Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The Aesthetics of Horticulture: Neatness as a Form of Care

Perceived care of the landscape is a primary determinant of landscape attractiveness. Care is typically recognized in the neatness of a landscape: evenness of turf or crop color, placement of ornamental plants, use of fences and borders, and freedom from weeds or litter. However, care may also be expressed in landscapes that do not look neat. For instance, sites where native or drought-tolerant grasses are used, where understory dominates the forest, where ditches or lawns are not mown, where wetland plants appear—all may demonstrate ecological care but not look neat. In the agricultural landscape, minimum tillage and Conservation Reserve parcels exhibit this same “messy” care. Despite the dominance of neatness as a form of the care aesthetic, “messy” landscapes look attractive if people know the ecological function of what they are seeing, or if the landscape context indicates that the messy look is intentional. In horticulture, at both the production and design levels, the aesthetic of care can be interpreted beyond neatness to include the ecological function of the landscape.
Exceptional mixing events in meromictic Lake Lugano (Switzerland/Italy), studied using environmental tracers

The deep northern basin of Lake Lugano was permanently stratified over the last 4 decades because of mineralization in response to strong eutrophication. However, two consecutive cold and windy winters (2004‐2005 and 2005–2006) destabilized the water column and led to two exceptionally strong mixing events. The conductivity, temperature, and depth time‐series data from 1995 to 2006 allowed the reconstruction of the evolution of the water body that made deep convective mixing possible. Over the years 1995‐2006, the stability of the water column decreased continuously in winter, reaching a neutral stability at the end of the study period. The Schmidt stability values observed in the winters of 2004–2005 and 2005–2006 were virtually zero. Analyses of helium isotopes, tritium, sulfur hexafluoride, and chlorofluorocarbons in water samples collected immediately after the two mixing events revealed large changes in the tracer concentration profiles and permitted comparisons of the apparent water ages in Lake Lugano with previous measurements. Tracer concentration profiles became more homogeneous and approached atmospheric equilibrium concentrations in the time series. The tracer data, along with changes observed in the physical parameters of the water column, demonstrate the considerable deepwater renewal and gas exchange with the atmosphere that has taken place.
Novel linear algebraic theory and one-hundred-million-atom electronic structure calculation on the K computer

A novel linear-algebraic algorithm, multiple Arnoldi method, was developed in an interdisciplinary study between physics and applied mathematics and realized one-hundred-million-atom (100-nm-scale) electronic state calculations on the K computer. The algorithms are Krylov-subspace solvers for generalized shifted linear equations and were implemented in our order-N calculation code ELSES (this http URL). Moreover, a method for calculating eigen states is presented as a theoretical extension.
Determinants of Sustainable Construction Practices in Ghana Using Structural Equation Modelling

Today’s world is faced with a wide range of threats to the environment as well as the socioeconomic development. Construction industry has a role to play in ensuring a healthy-livable environment and equitable access to social infrastructure in developing countries. The purpose of the study is to examine the adoption of Sustainable Construction Practices (SCP) in the Ghanaian Construction Industry (GCI). The study adopted a quantitative research design involving structured questionnaire developed to collect data. Data was analyzed using descriptive statistics and Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) via Partial Least Squares (PLS). Two models were developed in the study: a direct model and an in direct model. The direct model findings suggest that four independent variables had a significant influence on adoption namely; compatibility (COM), knowledge (KNW), peer firm influence (PEER) and trialability (TRA) supported adoption while three independent variables namely; complexity(CPX), observability (OBS)and Relative advantage (RAV) did not. Based on the findings of the study, the study made recommendations which, if adopted, could lead to significant improvement in the adoption rate of SCP in Ghana.
Interactive comment on “Seasonal and diurnal variations of particulate nitrate and organic matter in the Central European atmospheric aerosol” by L. Poulain et al

The paper presents observations of the aerosol composition as measured at Melpitz, Germany in three intensive observation periods in 2008 and 2009. Aerosol composition was measured with a high resolution AMS for the non refractory PM1 and MAAP for soot in PM1. Meteorological parameters and O3, NOx, and SO2 were measured in all three campaigns. Additionally photolysis rates and OH, and H2SO4 were measured during the summer campaign. The observed aerosol composition is discussed
Quality of Governance and Electricity Reforms: The Case of Energy Community in Southeast Europe

Eight Southeast European countries in 2005 signed the Treaty on establishing the Energy Community and took the obligations to adopt the EU Acquis on energy and to conduct all the necessary reforms. This process strongly depends on the SEECs’ institutional capacity, especially the quality of national governance, and, at the same time, the appropriate level of institutional resources is crucial for the SEE countries in order to benefit from the reforms in electricity sector. The paper identifies the key reform steps in SEECs, how much of these reforms have taken place till today and to relate the reform progress with the quality of governance. Our empirical research confirms the mediation hypothesis that regulatory quality mediates the effects of government effectiveness on the success in implementation of reforms in electricity sector of transition countries. The results of regression analysis show that the regulatory quality is a crucial condition for the success of electricity reforms in transition countries. Having in mind the fact that these countries have relatively poor institutional performance, the dilemma is weather the well designed reform model can be successfully implemented in countries where certain institutional resources are still missing.
Dynamic Portfolio Choice with Transaction Costs and Return Predictability: Linear Rebalancing Rules

We provide a highly tractable rebalancing rule for dynamic portfolio choice problems with return predictability and transaction costs. Our rebalancing rule is a linear function of the return predicting factors and can be utilized in a wide spectrum of portfolio choice models with minimal assumptions. Linear rebalancing rules enable to compute exact and ecient formulations of portfolio choice models with linear constraints, proportional and nonlinear transaction costs, and terminal wealth objectives. We illustrate the implementation of the best linear rebalancing rule in the context of portfolio execution with positivity constraints in the presence of shortterm predictability. We show that there exists a considerable performance gain in using linear rebalancing rules compared to various static and dynamic heuristics.
Simulating Combined Heat And Moisture Transfert With Energyplus: Uncertainty Study And Comparison With Experimental Data

This article presents a comparison between experimental and numerical results in terms of coupled hygrothermal behavior. The measurements were taken on an experimental wooden-frame house located in France. Several sensors were installed in the room and in several locations inside the walls. The external climate was measured as well. Numerical simulations were performed with the EnergyPlus tool and its algorithm for combined heat and moisture transfer, available since September 2011. First, the simulated and measured values were compared for temperature and humidity in the walls. Then the most influential parameters were obtained using a global sensitivity analysis. This method classifies the impact of parameters in a model that contains many factors with a relatively small number of simulations. As a second step, an optimization analysis was performed to determine the optimal value of the most important parameters within the corresponding uncertainty band. Finally, an uncertainty analysis using Monte Carlo simulations was performed in order to complement the simulation results with uncertainty bands. A total of 1000 simulations were run to obtain a satisfactory result.
What Makes Regions Grow? the Case of China

This thesis investigates the determinants of regional economic growth in China. A first look at the real per capita income of rural and urban households confirms that the urban-rural inequalities in China are increasing. However, real per capita income both in urban areas and in rural areas tend to converge. Given the special nature of China’s economy, the gradual transition process from a planned economy to a market one is examined, together with the cental government’s regional development strategies and reform policies. Both cross-sectional analysis and panel regression approaches are applied to data from 1985 to 2001. Furthermore, a few case studies are done. It is found (1) that geographic factors, development of private sector, foreign investment and quality of human resources are key determinants of regional growth in China; and (2) empirical evidence indicates that the convergence hypothesis held in China during the 1985-2001 period.
Enhanced Electrical Insulation and Heat Transfer Performance of Vegetable Oil Based Nanofluids

Nanoparticles enhance the electrical insulation and thermal properties of vegetable oil, and such improvements are desirable for its application as an alternative to traditional insulating oil for power transformers. However, the traditional method of insulating nanofluids typically achieves high electrical insulation but low thermal conductivity. This work reports an environmentally friendly vegetable oil using exfoliated hexagonal boron nitride (h-BN) showing high thermal conductivity and high electrical insulation. Stable nanofluids were prepared by liquid exfoliation of h-BN in isopropyl alcohol. With 0.1 vol.% of the nano-oil, the AC breakdown voltage increased by 18% at 25°C and 15% at 90°C. Both the positive and negative lightning impulse breakdown voltages of the nano-oil were also enhanced compared with those of the pure oil. Moreover, the thermal conductivity of the nano-oil increased by 11.9% at 25°C and 14% at 90°C. Given its high thermal conductivity, the nano-oil exhibited faster heating and cooling effects than the pure oil. Nano-oils with an electric field (either DC or AC) displayed a faster thermal response than that without an electric field. The reason is that h-BN is oriented under the electric field and formed a thermal network to increase the heat transfer.
INVESTIGATION ON MADIMAK CONSUMPTION STATUS OF CONSUMERS IN CENTRAL TOKAT PROVINCE

SAYILI, M. , F. ADIGUZEL and B. GOZENER, 2013. Investigation on madimak consumption status of consumers in central Tokat province. Bulg. J. Agric. Sci., 19: 303-313 In this study, the status of madimak, a naturally grown endemic plant, consumption of families located in the center district of Tokat province were evaluated, and factors affecting the consumption were analyzed with chi-square test. The relationships between socio-economic characteristics of consumers and madimak consumption amounts were analyzed using variance analysis and LSD test. Data used in the study were gathered from the questionnaires with 245 families in May-June 2010. The results showed that 86.53% of the families surveyed consume madimak. Statistically important relationships were obtained between the madimak consumption and hometown, education level, marital status and total number of individuals at household. The relationships between annual madimak consumption per capita and hometown, education, professions, employment status of the spouses and total number of individuals at household were also statistically important. The results of variance analysis revealed that madimak consumption amounts of consumers significantly differs according to the hometown, professions, em ployment status of the souses, marital status and total number of individuals at household.
Razor Clams (Class Bivalvia) of Kuala Selangor, Malaysia: Morphology, Genetic Diversity and Heavy Metal Concentration

Razor Clam (Bivalvia) could be easily identified as having two long, narrow shell valves connected by hinges, two siphons and one strong foot. It plays important role in ecological services besides providing food and extra income for the coastal communities. As filter feeder, razor clam is a good indicator for heavy metal contamination in aquatic environments. In Selangor, razor clam is locally known as ‘siput buluh’, yet, there is no proper scientific documentation on this species. This short study was carried out to assess the morphology of razor clams in Selangor for species identification and to sequence the Cytochrome Oxidase I (COI) gene for determination of its genetic diversity. Heavy sea traffics occurred in the sea near to the mudflat where razor clams were abundantly found has raised question whether razor clams were safe to be consumed. Therefore, this study is also designed to determine the level of selected heavy metals concentration in different body parts of razor clams. Based on selected morphometric and meristic data, razor clams of Kuala Selangor obtained during this study were Solen sarawakensis although many individuals displayed darker outer shell colouration and slightly thicker, longer and heavier shells. Based on analyses of putative COI gene sequences of approximately 677bp, there was a strong genetic divergence (11.7%) between S. sarawakensis inhabiting Kuala Selangor and Kuching Bay, Sarawak suggesting that although both razor clams were very similar morphologically, they could actually be two different species. Tissues of razor clams sampled from mudflat area in Kuala Selangor showed high concentration of Fe (146.50 mg/kg) and Mn (94.00 mg/kg). Other heavy metal elements namely Cr (42.50 mg/kg) and Cd (33.00 mg/kg) were also recorded during this study, occurring mainly in the shells. Traces of Hg were also detected, and its concentration did not differ much among the different parts analyzed.
Economics of greenhouse heating with a mine air-assisted heat pump

An analysis of the economics of greenhouse heating with a heat pump coupled with an inactive deep mine is presented. Several heat pump and conventional gas-fired heater combinations (hybrid systems) were evaluated using a computer model to perform thermal and economic analyses. A 10 ¥ 30 m, double-polyethylene-covered greenhouse, located in Charleston, West Virginia, was assumed for this analysis. Heat pumps with sufficient capacity to maintain 21° C inside the greenhouse for outside temperatures ranging from 0 to 20° C (in 2° degree increments) were modeled. For each heat pump capacity, it was assumed that the additional heat energy required to maintain the specified inside temperature (when outside temperature fell below the heat pump design temperature) was supplied by a natural gas-fired heater. Life-cycle cost analysis was employed to compare greenhouse heating alternatives.
A Preliminary Study on the Accuracy of Mummy Portraits

Although Egyptian mummy portraits have been heralded as 'the first realistic portraits in history' and have been studied considerably from an art historical perspective, there has not yet been a concerted effort to determine the accuracy of these remarkable paintings. Using modern CT scanning techniques combined with the forensic facial reconstruction method developed at the Unit of Art in Medicine, Manchester, the authors reconstructed the faces of five mummies and compared them with their portraits. This paper presents the methods used, discusses the accuracy of the mummy portraits, and makes suggestions for future studies.
The Link Between Domestic Political Institutions and Commitments to Tariff Reduction Agreements

Lately countries have concluded many free trade agreements. However, the puzzle scholars face is why so many countries have rushed to enter a free trade agreement. In this study, I ask how and whether domestic institutions of a country make a difference in committing to tariff reduction agreements. I argue that the rush to PTAs since the 1980s is linked to the domestic constraints. I claim that the propensity of signing a trade agreement increases as the survival of political leaders becomes more dependent on having a large size of winning coalition. Decision-makers have greater political motivations to enter international trade agreements as the level of democracy increases as well. This study tests key propositions drawing on a comprehensive database of international trade agreements from 1950 to 1992 with 150 countries. I find that leaders have greater political incentives to conclude international trade agreements as the size of their winning coalition grows. The results also suggest that the level of democracy is associated with a leader's political motivation to conclude international trade agreements. I also find that electoral rule and the number of veto players have an impact on interstate commercial cooperation. By highlighting this dynamic, I demonstrate that domestic institutional constraints deserve more attention in international political economy.
Effect of incorporation of rice, potato and mung flour on the physical properties of composite flour biscuits

The present work was conducted to develop biscuits from the composite flours incorporating wheat flour with rice, green gram and potato flour. Composite flours were prepared by blending wheat flour with rice flour, mung flour and potato flour in ratios of 100:0:0:0 (W100), 85:5:5:5 (W85), 70:10:10:10 (W70) and 55:15:15:15 (W55), respectively. The protein, fat, ash and pH increased with increasing proportion of rice, green gram and potato flour from 5 to 15 percent while acidity was decreased simultaneously. In case of individual flour, wheat flour was found highest moisture (13.284%), green gram for protein (21.038%) and fat (1.226%) and potato for ash content (1.092%). The biscuits were prepared from wheat flour (W100) and three composite flours (W85,W70, and W55). The physical properties of these biscuits were observed. The mass, diameter, thickness and bulk densities decreased whereas spread ratio and percent spread increased with increasing the level of incorporation of other flours.
Moment Magnitude Estimates for Earthquakes in the Greek Region: A Comprehensive Comparison

Abstract Many different agencies and research groups routinely estimate moment magnitudes ( M w ) in the Mediterranean area as a means of offering an unbiased quantitative assessment of earthquake size. In this work, a comprehensive comparison is undertaken of the moment magnitudes estimated for earthquakes in the Greek region by the Global Centroid Moment Tensor (Global CMT) group, Regional CMT group, the Swiss seismological service based in ETH Zurich, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki (AUTH), and the National Observatory of Athens (NOA) Institute of Geodynamics. The orthogonal regression method is applied to obtain the best‐fit line between the NOA and the other magnitude estimates. Results show that NOA moment magnitudes are, on average, smaller than Global CMT/Regional CMT/ETH magnitudes by about 0.12–0.19 magnitude units, whereas they agree quite well with AUTH magnitudes. It is also shown that for the calibration of NOA magnitudes relative to the other magnitude estimates, no scaling correction is needed, but only a variable offset correction should be applied. Taking advantage of the fact that Global CMT and Regional CMT magnitudes are fully compatible, it is possible to calibrate NOA magnitudes relative to Global CMT and then merge the moment magnitudes of the three databases. The new catalog compiled in this way is homogeneous with respect to M w and includes 1966 earthquakes spanning a period from 1976 to 2014. Online Material: Earthquake catalog.
Validation of Reported Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms in the Genes Associated With Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

The aim of this study was to analyze the proven role of candidate genes, Calpain10 and Adiponectin allelic variants in genetic susceptibility to type 2 diabetes mellitus in our discrete diabetic population of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana states of India. In accomplishment of our objective to find the presence of previously reported SNPs we could find not only the consistency of the reported SNPs we also found the new Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms in the Calpain 10 gene.
Effect of green tea catechin supplementation in diets for pigs on ammonia emissions from urine and feces mixture

The present study aimed to investigate the effects of green tea catechin supplementation to the feed of fattening pigs on the nitrogen level of urine, fecal ammonia emission, and microbial flora. Two diets were used: a control (no green tea catechin added) and a 0.4% green tea catechin-added feed. Eight crossbreed (Meishan×Duloc×Berksher) growing pigs were used in this study. During the growing and fattening periods, feces and urine were collected from each pig to prepare the mixture at a ratio of 1:1 in weight of feces and urine, was placed in a polyethylene sample bag modified with a rubber tube. Each bag was sealed after vacuum suction and inflated with 6 liters of air. The bag was kept at 30±2℃ for 0,6,12,18, and 24 hrs and triplications were prepared for each time. Ammonia gas concentration was determined with Kitagawa precision gas detector tubes. The pH, total nitrogen, and urea concentration in urine and microbial flora in feces were also determined. There was no significant difference in the chemical analysis and microbial flora; however, total nitrogen and urea concentration in urine decreased in the experimental group. Ammonia gas emission in the experimental group was significantly (P<0.01 and/or 0.05) reduced in comparison with that in the control group, in regardless of the growth stage. Catechin may have accelerated the utilization of endogenous nitrogen, and reduced the concentration of urea in the urine resulting reduction of ammonia emission from the mixture of feces and urine.
db-Thalassemia Patients With Homozygous Xmn-1 Polymorphism That Are Characterized By A Milder Phenotype

Thalassemia intermedia is an inherited group of disorders with clinical presentations varying between the thalassemia carrier state and thalassemia major phenotype. This variability depends on the heterogeneous molecular mechanism of the disease. db-Thalassemia is a heterogeneous disorder characterized by elevated levels of Hb F in adult life. It is a rare disorder in Pakistan. The homozygous variety g (g db) are rare , present with a wide range of clinical phenotypes, and belong to the group of thalassemia intermedia. We determined clinical, haematological and genetic features of Inv/Del Gg (Agdb) o db in 100 thalassemia intermedia patients, six of which had Inv/Del Gg (Agdb) o mutations, all were homozygous (+/+) for Xmn-1 polymorphism. Among pathological features, high levels of hemoglobin F, late clinical presentation, hepatosplenomegaly, variable transfusion dependence and an absence of alpha chain deletions were observed. This study explains strong link between the Xmn-1 Gg-polymorphism and the Asian-Indian Inv/Del. These findings explain the determined capacity of patients to produce fetal hemoglobin in delta beta-thalassemia. These patients lack alpha chain deletions and may potentiate the qualification of factors favouring HbF production as a prominent source of the thalassemia intermedia phenotype.