 2-4% in the general population. Lamotrigine is a recently introduced AED, with fewer teratogenic effects than that of the older ones and without reported teratogenic effects in most cases. Recently some malformations have been reported related to Lamotrigine use in human beings but the reports are scanty and contradictory and no particular patterns of malformations have been presented. This study has been done to detect the teratogenic effects of this drug in mouse fetus. Materials & Methods: In this study, NRMI mice were divided into four groups: I) control group 1, II) control group 2, with intraperitoneal administration of ethanol solution, III) case group 1, with intraperitoneal administration of three 25 mg/kg doses of Lamotrigine and IV) case group 2, with intraperitoneal administration of three 75 mg/kg doses of Lamotrigine. Injections were made during the 9 to the 18 days of gestation. On the 18 day of gestation, the fetuses were harvested. The body weight and height were measured and malformations in vertebral column, limbs and cranium were looked for and recorded. Malformations were compared in the four groups by SPSS software. Results: In the groups with 25 & 75 mg/kg Lamotrigine administrations, reduction of body weight and height and increased malformations of vertebral column and limbs were noticeable in a dose dependent fashion compared to the control groups number 1 & 2_ cranial malformations were insignificant. Conclusion: Based on the results, Lamotrigine can be considered as a risk factor for the increase of malformations in the treated animals. As a number of researchers believe that decrease of serum folate and methionine are effective in the appearance of malformations and they may implicate the situation, further studies on the mechanisms of Lamotrigine from this point of view are recommended.
FULL EULERIAN FINITE ELEMENT ANALYSIS OF PRESSURE-SENSITIVE ADHESIVES

This paper presents a novel simulation method for the large deformation behavior of pressure-sensitive adhesives (PSAs). The focus is on visco-hyperelasticity and temperature- dependence of PSAs. All the basic equations are numerically solved in the Eulerian frame- work because it allows arbitrarily large deformations. Visco-hyperelasticity is formulated us- ing Simo's finite-strain viscoelastic model, where hyperelasticity is modeled as a novel strain energy function of the left Cauchy-Green deformation tensor. The left Cauchy-Green deforma- tion tensor is temporally updated from the Eulerian velocity field. Temperature-dependence is described with the time-temperature superposition principle of Williams, Landel, and Ferry. To validate the proposed approach, we simulate uniaxial tension tests under different tensile speed and temperature conditions.
Properties of macroeconomic forecast errors

This paper investigates the distributional properties of individual and consensus time series macroeconomic forecast errors, using data from the Survey of Professional Forecasters. The degree of autocorrelation and the presence of ARCH in the consensus errors is also determined. We find strong evidence of leptokurtic forecast errors and some evidence of skewness, suggesting that an assumption of error normality is inappropriate; many of the forecast error series are found to have non-zero mean, and we find sporadic evidence of consensus error ARCH. Properties of the distribution of cross-sectional forecast errors are also examined.
Topological semimetals and insulators in three-dimensional honeycomb materials

Semimetals, in which conduction and valence bands touch but do not form Fermi surfaces, have attracted considerable interest for their anomalous properties starting with the discovery of Dirac matter in graphene and other two-dimensional honeycomb materials. Here we introduce a family of three-dimensional honeycomb systems whose electronic band structures exhibit a variety of topological semimetals with Dirac nodal lines. We show that these nodal lines appear in varying numbers and mutual geometries, depending on the underlying lattice structure. They are stabilized, in most cases, by a combination of time-reversal and inversion symmetries and are accompanied by topologically protected ``drumhead'' surface states. In the bulk, these nodal line systems exhibit Landau level quantization and flat bands upon applying a magnetic field. In the presence of spin-orbit coupling, these topological semimetals are found to generically form (strong) topological insulators. This comprehensive classification of the electronic band structures of three-dimensional honeycomb systems might serve as guidance for future material synthesis.