Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Predicting relief materials' demand for emergency logistics planning using ARENA input analyzer

The determination of aggregate forecasts leads to efficient pre-disaster planning . This study develops a forecasting tool based on identifying the best fit probability distributions for four variables , Number of disasters , Number of people killed , Number of people affected and the economic losses using ARENA Input Analyzer. The estimates of the parameters are used to calculate natural disaster forecasts. Using ARENA Input Analyzer, the best fit probability distributions for four variables have been found as follow. The best fit probability distribution for Number of disaster is Beta, Number of people killed is Weibull, Number of people affected is Weibull and the economic losses is Exponential . Based on the research findings, the relief agencies can optimize the various resource allocation in emergency logistics planning.
Methods 2 . 1 Confidence intervals for means using linear regression Linear regression

This paper presents confidence intervals for adjusted means using linear regression with weighted sum contrasts and applies the method to a study comparing blood lead concentrations among Pattani school children. These intervals are “democratic” in the sense that they compare the mean for each factor level with the overall mean, rather than selecting a referent. Confidence intervals based on negative binomial GLM models with sum contrasts are also recommended for comparing incidence rates for levels of a study factor after adjusting for biases due to associations with covariate factors. This method is applied to the terrorism events in regions of Southern Thailand that occurred over the period from 2004 to 2009.
The reform of EU rural development policy and the challenges ahead

The main objective of this paper is to provide proposals for a reform of the future EU Rural Development policy, in the context of the 2014-2020 programming period. To this end, it is necessary to take stock of the main progress achieved by this policy over the past years. Furthermore, this paper intends to discuss the role of the main variables which can influence the future debate on the reform of RD in Europe. This paper is organised in three main sections. The first section summarises the main changes in RD since Agenda 20004 until the latest revision under the Health Check. This analysis seeks to highlight progress and weaknesses emerging from the main reviews carried out in the last decade. The second section is focused on the main variables of the policy context which might in one way or in another shape the content of RDPs after 2013,namely: the reform of the 1st pillar, the EUROPE 2020 strategy and the future of cohesion policy. These three elements are strictly interlinked with the budget reform. This section includes a final comment on the rationales for a common RD policy. The third section develops some proposals concerning the key issues for a more efficient and effective RD (new priorities,a different programming system, a delivery system more strongly based upon a territorial approach and fostering innovation).
Smart storage in the Enexis LV distribution grid

As a result of the R&D project “Smart Storage”, Enexis developed and currently operates an electricity storage system called the Smart Storage Unit (SSU), which is part of the greater Smart Storage System (SSS). Its objective is to enable field-testing and research of advanced smart storage technologies in low voltage (LV) distribution grids. The SSS was installed in the LV distribution grid for the purpose of enabling applications such as, but not limited to: the increase of local PV consumption, improvement of reliability and flexibility, reduction of losses, and maximizing the utilization of local infrastructure. In this paper a detailed technical description of the SSU and its subsystems will be presented. (4 pages)
Research Advances in Adopting Drip Irrigation for California Organic Spinach: Preliminary Findings

The main objective of this study was to explore the viability of drip irrigation for organic spinach production and the management of spinach downy mildew disease in California. The experiment was conducted over two crop seasons at the University of California Desert Research and Extension Center located in the low desert of California. Various combinations of dripline spacings and installation depths were assessed and compared with sprinkler irrigation as control treatment. Comprehensive data collection was carried out to fully understand the differences between the irrigation treatments. Statistical analysis indicated very strong evidence for an overall effect of the irrigation system on spinach fresh yields, while the number of driplines in bed had a significant impact on the shoot biomass yield. The developed canopy crop curves revealed that the leaf density of drip irrigation treatments was slightly behind (1–4 days, depending on the irrigation treatment and crop season) that of the sprinkler irrigation treatment in time. The results also demonstrated an overall effect of irrigation treatment on downy mildew, in which downy mildew incidence was lower in plots irrigated by drips following emergence when compared to the sprinkler. The study concluded that drip irrigation has the potential to be used to produce organic spinach, conserve water, enhance the efficiency of water use, and manage downy mildew, but further work is required to optimize system design, irrigation, and nitrogen management practices, as well as strategies to maintain productivity and economic viability of utilizing drip irrigation for spinach.
An Empirical Investigation of the Information Technology Implementation in Saudi Arabia

This research paper addresses the issues affecting information technology development and deployment ex- tensively in Saudi Arabia. The issues specified in this paper have addressed the environment in IT implementation processes, especially with regard to the question of the perceptions and difficulties of the implementers at both government and private sectors. This study will provide an exploratory focus on the major problematic issues surrounding IT implementation in the country and how implementers perceive them. The study has identified 16 specific issues under 8 thematic divisions of infor - mation technology and studied the difficulties of selected implementers. The implementers were classified into proficient and novice and the significant differences of them are also addressed. Based on the identified problems, effective solutions were also presented for a long term strategic planning and implementation.
Excessive Accumulation of Ca2 + in Mitochondria of Y522S-RYR1 Knock-in Mice: A Link Between Leak From the Sarcoplasmic Reticulum and Altered Redox State

Mice (Y522S or YS), carrying a mutation of the sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) Ca2+ release channel of skeletal muscle fibers (ryanodine receptor type-1, RyR1) which causes Ca2+ leak, are a widely accepted and intensively studied model for human malignant hyperthermia (MH) susceptibility. Since the involvement of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and of mitochondria in MH crisis has been previously debated, here we sought to determine Ca2+ uptake in mitochondria and its possible link with ROS production in single fibers isolated from flexor digitorum brevis (FDB) of YS mice. We found that Ca2+ concentration in the mitochondrial matrix, as detected with the ratiometric FRET-based 4mtD3cpv probe, was higher in YS than in wild-type (WT) fibers at rest and after Ca2+ release from SR during repetitive electrical stimulation or caffeine administration. Also mitochondrial ROS production associated with contractile activity (detected with Mitosox probe) was much higher in YS fibers than in WT. Importantly, the inhibition of mitochondrial Ca2+ uptake achieved by silencing MCU reduced ROS accumulation in the matrix and Ca2+ release from SR. Finally, inhibition of mitochondrial ROS accumulation using Mitotempo reduced SR Ca2+ release in YS fibers exposed to caffeine. The present results support the view that mitochondria take up larger amounts of Ca2+ in YS than in WT fibers and that mitochondrial ROS production substantially contributes to the increased caffeine-sensitivity and to the enhanced Ca2+ release from SR in YS fibers.
B ANK LENDING AND HOUSE PRICES IN S WEDEN 1992-2010

Given the large increase in Swedish house prices and households‟ indebtedness since the 1990s, it is important to study the seemingly strong relationship between house prices and bank lending. Credit expansion may increase house prices and higher house prices increases the wealth and, thereby, the bank lending. A better understanding of the interrelationship between bank lending and house prices is important on a macro level, e.g., as it influences policy decisions geared towards both the housing and the banking markets. However, it is also important on a micro level. For instance, it may have an impact on credit rating, property valuation and decisions regarding allocating bank funds to households vis-à-vis firms as well as the bank‟s risk exposure, in particular related to potential bubbles on the housing market, and the bank‟s exposure to default risks on the housing credit market. Our aim here is to analyze this interaction by investigating the Granger causality in Sweden over the period 1993-2010. The plan is to estimate a structured vector autoregressive model and a vector error correction model and thereby investigate if changes in bank lending causes house prices to change and/or vice versa. If our results indicate that causality goes in both directions, credit expansion and increased bank lending stimulate the housing market at the same time as rising house prices induce more bank lending to the household sector. Hence, in that case mortgage restrictions may have an effect on the housing market with lower prices in the short run. Disequilibrium in the lending market and housing market may also have an effect on the house prices in the long run. This is something that is going to be investigated. There are few studies examining the relationship between house prices and bank lending over time and across regions. Our ambition is to fill this gap. Our results may be of particular interest in the light of the current policy debate in Sweden regarding how to tackle a sharp house price increase in urban areas (partly) due to historically low interest rates.
Relational Incentives in Chinese Family Firms

This paper mainly discusses the choice of managerial compensation contracts in Chinese family firms. Relation or guanxi in Chinese language is an important factor that should be considered because it can bring the shirking cost to the relation-based manager and the caring cost to the owner under Chinese-style differential mode of association (“chaxu geju”). Our theoretical analysis shows that under some conditions it is optimal for the owner to choose the efficiency wage contract, and that under other conditions it is optimal for the owner to choose the share-based incentive contract.
Chapter XVIII Social/Human Dimensions of Web Services: Communication Errors and Cultural Aspects. The Case of VRL-KCiP NoE

This chapter presents some recent studies of the social and human dimension of Semantic Web services in the era of virtual organizations, focusing on the challenges, effects, and implications. The issues and results presented refer to the virtual organization known as the Virtual Research Laboratory for a Knowledge Community in Production (VRL-KCiP), Network of Excellence (NoE). In this chapter the authors analyze the risks arising from the modern communication process in this new form of organization, focusing in particular on the knowledge sharing process. Furthermore, they discuss the cultural aspects of managing a virtual organization that determine the efficiency of the knowledge management processes. The aim is to consider the challenges and the associated effect on developing Web services from the social/human perspective and to examine the impact on an organization’s cultural dimensions.
ACCUMULATION AND DEPLETION OF FERTILIZER ORIGINATED NITRATE-N AND AMMONIUM-N IN DEEPER SOIL LAYERS

The leaching process of nitrate was studied in a long-term field experiment at Gödöllő on a brown forest soil started in 1969. 0, 90, 180, 270, 360 kg ha-1 y-1 N doses have been broadcasted as basal fertilization in the form of ammonium-nitrate for 16 years. The test plant was maize in monoculture. In autumn 1989 fertilization was discontinued and alfalfa was sown on the experimental area. In 1995 pseudoacacia was planted into the field. In 1986, 1989, 1994 and 2003 the soils of the treatments were sampled in 6 replications from 0 to 3 meters depth at every 20 cm. The nitrate-N and ammonium-N content of the sample was determined. Increasing the dose of nitrogen fertilization nitrate content in the soil profile increased, as well. About the half of fertilizer nitrogen can be found in the 3 meter layer of the soil profile after 16 years fertilization. Using deep rooting plants the accumulated nitrogen could be used to prevent the leaching losses. Results prove the necessity of a suitable technology preventing nitrate losses. As the experiment shows 100 kg N ha-1 fertilizer nitrogen enough for the maximum crop yield in this area. The amount of nitrate-N exceeding plant demand could be leached into 1-3 meter depth of soil or into deeper horizons.
A FMS Optimization with AGV Dispatching by Using A Hybrid Evolutionary Algorithm

Scheduling is one of the most significant fields in manufacturing system. In this paper, we also consider how to handle materials during searching the optimal solutions of scheduling problem, because its impact in practical flexible manufacturing system (FMS) cannot be ignored. So we used the state-of-art automated guided vehicle (AGV) as a material-handling system in the FMS. We focus on the combination of an operation scheduling, which means to obtain the optimization of manufacturing scheduling, and the routing of AGVs, which is to transport materials of different operations between different machines in FMS. We use network structure to model FMS with AGV system as a material handling system. System constraints and decision variables about FMS especially related to AGVs dispatching can be presented on the network. That is to say that network modeling describes both operation scheduling information and AGV routing path information on a directed network model. We proposed a random key-based particle swarm optimization (PSO) algorithm with crossover and mutation operation to avoid premature convergence and to maintain diversity of the swarm. Numerical analyses for case study show the effectiveness of proposed approach comparing with Genetic Algorithm (GA).
Serum uric acid in children and adolescents

Introduction: Uric acid (UrA) is a product of purine catabolism, and hyperuricemia (hUrA) is associated with risk factors for cardiometabolic diseases. Objective: To evaluate the concentration of UrA in children and adolescents. Methods: Cross-sectional study with 623 eutrophic students (5 to 15 years old, aged 9.9 ± 2.7 years, 52% girls). Blood was collected (fasting 12-14 h) for analysis of laboratory parameters, and blood pressure and anthropometric measures were verified. UrA was stratified according to sex and age ranges (5 to < 10, ≥ 10 to < 13 and ≥ 13 to 15 years, male; and 5 to < 9, ≥ 9 to < 12 and ≥ 12 to 15 years, female), and the percentiles 2.5 (2.5 th ) and 97.5 (97.5 th ) were calculated. Results: The mean UrA was 3.7 ± 1.03 mg/dl (boys) and 3.58 ± 0.91 mg/dl (girls) ( p = 0.0113). Considering the age ranges, the mean UrA was increasing and higher for boys ( p = 0.0024, for the 3 rd age range). For girls, the UrA increased progressively and significantly in the age ranges ( p ≤ 0.005). According to the 97.5 th , there was statistical difference only in the third range between sexes ( p = 0.002). For comparisons between age ranges, UrA 97.5 th also increased for boys and girls ( p ≤ 0.05). According to the 97.5 th , 26 students presented hUrA. Conclusion: According to the results, stratification by age ranges and sex, in addition to the 97.5 th as concentration threshold, was important for evaluation of serum levels of UrA in children and adolescents.
Lack of phenotypic variation in larval utilization of pea aphids in populations of the ladybeetle Hippodamia convergens

The convergent lady beetle (Hippodamia convergens) is a generalist natural enemy that is utilized extensively in augmentative biological control across the United States. Recent studies have pointed to both genetic and phenotypic differences in Western (California) versus Eastern (Kansas) populations of the species. Here we investigate phenotypic differences in their utilization of pea aphids in (a) Eastern versus Western populations, (b) Hybrid Eastern and Western populations versus their progenitor populations, and (c) within population competition rates in Eastern, Western, and Hybrid populations. Across eight replicate treatments, we find no phenotypic differences (P > 0.2), contradicting previous genetic and behavioral studies. Hybrid F1 populations however show an overall greater percentage weight gain, potentially indicative of a hybrid vigor effect, and greater fitness of augmented populations of the species.
Seleção de Característica via Algoritmos Evolucionários para Reconhecimento Biométrico baseado em Sinais de ECG

Resumo—Atualmente a necessidade de identificação de pessoas de forma precisa vem recebendo atenção da comunidade cientı́fica e da indústria, sendo a área de Biometria uma dessas novas estratégias. Biometria é o nome dado ao emprego de caracterı́sticas fı́sicas ou comportamentais de uma pessoa para fazer a sua identificação. Modalidades biométricas tradicionais (Face, Íris e Impressão Digital) vêm sofrendo ataques por circunvenção e repetição. De forma a superar esses problemas os sinais biomédicos, tais como sinais de eletrocardiograma (ECG) e sinais de eletroencefalograma (EEG), têm sido estudados para a identificação pessoal. Os sinais de ECG, responsáveis por auxiliar na detecção de cardiopatias, vêm obtendo resultados satisfatórios no reconhecimento biométrico, com o uso de caracterı́sticas fiduciais, não-fiduciais e hı́bridas. Visando selecionar um subconjunto de caracterı́sticas mais discriminativas várias técnicas têm sido propostas na literatura. Este trabalho analisa o impacto de algumas estratégias de seleção de caracterı́stica tais como busca gulosa, algoritmo genético e algoritmo memético sobre desempenho dos Sistemas Biométricos baseados em ECG ao empregar k-Vizinhos mais Próximos e Análise de Discriminante Linear como classificador. Os resultados demonstram que existe um subconjunto de caracterı́sticas extraı́das do sinal de ECG capaz de fornecer altas taxas de reconhecimento. Palavras-Chave—Reconhecimento Biométrico, Sinal de Eletrocardiograma, Seleção de caracterı́stica, Algoritmo Genético, Algoritmo Memético.
Introduced catsFelis catuseating a continental fauna: inventory and traits of Australian mammal species killed

Mammals comprise the bulk of the diet of free-ranging domestic cats Felis catus (defined as including outdoor pet cats, strays, and feral cats) in most parts of their global range. In Australia, predation by introduced feral cats has been implicated in the extinction of many mammal species, and in the ongoing decline of many extant species. Here, we collate a wide range of records of predation by cats (including feral and pet cats) on Australian mammals and model traits of extant, terrestrial, native mammal species associated with the relative likelihood of cat predation. We explicitly seek to overcome biases in such a continental-scale compilation by excluding possible carrion records for larger species and accounting for differences in the distribution and abundance of potential prey species, as well as study effort, throughout each species’ range. For non-volant species, the relative likelihood of predation by cats was greatest for species in an intermediate weight range (peaking at ca. 400 g), in lower rainfall areas and not dwelling in rocky habitats. Previous studies have shown the greatest rates of decline and extinction in Australian mammals to be associated with these traits. As such, we provide the first continental-scale link between mammal decline and cat predation through quantitative analysis. Our compilation of cat predation records for most extant, terrestrial, native mammal species (151 species, or 52% of the Australian species’ complement) is substantially greater than previously reported (88 species) and includes 50 species listed as threatened by the IUCN or under Australian legislation (57% of Australia's 87 threatened terrestrial mammal species). We identify the Australian mammal species most likely to be threatened by predation by cats (mulgaras Dasycercus spp., kowari Dasyuroides byrnei, many smaller dasyurids and medium-sized to large rodents, among others) and hence most likely to benefit from enhanced mitigation of cat impacts, such as translocations to predator-free islands, the establishment of predator-proof fenced exclosures, and broad-scale cat poison baiting.
CoFe granules focus coordinated glycolytic mRNA localization and translation to fuel glucose fermentation

Glycolysis represents the fundamental metabolic pathway for glucose catabolism across biology, and glycolytic enzymes are amongst the most abundant proteins in cells. Their expression at such levels provides a particular challenge. Here we demonstrate that the glycolytic mRNAs are localized to granules in yeast and human cells. Detailed live cell and smFISH studies in yeast show that the mRNAs are actively translated in granules, and this translation appears critical for the localization. Furthermore, this arrangement is likely to facilitate the higher level organisation and control of the glycolytic pathway. Indeed, the degree of fermentation required by cells seems intrinsically connected to the extent of mRNA localization to granules. On this basis, we have termed the granules, Core Fermentation (CoFe) granules. Therefore, glycolytic mRNA granules likely represent a conserved means to maintain high-level co-ordinated enzyme synthesis for a critical metabolic pathway.
A Hierarchical Max-infinitely Divisible Process for Extreme Areal Precipitation Over Watersheds

Understanding the spatial extent of extreme precipitation is necessary for determining flood risk and adequately designing infrastructure (e.g., stormwater pipes) to withstand such hazards. While environmental phenomena typically exhibit weakening spatial dependence at increasingly extreme levels, limiting max-stable process models for block maxima have a rigid dependence structure that does not capture this type of behavior. We propose a flexible Bayesian model from a broader family of max-infinitely divisible processes that allows for weakening spatial dependence at increasingly extreme levels, and due to a hierarchical representation of the likelihood in terms of random effects, our inference approach scales to large datasets. The proposed model is constructed using flexible random basis functions that are estimated from the data, allowing for straightforward inspection of the predominant spatial patterns of extremes. In addition, the described process possesses max-stability as a special case, making inference on the tail dependence class possible. We apply our model to extreme precipitation in eastern North America, and show that the proposed model adequately captures the extremal behavior of the data.