Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Effects of Drinking Thyme Essence (Thymus vulgaris L.) on Growth Performance, Immune Response and Intestinal Selected Bacterial Population in Broiler Chickens

This study evaluated the effects of Drinking Thyme Essence (DTE) (Zero, 0.10, 0.15 and 0.20 mL/L) on growth performance, immune response and changing of intestinal bacterial population in broiler chickens. A total number of 500 day old male broiler chicks (Ross 308), were randomly assigned to 4 treatments with 5 replicates and 25 chickens per each, based on a completely randomized design (CRD). Growth performances were assessed during the range of 8-21, 22-42 and 8-42 d. At 21 and 42 d blood serum titers including: Newcastle Disease (ND), Avian Influenza (AI), Infectious Bronchitis Virus (IBV) and Infectious Bursal Disease (IBD) were sampled. Bacterial populations in intestinal digesta were determined at the age of 21 and 42 d. DTE levels significantly (P) improved total weight gain and total feed conversion ratio as compared with the control group during 1-42 d of age. The titer of serum antibodies did not show significant differences between different treatments at the 21 or 42 d. Total count, E. coli, and Gram negative bacteria (GNB) at the age of 21 and 42 days showed a significantly (P) lower number compared with the control group. There was a significantly (P) higher number of Lactic Acid Bacteria (LAB) in DTE groups compared with control group at both ages of 21 and 42 d. In conclusion, different levels of DTE (especially at level of 0.20 mL/L) could improve the growth performance, immune response and intestinal lactic acid bacteria as a health index during different growth periods.
CER-ETH – Center of Economic Research at ETH Zurich Creating Attachment through Advertising: Loss Aversion and Pre-Purchase Information

Complementing the existing literature on anchoring e ffects and loss aversion, we analyze how firms can influence loss–averse consumers’ willingness t o pay by product information in the form of informative advertising rather than by prices . We find that consumers’ willingness to pay is greatest when only partial informatio n about the product—i.e. only a fraction of product attributes—is disclosed, and that par ial information disclosure is the optimal mode of advertising for a monopolistic firm. This causes the consumers’ realized product valuation to diverge from their intrinsic product valuation, which leads to a reduction of consumer surplus. Consequently, transparen cy policies can help to protect consumers.
Wildfire Policy and Public Lands: Integrating Scientific Understanding with Social Concerns across Landscapes

Abstract: Efforts to suppress wildfires have become increasingly problematic in recent years as costs have risen, threats to firefighter safety have escalated, and detrimental impacts to ecosystems have multiplied. Wildfires that escape initial suppression often expand into large, high‐intensity summer blazes. Lost is the legacy of smaller fires that likely burned outside extreme weather and fuel conditions and resulted in less severe impacts. Despite the recognized need for modifications to existing policies and practices, resource agencies have been slow to respond. The spread of exotic species, climate change, and increasing human development in wildlands further complicates the issue. New policies are needed that integrate social and ecological needs across administrative boundaries and broad landscapes. These policies should promote a continuum of treatments with active management and reduction of fuel hazard in wildland‐urban interface zones and reintroduction of fire in wildlands. Management goals should focus on restoration of the long‐term ecological health of the land. Projects that reduce fuel loads but compromise the integrity of soil, water supplies, or watersheds will do more harm than good in the long run. Despite significant ecological concerns, learning to live with fire remains primarily a social issue that will require greater political leadership, agency innovation, public involvement, and community responsibility.
Facial Image Annotation Search using CBIR and Supervised Label Refinement

Image annotation plays an important role in image retrieval and management. Auto face annotation aims to automatically assign a face with the denomination of the corresponding person. However, the face recognition presents conundrum in the field of image analysis and computer vision, and it has received a great deal of attention over the last few years because of its applications in different domains. Mining web facial images on the Internet has emerged as a promising paradigm towards auto face annotation. Therefore, a search assistance tool has been proposed, which helps the face image search based on annotation more efficient. In a face image database which has several face images of many personalities and the labels are not placed properly, which means some images are without label and some are without proper label, in this situation annotation based search will fail. To overcome this problem, an effective supervised label refinement (SLR) approach is proposed which helps in refining the labels of web facial images with human manual refinement effort. To further speed up the proposed scheme, clustering-based algorithm is used. Also the proposed system is enhanced for the two name problem, sometimes a person may have two names and hence confusing the system; this issue is solved in this system. The proposed technique is applied to the automated image-annotation task in our experiments, and hence a demonstration would be made to show that our technique is empirically efficacious and promising for mining web facial images. This technique may be applied in real world applications like social media portals (e.g., Facebook) to automatically annotate users' uploaded photos to facilitate the search and management of online photo albums.
Improved capital budgeting decision making: evidence from Canada

Purpose – The purpose of this article is to evaluate current techniques in capital budget decision making in Canada, including real options, and to integrate the results with similar previous studies.Design/methodology/approach – A mail survey was conducted, which included 88 large firms in Canada.Findings – Trends towards sophisticated techniques have continued; however, even in large firms, 17 percent did not use discounted cash flow (DCF). Of those which did, the majority favoured net present value (NPV) and internal rate of return (IRR). Overall between one in ten to one in three were not correctly applying certain aspects of DCF. Only 8 percent used real options.Research limitations/implications – One limitation is that the survey does not indicate why managers continue using less advanced capital budgeting decision techniques. A second is that choice of population may bias results to large firms in Canada.Practical implications – The main area for management focus is real options. Other areas for im.
Potential role of RING finger protein 166 ( RNF 166 ) , a member of an ubiquitin ligase subfamily , involved in regulation of T cell activation

RING (really interesting new gene) finger protein 166, or RNF166, belongs to a C3HC4 ubiquitin ligases subfamily, which include four related proteins containing a conserved C3HC4 (Cys3-His-Cys4) RING finger domain. RNF125, one member of the subfamily, has been identified as a regulator of T cell activation, but the potential roles of another member RNF166 remains poorly understood. Here we reported that RNF166 is involved in regulation of T cell activation. Flow cytometry (FCM) data showed that overexpression of RNF166 in primary T cells and Jurkat T cells induced over 2-fold increase of CD69, a T-cell activation marker, suggesting that RNF166 is a positive-regulator of T cell activation. Furthermore, pull-down assays showed that RNF166 can bind with both Lys48-linked polyubiquitin and Lys63-linked polyubiquitin, indicating that RNF166 may play regulating roles in T cell activation by selfdegradation via ubiquitin-proteasome pathway and/or cross-talk with certain signaling pathways via non-proteasome-dependent pathways. In conclusion, our work reveals that RNF166 is a potential positive-regulator of T cell activation and these findings provide a novel insight into understanding the functions of RNF166 in the positive regulation of immune responses.
Application of Laplace Iteration method to Study of Nonlinear Vibration of laminated composite plates

In this paper, free vibration characteristics of laminated composite plates are investigated. A model is developed for a composite layer based on the consideration of non-linear terms in von-Karman’s non-linear deformation theory. The governing partial equation of motion is reduced to an ordinary non-linear equation and then solved using LIM method. The variation of frequency ratio of the Isotropic and composite plates is brought out considering parameters such as aspect ratio, fiber arrangements (orientation), number of layers, and modal ratios.
A PROSPECTIVE INVESTIGATION OF JOY AND TRAIT GRATITUDE

This prospective study examined the relationship between trait gratitude and future joy. The purpose was to determine if trait gratitude could predict future joy. Previously, studies have not examined the specific relationship between these two emotions, but there is good reason to believe that joy is a distinct positive emotion, and gratitude may be foundational for the experience of joy. The study was done with university students taking the GRAT, GQ-6, and measures of joy at two time points, seven to nine weeks apart. Data were analyzed from 149 participants recruited from psychology classes. Participants with higher trait gratitude at Time 1, as determined by the GRAT, tended to have more joy at Time 2. However, when measuring trait gratitude with the GQ-6, this trend did not reach significance. As an exploratory analysis, I analyzed the relationship between Time 1 trait joy and Time 2 state gratitude and found a similar relationship. These findings not only support that trait gratitude may be foundational for joy over time, but also suggest joy and gratitude can support each other in an upward spiral. Future directions are also discussed.
Content-Based Image Retrieval Using Texture Structure Histogram

In this paper, we proposed a novel image feature descriptor, namely texture structure histogram (TSH) for content-based image retrieval. This method using the color and edge orientation information to describe the image texture structure information. Considering the HSV color space conforms to humans' visual perception mechanism, the feature extraction is conducted in the HSV color space. This paper puts forward the non-equal interval quantization scheme that makes the expression of the image information to be more reasonable. In feature representation phase, we use the feature fusion mechanism that makes the color and shape information merge together and get a better results. The experiment results demonstrate that the proposed method more efficient and have a high retrieval performance.
LOCATION OF SUGAR CANE PRODUCTION AND FUEL DEMAND IN BRAZIL

O objetivo deste trabalho e avaliar as diferencas regionais no comportamento do consumidor de combustivel no Brasil induzidas pela producao regional de etanol no pais. Da mesma forma que varias atividades economicas no Brasil, as plantacoes de cana-de-acucar e, consequentemente, a producao de etanol, sao espacialmente concentradas. A hipotese do trabalho e que as diferencas regionais do nivel de renda, de produtividade na producao de etanol e os custos de transporte podem afetar a competitividade dos combustiveis entre os estados brasileiros. Por este motivo, o conhecimento de como a localizacao da producao de etanol afeta o comportamento do consumidor pode auxiliar na compreensao de possiveis impactos da politica energetica nacional sobre a diversificacao de combustiveis nas regioes. Nesse sentido, foram realizadas estimacoes econometricas de equacoes de demanda por etanol e gasolina utilizando um modelo de painel dinâmico. Em seguida, variaveis binarias de interacao foram usadas para avaliar como as equacoes de demanda divergem entre as regioes consideradas como maiores e menores produtores de etanol no Brasil. Os resultados mostram que existem ganhos consideraveis para os consumidores de etanol e gasolina nas maiores regioes produtoras de etanol do pais.
An Improvement of DBSCAN Algorithm to Obstacles Detection for Stop&Go

Abstract. Obstacles detection is one of key technologies to realize Stop&Go cruise control. This paper presents an improved DBSCAN(Density-Based Spatial Clustering of Application with Noise) clustering algorithm for obstacles detection, which based on two-dimensional laser radar. The algorithm by improving the traditional DBSCAN data point search way and key parameter setting, improve the operation speed and anti-noise performance of the algorithm. Real vehicle test show that the algorithm in the actual application effect is good.
THE SIX KNOX GENES IDENTIFICATION ON TETRAPLOID Medicago sativa , BASED ON THE MODEL PLANT RESOURCES

The main goal of this work was to evaluate the genes involved in alfalfa leaf morphology as the first step of the multifoliolate trait deciphering. Because there was no information regarding alfalfa genes, the model plant Medicago truncatula L. was considered, based on its high degree of genomic similarity. For the model plant six KNOX genes involved in leaf morphology were characterized and their transcription level in different organs was evaluated. The present experiments pointed out that the six KNOX genes are also present in the alfalfa tetraploid genome. The sequences are partially conserved between the both species, but some differences appeared, with possible influence on the gene functions. Therefore the length of the KNOX 2 and 3 genes transcripts are higher for alfalfa, compared with the model plant. The statistical interpretation of the data pointed out a strongly down-regulation in roots for all the studied genes confirming their involvement in leaf morphology. An up-regulation in shoot apex and young leaf for the class I genes and in shoot apex, young leaf and adult leaf for the class II ones were also demonstrated. A different transcription pattern was shown for the genes KNOX 1 and 3, which were strongly down-regulated in all of the studied organs.
Research in hospitality management and accounting: a research synthesis and analysis of current literature and future challenges

This study characterizes the results of social-scientific, behavioral science, and managerial/accounting research on current management and accounting matters in the hotel industry published in the most prestigious scientific hospitality journals and identifies avenues for future research. Based on an analysis of a set of 55 articles published in the journals that make up the SCImago Journal and Coutry Rank, published between 2005 and 2015, it is concluded that there is a lack of research in the financial accounting group; additional research is required for the small hotel category, and it is the important to use comparative studies that are better able to capture the characteristics of the hospitality industry. Additionally, most of the empirical studies analyzed come from European countries and statistical methods are extensively used in all topic areas. Finally, some gaps are identified in the literature and indicated future research priorities.
Spatiotemporal bioaccumulation of lead, cadmium, zinc and copper metals in Lettuce Sea Ulva lactuca harvest in two Algerian west coasts

Abstract This work brings an evaluation of the quality of littoral zone of Algerian in two neighbouring port coasts, namely, Honaine and Beni Saf, chosen as significant discharge sites. This was followed by a comparison of the state of these coasts with those of the Mediterranean coastal areas. The study was conducted in all seasons in the year 2011−2012 by measuring the hydrological physicochemical parameters (pH, temperature, turbidity and salinity) and using sea lettuce Ulva lactuca as significant ‘biomarker of the quantity of metal contaminants (Cd, Pb, Cu and Zn)’. Harvesting of Ulva and the seawater samples were performed in each season in three stations, characterised by discharges of waste and industrial water and saline discharges from the recent installation of desalination in Honaine. The metal concentrations in seawater showed significant variations between stations and the harvest season, resulting in the appearance of pollution of Cd, Pb, Cu and Zn. Also this result was manifested in Ulva in the station S1 (Beni Saf) and S2 (Honaine-beach) with the exception of copper. These results have exceeded tolerable international standards.
Non-radiative complete surface acoustic wave bandgap for finite-depth holey phononic crystal in lithium niobate

We demonstrate the existence of non-radiative complete surface acoustic wave (SAW) bandgaps for two-dimensional piezoelectric phononic crystals of holes. Holes of finite depth in a semi-infinite LiNbO3 substrate are specifically considered. SAW bandgaps are determined from the band structure calculated with a three-dimensional finite element method taking into account material anisotropy and piezoelectricity. The effect of hole geometry on the bandgaps has been investigated. It is further found that the complete band gap does not close for moderately conical holes.
MODELING OF FLUID INTRUSION INTO POROUS MEDIA WITH MIXED WETTABILITIES USING PORE-NETWORK

Water or air intrusion into a porous medium filled with the other fluid is affected by many factors such as size, configuration, and connectivity of pores as well as the contact angle of grain. To deal with these pore-scale factors, a pore-network model is utilized. According to the modified Delaunay method, pore-networks are extracted from randomly packed spherical grains computed by the distinct element method. Displacement processes of two immiscible fluid in a porous medium with mixed wettabilities, are modeled in an invasion percolation manner, in which simultaneous invasion is allowed, and water retention curves in drainage and imbibition processes are computed. The results obtained show that hydrophobic grains do not have just a strong effect on the water retention properties, but also the amount of water/air residue after a drainage/imbibition process depends on the invasion rate.
Separation of the Glycerol-Biodiesel Phases in an Ethyl Transesterification Synthetic Route Using Water

Biodiesel is obtained by the transesterification of vegetable oil (or fat) and alcohol, with methanol being the most used alcohol. Methanol can be replaced by ethanol; however, this alcohol acts as a surfactant in the reaction mixture, promoting a stable dispersion of the glycerol in biodiesel, which hinders the separation of the glycerol-biodiesel phases. In this study, it was found that the addition of 1% v/v water relative to the total volume of the reaction mixture expedites the separation of the phases by interrupting the emulsifying action of ethanol with an immediate separation of glycerol from biodiesel. The characterization of the produced biodiesels was performed using hydrogen nuclear magnetic resonance (1H NMR) and gas chromatography (GC). 1H NMR indicated a 96.9% conversion of triglycerides to biodiesel. The fatty acid compositions of the synthesized ethyl and methyl biodiesels determined using GC are essentially the same.
Trap-controlled conduction in disordered materials: Self-organized criticality at play?

A.V. Milovanov, B.V. Kozelov, K. RypdalDepartment of Physics and Technology, University of Tromso, N-9037 Tromso, NorwayCharge transport in disordered insulators and semiconductors is generally agreed to occurby transferring of charge (electrons, holes or ions) between localized states or traps that act aspotential wells with respect to the conduction-band level [1]. Crucial to the dynamics is thetrap occupancy, which is believed to have a signiﬁcant effec t on the current-voltage character-istics [2]. The ﬁlling of the traps at higher voltages (stron g injections) progressively burns thelocalized states through the medium, thus offering more sites available for the conduction. Asa result, the net mobility of the charge carriers is enhanced as their density increases, a phe-nomenon which relates to the observed dependence of the conductivity on electron density andelectron injectionin porous nanocrystallinesemiconductors[3], as well as electrical degradationand breakdown in insulating polymers [4]. In this paper we propose a model of charge transport in disordered solid materials that isintended to explore the transition to a macroscopically conducting state due to the trap-ﬁlling. Our main ﬁnding is the complex and multi-scale character of the transition. Our results canmost naturally be explained within a paradigm of self-organized criticality (SOC), perhaps thesimplest framework that captures the key signatures of slowly driven evolution processes [5]. Description of the model. − Let us consider a hypercubic d-dimensional lattice, whered ≥2is an integer number. Charge can be stored on each node. The lattice nodes are intended tomimic the traps of real insulating materials. In our model only one particle (unit charge) isallowed per node. Adding a particle switches the node from insulating to conducting. Particlesare added at random according to the following rule. If the node is empty it absorbs the particle,otherwise excess charge (one particle) is transmitted to a nearest neighboring node. If severalneighbors are prone to absorb the particle the destination node is a random choice. Tunnellingof charge between the nodes is forbidden. A compensating potential is applied across the latticein proportion to the number of the absorbed particles. We refer to a setting in which the lattice isconﬁned between two conducting plates exposed to a potentia l difference. The voltage betweenthe plates is increased at a rate so slow that all particles are absorbed in traps before a newcharge is added. The trap-ﬁlling is thus adiabatic and the system evolves through a sequence ofquasi-stationary states of progressively increasing trapoccupancy.Of interest is a situation when the concentration q of the conducting nodes approaches the