Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The dynamic programming approach to long term production planning in agriculture

The production planning in agriculture is one of the most important decision problems of the farmer. Although some decision support tools based mainly on linear programming and addressed to agriculture authorities were presented, their direct application by a farmer is not possible. This is mainly due to the local character of the models developed for particular agricultural conditions and also due to the complexness of underlying mathematical programming models.This paper aims to develop dynamic programming model for the long run crop plan optimization covering the typical conditions of Czech farms, which could serve as a platform for further enlargements and changes according to needs and conditions of particular farm. The dynamic programming algorithm is developed in detail for model case of four areas to be planted by four crops each year. The possibility of covering different constraints by generating the state space is discussed, and the generating procedure for crop rotation rules is shown. The goal function reflects the farmers objective of profit maximization and it is defined with respect to harvests’ randomness. The case study is solved for the data from South Moravian agriculture cooperative and the optimal solution is presented and discussed.
Assessment of Soil Solution Chemicals after Tannery Effluents Disposal

Knowledge about soil solution chemicals is important for assessing their mobility, availability, migration to groundwater and toxicity to plants. The objective of this study was to apply factor analysis to data obtained on soil solution chemicals during a one-year monitoring program in a controlled experiment with tannery effluents disposed on the soil surface, to extract information on their relationship and identify the main contaminants. Seventeen chemical parameters were monitored at six different depths on soil profile, focusing on metals and nitrate in soil solution. Four Factors accounted for 79.20% of the total variance, of which the most important were: Factor 1 (48.35%) showed significant loadings for Mn 2+ , Na + , K + , Ca 2+ , Mg 2+ , Cl - , Pb 2+ and electric conductivity, strongly influenced by high load effluent disposal; Factor 2 (12.21%) was related with SO4 2+ , Factor 3 (10.16%) associated with Cu 2+ and Zn 2+ and Factor 4 (8.49%) associated with nitrogen mineralization dynamics after high disposal.
Improving in vitro leaf disk regeneration system of sugarcane (Saccharum officinarum L.) with concurrent shoot/root induction from somatic embryos

Genome engineering experiments are impeded by poor performance of regeneration systems. The present study was aimed at establishing a short and cost-effective in vitro regeneration system for elite sugarcane cultivars through simultaneous shoot/root induction. The innermost spindle leaf and shoot tip were used as explants. For callus induction, Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium supplemented with 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) was used and 5.0 mg/L of 2,4-D supported maximum callus induction (84.5%). Three-week-old calli were treated with different levels of benzylaminopurine (BAP) ranging from 0.00 to 3.5 mg/L in MS medium, where 2.5 mg/L BAP was proven to be the best level for regeneration. In a multiplication and root formation medium, 0.5 mg/L naphthalene acetic acid supported the maximum number of roots per plant. Finally, a direct somatic embryogenesis protocol was established, competent enough for simultaneous root/shoot induction. The results indicated that the plantlets were established within 12 weeks only. This in vitro regeneration protocol was fast and cost-effective and may be used for large-scale in vitro regeneration of sugarcane cultivars to save time and resources. The sugarcane cultivar SPF-234 remained the most responsive, followed by HSF-242 and CPF-246.
Bulk Scattering Properties for the Remote Sensing of Ice Clouds. Part III: High-Resolution Spectral Models from 100 to 3250 cm 1

Abstract This study reports on the development of bulk single-scattering models for ice clouds that are appropriate for use in hyperspectral radiative transfer cloud modeling over the spectral range from 100 to 3250 cm−1. The models are developed in a manner similar to that recently reported for the Moderate-Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS); therefore these models result in a consistent set of scattering properties from visible to far-infrared wavelengths. The models incorporate a new database of individual ice-particle scattering properties that includes droxtals, 3D bullet rosettes, hexagonal solid and hollow columns, aggregates, and plates. The database provides single-scattering properties for each habit in 45 size bins ranging from 2 to 9500 μm, and for 49 wavenumbers between 100 and 3250 cm−1, which is further interpolated to 3151 discrete wavenumbers on the basis of a third-order spline interpolation method. Bulk models are developed by integrating various properties over both particle .
Climate change, pastoral migration, resource governance and security: the Grazing Bill solution to farmer-herder conflict in Nigeria

Violent conflict between native communities and migrant herdsmen is one of Nigeria ’ s most ubiquitous security challenges in the age of climate change. It accounts for an increasing number of human and material losses which is not only surpassed by the country ’ s ongoing counter-insurgency, but also threatens unity among its regions. It has therefore gained attention in the legislative arm of government. In response, lawmakers mainly of Northern Nigeria extraction have proposed a Grazing Bill which seeks to expand and legalize nationwide access to grazing land for pastoral farmers in defiance to agitation in host communities for legislative protection. A cardinal principle of federalism is the premium placed on preservation of local interests that are peculiar to component units while harnessing strength in areas of concerns common to federating units. Against the backdrop of Nigeria ’ s federal system and its social, ecological and historical diversity, this paper examines the implications of the proposed Grazing Bill for managing farmer-herder conflict. It argues that frameworks which downplay the country ’ s diversity will further aggravate conflicts and insecurity in the fragile federation. The paper therefore advocates for sedentary system of cattle ranching.
A New Keynesian DSGE model on Vietnamese Data

We consider New Keynesian DSGE model with Vietnamese data from January 2000 to April 2015. We study the impact of the preference shock, cost-push shock, technology shock and monetary policy shock to the movement in key macroeconomic variables such as the short-term nominal interest rate, the output gap, inflation, and especially output growth. Moreover, we evaluate how important the information from the DSGE model is by considering the ratio of artificial DSGE observations over actual observations. The comparison of the marginal likelihoods of the DSGE-VAR models with different sample sizes of the artificial data generated from the Ireland model provides the best-fitting value, which shows the information from the DSGE model is useful.
The ICA of Gravity Earth Tide Based on Genetic Algorithm and Extraction of Seismic Precursor Information

In the analysis of the Gravity Earth Tide signal, using a three－dimensional orthogonal decomposition model to decompose the harmonic information of the tidal signal into 3 orthogonal components. And this paper uses the traditional ICA and real coded genetic algorithm (GA) combined method, which has been proved is feasible and effective by the experiments . By the way we used the combination of the measured signal and the theoretical signal to extract the harmonic information of the tidal signal. This paper found some singular waveform in the long period waves before the indefinite earthquake point, which reflects the change of the earthquake energy before the earthquake point.
Triaxial versus Spherical Dark Matter Halo Profiles

Abstract When analyzing dark matter halos forming in cosmological n-body simulations, it is common practice to obtain the density profile utilizing spherical shells. However, it is also known that the systems under investigation are far from spherically symmetric but, rather, follow a triaxial mass distribution. In this study we present an estimator for the error introduced by spherically averaging an elliptical mass distribution. We systematically investigate the differences arising when using a triaxial density profile under the assumption of spherical symmetry. We show that the variance in the density can be as large as 50% in the outer parts of dark matter halos for extreme (but still credible) axis ratios of 0.55: 0.67: 1. The inner parts are less affected but still show a scatter at the 16% level for these prolate systems. For more moderate ellipticities, i.e. axis ratios of 0.73: 0.87: 1, the error is smaller but still as large as 10–20% depending on distance. We further provide a simple formula that allows estimation of this variance as a function of radius for arbitrary axis ratios. We conclude that highly prolate and/or oblate systems are better fit by analytical profiles that take into account the triaxial nature of cosmological objects.
Effect of Using Internal Steel Plates for Shear Reinforcement on Flexural Behavior of Self-Compacting Concrete Beams

This research was conducted to investigate the effect of using internal steel plates for shear reinforcement on flexural behavior of SCC beams instead of using traditional reinforcement bars (stirrups) and to study the effect of their spacing and thickness on strength. The experimental work included destructive tests on six SCC beams under two-point load. The results showed that the yield loads in all of the beams with steel plates were lower than the reference beam by (5.21%) on average, the deflection at yield load was higher by (13.72%) on average and the ultimate loads were lower by (6.77%) on average except in one beam where it was higher by (0.37%). It was also found that the ultimate deflection in beams with internal shear steel plates was lower by (10.01%) on average except in the aforementioned beam where it was higher by (2.31%). Ductility in all beams with steel plates was lower by (20.08%) on average and the strain before a load of (200kN) was higher in the longitudinal reinforcement and lower in shear steel plates and vice versa after a load of (200kN). Theoretical analysis was also carried out for all beams using the finite element program ANSYS (version 15) where theoretical results of load versus mid-span deflection relations, longitudinal reinforcement strain, shear reinforcement strain, variations of neutral axis depths and cracks patterns showed good agreement with experimental ones. Finally, some specific further studies were recommended.
Pro-drop in Standard Arabic

The correlation between Pro-drop and the nature of verbal morphology is a universal principle. This syntactic phenomenon has been parameterized on the basis of verb inflection. Rich verbal inflection has been advocated to allow pro-drop subject. On contrast, if a language structure maintains a low level of verbal morphology, pro will not be dropped. This paper comes to show that Standard Arabic (SA) is a partial pro-drop language. It has null subject even with rich verbal inflection structure. Nonetheless, the paper shows that in some forms of imperative sentence that have poor verbal inflection, but the subject is optional. On the other side, and on the basis of minimalism, pro is asserted to have features that must be checked in the course of derivation. These features are case and agreement that can be valued at Specifier-head configuration to pro. The process of checking optimally tries to draw evidence for the minimum level of morpho-syntactic features that pro in SA carries.
Evolution or revolution? a study of price and wage volatility in England, 1200-1900

Using annual data 1209-1914, this paper examines whether there are structural breaks in the movements of prices and wages that correspond to the major ‘revolutions’ identified in historical narratives. Econometric modelling of trend and volatility in prices and wages confirms the importance of the Commercial Revolution and the Glorious Revolution, but suggests that the Industrial Revolution may be better described in evolutionary terms. The evidence also points to a late medieval revolution at the time of the Good Parliament, shortly after the Black Death and just before the Peasant’s Revolt. This supports Britnell and Campbell’s commercialisation hypothesis - that the institutional pre-conditions for the Industrial Revolution began to develop at a very early date.
Why Evidence-Based Practice in I–O Psychology Is Not There Yet: Going Beyond Systematic Reviews

In acknowledging at the outset the importance of the four major defining characteristics of evidence-based practice in equal measure, Briner and Rousseau(2011) offer a balanced portrayal of the requirements for its successful uptake in industrial–organizational (I–O) psychology. Unfortunately, however, the remainder of their article is devoted almost exclusively to an analysis of just one of these characteristic features, namely, how best to critically evaluate the best available research evidence. The critical evaluation and synthesis of scientific developments as an input to organizational decision processes is undoubtedly a worthy cause. However, it is unlikely that the application of systematic reviews as advocated by Rousseau and Briner will generate the sorts of creative insights that the I–O psychology field needs so badly to continuously innovate high-quality evidence-based solutions to the problems besetting the modern enterprise. Although in evidence-based medicine, medical decision makers seeking to avoid error (allegedly) privilege evidence and standardization in their practices, decision makers in contemporary organizations more typically value innovation and differentiation. Accordingly, the push to evidence-based practice will only have the impact on the wider I–O psychology profession envisaged by its growing body of advocates—myself included—if we first engage in a more considered reflection on the fundamental nature of the complete package of information sources enumerated by Briner and Rousseau. Unlike conceptual knowledge acquired through advanced academic study, the expertise underpinning the professional judgments of skilled practitioners takes many years to acquire through judicious supervision by suitably experienced mentors. How to accelerate the development of such expertise, much of which is tacit in nature, and incorporate it more explicitly into our education and continuing professional development programs is a far more urgent and pressing priority than the introduction of systematic review techniques.
Seismic rotation waves: basic elements of theory and recording

Returning to the old problem of observed rotation effects, we present the recording system and basic elements of the theory related to the rotation fi eld and its association with seismic waves. There can be many different causes leading to observed/recorded rotation effects; we can group them as follows: generation of micro-displacement motion due to asymmetry of source processes and/or due to interaction between seismic body/surface waves and medium structure; interaction between incident seismic waves and objects situated on the ground surface. New recording techniques and advanced theory of deformation in media with defects and internal (e.g., granular) structure make it possible to focus our attention on the fi rst group, related to microdisplacement motion recording, which includes both rotation and twist motions. Surface rotations and twists caused directly by the action of emerging seismic waves on some objects situated on the ground surface are considered here only in the historical aspects of the problem. We present some examples of experimental results related to recording of rotation and twist components at the Ojcow Observatory, Poland, and L’Aquila Observatory, Italy, and we discuss some prospects for further research.
Le riz africain peut-il être compétitif ? Une analyse de la compétitivité-qualité par la méthode des enchères expérimentales

The rise in food prices in 2008 pushed many African states to adopt strategies of self-sufficiency in food. However, if production increases at the rhythm proposed by the programs, who will buy the surplus? The permanent rice deficit in West Africa is inherent to a concept which lacks consumer focus and fails to recognize the role of quality in the competitiveness of local and imported rice in urban markets. Two types of competitiveness can be distinguished, i.e. price competitiveness and quality-based competitiveness. We analyze the quality-based competitiveness of local rice on four urban African markets through experimental auctions. The experimental results provide evidence for the hypotheses that: i) local African rice can be competitive relative to imported rice under the condition that quality is tailored to consumer preferences; and ii) quality, labeling and information can act as triggers in strengthening competitiveness of rice value chains in Africa.
Intention to Share Knowledge in Computer: A Factor Analysis

This research was conducted to examine the factors that influencing the intention to share knowledge through computer, consequently, it supported the collaborative learning environment among the students. While, one of these factors is students’ willingness to communicate and collaborate. Therefore, a conceptual model was developed to test the reliability of this measurement. A sample of 68 Master of Business Administration (MBA) students from three courses participated in the survey. The research used business school (MYIBS) electronic learning (e-learning), that open source software platform based on Claroline (http://www.ibs.utm.my/myibs) to gauge students’ response on intention to share knowledge through the forum. The results indicate that the measures of all three factors are reliable and that they are positively correlated to intention to share knowledge in computer supported collaborative environment.
Foreign aid-growth nexus in pakistan: role of macroeconomic policies

This study examines the effectiveness of aid, focusing on the ongoing debate on the interactive effect of aid and policy on sustainable economic growth. We disaggregate the total aid into bilateral and multilateral aid to examine the separate affect of these forms of aid on economic growth. The empirical analysis is based on the ARDL cointegration approach using the data for the period 1960 to 2008. Empirical findings suggest that foreign aid has no role in economic growth of Pakistan under the period reviewed. Based on the empirical results we find that foreign aid and real GDP has negative relationship while aid-policy interactive term and real GDP growth has positive and significant relationship. The interesting results emerge; when Aid/GDP alone is introduced into the growth equation it has insignificant positive coefficient in the long run and negative and weakly significant coefficient in the short run. Similar results obtained when we disaggregate aid in term bilateral and multilateral component. The results strongly support the view that foreign aid does have positive impact on economic growth in Pakistan conditional on sound macroeconomic policies.
A Closed-Loop Supply Chain with Competitive Dual Collection Channel under Asymmetric Information and Reward–Penalty Mechanism

We investigate a closed-loop supply chain (CLSC) where the retailer and the third-party recycler compete against each other to collect waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE) given that collection effort is their private information. Using the principle-agent theory, we develop a CLSC model with dual collection channel without the government’s reward–penalty mechanism (RPM). An information screening contract is designed for the manufacturer to attain real information on collection effort levels; meanwhile, the optimal decision-making results of other decision variables are derived. Next, we take RPM into account to further examine the efficacy of the government’s guidance mechanism in improving collection rate and profits of CLSC members. Our results indicate that (i) the collection competition reduces the total collection quantity and the expected profits of all the CLSC members without RPM; (ii) all CLSC members’ expected profits are improved if both two collection agents select a high collection effort level without and with RPM; (iii) RPM increases buyback price, collection price, collection quantity, and franchise fee but decreases wholesale price and retail price; with the reward–penalty intensity increasing, the manufacturer’s expected profit first decreases and then increases, while the expected profits of H-type retailer and H-type third-party recycler continue to increase. We find that RPM may ultimately stimulate the collection agents to collect more WEEEs, while the intense collection competition reduces the profits of CLSC members.
Effects of Subacute and Subchronic Treatment of Synthetic Plant Growth Regulators on Liver Damage Serum Biomarkers Tissue Antioxidant Defense Systems and Lipid Peroxidation in Rats

The present study was aimed to investigate the effects of some synthetic plant growth regulators; s-Naphthoxy acetic acid (s-NOA) and 4-Chlorophenoxy acetic acid (4-CPA) at 10 and 20 ppm dosages on liver damage, antioxidant defense system and lipid peroxidation in rats. Rats were divided into 12 groups as control, s-NOA and 4-CPA at 10 and 20 ppm dosages application groups. Serum marker enzymes and biochemical parameters were selected as biomarkers for liver damage. Antioxidant defense systems as SOD, GR, CAT, GSH-Px, GST and G6PD enzyme activities and GSH and MDA contents were determined in tissues as the indicators of oxidative stress. At the end of experiments, the statistically significant changes were observed in the levels of TPRO, TALB, TCHOL, TBIL, AST, ALT and LDH as liver damage serum biomarkers in rats exposed to 10 and 20 ppm of s-NOA and 4-CPA as compared with controls. MDA levels increased in all the tissues of rats exposed to s-NOA and 4-CPA dosages whereas the fluctuation in SOD, GR, CAT, GSH-Px, GST and G6PD enzyme activities and GSH levels were observed compared with controls. It could be concluded that the treatments of s-NOA and 4-CPA dosages may induce liver damage and oxidative stress.
The Effect of pH on Surface Hardness of Mineral Trioxide Aggregate with Various Additives

Background and Aim : To evaluate the surface microhardness of mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) mixed with various additives after exposure of their surface to acidic pH during hydration.Materials and Methods : White ProRoot MTA was mixed with various additives like saline, lidocaine, 2% calcium chloride and distilled water and packed into cylindrical polycarbonate tubes. Two groups, each of 32 specimens was prepared, with four subgroups and 8 samples under each subgroup. The two groups were exposed to 4.4 and 7.4 pH for 4 days. Vickers microhardness of the surface of each specimen was measured after exposure. The data obtained were subjected to one-way ANOVA and post hoc Tukey’s test.Results : The greatest mean surface hardness value (74.4 ± 4.6) was observed following exposure to pH 7.4 of MTA with 2% CaCl2 and least value (17.2 ± 2.7) with saline. Tukey post-hoc test revealed that difference between the values of specimens for CaCl2, saline, lidocaine and distilled water were statistically significant (p< 0.05). But among saline and distilled water at pH 4.4, it was not statistically significant.Conclusion : Under the conditions of this study, surface hardness of MTA with 2%CaCl2 was not impaired in an acidic environment.