Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Spatiotemporal characterization of dissolved carbon for inland waters in semi-humid/semi-arid region, China

Spatiotemporal variations of dissolved organic carbon (DOC) and inorganic carbon (DIC) in 26 waters across the semi-humid/semi-arid Songnen Plain, China, were examined with data collected during 2008-2011. Fresh (n = 14) and brackish (n = 12) waters were grouped according to electrical conductivity (threshold = 1000 µS cm 1 ). Sig- nificant differences in the average DOC and DIC con- centrations were observed between the fresh (5.63 mg L 1 , 37.39 mg L 1 ) and the brackish waters (15.33 mg L 1 , 142.93 mg L 1 ). Colored dissolved organic matter (CDOM) and DOC concentrations were mainly controlled by climatic-hydrologic conditions. The investigation indicated that the outflow conditions in the semi-arid region had con- densed effects on the dissolved carbon, resulting in close re- lationships between salinity vs. DOC (R 2 = 0.66), and salin- ity vs. DIC (R 2 = 0.94). An independent data set collected in May 2012 also confirmed this finding (DOC: R 2 = 0.79, DIC: R 2 = 0.91), highlighting the potential of quantifying DOC and DIC via salinity measurements for waters dispersed in the plain. Indices based on the CDOM absorption spectra (e.g., the DOC-specific CDOM absorption (SUVA 254), ab- sorption ratio a250 :a365(E250 : E365) and the spectral slope ratio (Sr, S275 295/S350 400)) were applied to characterize CDOM composition and quality. Our results indicate that high molecular weight CDOM fractions are more abundant in the fresh waters than the brackish waters.
Bioactive Compounds in Goat Milk and Cheese: The Role of Feeding System and Breed

This chapter provides an introductory overview of some bioactive compounds in goat milk, presenting a selection of key results from literature. The aim of the chapter is to review the effects of the feeding system and of the breed on goat milk and cheese fine quality in order to identify management options aimed at improving the nutraceutical characteristics of milk and dairy products. We will discuss a series of case studies focused on the assessment of the effects of feeding system and breed and their interaction on specific health-promoting bioactive compounds: (i) fatty acid (FA) profile, (ii) antioxidant compounds and (iii) oligosaccharides (OS). Experimental data will be discussed high-lighting the potential role of local Mediterranean breeds for the production of functional dairy products. centrifuged × g, min). After the the was a Buchner rinsed with CHCl 3 (30 ml) and then again filtered. The chloroform-lipid was dried over anhydrous Na 2 SO 4 , rinsed with CHCl 3 (30 ml) and concentrated using a rotary evaporator at 30°C. The residue was stored at −80°C for lipid determination. Lipid extract was methylated adding hexane (1 ml) and 2 N methanolic KOH (0.05 ml). Gas chromatograph analysis was performed on a Varian model 3800 GC instrument fitted with an automatic sampler (CP 8410) for a multiple injection. Fatty acid methyl esters (FAME) were separated through a cyanopropyl polysiloxane (DB 23, J & W) fused silica capillary column (60 m × 0.25 mm i.d.). Operating conditions were a helium flow rate of 1.2 ml/min, a FID detec-tor at 250°C and a split-splitless injector at 230°C with a split ratio 1:100. The column tempera-ture was held at 60°C for 5 min after sample injection (1 μl), increased at 14°C/min to 165°C and at 2°C/min to 225°C and held at 225°C for 20 min. The individual fatty acid peaks were identified with reference to the retention times of standard of CLA isomers trans-11 97% and trans-10, cis-12 3%; Larodan, and a known mixture of standards (FAME, Sigma). Fatty acids were expressed as percentage of total FAME. These results show that cholesterol was highly protected against oxidative reactions when herbage was the only feed or was dominant in the goat diet. A strong positive correlation between herbage intake and DPA values allows to identify a linear regression: y = 0.12 x + 5.52, where y = DPA (×10 −3 ) and x = contribution of grazed herbage intake to the animal diet calculated as a percentage of the maximum intake of mature Maltese goats (1100 g/d = 100% grazing). The DAP index equal to 7.0 × 10 −3 was able to distinguish dairy products when the grazed herbage in the goats’ diet exceeded 15%. The reliability of DAP to measure the antioxidant protection of cholesterol appeared more effective when the feeding system was based on grazing than when cut herbage or zero grazing was utilised indoors by animals.
Low-Flow Polysulfone Hemodialysis Alters Lipoprotein Parameters, Paraoxonase Activity and in Vitro Incorporation of Phospholipids

End stage-renal-disease (ESRD) is associated with dyslipidemia and premature atherosclerosis. The study evaluates the effect of hemodialysis (HD) on HDL-remodeling between pre- and post-HD. Was conducted a cross-sectional study with 50 ESRD male patients, undergoing HD at Ana Neri Hospital, Salvador, Brazil. All individuals were on HD for at least 3 months, into a three sessions protocol for 3 - 4 hours per week, with a polysulfone low-flow basic-dialyzing-membrane and unfractionated-heparin. HDL Phospholipid-incorporation was measured by 14C-PL-scintillation-counting, expressed as %14C-PL/mL/hour. Paraoxonase (PON-1) activity was measured by spectrophotometry using paraoxon as substrate. Cardiovascular risk ratios and atherogenic index of plasma were calculated. Total cholesterol, HDL-C and non-HDL-C increased at post-HD on all age groups, but without triglycerides (TG) changes. TG/HDL-C decreased in 30 - 39 and 40 - 49 year (y) at post-HD (p 60 y, after HD (p 60 (p 60 y, at post-HD (p 60 y, both at pre- (r = 0.63; p = 0.029) and post-HD (r = 0.65; p = 0.022). PON-1 activity increased at pre- (59 ± 30) and post-HD (73 ± 38) in 50 - 59 y (p 60 y (p < 0.05), when compared to pre- and post-HD. ESRD patients undergoing HD shows important changes on lipid-profile, PON-1-activity, cardiac risk ratios and HDL-remodeling. These results demonstrate the influence of HD with a polysulfone low-flow basic-dialyzing-membrane and unfractionated-heparin on lipoprotein metabolism.
Stereoscopic Displays and Accommodative Focus

In the present study, we examined the visual accommodation of subjects who were gazing fixedly at stereoscopic images on two different displays: a cathode ray tube (CRT) with the subjects wearing liquid crystal shutter glasses and a liquid crystal display (LCD) with the subjects not wearing liquid crystal shutter glasses. In Experiment 1, we measured accommodation in subjects viewing a moving stereoscopic image. In Experiment 2, we measured accommodation in subjects viewing moving stereoscopic images on an LCD and a CRT. In Experiment 3, we measured accommodation in subjects viewing a stereoscopic image moving from far to near on an LCD. In Experiment 4, we measured of accommodation in subjects viewing moving stereoscopic images (stereoscopic display mode) and non-stereoscopic images (2-D mode) on an LCD. The results suggested, the ciliary muscle is repeatedly strained and relaxed while the subject views the moving target. In the present study, the subjects’ accommodative amplitude was changed when the target moved from the near to far point, and vice versa. Ke yw ords: Accommodation, Binocular Vision, Stereoscopic Image and Visual Display
Generation of Meta Alerts by Aggregating Intrusion Alerts

Online intrusion detection systems play an important role in protecting IT systems. Tools like Snort, firewall also detect intrusions. Such intrusion detection systems provide feedback in the form of alerts. However, the number of alerts is more in number and often security personnel are confused with such voluminous messages. This makes them difficult to take decision immediately. They take time to analyze the alerts and come to a conclusion for directions for taking actions. The security risk estimation and resolving the security problem depends on quick understanding of alerts. The bulk of alerts given by low level intrusion detection systems make it time consuming to arrive at decisions. To overcome this problem the alerts provided by low level detection systems can be programmatically aggregated and summarized alerts can be given to security personnel so as to enable them to draw conclusions quickly and take required actions. We propose a new technique for the purpose of online alert aggregation based on dynamic, probabilistic model. The solution is based on maximum likelihood approach which is a data stream version. The empirical results revealed that the proposed solution is effective and useful. Index Terms – Online intrusion detection, data streaming, probabilistic model, alert aggregation.
The C star population of DDO 190

We have carried out deep R , I , CN, TiO observations of the dwarf irregular galaxy DDO 190. We confirm the existence of an intermediate-age population around this galaxy. The identification of 47 carbon stars seen up to 5 arcmin from the centre of the galaxy implies that the population distribution of DDO 190 is similar to those found in some other Local Group dIrr galaxies. An estimate of the metallicity, [Fe/H] = -1.55 ± 0.12, is obtained based on the observed C/M ratio. From the analysis of star counts, corrected for the radial variation of the incompleteness level, we determine a scale-length α = 40 ± 5 '' , in agreement with the recent literature.
Avaliação de Preditores Neurais Auto-regressivos no Mercado de Ações

Resumo—Este trabalho compara o desempenho de preditores neurais auto-regressivos em relação às predições da média e do random walk. Um novo método auto-regressivo é proposto, onde as diferenças entre os valores da série e um determinado valor passado são tomadas como variáveis de regressão. Um grande número de experimentos com dados reais do mercado Brasileiro foram utilizados nas comparações, que inclúıram a verificação da normalidade dos erros de predição. Nossos resultados mostraram que é posśıvel produzir erros de predição Normais a partir de séries de retornos não Normais.
Which Structural Parameters Are " Structural " ? Identifying the Sources of Instabilities in Structural Models

The objective of this paper is to identify which parameters of a structural model are stable over time. Existing works only test whether a given subset of the parameters is stable over time, but cannot be used to find which subset of parameters is stable; our procedure instead is informative regarding the nature of instabilities affecting macroeconomic models, and sheds light on the economic interpretation and causes of such instabilities. It provides clear guidelines on which parts of the model are reliable for policy analysis and which are possibly misspecified. Our empirical findings mainly suggest that instabilities are concentrated in Euler and IS equations and monetary policy reaction functions, but that the Phillips curve is stable. Such results offer important insights to guide the future theoretical development of macroeconomic models. PRELIMINARY AND INCOMPLETE
Processing Procedures and Feeding Systems for Sorghum-based Diets Given to Lactating Sows

One hundred and twenty nine primiparous sows were used to determine the effects of alternative processing procedures and feeding systems on the nutritional value of sorghum grain-based diets for lactating sows. Treatmentswere a ground sorghum control, steam-flaked sorghum and extruded sorghum fed in meal form and the ground sorghum control given as pellets or gruel (1:1 ratio of water and feed on a volume:volume basis). Average daily feed intake was greater for sows fed pelleted and gruel diet forms than sow fed the diets with steam-flaked and extruded sorghum (p 0.14). Number of pigs weaned and livability rates were similar among treatments except that steam-flaked sorghum supported greater litter weight gains than extruded sorghum (p 0.35), but keratinization was greatest for sows fed extruded sorghum (p<0.01). In conclusion, the alternative processing methods (steam-flaking and extrusion) and feeding system (pellets and gruel) had little effect on sow and litter performance. However, nutrient digestibilities were improved for all treatments that involved heating (steam flaking, extrusion and pelleting) and, thus, these treatments resulted in less fecal excretion of DM and N.
Private-Sector Experience with Pay Equity in Ontario

Since 1988 Ontario has had the most comprehensive comparable-worth or "pay-equity" policy in North America, if not the world. Ontario's Pay Equity Act is proactive rather than merely complaints-based and covers nearly all employers in the private as well as public sectors. In this paper we analyze the Ontario pay-equity policy and its experience to date. After reviewing the findings of several surveys sponsored by the Ontario Pay Equity Commission, we present the results of our own detailed survey of 27 Toronto firms in which we concentrated on their experiences implementing pay equity. Overall, we find that both the magnitude and the scope of pay-equity adjustments to date have been rather modest. However, most firms reported that pay equity was a significant administrative burden and generated major difficulties and complaints with the process of job evaluation. In addition, we discovered evidence of a fair amount of noncompliance with and manipulation of the requirements of the act.
Scientifi c Performance Assessments Through a Gender Lens : a Case Study on Evaluation and Selection Practices in Academia

The focus on excellence and quality assurance in the academy has spawned a signifi cant increase in the use of bibliometric measures in performance assessments of individual researchers. This article investigates the organizational consequences of this development through a gender lens. Based on a qualitative case study of evaluation and selection practices at a Danish university, a number of potential gender biases related to the use of bibliometric performance measures are identifi ed. By taking as default the research preferences, approaches and career paths of a succesful group of predominantly male scholars, evaluators using bibliometrics risk disadvantaging candidates diverging from the norm with implications for gender stratifi cation. Despite these potential biases, bibliometric measures come to function as technologies supporting a managerial narrative of the gender-blind organization. They adhere to the prevailing ethos of the academic meritocracy by standardizing the criteria for organizational advancement and ensuring transparency and accountability in the selection process. While bibliometric tools in this sense may lead to the recruitment of scientists with a strong CV and track record, they may at the same time prevent many talented researchers diverging from the norm from being recognized and succeed as academics.
An Analysis of the Performances of Compressive Sensing Algorithms OMP and KLT for Cognitive Radio

– This paper provides a comparison between two widely used algorithms in the field of Compressive Sensing (CS), namely Orthogonal Matching Pursuit (OMP), and, Karhunen-Loève Transforms (KLT). As CS is one of the most essential techniques used by a Cognitive Radio (CR) for efficient usage of spectrum, it is required to be optimally simple, and, still, fast in working. The complexity here refers to the No. of computations a CR is required to make while using such algorithms and, this also, will in turn affect the effective requirement of hardware and power consumption. In this work, by means of simulations, we have tried to get an insight of working both this algorithms, OMP and KLT; and carried out the comparison between the two regarding their performances for the same experimental setup. We have discussed and evaluated their performances in terms of time, exact reconstruction of signal, percentage of error, and, complexity in terms of big-O, and, the probability of missed detection and probability of false alarm. From the simulation results we find that the OMP is quite promising CS tool as compared with the KLT in all these different aspects. As the CS
Patterns of parasitism by tracheal mites (Locustacarus buchneri) in natural bumble bee populations

Parasitic mites are among the most destructive enemies of social bees. However, aside from mites of honey bees, virtually nothing is known about the prevalence and effects of parasitic mites in natural bee populations. In this paper, we report on parasitism of bumble bees (Bombus spp.) by the tracheal mite Locustacarus buchneri Stammer in south-western Alberta, Canada. Parasitism of bumble bees by L. buchneri occurred at many sites and in several host species. However, L. buchneri appears to be relatively host-species specific as it was found primarily in bumble bee species belonging to the subgenus Bombus sensu stricto. Furthermore, bumble bees containing tracheal mites had significantly reduced lifespans in the laboratory. Implications of parasitism on bumble bee life history are discussed. Bombus / Locustacarus buchneri / parasitism / Podapolipidae / Psithyrus
Climatic variation: effects on stress levels, feed intake, and bodyweight of broilers.

Chickens tolerate a very narrow range of climatic variation, and therefore, it is essential to determine the most suitable climatic area and weather for broiler production in open-house systems. In this study, 3060 broilers were used as experimental birds to investigate the effects of seasonal differences and climatic variations on the growth performance of broilers reared in an open-house system. Birds were kept under various treatment models that differ in climate Tropic zone, sub tropic zone and temperate zones. Data were recorded during JulyAugust as summer months and January-February as winter months. Collected data was analyzed using the least square procedure given by Harvey-1990. Significantly higher (p<0.05) level of corticosteroids and H/L ratio of between the experimental birds was observed and consequent effect on feed intake was determined. The body weight and FCR at 42 day was significantly (p≤0.05) higher during winter season in subtropical zone. Subtropical climatic zone was found significantly better than other climatic zone. Efficient management of broiler farming that corresponds for effective feed intake during heat/cold stress to maximize bird’s efficiency can significantly increase production efficiency and acquiesce highest profit to broiler farming.
Papillary mesothelioma of peritoneum involving fallopian tube: A challenging case

Papillary mesothelioma is a well differentiated neoplasm arising from pelvic peritoneum of females in a wide age range. A typicalmorphological appearance is papillary structures with fibro vascular cores. We present a case of a 46-year-old female with a massin left peritoneal cavity involving the left fallopian tube which was excised and reported as a papillary mesothelioma.
Didactics of technical vocabulary: the influence of arts, humanities and culture

A part of research in education is related to innovation. This means trying to create new approaches or teaching techniques to the object or process being taught. It has always being said that there is a gap between science/technology and arts/humanities. For this reason, this paper tries to show some examples of how to link and apply these branches of knowledge among them, as part of an innovative and creative teaching/learning process. As lexis applies to all the disciplines, because all the objects and concepts need words to express their significations, the terms of study are coupled in Spanish/English pairs. This way, students can learn vocabulary through contrast, comparison and semantic connections which trace the evolution of meanings. The complement of visuals and images helps capture the attention of students who can see the language class as a complete mosaic that links humanistic and technical knowledge. Both similarities and differences may act as a mental trigger to store vocabulary in the memory.
A COMPARATIVE STUDY OF SOCIAL INFLUENCES IN THE TRANSITION OF STUDENTS OF LOWER- AND UPPER SECONDARY SCHOOLS BETWEEN EDUCATIONAL LEVELS AND TO THE LABOUR MARKET

The paper deals with the transition of Czech students of lower secondary school (ISCED 2A) and vocationally oriented upper secondary schools (ISCED 3A and 3C) between educational levels and to the labour market. The theoretical introduction describes the specifics of career decision‑making of Czech pupils and synthesizes important empirical findings on social influences on this decision. The core lies in a survey designed by the National Institute of Education, School Counselling Centre and Centre for Further Education of Teachers. The instrument of data collection was questionnaires for students of final years of lower secondary and upper secondary schools. Data collection took place in 2011 at 40 lower secondary (n=779) and 20 vocationally oriented upper secondary schools (n=442). The paper compares the views of these groups of respondents on student’s autonomy in the choice of further education and occupation, and social influences on students’ career decision-making. Keywords: Students, Educational Level, Labour Market
PTVC-M for Ultra-Agile VTOL and 300+ km·h-1 Cruising

There remains a need to develop improved VTOL techniques that are cost-effective and with minimum compromise on cruising flight performance for fixed-wing aircraft. This work proposes an elegant VTOL control method known as PTVC-M (pitch-axis thrust vector control with moment arms) for tailsitters. The hallmark of the approach is the complete elimination of control surfaces such as elevators and rudder. Computer simulations with a 1580 mm wing span airplane reveal that the proposed technique results in authoritative control and unique maneuverability such as inverted vertical hover and stall-spin with positive climb rate. Zero-surface requirement of the PTVC-M virtually eliminates performance tradeoffs between VTOL and high-speed flight. In this proof-of-concept study, the VTOL-capable aircraft achieves a VH of 360 km·h-1 at near sea-level. The proposed technique will benefit a broad range of applications including high-performance spinsonde that can directly measure 10-m surface wind, tropical cyclone research, and possibly serving as the cornerstone for the next-generation sport aerobatics.
THE INFLUENCE OF PVA.cl.CITRIC ACID/CHITOSAN MEMBRANE HYDROPHICILITY ON THE TRANSPORT OF CREATININE AND UREA

The influence of cross-linking and membrane hydrophilicity on the transport rate had been studied using a membrane prepared from a mixture of chitosan/PVA cross-linked citric acid (PVA.cl.CA) for creatinine and urea transport. The optimum mole ratio of PVA:citric acid as well as the best composition of chitosan:PVA.cl. CA were determined using creatinine transport study. Using the optimum compositions, further study was done using different thickness of the membrane in transporting creatinine, urea and a mixture of 3 species (creatinine, urea and vitamin B12). Membrane characterization was done using FT-IR spectrophotometer, water absorption test, TG/DTG and SEM. The results showed that the optimum composition PVA:citric acid was obtained to be 90:1, having % WU of 113.74% and creatinine transport percentage of 18.16%. Meanwhile, the optimum composition of chitosan:PVA.cl. CA was found at 4:6 ratio having % WU and % transport of 136.67% and 24.26%, respectively. The optimum transport capacity was found for membrane thickness of 50 μm with WU% at 139.61% and the percent transport of creatinine and urea each was 38.93% and 60.36%. The presence vitamin B12 in the solution of is proved to disturb the transport of creatinine and urea through the membrane. Finally, hydrophilicity seemed to give substantial contribution in the transport process as well as the mechanical strength of the membrane.