Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Adaptive Transition Management for Transformations to Agricultural Sustainability in the Karnali Mountains of Nepal

Current agroecological approaches to farming have provided a limited understanding of transformations to sustainability, particularly in subsistence agrarian economies of geographically isolated regions of the world. Some suggest mitigating social and ecological impacts of modern industrial farming while others advocate for local adaptation to changes in socioecological systems, such as climate change, extreme weather events, and biodiversity loss. This article investigates effective pathways of fundamental transformations in technologies, livelihoods, and lifestyles referred to as “agricultural sustainability transitions” in the Karnali Mountains, the most impoverished region of Nepal. Findings suggest that neither management of change referred to as transition management nor adaptation to change referred to as adaptive management effectively leads to agricultural sustainability transitions in this region of the country. An integration of these two approaches, which this article theorizes as “adaptive transition management,” can help charter transition pathways through system innovation making new and improved technologies more accessible and adaptable to smallholders while developing local capacity to adapt to changes in agroecological systems.
PARTICLE TRAPPING AND STREAMING INSTABILITY IN VORTICES IN PROTOPLANETARY DISKS

We analyze the concentration of solid particles in vortices created and sustained by radial buoyancy in protoplanetary disks, e.g., baroclinic vortex growth. Besides the gas drag acting on particles, we also allow for back-reaction from dust onto the gas. This becomes important when the local dust-to-gas ratio approaches unity. In our two-dimensional, local, shearing sheet simulations, we see high concentrations of grains inside the vortices for a broad range of Stokes numbers, St. An initial dust-to-gas ratio of 1:100 can easily be reversed to 100:1 for St = 1.0. The increased dust-to-gas ratio triggers the streaming instability, thus counter-intuitively limiting the maximal achievable overdensities. We find that particle trapping inside vortices opens the possibility for gravity assisted planetesimal formation even for small particles (St = 0.01) and a low initial dust-to-gas ratio of 1:104, e.g., much smaller than in the previously studied magnetohydrodynamic zonal flow case.
Variability between the follicular steroid hormone levels in different follicles of the same patient and between patients

Context: There is disagreement as to whether the concentration of a substance in follicular fluid is related to the quality of the follicle as a possible reflection of the oocyte quality or whether this concentration is related to the clinical characteristics of the patient. AIM: To establish the variability of steroid hormone levels in follicular fluids from different follicles of the same patient and between patients. Settings And Design: Prospective cohort study. Materials And Methods: In 31 patients who underwent intracytoplasmic sperm injection it was performed an ultrasound guided aspiration of follicular fluid of the first two mature follicles from each ovary. Chemiluminescent microparticle immunoassays were performed to determine the levels of estradiol, progesterone, testosterone, and dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEA-S). Statistical Analysis: Unconditional mixed model. Results: Variation in estradiol levels between follicles in the same patient was approximately twice the variation between subjects (P = 0.05). In the case of progesterone, the intra-subject variation was similar to the inter-subject variation (P = 0.006). The testosterone levels had a slightly smaller intra-subject variation than inter-subject variation (P = 0.002), and the intra-subject variation in DHEA-S levels was approximately one-fifth of the inter-subject variation (P = 0.0003). Conclusions: The variations in the levels of follicular progesterone and testosterone were similar between patients and between a given patient′s follicles; however, the estradiol levels variability was higher among different follicles. The amount of follicular estradiol may be considered a selection tool between the follicles of a given patient.
The Struggle for Rents in a Schumpterian Economy

This paper develops a two-sector endogenous growth model with a dual labour market. Trade unions strive for the extraction of as high a rent as possible from the growth generating imperfectly competitive primary sector. This union behaviour results in a non-competitive wage differential between the primary and secondary (perfectly competitive) sector. The consequence of this distortion is the coming about of wait unemployment, i.e., unemployed queuing for high-paid jobs. Employment and growth are negatively dependent on the relative strength of the union. An increase in concentration in the high-tech sector is good for growth and employment.
Laboratory Assessment of the Anticoagulant Activity of Dabigatran

Background: Our aim was to identify laboratory assays in order to assess the anticoagulant effects of dabigatran etexilate (DE). Methods: Twenty patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation treated on DE (110 mg per os twice daily) and 20 on acenocoumarol were studied. Conventional coagulation tests, endogenous thrombin potential (ETP), thromboelastometry (ROTEM), epinephrine-induced light transmission aggregometry (LTA), and Hemoclot Thrombin Inhibitors (HTI) were performed in all patients. Results: In ROTEM analysis, the lysis index at 60 minutes was significantly lower in patients receiving DE (P = .011). In LTA, patients on DE showed decreased aggregation compared to those on acenocoumarol, marginally insignificant (P = .068). Regarding ETP, acenocoumarol affected thrombin generation more than dabigatran (area under the curve [AUC], P < .001), while statistically significant associations were detected between dabigatran levels, as determined by the HTI assay, and almost all parameters of ETP assay (AUC, P < .001). Conclusion: The role of ETP in estimating anticoagulant activity of dabigatran possibly requires further research.
A Practical Method for Quantifying Eco‐efficiency Using Eco‐design Support Tools

Eco‐efficiency at the product level is defined as product value per unit of environmental impact. In this paper we present a method for quantifying the eco‐efficiency using quality function deployment (QFD) and life‐cycle impact assessment (LCIA). These well‐known tools are widely used in the manufacturing industry.
Interleukin‐10 inhibits the induction of monocyte procoagulant activity by bacterial lipopolysaccharide

Monocytes stimulated with bacterial lipopolysaccharide (LPS) generate a procoagulant activity (PCA) related to the induction of tissue factor (TF) expression at their surface. Since interleukin‐10 (IL‐10) was recently shown to inhibit LPS‐induced cytokine production and is currently considered as a potential therapeutic agent in septic shock, we were interested to determine its effects on LPS‐induced monocyte PCA. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) from healthy donors were incubated with 1 μg/ml LPS in the presence of serial dilutions of recombinant human IL‐10 and PCA was determined after 6 h in a one‐stage clotting assay. IL‐10 inhibited in a dose‐dependent manner LPS‐induced TF‐dependent PCA: a significant effect was already observed with 30 pg/ml IL‐10 while 64–97% inhibition was achieved with 120 pg/ml IL‐10. In parallel flow cytometry experiments, IL‐10 was shown to block LPS‐induced TF expression at the surface of monocytes. In order to inhibit LPS‐induced PCA, IL‐10 had to be added to PBMC at least 6 h before LPS challenge. This inhibitory effect of IL‐10 was already apparent at the TF mRNA level and was prevented by co‐incubation with cycloheximide (20 μg/ml). These data suggest that IL‐10 acts via the induction of protein(s) which might interfer with TF gene transcription or mRNA stability. We conclude that the protective effects of IL‐10 in endotoxinemia might be related not only to cytokine synthesis blockade but also to inhibition of LPS‐induced PCA.
IMPLEMENTATION OF THE URUGUAY ROUND AGREEMENT ON AGRICULTURE: ISSUES AND PROSPECTS

The Uruguay Round Agreement on Agriculture has created a completely new legal framework for agricultural policies and trade. Its immediate impact on trading conditions will, though, depend on the way in which it is implemented. Much slack was built into the commitments which countries have accepted. For some time to come, actual policies will in many cases not be bound by the new commitments. The constraints on subsidised exports will probably have the most pronounced impact on trade. The many new tariff rate quotas raise a number of implementation issues. Implementation of the Special Safeguard Provisions may lead to unpleasant surprises. However, it would be wrong to assess the Agreement against an ideal world. It is a big step forward compared with past treatment of agricultural trade in the GA TT, and over time it is likely to influence policies more and more.
Particle Image Velocimetry for Measuring Water Flow Velocity King

Floods are natural phenomena, which may turn into disasters causing widespread damage, health problems and even deaths. Nowadays, floods had become more serious and more frequent due to climatic changes. During flooding, discharge measurement still can be taken by standing on the bridge across the river using portable measurement instrument. However, it is too dangerous to get near to the river especially during high flood. Therefore, this study employs Particle Image Velocimetry (PIV) as a tool to measure the surface flow velocity. PIV is a image processing technique to track the movement of water from one point to another. The PIV codes are developed using Matlab. In this study, 18 ping pong balls were scattered over the surface of the drain and images were taken with a digital SLR camera. The images obtained were analyzed using the PIV code. Results show that PIV is able to produce the flow velocity through analyzing the series of images captured. Keywords—Particle Image Velocimetry, flow velocity, surface flow.
Opportunities and options for transport policy

UK transport policy is entering arguably its most challenging period. The 12 years since 1997 has seen record levels of investment in local and national transport systems. There have been notable policy innovations such as the London Congestion Charge and requirements for nationwide School Travel Plans. There have been some successful policy outcomes such as increased rail patronage, serious accident reductions and improved air quality in many places and yet the problems of congestion, climate change, inclusion, obesity and equality are more severe now than at any previous time. The period from 2010 will be characterised by significant and sustained cuts in public expenditure and transport cannot expect to escape from these. It follows that business as usual is not actually an option - so, what are the policy options for transport which parties seeking to govern need to consider? This paper is a think piece developed through collaboration between academics across a range of policy areas including governance, behavioural and social trends, energy and the environment, social equity and equal opportunities, public acceptability and freight. The paper sets out an analysis of the problems using the Driving Forces, State, Response framework. The Response comprises an assessment of five policies which should be started, five which should be stopped and four which should be applied more intensively. The selections demonstrate both strengths and weaknesses in the current policy set and suggest the need for a much broader debate about where next if the next decade is not to be a cut-price 'business as usual' approach which takes the UK further away from a sustainable transport system.
Genetic Structure in Contemporary South Tyrolean Isolated Populations Revealed by Analysis of Y-Chromosome, mtDNA, and Alu Polymorphisms

ABSTRACT Most of the inhabitants of South Tyrol in the eastern Italian Alps can be considered isolated populations because of their physical separation by mountain barriers and their sociocultural heritage. We analyzed the genetic structure of South Tyrolean populations using three types of genetic markers: Y-chromosome, mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA), and autosomal Alu markers. Using random samples taken from the populations of Val Venosta, Val Pusteria, Val Isarco, Val Badia, and Val Gardena, we calculated genetic diversity within and among the populations. Microsatellite diversity and unique event polymorphism diversity (on the Y chromosome) were substantially lower in the Ladin-speaking population of Val Badia compared to the neighboring German-speaking populations. In contrast, the genetic diversity of mtDNA haplotypes was lowest for the upper Val Venosta and Val Pusteria. These data suggest a low effective population size, or little admixture, for the gene pool of the Ladin-speaking population from Val Badia. Interestingly, this is more pronounced for Ladin males than for Ladin females. For the pattern of genetic Alu variation, both Ladin samples (Val Gardena and Val Badia) are among the samples with the lowest diversity. An admixture analysis of one German-speaking valley (Val Venosta) indicates a relatively high genetic contribution of Ladin origin. The reduced genetic diversity and a high genetic differentiation in the Rhaetoroman- and German-speaking South Tyrolean populations may constitute an important basis for future medical genetic research and gene mapping studies in South Tyrol.
Communications Challenges for Multi-Tasking Central Banks: Evidence, Implications†

The communications challenges facing central banks that share macroprudential responsibilities with other agencies are daunting. Central bank surveys and an index of central bank transparency reveal that central banks have adopted the necessary institutional arrangements to communicate effectively a price stability objective. However, their communications strategy is ill suited to dealing with financial stability issues. Recent events require a departure from the pre-crisis narrative that entailed a predictable relationship between inflation and output gaps, of which financial stability was considered a by-product. I argue that central banks should adopt a hybrid form of inflation and price level targeting as well as require that macroprudential regulators jointly communicate their determination to act in concert, especially when the financial system is under stress. The current practice of announcing the rationale for the setting of monetary policy instruments is no longer an effective communication strategy when central banks must also evince a concern for financial stability.
Raffinement du Lexique des Verbes Français (Resource Refining : << Les Verbes Français >>) [in French]

Resource Refining : « Les Verbes Français » This paper introduce the impovements we made to the resource « Les Verbes Français » in order to make it more usable in the field of natural language processing. Syntactic and semantic information is corrected, restructured, unified and then integrated to the XML version of this resource, in order to be used by a semantic role labelling system. MOTS-CLÉS : ressource, lexique, verbes, raffinement, étiquetage de rôles sémantiques.
Estimation of Beta in a Simple Functional Capital Asset Pricing Model for High Frequency US Stock Data

This project applies the methods of functional data analysis (FDA) to intra-daily returns of US corporations. It focuses on an extension of the Capital Asset Pricing Model (CAPM) to such returns. The CAPM is essentially a linear regression with the slope coefficient . Returns of an asset are regressed on index return. We compare the estimates of obtained for the daily and intra-daily returns. The variability of these estimates is assessed by two bootstrap methods. All computations are performed using statistical software R. Customized functions are developed to process the raw data, estimate the parameters and assess their variability. The results turn out to be: First, the estimates of obtained for the intradaily returns have bigger absolute values than those for the daily returns; secondly, to assess the variability of the estimates of obtained for the intra-daily returns, residual bootstrap method is more reliable than pairwise bootstrap method; thirdly, the estimates of obtained for the intra-daily returns are much higher in absolute values in 2004 than those in any other years.
Low molecular weight G-proteins of rho-family mediate relaxations to bradykinin in porcine coronary arteries.

AIM To determine whether or not low molecular G-proteins are involved in the endothelium-dependent relaxations to bradykinin. METHODS The effects of botulinum ADP-ribosyltranferase C3 were studied in porcine coronary arteries and endothelial cells. RESULTS Incubation of membrane fractions isolated from endothelial cells with the enzyme and 32P-NAD resulted in the ribosylation of the proteins with molecular weight of 24-25 kDa. Radio labelling of these proteins was suppressed in the presence of guanosine 5'-O-(3-thiotriphosphate) (GTP-gammaS), a hydrolysis-resistant analog of GTP. In the isolated arteries, ADP-ribosyltransferase C3 attenuated the relaxations to bradykinin during contractions with prostaglandin F2alpha in the presence of tween 80 (non ionic detergent), but not in the absence of tween 80. CONCLUSION Low molecular weight G-proteins of the Rho family contribute to the mechanism of relaxation induced by bradykinin.
New rational parties relying on reputation

In this paper, we redefine the utilities considering other parts such as reputation in order to give rational parties incentives to participate in the protocol and finally get the correct outputs. The most distinct contribution of this paper is the proposal of rational covert adversaries whose behaviors are combinations of rational parties and covert adversaries. Finally, given proper parameters, we prove that all parties have incentives to participate in the rational secure computation protocol. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Blogging activity among cancer patients and their companions: Uses, gratifications, and predictors of outcomes

This study examines cancer patients’ and companions’ uses and gratiﬁcations of blogs and the relationship between different types of blogging activities and gratiﬁ-cation outcomes. In an online survey of 113 respondents, cancer patients were found to be more likely than their companions to host their own blogs. Four areas emerged as gratiﬁcations of blog use: prevention and care, problem-solving, emotion management, and infor-mation-sharing. Cancer patients and companions both found blogging activity to be most helpful for emotion management and information-sharing. Further, cancer patients were more gratiﬁed than their companions in the areas of emotion management and problem-solving. Regression analyses indicate that perceived credibility of blogs, posting comments on others’blogs, and hosting one’s own blog signiﬁcantly increased the explanatory power of the regression models for each gratiﬁcation outcome.
Only an Agenda Setter?

What is the scope for autonomous action of the European Commission? Its independence is much more contentious than that of the European Court of Justice, which is generally considered quite autonomous. While the literature on the Commission focuses predominantly on its ability to use its agenda-setting powers, the Commission's other means to influence European integration have been less well established. In this paper, I demonstrate how the Commission can use its role as a guardian of the Treaty to coax the Council of Ministers into action. In addition to agenda setting, the Commission can manipulate the Council's default condition, or change the preferences of some of its member states. Thereby the Commission may achieve decisions from the Council that would not have come about had the Commission only agenda-setting powers at its disposal. Effectively, the Commission here uses the greater autonomy of the European Court strategically for its own ends.
Service Level Relationships in a Multi-Echelon Inventory System

This paper deals with a multi-echelon inventory system consisting of one central Distribution Center DC which is the source of supply for any number of Regional Distribution Centers RDC's which are the source of supply for customer demand. It develops and tests through the use of simulation a heuristic for determining what level of service the customer receives given any combination of DC and RDC service levels, where service is defined as the fraction of demand met from on-hand inventory at the location where the order is placed. A number of different combinations of DC and RDC service level will achieve any given level of customer service. The criterion used to identify the best combination is the minimization of the average level of total system inventory.
The boarding experience from the patient perspective: the wait

Study objective We sought to better understand the experience of being a boarder patient. Methods We conducted a qualitative study between March and August 2012 to examine the experience of boarding in an urban, teaching hospital emergency department (ED). We included boarder patients and selected patients based on a convenience sample. Interviews were semistructured, consisting of eight main open-ended questions. Interviews were transcribed; codes were generated and then organised into categorises and subsequently into one theme. We concluded analysis when we achieved thematic saturation. Our institutional review board approved this study. Results Our final sample included 18 patients. The average age was 62.3 years. Patients characterised waiting as central to their experience as a boarder patient. One patient stated, “Well if you have to wait for a bed you have to wait for a bed, it's terrible. ” Three categories exemplified this waiting experience: (1) there was often lack of communication; (2) patients experienced frustration during this waiting period; and yet (3) patients often differentiated the experience of waiting from the care they were receiving. Conclusions Being a boarder patient was characterised as a waiting experience associated with poor communication and frustration. However, patients may still differentiate their feelings towards the wait from those towards the medical care they are receiving. Our data add more reason to eradicate the practice of ED boarding.