Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Structure and composition of vegetation in subtropical forest of Kumaun Himalaya

An extensive sampling was conducted for vegetational analysis in different forest sites between 1600 and 2600 m asl in Kumaun Himalaya. Quercus leucotrichophora A. Campus, Quercus floribunda Lindl. ex Rehder, Quercus semecarpifolia J. E. Smith and Pinus roxburghii Sarg. are the dominant tree species in Banj-oak, Tilonj-oak, Kharsu-oak and Chir-pine forests, respectively.Among the sampling sites, total density of tree, shrub and herb species was ranged from 10 to 28.6 individuals (indv/100 m2) 1.8 to 21.7 indv/25 m2, and 28.1 to 103.7 indv/m2, respectively. The total abundance-frequency (AF) ratio of tree, shrub and herb species across the sampling sites varied from 0.23 to 1.25, 0.25 to 1.79 and 3.4 to 27.3, respectively. The abundance-frequency ratio in the present study showed contagious distribution pattern in tree, shrub and herb species. Key words: Species composition, density, frequency, distribution pattern, Kumaun Himalayan forest.
Austerity versus stimulus: the polarizing effect of fiscal policy

Through constructing a new Keynesian DSGE model with heterogeneous agents, this article investigates both the aggregate and distributional consequences of fiscal policy. Polarized preferences over the conduct of fiscal policy emerge between those agents who participate in credit markets and those who do not. Exogenous shocks impact the two types of agent differently, and as a result, fiscal policy responses to these shocks produce minimal aggregate welfare effects as the gains of one agent are matched by the losses of another. There is therefore a normative justification for counter-cyclical fiscal policy, but on redistributive rather than stabilization grounds.
Big Data: The End of Privacy or a New Beginning?

“Big data” refers to novel ways in which organizations, including government and businesses, combine diverse digital data sets and then use statistics and other data mining techniques to extract from them both hidden information and surprising correlations. While big data promises significant economic and social benefits, it also raises serious privacy concerns. In particular, big data challenges the Fair Information Practices (FIPs) as embodied in various privacy laws including the EU Data Protection Directive. This past January, the European Commission released a proposal to reform and replace the Directive by adopting a new Regulation. In this paper, I argue that this Regulation relies too heavily on the discredited informed choice model, and therefore fails to fully engage with the coming big data tsunami. My contention is that when this advancing wave arrives, it will so overwhelm the core privacy principles of informed choice and data minimization on which the Directive rests that reform efforts alone will prove inadequate. Rather, an adequate response must combine legal reform with encouragement of new business models premised on consumer empowerment and supported by a personal data ecosystem. This new business model is important for two reasons: first, existing business models have proven time and again that privacy regulation is no match for them. Businesses inevitably collect and use more and more personal data, and while consumers realize many benefits in exchange, there is little doubt that businesses, not consumers, control the market in personal data with their own interests in mind. Second, a new business model, which I describe in this paper, promises to stand processing of personal data on its head by shifting control over both the collection and use of data from firms to individuals. This “control shift” — and this alone — stands a chance of making the FIPs efficacious by giving individuals the capacity to benefit from big data and hence the motivation to learn about and control how their data is collected and used, while also enabling businesses to profit from a new breed of services that are both data-intensive and imbued with privacy values.
Causality between foreign direct investment and economic growth for Cambodia

Abstract The relationship between foreign direct investment (FDI) and economic growth in recipient economies remains one of the hottest debates. As confirmed in the literature, many studies support the growth impact of FDI, but some do not. Cambodia, a war-torn economy, also depends on FDI as a driver of economic growth. In addition, the causal relationship between FDI and growth in Cambodia is not fully known. Therefore, this paper is an attempt to examine the causal link between the two variables over the period 1980–2014, using Granger causality test based on the vector error correction model. The empirical results provide strong evidence on the causal impact of FDI on Cambodia’s economic growth (GDP). However, the study does not confirm causality to run from GDP to FDI. This can be concluded that the growth impact of FDI is sufficiently supported in Cambodia.
Local Energy based Image Fusion in Sharp Frequency Localized Contourlet Transform

Image fusion method based on multiscale transform (MST) is a popular choice in recent research. Sharp frequency localized contourlet transform (SFLCT) that significantly outperform the original contourlet transform is proposed. Commonly, the upsamplers and the downsamplers presented in directional filter banks of SFLCT make the resulting image not shift-invariant and easily cause the pseudo-Gibbs phenomena. In order to suppress the pseudo-Gibbs phenomena, we apply cycle spinning as compensation. Then, the coefficients of shifted images are calculated. We take the following image fusion rules. First, cycle spinning the source images, the shifted images are obtained. Second, selecting the low-frequency coefficients by the local energy method and calculating the high-frequency coefficients by the sum modified Laplacian (SML), and the coefficients fusion follows. Third, applying the inverse SFLCT and the inverse cycle-spinning sequentially, the image is reconstructed. Numerical experiment results show that the proposed method significantly outperform the wavelet transform, the pyramid transform and the curvelet transform both in visual quality and in quantitative analysis.
Effectiveness energy covenants: International evidence

This study evaluates the effectiveness of covenants using a panel of both national and sectoral data from 24 OECD countries between 1978 and 2006. We exploit a uniquely constructed inventory of covenants as well as other instruments like taxes, subsidies and standards to explain changes in respectively energy efficiency, carbon dioxide emissions and the use of renewable energy. Our results show that there is very little statistical evidence for the effectiveness of covenants, even if they contain clear goals and explicit sanctions. In contrast, energy taxes and, to a lesser extent, subsidies and standards, are much more important.
Orientation distribution function of biotite platelets based on optical, thin sections and μ-CT image analysis in an Outokumpu (Finland) biotite gneiss: Comparison with neutron diffraction texture analysis

The results of the neutron diffraction investigation were compared with similar results obtained by analysing more μ-CT, high resolution photographic and thin section images of a cylindrical sample of the textured Outokumpu (Finland) biotite gneiss. All data were interpreted by means of corresponding orientation distribution function (ODF). Both Rayleigh R test of uniformity and Rao’s U test for homogeneity of the corresponding ODF confirmed the existence of a real anisotropic distribution of mineralogical phases within investigated specimens. Together with the neutron diffraction pole figures, ODF, unambiguously proved the existence of a lattice as well as of the shape preferred orientations of the mineralogical components of the complex Outokumpu gneiss.
Time variations of narrow absorption lines in high resolution quasar spectra

Aims. We have searched for temporal variations of narrow absorption lines in high resolution quasar spectra. A sample of 5 distant sources have been assembled, for which 2 spectra - VLT/UVES or Keck/HIRES - taken several years apart are available. Methods. We first investigate under which conditions variations in absorption line profiles can be detected reliably from high resolution spectra, and discuss the implications of changes in terms of small-scale structure within the intervening gas or intrinsic origin. The targets selected allow us to investigate the time behavior of a broad variety of absorption line systems, sampling diverse environments: the vicinity of active nuclei, galaxy halos, molecular-rich galaxy disks associated with damped Lya systems, as well as neutral gas within our own Galaxy. Results. Absorption lines from MgII, FeII or proxy species with lines of lower opacity tracing the same kind of gas appear to be remarkably stable (1 sigma upper limits as low as 10 % for some components on scales in the range 10 - 100 au), even for systems at z_abs ~ z_e. Marginal variations are observed for MgII lines toward PKS 1229-021 at z_abs = 0.83032; however, we detect no systems displaying changes as large as those reported in low resolution SDSS spectra. In neutral or diffuse molecular media, clear changes are seen for Galactic NaI lines toward PKS 1229-02 (decrease of N by a factor of four for one of the five components over 9.7 yr), corresponding to structure at a scale of about 35 au, in good agreement with known properties of the Galactic interstellar medium. Tentative variations are detected for H2 J=3 lines toward FBQS J2340-0053 at z_abs =2.05454 (~35% change in column density), suggesting the existence of structure at the 10 au-scale for this warm gas. A marginal change is also seen in CI from another velocity component (~70% variation in N(CI)).
Nonparametric adaptive likelihood weights

The weighted likelihood can be used to make inference about one population when data from similar populations are available. The author shows heuristically that the weighted likelihood can be seen as a special case of the entropy maximization principle. This leads him to propose the minimum averaged mean squared error (MAMSE) weights. He describes an algorithm for calculating these weights and shows its convergence using the Kuhn‐Tucker conditions. He explores the performance and properties of the weighted likelihood based on MAMSE weights through simulations.
The Impact of Optimum Dosages of Mineral in Various Combination on Larval Development and Silk Production of Bombyx mori L.

Optimum elements dosages i.e., 0.2%, 0.3%, 0.1%, 0.1%, 0.15% and 0.5% of various minerals i.e., N, P, K, Ca, Mg and Cu respectively in various combinations were studied on larval development and silk production of Bombyx mori L. The rearing of silkworm larvae was restricted to chopped tender and green mulberry leaves treated with different concentrations. The results revealed that mineral nutrients have not affected the yield component significantly but have also presented better food consumption, body weight, coefficient of utilization and larval development as well. However, of all the test treatments T11 where the offered mulberry leaves were treated with 0.2% N + 0.3% K + 0.1% Ca + 0.1% P + 0.15% Mg + 0.5% Cu concentration gave the best results.
An analytical model to determine fundamental frequency of rectangular plate having rectangular array of circular perforations

In the current study an analytical model to determine fundamental frequency of perforated plate with circular perforation is formulated. Circular holes are replaced by equivalent square hole and non homogeneity in Young’s modulus and density due to equivalent square perforation is expressed by using unit step functions. Analytical formulation is based on Rayleigh-Ritz method. In present study boundary condition considered is clamped at all edges. The deflected middle surface of the plate is approximated by a function which satisfies the boundary conditions. Proposed approach is validated by comparing numerical analysis results with Finite Element Method (FEM) modal analysis results.
How do we capture "Global Specialization" when measuring firms' degree of internationalization?

The IB literature informs us of several ways to measure firms’ degree of internationalization. In this paper we make the argument that in fact none of the existing indices really measure firms’ degree of “global specialization”, that is, to what extent their allocation of resources is multidomestic or global. As argued, all the existing measures may gauge a purely multidomestic firm as having a high degree of internationalization, whereas a truly global firm may be ranked low. In order to remedy this we introduce a complementary index measuring how firms are configuring their value chains – whether they are replicating value chain activities from country to country or locating them in globally specialized units in order to exploit an international division of labor. In addition to mathematical modeling and numerical examples, we examine the relevance of the new index of global specialization on data of Danish MNCs by looking at the correlation between the new global specialization index and existing indices of firms’ degree of internationalization. We find that the index is able to identify a distinct group of firms with significantly higher degrees of global value chain configuration.
Association of TLR4 gene genotype and resistance against Salmonella enteritidis natural infection in kampung chicken.

Eggs of kampung chicken play an important role as substance in ‘jamu preparation’ in Indonesia, mostly provided and consumed without cooking. Salmonella free eggs become significant in producing the safe ‘jamu preparation’ and such eggs might be produced by chickens which have high resistancy to this bacteria. One of excellent markers showing resistance of chicken against Salmonella is an active Toll-like Receptor 4 (TLR4) gene. TLR4 is a phagocytes cell surface receptor that plays a role to recognize lipopolysaccaride (LPS) of gram negative bacteria including Salmonella enteritidis. It is transcribed by TLR4 gene and conserved in the activation of the non-specific immune system. The aim of the research was to prove how kampung chicken resistant against natural infection of S. enteritidis, using TLR4 gene as marker. TLR4 gene was genotyped in 50 kampung chickens with PCR-RFLP. Then biological assays of resistance indicator were measured. The genotyping result on exon 2 (220 bp in size) identified 3 genotypes of TLR4 gene in kampung chicken: AA, AG and GG. Concentration of leucocytes and their differentiation were not significantly different in AG and GG genotype. The value of it from AA genotype was similar to them. There was no S. enteritidis finding in blood and eggs produced by AA, AG, GG chickens. Specific IgY to S. enteritidis was positively found in kampung chickens serum and egg yolk. Concentration of specific IgY in kampung chicken egg yolk was found very high. The study postulated that most likely kampung chicken resistant to S. enteritidis natural infection.
Computational Approach to Prediction of Attitude Change Through eWOM Messages Involving Subjective Rank Expressions

Electronic word-of-mouth (eWOM) is an impor- tant information source that influences consumer product evaluations. This paper presents a computational model that predicts the potency-magnitude relations of eWOM messages involving subjective rank expressions, which refer to the linguistic representations related to the attitude-levels of the benefits of the product attributes. The amount of required inference for the message receiver to know the attitude-level through the message is quantified as inference quantum by using inference space, which is characterized by two evaluation parameters: evaluation target size and evaluation scale size. The computational model incorporates the idea of inference quantum into the cognitive hypotheses that were developed to account for the potency differences with reference to the expertise levels - experts or novices - of the message receiver of the products. By applying the computational model to simple eWOM messages, the potency-magnitude relations were observed to depend critically on the values of the message receiver's evaluation parameters. This paper defines three message- classes, which are also studied in the areas of opinion mining and sentiment analysis, and investigates mathematically how the potency-magnitude relations change based on the values of the evaluation parameters.
The concept of iso-inertial assessment: Reproducibility analysis and descriptive data

The purpose of this study was to investigate the reproducibility of findings derived from a new iso-inertial dynamometer during bench press (BP) and squat (SQ) and to provide descriptive data for recreational athletes. A position transducer and accelerometer were combined to assess velocity and power during free weight lifting exercises. Simulated movement with a pulley system revealed the excellent technical consistency of the dynamometer. Sixteen male subjects participated in the study. Iso-inertial tests consisted of lifting as fast as possible four different relative loads (35, 50, 70, 90% 1RM in BP and 45, 60, 75, 90% 1RM in SQ). The test was repeated one week later. Analysis of variance revealed no significant variation between sessions or trials. Reproducibility was better in velocity than in power, although it remained fairly good in both exercises (coefficients of variation (CV) never exceeding 10%) except for the time to peak power parameter. Descriptive data confirmed the classical force-velocity and force-power relationships for BP and SQ. In conclusion, this study demonstrated reliable measurements in BP and SQ iso-inertial exercises. Monitoring force-velocity and force-power relationships offers an original functional approach in strength training supervision.
Comparison of dealiasing schemes in large-eddy simulation of neutrally-stratified atmospheric boundary-layer type flows

Abstract. Three dealiasing schemes for large-eddy simulation of turbulent flows are inter-compared for the canonical case of pressure-drive atmospheric boundary-layer type flows. Aliasing errors arise in the multiplication of partial sums, such as those encountered when integrating the non-linear terms of the Navier–Stokes equations in spectral methods (Fourier or polynomial discrete series), and are detrimental to the accuracy of the numerical solution. This is of special relevance when using high-order schemes. In this work, a performance/cost analysis is developed for three well-accepted approaches: the exact 3/2 rule, the Fourier truncation method, and a high order Fourier smoothing method. Tests are performed within a newly developed mixed pseudo-spectral collocation - finite differences large-eddy simulation code, parallelized using a two-dimensional pencil decomposition. The static Smagorinsky eddy-viscosity model with wall damping of the model coefficient is used. A series of simulations are performed at varying resolution and key flow statistics are inter-compared among the considered dealiasing schemes. The numerical results validate the numerical performance predicted by theory when using the Fourier truncation and Fourier smoothing methods. In terms of turbulence statistics, the Fourier Truncation method proves to be over-dissipative when compared against the Fourier Smoothing method and the traditional 3/2-rule, leading to an enhanced horizontal integrated mass flux and to higher dispersive momentum fluxes. Its use in large-eddy simulation of atmospheric boundary-layer type flows is therefore not recommended. Conversely, the Fourier Smoothing method yields accurate flow statistics, comparable to those resulting from the application of the 3/2 rule, with a significant reduction in computational cost, which makes it a convenient alternative for use in the studies related to the atmospheric boundary layer.
Spectroscopic Investigations of (E)-5-(2-Phenyldiazenyl)-2-Hydroxybenzaldehyde Using DFT Method

The Spectral Characterization of (E)-5-(2-phenyldiazenyl)-2-hydroxy benzaldehyde (PDHB) were carried out by using FT-IR, FT-Raman and UV-Vis spectroscopic techniques. All the recorded spectral results were compared with calculated results. The optimization has been performed on the title compound using B3LYP/6-311++G(d,p) level of theory. The optimized bond parameters of PDHB molecule was compared with X-ray diffraction data of related molecule. To study the intra-molecular charge transfers within the molecule the Lewis (bonding) and Non-Lewis (anti-bonding) structural calculation was performed. The Non-linear optical behavior of the title compound was measured using first order hyperpolarizability calculation. In addition of Mulliken atomic charges and thermodynamic properties were also calculated and analyzed.
A qualitative study exploring perceived environmental determinants of physical activity behaviour in children

In this article, we consider children’s perceptions of their social and physical outdoor environment in relation to their physical activity (PA) behaviour in Scotland, United Kingdom. Drawing from a pilot study, participants included three groups of children aged between ten and twelve of mixed gender (n=15). Visual and verbal representations of their perceived environment were analysed to assess environmental determinants of PA. Results found an absence of suitable play affordances, safety, parental restriction, and environmental aesthetics was a key factor to children spending time outdoors. Strengths and limitations of the study are discussed, as are implications for policy and practice.
Suitability of Medium-K Basaltic Andesite Pumice and Scoria as Coarse Aggregates on Structural Lightweight Concrete

This study presented an optimization of the suitability of medium-K basaltic andesite pumice and scoria as coarse aggregates on structural lightweight concrete. The testing results indicated that these pumice and scoria had a typical characteristic so that they were completely different from those existed previously. Both typical vesicular rocks also fulfilled the requirements of coarse lightweight aggregate. The mix designs of structural lightweight concrete for the specified compressive strengths yielded Portland-Pozzolan Cement (PPC) contents were relatively lower than the previous studies conducted. The property of fresh concrete tests showed that for the specified slump values, the lightweight concrete mixtures can achieved satisfactory workabilities. While the properties of hardened concrete tests showed that almost all equilbrium densities fulfilled the requirements, but three equilibrium densities of scoria lightweight concrete were slightly greater than the requirements so that they were classified as structural semi-lightweight concretes. In addition, the use of typical pumice and scoria as coarse aggregates on that concrete yielded a significant density reduction, ie. approximately 20 %. The compressive strength obtained in the tests conducted can achieved those specified in the mix designs however two pumice structural lightweight concretes did not achieve them. The ultimate strains and modulus of elasticities also remained in proportional values, while the splitting tensile strengths and modulus of ruptures were relatively low when compared with previous studies. Keywords-pumice, scoria, medium-K basaltic andesite, structural lightweight concrete