Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Residual stand damage following cut-to-length harvesting operations with a farm tractor in two conifer stands.

The objectives of this study was to record residual stand damage during harvesting operations and evaluate the influence of factors such as distance of the tree from the strip road, machine parts, operational phase, on the occurrence of tree wounds. The machine was a farm tractor equipped with a crane mounted on the front axle and a single grip harvester head. The study was carried out in two stands located in Southeast Sweden. Stand 1 was a 30-year-old Norway spruce (Picea abies L.) plantation on an afforested pasture while stand 2 was a 90-year-old mixed stand of Norway spruce, Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.), birch (Betula pendula Roth) and aspen (Populus tremula L.). The mean damage percentage was 6.3 % for the first stand and 6.5 % for the second stand. Sixty-five percent of the wounds were less than 50 cm, with 91 % of the damage occurring on the stem and 9 % of the damage on or below the root collar. Sixty-six percent of the wounds produced by the stem under processing or by the harvesting head while only 10 % of the wounds were produced by the tractor wheel. Damaged trees were distributed evenly in the crane reach zone. Significant differences were found between rut depths after one, two, four and six passes of the tractor in stand 1.
NMR OF WHOLE PLANT MATERIAL PROVIDES EVIDENCE FOR EXTENSIVE OXIDATIVE MODIFICATION OF LIGNIN DURING ENZYMATIC TREATMENT

The ability of a basidiomycete laccase, in a sequence including several successive laccasemediator and alkaline-extraction treatments, to modify and remove lignin from whole woody (Eucalyptus globulus) and non-woody (Pennisetum purpureum) plant materials is demonstrated (resulting in up to 48% and 32% removal of initial E. globulus and P. purpureum lignin, respectively). Two-dimensional nuclear magnetic resonance of the treated materials, swollen in dimethylsulfoxide-d6, revealed the differential removal of p-hydroxyphenyl, guaiacyl and syringyl lignin units, and a moderate removal of p-coumaric acid (present in P. purpureum) without a substantial change in polysaccharide cross-signals. However, the most noticeable change observed was the strong increase of Cα-oxidized syringyl units (representing up to 60% of all the lignin units in the treated eucalypt wood) in agreement with the mechanism of lignin attack by laccasemediator proposed after model dimer studies.
Multivariate Causality Tests with Simulation and Application

This paper extends the test established by Hiemstra and Jones (1994) to develop a nonlinear causality test in a multivariate setting. A Monte Carlo simulation is conducted to demonstrate the superiority of our proposed multivariate test over its bivariate counterpart. In addition, we illustrate the applicability of our proposed test for analyzing the relationships among different Chinese stock market indices.
Semantic Web, Ontologies and E- Government: A Review

E-government is considered as the efficient way of Information &Communication Technology (ICT) to improve the system of government that is in place, and with a aim to provide better and useful services to the Citizens. Ontologies plays an important role in the deployment of various e-government projects and services as they enable matching, mapping and merging of various services of e-government and it also enables to facilitate the semantic integration and interoperability of various e-government services. This paper reviews the various methods and tools to implement the ontologies and how to test them using various reasoners.
Lise Öğrencilerinin Başarı Güdülerinin ve Sosyal Kıyaslama Düzeylerinin Matematik Kaygılarını Yordaması

Literaturde de belirtildigi gibi ogrencilerin matematik kaygisini etkileyen pek cok degisken soz konusudur. Ogrencilerin matematik kaygisini etkileyen degiskenlerden birisi onlarin basari guduleri iken bir digeri de sosyal kiyaslama duzeyleridir. Bu calismada, lise ogrencilerinin basari gudulerinin ve sosyal kiyaslama duzeylerinin onlarin matematik kaygilarinin yordayicisi olup olmadigini arastirmak amaclamaktadir. Calisma grubunu, ozel bir dershaneye devam eden 166 tane 9. sinif ogrencisi olusturmaktadir. Bu calismada, coklu lineer regresyon analizi kullanilmistir. Coklu lineer regresyon analizinde, yordayici degiskenler olan basari gudusu ve sosyal kiyaslama ile bagimli degisken olan matematik kaygisi arasindaki iliski test edilmistir. Arastirmanin bulgularina gore, hem basari gudusunun tek basina hem de basari gudusu ve sosyal kiyaslamanin birlikte, lise ogrencilerinin matematik kaygilarinin anlamli yordayicilari oldugu gorulmustur.
AN EMPIRICAL FIVE-DIMENSIONAL HOLISTIC MODEL OF LEADERSHIP

Leadership is a vast and complex subject that has been studied for many decades. Even though there are numerous models and theories of leadership, research suggests that about 75% of organisations find their leadership development programs ineffective. Despite abundant opinions and theories postulated on leadership, there is a lack of a common language and a set of practical tools for understanding and developing leadership. Recent surveys also suggest that the competencies required of leaders are consistent among most sizes and types of organisations. The purpose of this conceptual paper is to simplify and synthesise the diverse aspects of leadership into a holistic framework that is easy to understand and apply in any environment. It presents a comprehensive and practicable five-dimensional model of leadership symbolised by Heart, Mind, Passion, Focus and Health. It also presents a competency matrix that captures the two core leadership attributes of wisdom (knowing what to do next) and skills (ability to do it) and identifies training needs associated with leadership development in terms of hard and soft skills.
The role of objects and materials in the explorations of the “touch-screen” children

It is recognized that the contemporary era is marked by the widespread availability of technologies, a source of radical change that is deeply influencing the modes of learning and knowledge-building of the so-called digital natives. More recently, the children and young people of today have been defined as “the touch-screen generation” due to their constant use of tablets and related applications, which is bringing about further changes in their relationship with culture. This last development in particular seems to have led to a different way of exploring objects and consequently of exploring contents. While we do not wish to pre-empt the results of studies that are currently underway, preliminary observational findings suggest that children’s approach to contents is increasingly mediated by contact with touch surfaces, which in turn implies a different use of the sensory skills. This represents a new two-dimensional revolution that adds a new perspective to the existing key and multiple vanishing points of the civilization of image: this novel perspective includes a time dimension that is regulated by touch and is more predictable than the exploration of reality. These early observations already prompt us to problematize some key issues, in particular the need to provide opportunities for young children to engage directly with objects and materials (Edwards Forman & Gandini 1993) not in opposition to their natural predisposition as members of the touchscreen generation, but to offer them a valuable and complementary mode of exploration and research that can contribute to the development of integrated and complex modes of knowledge-building (Zuccoli, 2010). In this paper, we analyze observations and video-recordings collected in early childhood services, discussing the value in today’s context of making unstructured materials available for children’s play, with a particular emphasis on those materials defined as “unconventional”, including industrial waste products (Guerra & Zuccoli, 2012). The last-mentioned materials are particularly contemporary and therefore suitable for the younger generations, while their undefined nature may help to develop complementary competencies that are less easily drawn out by other means.
Sustaining Democracy: A Study of Authoritarianism and Personalism in Irish Political Culture

Author(s): Cichowski, Rachel | Abstract: The need for political participation dominates our theoretical understandings of democratic stability. Furthermore, prevailing democratic political culture models extol a mixed culture of participants and warn of the dangers of wide spread deference. This paper tests the ability of these models to account for democratic societies characterized by high levels of deferential and personalistic political behavior. The analysis examines how a country with highly "authoritarian" social and political structures can establish a stable democracy and sustain it for more than seventy years. The historical and survey data included in this analysis offer evidence of how authoritarianism and personalism are integral elements in sustaining Irish democracy. The findings bring into question dominant explanations for democratic stability and suggest how Eckstein's theory of congruence provides new insights into the puzzle of Irish democracy.
NATURAL GAS LAMINAR FLOW IN ELLIPTIC CYLINDRICAL PIPES: A NUMERICAL STUDY

Natural gas consists of a mixture of inorganic gases and saturated hydrocarbons containing mainly methane. Once extracted from the underground, the natural gas, either in the gaseous phase or liquefied, should be transported until the consumption zones in circular pipes, or pipelines. Many theoretical studies have been reported focusing on the fluid flow in such pipes, but little attention has been given to elliptic cylindrical pipes, especially in the hydrodynamic entrance region. Due to its relevance, the aim of this research is to present a mathematical study to predict natural gas flow in cylindrical pipes with elliptic cross section in the hydrodynamic entrance region. The results in terms of different flow parameters and velocity and pressure distributions inside the pipes with different aspect ratios are presented and discussed.
CXCL 7-Mediated Stimulation of Lymphangiogenic Factors VEGF-C , VEGF-D in Human Breast Cancer Cells

Increased expression of lymphangiogenesis factors VEGF-C/D and heparanase has been correlated with the invasion of cancer. Furthermore, chemokines may modify matrix to facilitate metastasis, and they are associated with VEGF-C and heparanase. The chemokine CXCL7 binds heparin and the G-protein-linked receptor CXCR2. We investigatedthe effect of CXCR2 blockade on the expression of VEGF-C/D, heparanase, and on invasion. CXCL7 siRNA and a specific antagonist of CXCR2 (SB225002) were used to treat CXCL7 stably transfected MCF10AT cells. Matrigel invasion assays were performed. VEGF-C/D expression and secretion were determined by real-time PCR and ELISA assay, and heparanase activity was quantified by ELISA. SB225002 blocked VEGFC/D expression and secretion (P < .01). CXCL7 siRNA knockdown decreased heparanase (P < .01). Both SB225002 and CXCL7 siRNA reduced the Matrigel invasion (P < .01). The MAP kinase signaling pathway was not involved. The CXCL7/CXCR2 axis is important for cell invasion and the expression of VEGF-C/D and heparanase, all linked to invasion.
Time Preference and Natural Resource Use by Local Communities: The Case of Sinharaja Forest in Sri Lanka

This paper investigates the impact of individual rate of time preference (IRTP) on forest resources harvesting from the Sinharaja forest in Sri Lanka. The impact of IRTP on the harvest rate of forest resources was tested using a simultaneous equation model. Analyses show that low income results in a higher IRTP, indicating that poverty is an important determinant of the IRTP. Further, the results show that individuals with a higher rate of time preference harvest more forest resources. Overall, the results suggest that long-term strategies for management of nature reserves would require poverty alleviation in the peripheral communities, among other measures. Sri Lankan Journal of Agricultural Economics Vol.10/11 (2008/2009) 31-60 DOI: http://dx.doi. org/10.4038/sjae.v10i0. 4590
Determinants of small-scale business owners’ participation in formal microcredit markets in Sudan

Heckman two-step selection model was used to analyze influences of household, business, and lender-related factors on the decision to participate and level of participation in formal microcredit using data from a survey of Micro and Small Enterprises (MSEs) in Sudan. Signs of the estimated parameters were consistent with expectations and in agreement with findings of relevant literature. While a number of household attributes were found to be important determinants of the choice to participate, most did not seem to have statistically significant influences on intensity. Conversely a number of key business-related characteristics appear to significantly affect intensity of participation in formal microcredit measured by the amount of microcredit applied for. Results of the study have important implications for microcredit policy and suggest various measures and reforms with high potential for enhancing the effectiveness and success of microcredit for MSEs in Sudan. One key finding relates to the effect of awareness of the predominant Islamic mode of microcredit, the Murabaha. As expected, awareness appears to positively influence participation, however awareness of the existence of formal microcredit and the Murababa lending terms and conditions was found to be low (only 65%) among the surveyed MSEs population. This indicates the importance of more efforts to improve awareness and flow of information on microcredit procedures in general, particularly Islamic modes of finance such as the Murabaha contract. On the other hand, the effect of awareness on intensity of participation (amount applied for) was found to be negative with high significance. This seems to suggest that the Murabaha mode is considered a high risk option by MSEs owners who are aware of this mode of finance substantially reducing their levels of demand for it. The study also confirmed the importance of key business related factors such as maintaining accounting records and value of assets, particularly for intensity of participation. The results tend to suggest that relatively larger and better-managed MSEs, demand higher credit levels. It is accordingly important to empower smaller and less equipped firms through increased awareness and training. These and other results suggest measures to strengthen business skills of MSEs managed by women, lower income owners, and relatively disadvantaged migrants through increased awareness, training and other complementary mechanisms to increase their participation. Innovative measures to ease constraining lender-related factors such as collateral requirements and loan processing time need to consider lending to beneficiary groups (e.g. cooperatives) to reduce risks of repayment defaults.
Performance of coir geotextiles as attached media in biofilters for nutrient removal

Biofilters are often used for denitrification, nitrification and carbon removal. Its main advantages are compactness and high capacity for removal of carbon, nitrogen and phosphorus. Further, they are well integrated into the environment, there is no need for secondary clarification except for certain aerobic applications, there is no need for liquid circulation for nitrogen removal, and energy consumption along with sludge production are minimum. Extensive studies have shown the utility of biofilters for efficient on-site disposal of wastewater.In this pilot plant study coir geotextile media was used as attachment media for the biofilters for low volume organic rich industrial wastewater. The geotextiles were able to decompose carbonaceous as well as nutrient compounds. In this study, the performance of biofilters employing coir geotextiles as the medium is investigated with specific reference to the removal of nutrients from wastewaters rich in organic matter. Both unwoven and woven types of coir geotextiles are used as the media. The filters were operated for six different cycles with various types of wastewaters. The results obtained show a significant nitrate removal rate and phosphate removal rate.
Integrating Real Life Customer Needs Into the Eco-Design Process and Generating Improvement Potential

Many companies have identified the substantial economization potential, as well as the high innovation potential which applied eco-design can generate. Most research in the field of eco-design has been focused on various design methodologies. In practice, these methods neglect to consider the consumer. This situation can not only lead to products failing in the marketplace, but it can also hinder the eco-friendliness of such products. Thus, this piece of research is about eco-design focused on considering the level of consumers’ awareness of environmental aspects of products, and their needs and behaviour, but also the perception and acceptance of environmental products. For this focus some research questions have been raised: what is an effective realization of a systematic and methodical eco-design process and how can it contribute to a successful outcome considering real consumer requirements? In-depth answers to these questions are provided in the form of a real-life product project, the "eco-designed PC mouse. " The findings of a consumer survey are applied to the ecodesign of a computer mouse using the Eco-Quality Function Deployment method. Furthermore, an implementation concept to combine the environmental attributes with the consumer benefits was developed (using Eco-Means-End-Chain). As a result the eco mouse prototype has an innovative power management system. The housing material is based on natural materials with a consistency similar to that of wood, however the process attributes are comparable to plastics. Components are soldered lead-free, hazardous materials are mostly avoided (in compliance with the RoHS-Directive). It is impossible to develop a product with absolutely no negative environmental impact. Nevertheless the next generation of a product should lessen the environmental impact of its predecessor. With the eco mouse user tests, new customer requirements are identified. In the first step of the proposed eco-design process, the results of the initial survey and those of the new survey were compared to identify the requirements for further development. Based on these requirements, new strategies were generated.
Modern Graph Databases Models

Graph Database Models is increasingly a topic of interest the database area. The representation of data in the form of a graph lends itself well to structured data with a dynamic schema. This paper goes over current applications and implementations of graph databases, giving an overview of the different types available and their application. Due wide spread of graph algorithms and models, no standard system or query language has been defined for graph databases. Research and industry adoption will determine the future direction of graph databases.
Semiparametric Estimation of First-Price Auction Models

Abstract In this article, we propose a two-step semiparametric procedure to estimate first-price auction models. In the first step, we estimate the bid density and distribution using local polynomial method, and recover a sample of (pseudo) private values. In the second step, we apply the method of moments to the sample of private values to estimate a finite set of parameters that characterize the density of private values. We show that our estimator attains the parametric consistency rate and is asymptotically normal. And we also determine its asymptotic variance. The advantage of our approach is that it can accommodate multiple auction covariates. Monte Carlo exercises show that the estimator performs well both in estimating the value density and in choosing the revenue maximizing reserve price. Supplementary materials for this article are available online.
Can Allogeneic Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation Outcome be Improved by Intravenous Apoptotic Cell Infusion

Cell-based therapy approaches have been shown to improve allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (AHCT) outcome by reducing its severe toxic side effects, including graft rejection, acute and chronic graft-versus-host disease (GvHD) or delayed/ impaired immune reconstitution. Here, we discuss the use of intravenous apoptotic leukocyte infusion to improve AHCT outcome. In experimental AHCT models, we demonstrated that intravenous apoptotic leukocyte infusion, simultaneously to allogeneic bone marrow grafts, favors hematopoietic engraftment, prevents allo-immunization and delays acute GvHD onset. Here, we review the different mechanisms and the potential beneficial effects associated with the immunomodulatory properties of apoptotic cells in the AHCT setting.
I-034 – DRINKING WATER OXIDATION WITH OZONE AND UV RADIATION FOR GEOSMIN, MIB AND METOLACHLOR REMOVAL

Many surface sources may be affected by trace of contaminants that cause odour problems with a drastic impact on water acceptability for human consumption or by pesticides, with dangerous effects on human health. The advanced oxidation processes (AOPs) have a significant role for the removal of these compounds, that are generally refractory to conventional processes. The advanced oxidation treatment of ozone combined with UV radiation was experimented on a surface water in order to study the removal of geosmin, MIB and metolachlor. Different batch tests were performed, with ozone concentration up to 10 mg/L, UV doses up to 10,000 J/m and a maximum contact time of 10 minutes. It was observed that conventional oxidation with ozone alone is not very effective for geosmin and MIB removal, while a complete removal can be obtained for metolachlor also in “practical” operating conditions. Geosmin and MIB are efficiently removed when ozone is combined with UV radiation (both at 254 and 185 nm wavelength) with C*t of 5-10 mg min/L (with ozone concentrations of 1.5-3 mg/L and a contact time of 2-3 minutes) and UV doses of 5,000-6,000 J/m.
IRRIGATION POND STRATIFICATION STRUCTURE DETERMINATION AND TEMPERATURE-DISSOLVED OXYGEN MODELING USING CE-QUAL-W 2

Thermal stratification experienced in irrigation ponds leads to intensification of agricultural pollution events due to hypolimnetic oxygen depletion. In this study, stratification in a small pond in western Turkey was investigated. Pond bathymetry was determined with a combination of an Acoustic Doppler Current Profiler (ADCP) equipment measurement and field study using Real Time Kinematic GPS (RTK GPS) equipment. The Relative Thermal Resistance to Mixing (RTRM) index and 2dimensional hydrologic model CE-QUAL-W2 was utilized to characterize the stratification structure. Based on these monitoring results, the temperature profile was constructed. The pond volume was found to be occupied by 60% with the epilimnion, 20% metalimnion and 20% hypolimnion. The model was calibrated with monitoring data from 2013 and validated with data from 2014. It was determined that the pond was monomictic. The pond was modeled with CE-QUAL-W2 and the dates of stratification, the temperature and dissolved oxygen profiles were simulated with absolute mean errors of 0.77 °C for temperature and 1.09 mgO2/L for dissolved oxygen. Different irrigation and meteorological scenarios were examined to predict pond volumes and temperatures till 2020. As a result of scenario implementations, drip irrigation practices were found to be the best management application for the sustainable management of the pond.