Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Global synthesis of forest cover effects on long-term water balance partitioning in large basins

Abstract. Global changes in forest cover have been related to major scientific and social challenges. There are important uncertainties about the potential effects of ongoing forest loss on continental water balances. Here we present an observation-based analysis of long-term water balance partitioning (precipitation divided into evaporation and runoff) in 22 large basins of the world, whereby we identify two partitioning patterns likely related to biophysical mechanisms that depend on the presence and abundance of forests. In less forested basins, evaporation dominates water balance and, as forest cover increases, this dominance of evaporation over runoff is reduced. When forest is the predominant cover, both components account for nearly half of precipitation in the long-term water balance. The distinction between these two patterns is not fully explained by differences between water- and energy-limited environments, but requires consideration of other biophysical properties that affect precipitation and its conversion into evaporation and runoff. Our results indicate that forest cover is an effective descriptor of basin attributes that are relevant for characterizing long-term water balance partitioning in large basins of the world. Further, our results provide insights to understanding and predicting the potential consequences of forest loss on continental water availability, a critical determinant for multiple ecological and societal processes.
Application à la surveillance de la pollution Scattering model estimation and source localization . Application to pollution monitoring

and key words This paper deals with a two-step source localization problem, which aims to identify which source is responsible for a significant change in the measured pollutant concentration in a monitored area. We first develop a blind identification procedure for unknown physical parameters conditional to the source coordinates. The true source coordinates are then obtained by minimizing a source partial spectral density distance, based on the power spectral densities of the observations. Simulations examples attest to the effectiveness of the algorithm. Source localization, spectral difference, blind identification
Suppression of Dewetting in Nanoparticle-Filled Polymer Films

The perturbing influence of nanosize filler particles on the dewetting of spun-cast polymer films is investigated. Previous studies have shown that spun-cast films of unentangled polystyrene (PS) and polybutadiene (PB) dewet acid-cleaned silicon wafers when the films are annealed above their bulk glass transition temperature Tg. It is also known that “impurity” particles tend to promote dewetting in thin polymer films. Here we demonstrate that the addition of a small amount of C60 fullerene nanoparticles to the spin-casting polymer solution leads to an inhibition of dewetting in thin (L < 100 nm) PS and PB films cast on both acid-cleaned and carbon-coated silicon wafer substrates. Neutron reflection measurements indicate that this effect is associated with the formation of a diffuse fullerene layer near the solid substrate. Evidently, the immobilized fullerene particles form an enrichment layer at the solid boundary and “pin” the contact line of the growing dewetted (“dry”) regions so that hole growth in .
COMPLEX ACTIVITIES AND THEIR ASSOCIATED RISKS

Approach and implementation to access the risk factor associated with complex activities is the purpose of conducting analysis through "p,t" type tests. Complex activities, stiff opposition and inhospitable environment could be associated with increasing the risk factor. A driving simulator model was taken as a four cylinder type car with some more additional equipments fitted into it to simulate a realistic driving environment with a cell-phone as a distracter. The distracter was accomplished by the driving activity while using cell-phone, but the risk that drivers take upon the cell phone was unclear. The performance of drivers proved to be affected badly by a number of distracters that could lead easily to be evolved in crash. Also, the relationship between the difficulty level of a phone conversation and the resulting distraction use to be unclear. The study showed the effect that easy and difficulty cell phone conversations have on driving performance . Participants engaged in a cell phone conversations showed to have higher variations in accelerator pedal position, slower driving with more variations in speed, and a higher level of workload regardless of the difficulty level of the conversation.
Mechanical properties of different alkali activated slag content for oilwell cement under elevated conditions

The increase in awareness towards global warming has prompted the research of alternatives to the conventional ordinary Portland Cement (OPC). The Class G OPC produces huge amounts of carbon dioxide (CO2) gas during its production. The slag based geopolymer cement has been identified as a potential greener alternative. Slag is chosen as the raw material because it contains silica and aluminum which is classified as pozzolan material that can be used to synthesis geopolymer cement. As most of the research done for slag based geopolymer cement is for the construction industry, and therefore, the parameters, ratios and compositions of the cement need to be improved to suit oilwell cementing criteria. The cement was tested for rheology test, fluid loss test and compressive strength test according to API cement testing procedures. The results shown that, 20% volume of water, in 166 Dinesh Kanesan et al. relative to volume of slag and alkali activator produced the optimum density and viscosity result compared to 10% and 30% of water. Meanwhile, Sodium Hydroxide (NaOH) to Sodium Silicate (Na2SiO3) ratio of 1:2.5 gave the ideal result compared to the ratio of 1:0.5, 1:1 and 1:2. Optimum density and viscosity were achieved using NaOH molarity of 12M instead of 10M and 14M. When the slurry with different volume of dispersant were kept for 10 minutes, the thickening time varied. The optimum dispersant volume was 10mL which enabled the slurry to remain in liquid state at the end of the 10 minute test duration.
Seasonal patterns of bacterial production and biomass in intertidal sediments of the western Dutch Wadden Sea

[ ~ e t h ~ l ~ H ] thymidine incorporation, bacterial abundance and biomass were measured over 1 yr on interdidal flats in the western Dutch Wadden Sea. Thymidine incorporation and biomass carbon production peaked in March and in mid-late summer with thyrnidine incorporation rates ranging from 15 to 15390 nmol 1-' wet sediment d' in the top 3 mm of sedlrnent (0.4 to 518 mgC I-' wet sediment dl) . Bacterial production was site-spec~flc. The higher bacterial production at one site could be related to higher organlc C sedimentation At most sites bacterial production covaried with particulate organic carbon content and its decomposable fraction In the sediment, suggesting nutrient stress. Covariation of production with bacterial abundance and biornass was not found. The latter variables showed a distinct seasonality with lowest values in spring/surnmer and highest values in autumn. Regulation of bacterial density appeared to be strongly density-dependent.
Employment and Education Discrimination against Disabled Persons in Cape Verde

This paper assesses the employment and school enrollment gaps between disabled and non-disabled persons using the last Cape Verdean census. The unexplained part of these gaps accounts for most of them, whatever the age group considered. Furthermore, differences in age structures between disabled and non-disabled persons have almost no effect on these gaps. Taking into account potential misclassification errors in the disability variable seems to change only marginally these results. These findings thus suggest that there is scope for programs to better target and promote employment and education of the disabled in Cape Verde.
Risk factors of cervical intraepithelial lesion in Douala-Cameroon: Implications of Herpes Simplex Virus Type 2, Chlamydia Trachomatis and Treponema Pallidum

Infection with high risk oncogenic human papillomavirus (HPV) such as HPVs 16 and 18 is the main cause of cervical cancer. The objective of this study was to determine the impact of Chlamydia trachomatis, Herpes simplex virus 2 (HSV 2), Treponema pallidum and some sexual behaviour on malignant progression of cervical lesion in Douala, Cameroon. From July 2009 to January 2010, we performed routine cervical smears to 163 consenting women, who completed a questionnaire on risk factors of cervical cancer. Blood samples were obtained for each of these women and used for the detection of antibodies against Chlamydia trachomatis, HSV 2 and Treponema pallidum. Results obtained showed that 26/163 (17 LSIL and 9 HSIL) of women had abnormal cytology, 75.5% (123/163) had HSV 2 infection, 19% (31/163) infected by Chlamydia trachomatis and 4.3% (7/163) infected by Treponema pallidum. Among the LSIL-positive women 35.3% (6/17) and 94.1% (16/17) were infected with Chlamydia trachomatis and HSV 2 respectively. Among those with HSIL cytology, 22.2% (2/9), 66.7% (6/9) and 11.1% (1/9) respectively had Chlamydia trachomatis, HSV 2 and Treponema pallidum. High parity and pregnancy rate was observed among women with positive cytology. Our finding shown high rate of cervical abnormalities among women infected with HSV 2; and among those with a higher number of parities and pregnancies. These results suggest that further investigations should be made in Cameroon to access real burden of these risk factors in the progression and persistence of cervical lesion. Key words :risk factors, cervical cancer, HSV 2, Chlamydia trachomatis, sexually transmitted infections. doi: 10.4314/ajcem.v12i3. 1
Anti-inflammatory potential of different extracts isolated from the roots of Ficus lacor buch. Hum and Murraya koenigii L. spreng

The present study was undertaken to evaluate the anti-inflammatory potential of Murraya koenigii root extracts petroleum ether, ethyl acetate and chloroform (MKPE, MKEA and MKCF, respectively) and Ficus lacor aerial root extracts petroleum ether, ethyl acetate, chloroform and ethanol (FLPE , FLET, FLCF and FLET, respectively) at doses of 50 and 100 mg/kg body weight (b.w.) using animal models of acute inflammation (carrageenan-, histamine- and serotonin-induced inflammation). The results of the Murraya koenigii roots chloroform extract caused 66.4% inhibition and the ethanol extract of Ficus lacor aerial roots caused 68.3% inhibition at the dose of 50 mg/kg b.w. At a higher dose of 100 mg/kg b.w. , MKPE and MKCF showed 55.10% and 70.10% inhibition, respectively. FLPE and FLET showed 74.50% and 75.40% inhibition, respectively, in the carrageenan-induced inflammation model. In histamine-induced inflammation, the MKCF showed 60% inhibition, and 67.01% and 68.02% inhibition with the petroleum ether and ethanol extracts, respectively, in Ficus lacor aerial roots at the dose of 50 mg/kg b.w. At a higher dose (100 mg/kg b.w.), MKCF showed 64% inhibition. FLPE and FLET showed 70.13%and 74.01% inhibition, respectively; 62.15% and 66.10% inhibition was observed with the petroleum ether and ethanol extracts of Ficus lacor aerial roots at 50 mg/kg b.w. At higher dose (100 mg/kg b.w.), FLPE and FLET showed 69.10% and 68.72% inhibition in serotonin-induced inflammation.
THE OPTIMIZATION OF PROLONGED RELEASE MULTIPARTICULATE TABLETS WITH BETAHISTINE DIHYDROCHLORIDE - Part II

The influence of some formulation factors on the release of betahistine dihydrochloride, an active ingredient freely soluble in water, from multiparticulate tablets with prolonged release was studied. Prolonged release multiparticulate tablets of betahistine dihydrochloride were prepared by compressing prolonged release granules obtained via fluid bed granulation and coating. They were mixed with the suitable excipients (micro-crystalline cellulose -Vivapur type 102 as filler, talcum as lubricant, colloidal anhydrous silica dioxide ‐ Aerosil as glidant).
A Review of MICE Industry Evaluation and Research in Asia and Australia 1988-1998

Abstract This paper reviews research in the MICE sector from 1988 to 1998 and identifies a number of problems and issues. Current research efforts focus mainly on direct economic impact, with some efforts in Australia to estimate the indirect and induced effects generated by the MICE industry. A more comprehensive research agenda to address the wider management, industrial and technological dimensions is proposed, with an acknowledgment that some research has already been completed in important areas which could provide a model for future research in Asia and Australia.
Metalloproteinases and their inhibitors as therapeutic targets for multiple sclerosis: current evidence and future perspectives

php and incorporate the Creative Commons Attribution – Non Commercial (unported, v3.0) License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/3.0/). By accessing the work you hereby accept the Terms. Non-commercial uses of the work are permitted without any further permission from Dove Medical Press Limited, provided the work is properly attributed. For permission for commercial use of this work, please see paragraphs 4.2 and 5 of our Terms (https://www.dovepress.com/terms.php). Metalloproteinases In Medicine 2017:4 1–13 Metalloproteinases In Medicine Dovepress
Genetic diversity of Ethiopian emmer wheat Triticum dicoccum Schrank landraces using seed storage proteins markers

Emmer wheat [Triticum dicoccum (Schrank)] cultivation in Ethiopia has been reducing and the genetic diversity maintained in the germplasm collection needs to be determined. The objective of this study was to assess the level of genetic diversity among populations of Ethiopian emmer wheat using seed storage protein analysis. Seeds of 85 accessions representing seven administrative regions of Ethiopia were obtained from the Ethiopian Biodiversity Institute and grown at Sinana Agricultural Research Center. Seed storage proteins were extracted from a single seed and separated by sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE). Total genetic diversity, intra-population genetic diversity and inter-population genetic diversity were 0.33, 0.2903 and 0.0391, respectively. Low genetic differentiation (GST = 0.119) and high gene flow (Nm = 3.697) were observed among populations. The genetic distance (D) between populations ranged from 0.0424 to 0.1128. Cluster analysis revealed two main clusters and one outlier. The results provide important baseline for future germplasm conservation and improvement programs. Key words: Cluster analysis, emmer wheat, genetic distance, genetic diversity, seed storage protein.
USING PEER FEEDBACK TECHNIQUE TO IMPROVE STUDENTS’ WRITING SKILLS: A QUASI-EXPERIMENTAL STUDY AMONG SECONDARY STUDENTS

This study aims to describe the students’ writing skills before and after using peer feedback technique and to reveal the difference between the students’ writing skills before and after using peer feedback technique. This study applied a quasi-experimental study design panel. 29 eleventh grade students of SMA N I Pundong class XI Science 2 (XI IPA 2) were involved in this study, serving as the sample group. A pre-test was given before the treatment, and three posttests were done after the treatment (peer feedback technique) was implemented. The findings showed that the students’ mean score improved from pretest to all posttests. The main score of pretest was 12.00, the first post-test was 15.57, the second post-test was 17.26, and in the third post-test the mean was 18.32. Therefore, the study revealed that applying peer feedback technique in teaching writing can significantly improve students’ writing skills.
Analytical Calculation for Predicting the Air Gap Flux Density in Surface-Mounted Permanent Magnet Synchronous Machine

The research of air gap flux density has a significant effect on predicting and optimizing the structure parameters of electrical machines. In the paper, the air gap coefficient, leakage flux factor and saturation coefficient are first analytically expressed in terms of motor properties and structure parameters. Subsequently, the analytical model of average air gap flux density for surface-mounted permanent magnet synchronous machines is proposed with considering slotting effect and saturation. In order to verify the accuracy of the proposed analytical model, the experiment and finite element analysis (FEA) are used. It shows that the analytical results keep consistency well with the experimental result and FEA results, and the errors between FEA results and analytical results are less than 5% for SPM with high power. Finally, the analytical model is applied to optimizing the motor structure parameters. The optimal results indicate that the analytical calculation model provides a great potential to the machine design and optimization.
Humans and Nature: How Knowing and Experiencing Nature Affect Well-Being

Ecosystems provide many of the material building blocks for human well-being. Although quantification and appreciation of such contributions have rapidly grown, our dependence upon cultural connections to nature deserves more attention. We synthesize multidisciplinary peer-reviewed research on contributions of nature or ecosystems to human well-being mediated through nontangible connections (such as culture). We characterize these connections on the basis of the channels through which such connections arise (i.e., knowing, perceiving, interacting with, and living within) and the components of human well-being they affect (e.g., physical, mental and spiritual health, inspiration, identity). We found enormous variation in the methods used, quantity of research, and generalizability of the literature. The effects of nature on mental and physical health have been rigorously demonstrated, whereas other effects (e.g., on learning) are theorized but seldom demonstrated. The balance of evidence indicates conclusi.
The Effect of Iranian Sciences on Islamic and Arabic Culture during the First Two of Hejira Centuries and Compiling of Sciences by Iranian

Before the emergence of Islam, Arabs did not know anything about arts and Sciences (except for poetry and Lecture). However, after the defeat of Iranian Kingdom, due to their longer presence in Iran, the Arabs were attracted to the culture and civilization of Iran. Iranians with their civilized and cultural background immediately forgot the defeat and helped with the Sciences, techniques and thoughts. This way, they took the initiatives and brought the Sciences and techniques which, Arabs were not aware of, into the Islam; Sciences such as medicine, astronomy, music, architecture, mathematics and arts. Iranians started to compile, translate and teach the books to their students. The present article which covers the first period of the reign of the Abbasid, based on the historical documents, discusses the way Arabs got familiar with Iranian sciences and it studies the influence and spread of these sciences into the world of Islam and Moslems.
Rice Biofortification for Assessment of Hidden Hunger: A Review

Rice is the staple food for billions of people in Asia, Africa and Latin America. Estimated global area of rice is 164.7 million ha (FAO, 2013). Asia is major producer and consumer of rice accounting for 90-92% of world‟s rice area. In 2016-17, the global production of rice was 482 million tonnes; in India the production was 106.5 million tonnes (USDA, 2017). India stands first in terms of area under cultivation and second in rice production after China. Rice (Oryza sativa L.) has become a model plant species for genomic research because of its small genome size (~430 million bp). Rice is a source of dietary energy, protein, vitamins and essential fatty acid and micronutrients for poor and vulnerable society that relied upon it as a staple food. In developing countries, Asia, Africa and Latin America, per capita consumption of rice is very high accounting to 483 million tonnes in 2015-16 (USDA, 2016). The micronutrient malnutrition associated health risks have become a major hindrance in achieving the Millennium Development Goals (MDG) such as reducing poverty and hunger, improved maternal health status and less child mortality and these are also important sustainable development goals (SDGs) to be achieved by 2035.
Incentives and technical ine¢ciencies in the production of local public services ¤

This paper presents an empirical model of public production that allows us to statistically examine 'incentive' factors that may in‡uence the internal eort level of local governments. Our model theoretically validates the application of the frontier analysis to the study of the incentive eect in local public …nance. We analytically show that the very factors that in‡uence the eort choice aect the moments of the technical ine¢ciency term in the frontier regression, whose stochastic property is based upon an exogenous ine¢ciency parameter that is unobservable to econometricians. We nonetheless show that the previous applied studies that claim to examine the incentive eect are based upon mis- speci…ed models, by demonstrating that the incentive eects are also present in the behavioral part of the frontier regression. Lastly, with cross-section data for Japanese municipalities, we provide an example that empirically im- plements our model to statistically examine the incentive eect. Our model dispenses with the popular method of maximum likelihood, and therefore is robust against the distributional assumption of the error terms.
Trade and Biotechnology in Latin America: Democratization, Contestation and the Politics of Mobilization

This research explores the role of agrarian and environmental movements in contesting the development and promotion of agricultural biotechnology through trade liberalization in Latin America. Organized around themes of mobilization, participation and representation, it raises key questions about who mobilizes and how, and about the strategic dilemmas that arise when movements with different histories, membership bases and cultures of protest attempt to work together. Issues of accountability, representation and participation run through the analysis of strategies of organization and claim-making adopted by an eclectic range of groups seeking to contest the role of biotechnology in the structure of agricultural production, the institutions that manage that relationship and the discourses which sustain it. In particular, analysis centres on their responsiveness to the concerns and agendas of poorer groups in the front line of the ‘gene revolution’ as it plays out in the Latin American countryside, in particular in Argentina and Brazil, the key players in biotechnology in the region.