Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Bayes estimation via filtering equation through implicit recursive algorithms for financial ultra-high frequency data

We review a recently proposed general partially-observed framework of Markov processes with marked point process observations for financial ultra-high frequency (UHF) data, and the related Bayes estimation via filtering equation (BEFE), a stochastic PDE approach. In this paper, we show how the BEFE through explicit recursive algorithms becomes bottlenecked when the tick size is reduced from $1/8 to $1/100, and we develop the BEFE through implicit recursive algorithms, greatly improving the computational efficiency. We demonstrate the substantial computation gained in implementing real-time BEFE for an illustrating but practical model using simulated data. The new implicit recursive algorithm is applied to a real stock price UHF data set, and is capable of producing real time Bayes parameter estimates of the model.
Multifunctional sol-gel derived thin film based on nanocrystaline hydroxyapatite powders

The aim of this work was to prepare bioactive hydroxyapatite coatings by sol-gel method and to study the effect of thermal treatment temperature upon the bioactivity and corrosion protection of these coatings on Ti6Al4V alloy. The application of (DTA/TGA) and (XRD) has provided valuable information about the phase transformation, mass loss, identification of the phases developed, crystallite size and degree of crystallinity. (SEM/EDX) has been applied to study the surface morphology of coated samples before and after immersion in simulated body fluid (SBF) to detect the biomimetic precipitation of the bonelike apatite. The obtained results show that all the prepared samples are ceramic nanocrystalline with crystal structure and composition like hydroxyapatite, with little deviations from that present in the human bone. The bioactivity of the studied samples is found to be closely related to the thermal treatments applied. That is, the bioactivity decreases as the temperature of the thermal treatment increase. Coatings from such prepared hydroxyapatite sol have been accomplished by dip-coating technique on non-toxic Ti6Al4V alloy for biomedical applications. The corrosion behaviour of the resulting hydroxyapatite coatings in a (SBF) has been studied by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). The hydroxyapatite coated Ti6Al4V alloy displayed excellent bioactivity when soaked in the (SBF) and acceptable corrosion protection behaviour.
Snails at three scales: Interplay of stream hydrology and hydraulics with the morphology, dispersal and distribution of Elimia proxima

This thesis quantifies effects of hydraulic environment and flooding disturbance on the ecology and evolution of benthic stream macroinvertebrates from organismal to landscape scales, utilizing the snail Elimia proxima as a model species. Recent research has complicated views about the nature of flow environments near stream beds and of the organismal shapes best equipped to cope with them. Analysis of intraspecific morphological variation in field populations exposed to contrasting environments is a largely untapped source of potential insight. I measured shell shape and size in E. proxima sampled from hydraulically diverse locations. At every site, small shells were stubbier than large shells, consistent with the changing hydrodynamic demands snails likely face as they grow, and providing what may be the first evidence for this theoretically predicted ontogenetic shift. Sites subject to greater hydraulic stress were associated with smaller mature snails; and evidence also suggests that snails at stressful sites begin with bluffer shells but grow more streamlined when compared to snails in gentler locations. All of these findings are consistent with adaptive plastic or genetic variation to reduce exposure to hydrodynamic forces. At the next scale, I explored the consequences of hydraulic environment and flood history for snail dispersal by conducting long-term mark-release-resurvey experiments at multiple sites with flow records, and developing maximum likelihood models to fit subsequent observations. Findings suggested that hydrodynamically stressful environments impede upstream migration and enhance the downstream transport caused by floods. Previous research has demonstrated transport of benthic invertebrates by floods, but appears to lack quantitative estimates of relationships between environment, flood size and dispersal impacts, as provided here. Finally, I examined the relationship between stream hydrology and hydraulics and the landscape-scale distribution and abundance of E. proxima. In a geographic survey, the probability of site occupancy varied negatively with indicators of hydraulic
Cattle Distribution on Mountain Rangeland in Northeastern Oregon.

Cattle grazing distribution patterns were studied directly through observation and indirectly through plant utilization during 3 summer grazing seasons under continuous and deferred-rotation grazing systems. Small riparian meadows were the most preferred plant communities. Meadows covered 3-S% of the total observation area but 24-47% of all cattle were observed in those plant communities. Logged forest communities ranked second in animal preference when availabR. Relatively open-m menziesii plant communities were the most preferred forested habitats. Deferred grazing equalized cattle use between logged areas and P. ponderosa-P. menziesii forests and increased cattle use of riparian meadows. Heavily forested sites were least preferred by cattle. Slope gradient was the only physical factor consistently associated with cattle grazing distribution. Water distribution was not correlated with grazing patterns in uplant plant communities. Multiple regression models could not predict grazing distribution patterns with useful precision. Proper distribution of livestock grazing is an integral part of effective range management. The goal of livestock distribution management is to gain maximum safe use over as wide an area as possible without causing serious damage to any portion within it. Mountain rangelands often exhibit complex combinations of topography, plant communities and successional stages, water distribution, and other habitat factors which create especially difficult grazing distribution problems. For instance, utilization may reach 75 to 80% on gently sloping drainages while steep slopes 150 m away receive 5% use or less (Phillips 1965). On a relatively small range unit of 690 ha in northern Utah, as much as 62% of the area received no use by cattle (Gonzalez 1964). A better understanding of the interactions between livestock behavior, natural habitat factors, and management factors should aid in developing more effective methods of livestock distribution. This paper reports on a 3-year study of cattle distribution behavior. The objective of the study was to evaluate the effects of several physical, biological, and managerial factors on the patterns of cattle use of mountain rangelands. Direct observation and forage utilization sampling were used to quantify grazing patterns of cattle under both continuous and deferred-rotation grazing schemes.
Employing Active Learning Strategies to Become the Facilitator, Not the Authoritarian: A Literature Review.

GRAND CANYON UNIVERSITY Employing Active Learning Strategies to Become the Facilitator, Not the Authoritarian: A Literature Review Cheryl M. Patton Traditional higher education instruction involves an authoritarian educator who is charged with delivering information in the students to become more involved in their own learning. The educator becomes more of a facilitator than an authoritarian relevance in pedagogy and contemporary research. Also examined are several active learning strategies that can be utilized
Getting the most out of the feed we give our livestock

Summary This paper identifies strategies which have the potential to increase the energy and/or nutrient yield from dietary ingredients, and provide economic benefits through different approaches to diet formulation,. It is suggested here that, on the basis of our research, amino acid requirements for both layers and broilers are overn generous, and some savings can be made by decreasing these by up to 10%. Diet formulation based on digestible amino acids in conventional ingredients, compared to total amino acids, is not necessarily cost effective. Formulating layer diets to maximise profit by using the economic optimum intake of each amino acid, which may reduce egg mass and other parameters, has several attractions particularly when egg prices are low and vary according to grade. The use of unprocessed, fulln fat soybeans at up to 110 g/kg in layer diets has been shown not to depress any production parameter but may be an inexpensive source of protein and energy. The use of low protein, all grain layer diets without a protein concentrate but with the addition of synthetic amino acids has been shown to maximise production parameters and minimise nitrogen excretion. Feed enzymes are discussed, particularly feed phytase. This enzyme not only releases bound phosphorus from plant ingredients but also increases the availability of some critical minerals and amino acids. New energy systems are mentioned briefly. These have potential to allow more efficient use of the energy in feedstuffs and diets or to measure dietary energy quickly and cheaply.
Large contribution of meteorological factors to inter-decadal changes in regional aerosol optical depth

Abstract. Aerosol optical depth (AOD) has become a crucial metric for assessing global climate change. Although global and regional AOD trends have been studied extensively, it remains unclear what factors are driving the inter-decadal variations in regional AOD and how to quantify the relative contribution of each dominant factor. This study used a long-term (1980–2016) aerosol dataset from the Modern-Era Retrospective Analysis for Research and Applications, version 2 (MERRA-2) reanalysis, along with two satellite-based AOD datasets (MODIS/Terra and MISR) from 2001 to 2016, to investigate the long-term trends in global and regional aerosol loading. Statistical models based on emission factors and meteorological parameters were developed to identify the main factors driving the inter-decadal changes of regional AOD and to quantify their contribution. Evaluation of the MERRA-2 AOD with the ground-based measurements of AERONET indicated significant spatial agreement on the global scale (r= 0.85, root-mean-square error = 0.12, mean fractional error = 38.7 %, fractional gross error = 9.86 % and index of agreement = 0.94). However, when AOD observations from the China Aerosol Remote Sensing Network (CARSNET) were employed for independent verification, the results showed that MERRA-2 AODs generally underestimated CARSNET AODs in China (relative mean bias = 0.72 and fractional gross error =-34.3 %). In general, MERRA-2 was able to quantitatively reproduce the annual and seasonal AOD trends on both regional and global scales, as observed by MODIS/Terra, although some differences were found when compared to MISR. Over the 37-year period in this study, significant decreasing trends were observed over Europe and the eastern United States. In contrast, eastern China and southern Asia showed AOD increases, but the increasing trend of the former reversed sharply in the most recent decade. The statistical analyses suggested that the meteorological parameters explained a larger proportion of the AOD variability (20.4 %–72.8 %) over almost all regions of interest (ROIs) during 1980–2014 when compared with emission factors (0 %–56 %). Further analysis also showed that SO2 was the dominant emission factor, explaining 12.7 %–32.6 % of the variation in AOD over anthropogenic-aerosol-dominant regions, while black carbon or organic carbon was the leading factor over the biomass-burning-dominant (BBD) regions, contributing 24.0 %–27.7 % of the variation. Additionally, wind speed was found to be the leading meteorological parameter, explaining 11.8 %–30.3 % of the variance over the mineral-dust-dominant regions, while ambient humidity (including soil moisture and relative humidity) was the top meteorological parameter over the BBD regions, accounting for 11.7 %–35.5 % of the variation. The results of this study indicate that the variation in meteorological parameters is a key factor in determining the inter-decadal change in regional AOD.
Sprint Interval Training Improves Aerobic and Anaerobic Power in Trained Female Futsal Players

Background: Various sprint interval training (SIT) programs have been used with athletes from a wide range of sports to evaluate its effects on physiological and performance adaptations. However, information regarding the effect of a short period of SIT on physiological adaptations of trained female futsal players is limited. Objective: This study evaluated the influence of sport specific SIT on anaerobic power and aerobic power in trained female futsal players. Method: Several aspects of VO 2max and Wingate-based power were measured after SIT program performed for 4 weeks. Following pre-test, 16 trained female futsal players (VO 2max = 41.21 ± 3.35 ml.kg-1.min-1) were randomized to either an intense exercise training consisting of sets of 5×40 meter maximum sprint efforts interspersed by a 10-second rest between sprints (3,4,5,6 sets/session from 1st to 4th week respectively with 3 minutes of recovery between sets), performed two sessions a week over 4 weeks (n=8) or a usual training control group (n=8). Results: Significant (except as shown) improvements (p < 0.05) after SIT were seen in: VO 2max (5.8%), vVO 2max (6%), VO 2 /HR (6.5%), peak power output (PPO) (7.6%), and mean power output (MPO) (14.9%), but no significant change was found in Heart rate at VO 2max . Also, no significant enhancement in mentioned variables was found in the CON group. Conclusion: Present results indicate 4 weeks of sprint interval training program with low volume is associated with improvements in VO 2max , vVO 2max , VO 2 /HR, PPO, and MPO in trained female futsal players.
COST OF QUALITY: A FORAY INTO SUPPLY CHAIN UPSTREAM

After focusing on COQ at all levels within, the companies now need to move into supply chain upstream as a first step towards addressing COQ-related issues across their supply chains. In this preliminary study, we determine COQ at select third-party contract manufacturing sites of a world leading research-based pharmaceutical company. Data was collected using the Traditional Method, the Defect Document Method, the Time and Attendance Method and the Assessment Method through interviews with internal customers, and check-sheets at the contract sites. Various quality cost elements were identified and categorized under prevention, appraisal, internal failures & external failures. We estimate quality costs in monetary terms as per PAF model and use standard DMAIC methodology for analysis. We identify significant COQ drivers in this context and suggest measures to address them. Finally, we suggest directions for future research.
Role of phase angle measurement in electrical impedance spectroscopy

Abstract Importance of phase angle measurement during the application of electrical impedance spectroscopy was studied by executing pot experiments with maize. Electrical impedance, phase angle (strength of capacitive character), and dissipation factor in the plant-soil system were scanned between 100 and 10 000 Hz current frequency. The frequency-dependent change in the phase angle could be described by optimum curves culminating within 920-3 650 Hz. Since the rate of energy dissipation is independent of root extent, the higher phase angle and lower energy dissipation were associated with the higher coefficient of determination achieved for the root electrical impedance - root system size (root dry mass and root surface area) regressions. The characteristic frequency selected on the basis of phase angle spectra provided a higher significance level at statistical comparison of plant groups subjected to stress conditions influencing root development. Due to the physicochemical changes observable in aging root tissue, the apex of phase angle spectra, thus the characteristic frequency, shifted continuously toward the higher frequencies over time. Consequently, the regularly repeated phase angle measurement is advisable in time-course studies for effective application of the electrical impedance method, and the systematic operation at the same frequency without determination of phase angle spectra should be avoided.
Effects of HMB Supplementation on Body Composition of Rats

The aim was to investigate the effects of HMB supplementation on the physical performance and anthropometric parameters of Wistar rats that underwent eight weeks of concurrent training. We used 22 male Wistar rats of approximately 60 da ys of age, And were divided into four groups: control (C), supplemented control (SC), exercise (E) and supplemented exercise (SE). Th e training consisted of 30 minutes of swimming with an overload corresponding to 70 % of the anaerobic threshold, a one-minute in terval, and four sets of ten jumps in water with a one minute interval between sets and a load of 50 % of body weight. After the tests, the tLIM and tTESTE were obtained and used to evaluate the performance of the animals, and anthropometric indices evaluated. The weight increases during the treatment in the SC animals was significantly higher than the animals in groups C and E. The absolute weig ht f the muscles, kidney and epididymal fat showed higher values for the SC and SE groups in relation to the others.
THE ROLE OF ORGANIZATIONAL SOCIALIZATION ON EMPLOYEE PERFORMANCE AT EQUITY BANK IN KENYA

The researcher's main aim in this study was to find out the role of organizational socialization on the performance of employees at equity bank in Kenya, this involves explaining the variables under the study which are training and mentoring, in order to identify what role they play on employee performance. The study used quantitative research approach. Quantitative approach includes designs, techniques and measures that produce discreet numerical data. The researcher was therefore interested in information that relates quantitatively to the research. The case study method was selected because it carries out in depth analysis of particular single entity in this case Equity Bank. This study targeted the staff members of Equity Bank in ten branches which have a total of 433 members of staff. The researcher used a stratified random sampling technique to ensure that all the key areas which are located in a major town center Nairobi and those in small urban areas are adequately represented in the study. Data was collected using questionnaires which were administered by the researcher to the respondents who were the staff members of Equity Bank in the selected ten branches. Upon completion of the research the researcher processed and analyzed data using The SPSS tool which was presented in the form of tables for demonstrations pie-charts, percentages and graphs. The study recommends that organizations should emphasize on mentoring newcomers also the study recommends that organizations should emphasize on training this is because the training program plays a major role in how individuals make sense of and adjust to their new job settings.
Is Long-Term Use of Antismoking Drugs Consistent with Public Health Goals or Pharmaceutical Marketing Goals?

TO THE EDITOR: A recent article by Steinberg and colleagues (1) argues that tobacco dependence should be considered a medical disease, like asthma or diabetes. Steinberg and colleagues argue that the smoking habit deserves chronic disease status, and that long-term drug treatment, despite being an off-label use, should be reimbursed. Smokers should be encouraged and supported to quit smoking, with short-term pharmacologic aids if necessary. Long-term use of products that have not been tested or approved for long-term use, however, is inconsistent with public health goals while being consistent with pharmaceutical marketing goals. We note that 2 authors of the commentary are on the speaker’s bureau of Pfizer and are consultants to Pfizer, Novartis, GlaxoSmithKline, and Celtic Pharma. Pfizer makes Chantix (varenecline) and Nicotrol nasal spray. GlaxoSmithKline makes Nicorette gum, Commit nicotine lozenges, Nicoderm nicotine patches, and Zyban (bupropion, also sold as Wellbutrin). Novartis makes Thrive, a nicotine chewing gum. Celtic Pharma is developing TA-NIC, a nicotine vaccine. Perhaps smoking cessation aids are being repositioned as longterm maintenance medications in order to expand the market. We think it a shame that Annals provided legitimacy to that goal by publishing the recent article.
HMDS : A Novel View of Data System Based on Hybrid Memory Architecture With Non-Volatility

In now Big Data era, rapidly growing data size and limited computing capability of current computer system have brought sharp contradiction between these two issues. So it is urgent to improve the data storage and processing ability for current computer system. Emerging byte-addressable, nonvolatile memory (NVM) technology, can work like DRAM but with non-volatility, is expected to bring new opportunity of computing capability improvement in the near future. According to the hardware changes, it is necessary to reconsider the changes of system software and data storage methodology, especially the role of the data in the system. In this paper, we add the NVM to the computer architecture, and base on the hardware changes, we reconsider the design method of system software, among this we propose the concept of Data System, design a software defined interface, reconfig the system architecture without any real hardware changes. Finally, we present HMDS, a flexible hybrid memory data system architecture. Data system consider data as the center of a whole system, data storage is the foundation, data accessing and processing is the superstructure and all system parts as a service for the data. We think our architecture is novel and can bring data storage and processing a new perspective. Keywords—Big Data; NVM; Data System
Socio-demographic determinants of marital satisfaction in Jimma Zone, Southwest Ethiopia

Marital satisfaction is one of the ingredients of marital stability and is affected by a number of factors. A cross-sectional survey substantiated with qualitative studies was conducted so as to identify the major socio-demographic factors that influence the marital satisfaction of married couples among selected districts of Jimma Zone, Oromia, Ethiopia. Study participants of 240 randomly selected couples, either the wife or husband, were surveyed and key informant interview was held to collect evidences about the study objectives. As a result, variables such as level of education, number of children, spousal infidelity, marriage type, leisure spending, interest difference, openness among couples, and poverty have brought a statistically significant difference in marital satisfaction. Similarly, qualitative study participants noted that economic background, educational background, type of marriage, religious background, ethnic background, age difference, place of birth, religious discordant marriage, migration, adultery, early marriage, Khat abuse, in-laws interference, family size, sexual incompatibility and polygamous marriage determine the marital satisfaction of couples in the study area. Besides, the study found out the existence of differences on the factors that shape the marital satisfaction of urban and rural couples. Key words: Socio-demographic, marital satisfaction, determinants, Jimma Zone, Ethiopia.