Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Life-history traits in green toad (Bufo viridis) populations: indicators of habitat quality

Five life-history traits (age and size at maturity, longevity, potential reproductive life span, age-dependent growth rate) were investigated in four Bufo viridis Laurenti, 1768 (= Pseudepidalea viridis (Laurenti, 1768)) populations that inhabited localities at similar altitude (60–100 m above sea level) and latitude (50°N–51°N, Germany), but that differed in habitat quality (i.e., human land use within a radius of 1 km around the breeding site). The age of 374 males and of 127 females collected during the breeding period was estimated using skeletochronology on phalange bones. We tested the hypothesis that sex and habitat quality account for detectable amounts of local variation in life-history traits. Significant sexual size dimorphism was present in all populations. Gender-specific variation in size was mainly accounted for by age, but also to a minor extent by habitat quality. In males, age at maturity varied between 1 and 3 years and was the only life-history trait that was significantly related to t.
Gradient of the Cost Function Via the Adjoint Method for Underwater Acoustic Inversion

The acoustic propagation problem in the ocean is modeled via the wide angle parabolic equation with a Neumann to Dirichlet map bottom boundary condition. An environment consisting of the water column, a sediment layer and the semi-infinite sub-bottom region is considered. The derivatives of a new cost function with respect to the unknown environmental parameters are calculated analytically via the adjoint operator and incorporated numerically in an inversion scheme. Full geoacoustic inversion for eight bottom parameters is performed successfully, using experimental field data from the Yellow Shark experiment, for the first time according to the authors’ knowledge. Adjoint inversion for the water SSP, using the EOFs, is also presented and validated with simulated data.
Website Clickstream Data Visualization Using Improved Markov Chain Modelling In Apache Flume

Clickstream data analysis is considered as the process of collecting, analysing and reporting the aggregate data about the web pages a visitor clicks. Visualizing the clickstream data has gained significant importance in many applications like web marketing, customer prediction, product management, etc. Most existing works employ different tools for visualizing along with techniques like Markov chain modelling. However the accuracy of the methods can be improved when the shortcomings are resolved. Markov chain modelling has problems of occlusion and unable to provide clear display of data visualizing. These issues can be resolved by improving the Markov chain model by introducing a heuristic method of Kolmogorov– Smirnov distance and maximum likelihood estimator for visualizing. These concepts are employed between the underlying distribution states to minimize the Markov distribution. The proposed model named as WebClickviz is performed in Hadoop Apache Flume which is a highly advanced tool. The clickstream data visualization accuracy can be improved when Apache Flume tools are used. The performance evaluation are made on a specific website clickstream data which shows the proposed model of visualization has better performance than existing models like VizClick.
Clinicopathological Significance of SALL4 and BECN1 Tissue Protein Expression in Serous Ovarian Carcinoma (SOC); An Immunohistochemical Study.

Background: Despite improvement in the management modalities of serous ovarian carcinoma (SOC) which is the commonest subtype of malignant epithelial ovarian tumors it still has a dismal prognosis due to its late diagnosis at advanced stages and resistance to chemotherapy. So discovering novel therapeutic targets will be beneficial to improve its prognosis. Spalt-like transcription factor 4 (SALL4) is the zinc finger transcriptional factor which controls several genes that are involved in normal development, in maintaining embryonic stem cells pluri-potency and selfrenewal. Beclin-1 (BECN1), which is considered the human counterpart of yeast Atg6/Vps30, is mapped to the tumor susceptibility locus 150 kb beside BRCA1 gene on chromosome 17q21. The detailed clinicopathological role of SALL-4 & BECN1 in SOC is not well clarified yet. Aim of the study: To assess the clinicopathological significance of SALL-4& BECN1 protein expression in Serous Ovarian Carcinoma tissues, by comparing their expression with standard clincopathological prognostic parameters as tumor grade, stage, presence of lymph node and distant metastases. Methods: Immunohistochemical expression of SALL-4& BECN1 was evaluated in sections from 60 archival paraffin blocks of serous ovarian carcinoma. The relationship between their tissue protein expression levels and clinicopathological criteria of such type of cancer was evaluated. Results: SALL-4 high expression and BECN1 low expression in SOC was associated worse clincopathological criteria e.g. higher grade (p=0.002) & advanced stage of the tumor, L.N metastases (p=0.004), peritoneal implants (p=0.006), presence of distant metastases (p<0.001), bilaterality (p=0.03) and ascites (p=.005). Conclusion: SALL4 overexpression in addition to BECN-1 lower expression is markers of poor prognosis in SOC.
A Meshless LBIE/LRBF Method for Solving the NonlinearFisher Equation: Application to Bone Healing

A simple Local Boundary Integral Equation (LBIE) method for solving the Fisher nonlinear transient diffusion equation in two dimensions (2D) is reported. The method utilizes, for its meshless implementation, randomly distributed nodal points in the interior domain and nodal points corresponding to a Boundary Element Method (BEM) mesh, at the global boundary. The interpolation of the interior and boundary potentials is accomplished using a Local Radial Basis Functions (LRBF) scheme. At the nodes of global boundary the potentials and their fluxes are treated as independent variables. On the local boundaries, potential fluxes are avoided by using the Laplacian companion solution. Potential gradients are accurately evaluated without RBFs via a LBIE, valid for gradient of potentials. Nonlinearity is treated using the Newton-Raphson scheme. The accuracy of the proposed methodology is demonstrated through representative numerical examples. Fisher equation is solved here via the LBIE/LRBF method in order to predict cell proliferation during bone healing. Cell concentrations and their gradients are numerically evaluated in a 2D model of fractured bone. The results are demonstrated and discussed.
Examining the Role of Paraeducators When Supporting Children With Complex Communication Needs: A Multiple Case Study

The purpose of this study was to examine the roles of paraeducators in educational teams who supported young children with complex communication needs (CCNs). Participants included members of three teams which included general and special education teachers, paraeducators, speech and language pathologists (SLPs), and parents. An instrumental, multiple case study, qualitative research design was used to better understand paraeducators’ distinct roles and their varying levels of participation as members of their educational teams. Emergent cross-case themes included, first, the varying degrees to which teams worked collaboratively with the paraeducator and, second, the different roles the paraeducators fulfilled based on team members’ expectations. Findings indicated that the degree to which the three teams included the paraeducator as an integral team member varied from minimal to fully integrated. The fully integrated team worked collaboratively to best support the child. The paraeducator’s role and experience on each team was based on the educational team member’s expectations and the support the paraeducator received from the team.
A Novel Meander Line Microstrip Log-Periodic Dipole Antenna for Dual-Polarized Radar Systems

A novel log-periodic dipole antenna for dual-polarized radar systems is presented. The proposed antenna employs meander line technology and matched loads. The simulated and measured results show that the �6 dB reflection coefficient bandwidth of the dual-polarized antenna covers the desired band of 2-8 GHz and the port isolation is higher than 32 dB, along with �20 dB cross-polarization discrimination for both E -a ndH-planes.
A Novel Fluidized Bed Reactor Configuration for Nitrate Reduction and Low Strength Anaerobic Wastewater Treatment

In this research, hydrodynamic behaviour in a novel fluidized bed reactor (FBR) was studied using a residence time distribution (RTD) experiment. The RTD experimental result showed that the liquid flow pattern closely resembled plug flow behaviour. This research utilized the novel FBR under low hydraulic retention time (HRT) operation (without internal recirculation), and thus the novel FBR’s performance should be further investigated. Two wastewater treatment applications were studied in this research. The first application was to use the novel FBR for denitrification at COD:NO3 N of 1:1, 2:1, 3:1, 5:1, and 10:1. The highest nitrate removal was obtained at a ratio of COD:NO3 N of 3:1, with a removal efficiency of 99 ± 1%. The second application was to use the novel FBR for low strength anaerobic wastewater treatment. The novel FBR achieved 86 ± 6% of COD removal efficiency at an organic loading rate (OLR) of 5.6 g COD L-1 d-1.
Changes in Oil Palm Frond Fiber Morphology, Cellulose Crystallinity and Chemical Functional Groups during Cellulose Extraction Phases

Oil palm fronds (OPF) are agricultural by product and economical natural fibers resources. Cellulose is the main constituent in plant cell wall and because of its mechanical properties, cellulose fibers are potential to be utilized as reinforcement in composite product. The strength of cellulose is affected by its crystalline structure. To extract cellulose from natural fibers, lignin and hemicellulose have to be separated for instance by pulping and bleaching process. The main goal of this study was to observe changes in the OPF fibers morphology, cellulose crystallinity and chemical functional groups during cellulose extraction phases. Soda pulp of OPF was bleached using hydrogen peroxide. Subsequently, the bleached pulp was reacted with potassium hydroxide to eliminate hemicellulose. Afterward, further hydrogen peroxide bleaching was conducted to extract the cellulose. Surface morphological study using SEM revealed that there was a reduction in fiber diameter during cellulose extraction. Cellulose crystallinity and chemical functional groups at each phase of cellulose extraction were slightly different as demonstrated by XRD and FTIR analysis. Keywords: oil palm frond soda pulp, cellulose extraction, fiber morphology, cellulose crystallinity
Vibration and post-buckling of a functionally graded beam subjected to non-conservative forces

Vibration and post-buckling of beams made from functionally graded materials (FGM) subjected to uniformly and tangentially compressing follower forces are studied in this paper. Based on the accurately and geometrically nonlinear theory for extensible beams, the dynamic governing equations for FGM beams under non-conservative load are formulated. By using a shooting method to solve the non-linearly differential equations numerically, the responses of post-buckling and free vibration in the vicinity of post-buckling configuration are obtained, in which the hinged-fixed boundary conditions of beam are considered. Effects of material gradient parameter on the critical buckling, post-buckling and lower frequencies of the FGM beam are discussed in details.
The Time-Temperature-Transformation Behavior of Alloy 706

The isothermal time-temperature-transformation behavior of wrought, triple melted (VIM-ESR-VAR) and homogenized INCONEL@ alloy 706 was characterized by X-ray diffraction, SEM/EDX, and optical metallographic techniques. Microstructural features, including phase compositions, morphologies, and crystal structures are discussed. Alloy 706 is an agehardenable superalloy strengthened by 7’ and y U precipitation at lower temperatures. The propensityfor the alloyto form q at higher temperatures distinguishes alloy 706T-T-T behavior from that of the well documented INCONEL@ alloy 718. The effect of differing Nb-Ti-Al ratios and Fe content on the physical metallurgy of Nb-Containing superalloys is discussed.
The Effect of Corrective Feedback on the Acquisition of Implicit and Explicit L2 Knowledge

The current study explored the effects of recasts and metalinguistic feedback on the acquisition of implicit and explicit knowledge of English by Persian EFL learners. Three intact EFL classrooms were assigned to three groups: two experimental and one control group. Learners in one experimental group received recasts whenever they made an error during task-based interactions with their interlocutors while learners in the second experimental group received metalinguistic corrective feedback for their errors while performing the same tasks. Learners in the control group also performed the same tasks but received no corrective feedback for their errors. Learners’ achievements as a result of the treatments were investigated via timed and untimed grammaticality judgment tests and also via an elicited oral imitation test. The results indicated that metalinguistic corrective feedback is more effective than recasts in promoting the acquisition of both implicit and explicit L2 knowledge.
Strategic Analysis Of Innovation-Based Competitiveness In The Global Economy

In the context of a sustainable development of national economy under the globalization, the innovation-based competitiveness becomes an effective instrument for achieving strategic goals at macro-level. The strategic analysis of innovation-based competitiveness determinants is an important condition of creation an up-to-date national economy model at globalized highly competitive environment. The main purpose of research is to give more specific understanding of innovation competitiveness policy at macro-level by defining the determinants of innovation-based competitiveness for efficiency-driven economies with econometric methods and strategic analysis tools. The research is based on the data generated from Global Innovation Index (INSEAD), Global Competitiveness Index (World Economic Forum), analyzed with STATISTICA 7.0 software. Obtained result allows to determine the strategic priorities for governments and firms. Strategic analysis of innovative capacity revealed critical gaps for the most important determinants of Ukraine's competitiveness. The strengthening of competitive position may be realized through systemic overcoming the critical lags and threats, simultaneously with creation the competitive edges. It is proposed to determine the strategic goals to enhance competitiveness by using the scenario method.
EVALUATING OF EFFERVESCENT TABLETS CONTAINING GRAPE SEED (VITIS VINIFERA L.) EXTRACT AS A NUTRACEUTICAL

Objective: Grape is one of the most well-known fruits. People usually consume only the fruit and the skin; however, the seed is the part of the fruit that contains important antioxidant rich polyphenol. However, grape seed and its extract have an unpleasant taste. Therefore, this study aimed to formulate effervescent tablets containing grape seed extract (GSE) to overcome the unpleasant taste. Methods: Effervescent tablets of GSE were formulated using three formulas, each with a different percentage of the effervescent mix. The tablets were prepared using wet granulation method at 40% relative humidity (RH) (the ratio of the partial pressure of water vapor to the equilibrium vapor pressure of water) and 25°C temperature. The effervescent granules and the tablets were evaluated for various characteristics in term of granules flowability, moisture content, as well as tablets appearance, size and weight uniformity, hardness, friability, effervescence time, pH, and total phenol content. In addition, all three formulations of the effervescent tablets and solutions were evaluated for appearance, taste, and flavor using the hedonic test that involved 30 panelists. Results: The evaluation of the effervescent granules and tablets showed that they had good characteristics. The disintegration time of the three formulations was within the acceptable range, between 3.67 minutes and 4.69 minutes. The pH of the effervescent solution was between 5.18 and 5.80. Based on the hedonic test, all the effervescent solutions had favorable appearance, taste, and flavor. Conclusions: Clinical Streptococcus salivarius isolates from the dorsum of the tongue had greater potential for inhibiting Enterococcus faecalis growth compared to the saliva isolates and control bacteria. Therefore, we can conclude that the effervescent tablets containing grape seed extract are potential be used as a nutraceutical dosage form.
Effects of dietary herbal essential oil mixture and organic acid preparation on laying traits, gastrointestinal tract characteristics, blood parameters and immune response of laying hens in a hot summer season.

In this study, the effects of essential oil mixture, organic acid and essential oil mixture + organic acid supplementation in diets in summer season on egg production traits, egg quality parameters, some digestive system characteristics, some blood parameters and immune response of laying hens were investigated. One hundred ninety two laying hens, 52 wk-old, were divided into 4 treatment groups. There were 48 hens in each treatment group, and each hen was housed individually. The dietary treatments were as follow: 1. basal diet (negative control), 2. basal diet + 36 mg/kg essential oil mixture, 3. basal diet + 2 g/kg organic acid, 4. basal diet + 36 mg/kg essential oil mixture + 2 g/kg organic acid. Laying hens were fed with one of the dietary treatments until 68 wk of age. The treatments had not a significant effect on egg productivity traits but it tends to increase egg weight. However, essential oil mixture supplementation in diet significantly increased albumen height and Haugh unit. No significant differences were observed in serum total cholesterol, glucose and triglyceride levels, and in antibody titer level of Newcastle disease virus (NDV), infectious bronchitis virus (IBV) and infectious bursal disease virus (IBDV) among the treatments, however, supplementing essential oil mixture and organic acid in layer diet tend to improve antibody responses against NDV and IBDV.
3D PROCEDURAL RECONSTRUCTION OF URBAN LANDSCAPES FOR THEPURPOSES OF A WEB-BASED HISTORICAL ATLAS

Abstract. The ”Czech Historical Atlas” project is a part of the NAKI II programme of the Czech Ministry of Culture and aims to create the following two main outputs: a printed atlas of the Czech history in the 20th century and an electronic map portal on the Czech history. This paper is focused on the latter mentioned output and specifically on the design of 3D scenes which should supplement the 2D map content. Currently existing literature is briefly reviewed and the procedural modelling is found to be suitable for the needs of urban landscape reconstruction. Furthermore, available data sources in the Czech republic are discussed and important aspects of modelling are presented.
Importancia de las pruebas de paternidad basadas en microsatélites para la evaluación genética de ganado de carne en empadre múltiple Importance of microsatellite-based tests in the genetic evaluation of multiple-sire mating systems in beef cattle

A microsatellite panel for paternity assignment/verification was used in a Charolais herd in order to determine the importance of the correct identification of individuals involved in a multiple-sire breeding program. The microsatellite panel used was able to assign paternity with 95% confidence every time the dam, the calf and all possible sires were all included in the analysis. The lack of or wrong identification of any individual within a family resulted in no paternity assignment in 24 % of the population analyzed. In order to determine the differences associated with uncertain paternity on sire genetic parameters/values [direct genetic variance, environmental variance, direct heritability, fraction of phenotypic variance due to environmental effects, expected progeny differences (EPDs), and their accuracies], the birth weights of 32 calves born during 2000-2002 were analyzed using an animal model. Important variation (up to 47 %) was found in the effects and in the estimated genetic parameters from two databases. In one of such data bases, simulated paternities were considered. The other data base used the information from biological identification. A marked difference was observed in sire hierarchical orders, when the EPDs in each database were compared, thus emphasizing the need of using microsatellite-based paternity tests as an identification system that assures success in management/genetic improvement programs in multiple-sired beef cattle production.
Effect of supplementation frequency in feeding behavior, displacement patterns and forage intake of beef heifers

Our work was carried out to evaluate forage intake, feeding behavior and displacement patterns of beef heifers fed exclusively on pasture or receiving oat grain, either daily (“frequent”) or from Monday to Friday (“infrequent”), in two phenological stages of Alexandergrass (Urochloa plantaginea Link.): “Vegetative” and “Reproductive”. The grazing method was continuous, with a variable number of animals. The experimental design was completely randomized with measures repeated in time with three feeding frequencies and two phenological stages. Forage intake was estimated using the chromic oxide technique as an indicator of fecal output. Heifers on exclusive Alexandergrass pasture and frequently supplemented had higher forage intake of dry matter (DM, 2.91 kg DM 100 kg BW-1) than those that were infrequently supplemented (2.00 kg DM 100 kg BW-1). Forage intake was greater in the “Vegetative” stage. The use of feeding stations is modified in response to supplementation frequency and phenological stages of Alexandergrass. Bite mass was higher for daily supplemented heifers, and these animals spent less time grazing. Also, bite mass was the item that best explained DM total ingestion. Bite mass and grazing time were similar throughout the phenological stages, whereas bite rate decreased in the reproductive stage. Feeding behavior and forage intake responses of beef heifers were influenced by supplementation frequency and phenological stages of Alexandergrass.
Assessing the Importance of Brand Equity in Health Services Marketing Through the Impact of Acquired Goodwill on Stockholder Returns

The growing importance of brand equity is widely recognized by researchers and business strategists alike. As such, creative new ways to capture the value of this intangible asset must be devised and tested. The current study uses acquired goodwill as a surrogate indicator of brand equity and looks at the importance of brand equity for firms in the health services industry by measuring the impact of acquired goodwill on stockholder returns. The findings indicate that acquired goodwill and stockholder returns appear to be significantly and positively related to each other. In addition, firms that have higher than average amounts of goodwill relative to total assets differ significantly in terms of stockholder returns than those that have relatively little investment in goodwill. Finally, the study indicates that the impact of goodwill on investor returns is highest for firms operating in one specific industry sub-sector, the market for home health services.