Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
THE ECONOMIC NATURE OF INTERNATIONAL TOURISM

Specialized literature does not provide a unanimously accepted definition of the term “tourism”. Regardless of the differences of approach and definition techniques, all definitions are generally based on the need for recreation and achievement of physical and emotional comfort, which are the driving forces for development and execution of various activities to meet those needs. Another approach used to clarify the essence of the term “tourism” allows not only for its social role, but also the economic logic for the development and the management of tourism as an economic activity. This approach, clarifying the essence of the term “tourism” from an economic point of view, allows for the creation of a number of hierarchically related concepts.
Towards a cyber-physical era: soft computing framework based multi-sensor array for water quality monitoring

Abstract. New concepts and techniques are replacing traditional methods of water quality parameter measurement systems. This paper introduces a cyber-physical system (CPS) approach for water quality assessment in a distribution network. Cyber-physical systems with embedded sensors, processors and actuators can be designed to sense and interact with the water environment. The proposed CPS is comprised of sensing framework integrated with five different water quality parameter sensor nodes and soft computing framework for computational modelling. Soft computing framework utilizes the applications of Python for user interface and fuzzy sciences for decision making. Introduction of multiple sensors in a water distribution network generates a huge number of data matrices, which are sometimes highly complex, difficult to understand and convoluted for effective decision making. Therefore, the proposed system framework also intends to simplify the complexity of obtained sensor data matrices and to support decision making for water engineers through a soft computing framework. The target of this proposed research is to provide a simple and efficient method to identify and detect presence of contamination in a water distribution network using applications of CPS.
Application of the Sips model to the calculation of maximum adsorption capacity and immersion enthalpy of phenol aqueous solutions on activated carbons

The Sips model for heterogeneous systems was used to describe the immersion enthalpy, maximum adsorption capacity at three temperatures, namely, 283, 291 and 308 K; and interactions between phenol aqueous solutions and activated carbon modified on its surfaces by impregnation with 6.0 M HNO 3 and 3.0 M H 3 PO 4 solutions. Activated carbon properties, such as porosity, Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) surface area and volume and size pore distributions, were determined using N 2 adsorption at 77 K. Surface area values were calculated to be between 469 and 864 m 2 /g. Also, the pH at the point of zero charge, acidity and total basicity for the activated carbons were obtained. The result showed that the Sips model in addition to describe the phenol concentration in equilibrium can be used to study immersion enthalpy when 1/n s is equal to 1.
Effects Of Cigarette Smoke Extract On Human Airway Smooth Muscle Cell From COPD

We hypothesised that the response to cigarette smoke in airway smooth muscle (ASM) cells from people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) would be intrinsically different from people without COPD, producing greater pro-inflammatory mediators and factors relating to airway remodelling. ASM cells were obtained from smokers with or without COPD, and then stimulated with cigarette smoke extract (CSE) or TGF-β1. The production of chemokines and matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) were measured by ELISA, and the deposition of collagens by extracellular matrix (ECM) ELISA. The effects of CSE on cell attachment and wound healing were measured by toluidine blue attachment and cell tracker green wound healing assays. CSE increased the release of CXCL-8 and CXCL-1 from human ASM cells, and cells from COPD produced more CSE induced CXCL-1. The production of MMP-1, -3, -10 and the deposition of collagen VIII α 1 (COL8A1) were increased by CSE, especially in the COPD group which had higher production of MMP-1 and deposition of COL8A1. CSE decreased ASM cell attachment and wound healing in the COPD group only. ASM cells from smokers with COPD were more sensitive to CSE stimulation, which may explain, in part, why some smokers develop COPD.
Improving real time computer graphics quality using hybrid rendering

In computer graphics, there are two general approaches to achieve a picture that resembles reality; rasterization and ray tracing. Rasterization is often used for real time purposes. However, this approach makes it hard and costly to achieve some e ects physically correct, for instance re ections and refractions. Ray tracing is a technique that is usually used for oine rendering but makes it much simpler to achieve correct re ections and refractions. Hybrid rendering combines rasterization and ray tracing in a way that tries to bene t from both techniques. This thesis examine hybrid rendering solutions for real time use in the graphics engine Ogre3D using the ray tracing platform Nvidia Optix. The study has resulted in a plugin for Ogre3D that implements some of the usual raytracing techniques and allows the user to mark some of the virtual scene to be ray traced in real time, while the rest of the scene is rasterized.
Cost Effective Utilization of Transportation Services in Today’s Business Environment-A Logistics Overview

The function of transportation is the main factor which determines the speed and efficiency of movement of goods from one place to another. The advancement in transportation, its techniques and principles helps in the improvement of quality of movement of goods, its speed of delivery, efficiency in operation cost, quality of service and the better utilization of available resources. Transportation places a crucial role in the global supply chain and logistics function in any organization. Considering the current situation, it is evident that a strong supply chain logistics system needs a fool proof transportation system for the effective movement of goods from the source to manufacturing units till it reach the consumer. Hence the purpose of this study is to define the various roles transport plays with regards to future improvements. This paper is undertaken with the aim of helping the people working in logistics department, students and planners of transportation managers to understand and explore the various methods, views and application of transportation and its application practically.
Megaspores and associated palynofloras of Middle Jurassic fluvio-deltaic sequences in North Yorkshire and the northern North Sea: a biofacies-based approach to palaeoenvironmental analysis and modelling

Outcrops of the Early Bajocian, Gristhorpe Member (Ravenscar Group) in North Yorkshire have been subjected to a multi-disciplinary analysis which establishes a key reference section at Yons Nab. Eight micro-biofaces types (MBs) are defined based on counts of transitional marine microfaunas, megaspores and plant-derived debris. Associated palynofloral associations (PAs) are used to qualify the micro-biofacies defined to provide an integrated model for interpreting salinity–freshwater trends associated with deltaic progradation and retreat. Megaspore and small-spore trends within the delta-plain are shown to have been closely linked to peat-mires forming in topographic lows, with variations across the delta-plain attributable to the presence of the semi-permanent and seasonal water tables. A reconstruction of the floodplain–peat-mire depositional setting is proposed where the composition of host vegetation (e.g. ferns, lycopsids) varied in relation to groundwater levels. Biostratigraphic correlation within the Gristhorpe Member is attempted using the base of ‘established’ delta-plain deposition (megaspore dominant MBs/spore-dominant PAs) and the top and base agglutinated foraminifera-dominant MBs (brackish). Using these criteria the Gristhorpe Member is modelled in terms of a southward progradation of delta-plain facies into a bay-fill sequence, which persisted at Yons Nab. With the delta-plain established, the MB/PA trends and sedimentology suggest a northward shift towards the higher delta-plain, with seasonal standing water only. The MB/PA model was tested on core samples from the coeval lower Brent Group from northern North Sea well 34/10-B-12 (Gullfaks Field); MB/PA trends are shown to compare closely with those of the Gristhorpe Member at Yons Nab, with the same megaspore/small-spore associations developed within similar lithofacies. On this basis transitional marine, bay-fill and delta-plain deposition are defined in the cored section. These comparative data suggest that the dispersal of megaspore and miospore host floras occurred effectively across the Mid North Sea High, and that they colonized the same niche habitats associated with bay-fill and delta-plain development.
Recovery from the Great Recession: Explaining Differences Among the States

The recovery from the Great Recession has been slow compared to previous recoveries. However, at the state level the pace of improvement has varied considerably. This study in-vestigates the reasons for the variation in state economic recovery from the Great Recession by identifying determinants of two performance measures: growth in state real gross domestic product (GDP) and growth in state nonfarm payroll employment. The results showed that economic structure of the state matters; in particular, states with relatively larger GDP shares in agriculture, energy, financial services, and durable manufacturing (especially for motor ve-hicles and parts) had faster GDP growth, while concentrations in financial services and dura-ble manufacturing were associated with greater employment growth. States increasing indi-vidual income and corporate income taxes during the recession and recovery had slower GDP and job growth, while states increasing minor taxes and fees had a faster GDP recovery. Last-ly, states receiving more funds from the American Recovery Act experienced faster recoveries in both GDP and jobs.
Protocolos para la recogida de muestras en restos bioantropológicos. El caso del Tolmo de Minateda

Un dels exits assolits per l’antropologia com disciplina cientifica es haver aconseguit unificar els criteris i protocols d’estudi del material antropologic, sobretot en aspectes de caracter basic i general (Ferembach et al. , 1979; Buikstra y Ubelaker,1994; Campillo, 2001, entre otros). Tenint en compte la importancia que han pres els ultims anys els analisis de laboratori, quimics, genetics, d’isotops, etc. , en l’estudi de les restes bioantropologiques, considerem de gran importancia l’estandarditzacio en la recollida de les mostres que seran sotmeses a aquests procediments, com un pas indispensable en la validacio dels resultats d’aquests. Per aquesta rao hem plantejat la compilacio i redaccio d’uns protocols basics que permetin la sistematitzacio d’una adequada recollida de les mostres, facilitant aixi als arqueolegs la valoracio i l’estudi dels materials bioantropologics. Aquests protocols tenen com a finalitat la creacio d’un banc de mostres de diferents jaciments, ja que si be els projectes no sempre compten amb els mitjans necessaris per realitzar tot tipus d’analisi, la recollida de les mostres no implica cap dificultat i, pel contrari, brinda la possibilitat de poder realitzar una gran quantitat d’analisi en un futur, permetent ampliar la informacio que es pot obtenir de l’estudi de restes humanes. En aquest treball utilitzarem, a mode d’exemple, el protocol seguit en la recollida de mostres del material provinent del Tolmo de la Minateda, Albacete, dipositat per al seu estudi al Laboratorio de Prehistoria de la Universidad de La Laguna. Encara que en aquest cas la presa de mostres es va realitzar exclusivament al laboratori, l’ideal seria que el proces s’iniciaria directament al camp, per disminuir els riscos d’una possible contaminacio. En definitiva, la nostra proposta prete ser una eina mes per a arqueolegs en el seu cami vers la reconstruccio dels processos socials i el seu impacte sobre els essers humans, tant en un pla biologic com cultural.
Speciation-Dependent Kinetics of Uranium(VI) Bioreduction

The kinetics of uranium(VI) reduction by Shewanella oneidensis strain MR-1 was studied for varied pH and concentrations of dissolved inorganic carbon (DIC) and calcium. These are key variables affecting U(VI) speciation in aqueous systems. For all conditions studied, a nearly log-linear decrease of [U(VI)] suggested pseudo–first-order kinetics with respect to U(VI). The reduction rate constants (k) decreased with increasing DIC and calcium concentration, and were sensitive to pH. A positive correlation was found between k and the logarithm of the total concentration of U(VI)-hydroxyl and U(VI)-organic complexes. Linear correlations of the rate constant with the redox potential (EH) of U(VI) reduction and the associated Gibbs free energy of reaction (ΔGr) were found for both Ca-free and Ca-containing systems. Both EH and ΔGr are strong functions of aqueous U(VI) speciation. Because the range in ΔGr among the experimental conditions was small, the differences in k are more likely to be due to differences in EH or to differences in individual rate constants of U(VI) species. Calculation of conditional reduction rate constants for the major groups of U(VI) complexes revealed highest constants for the combined groups of U(VI)-hydroxyl and U(VI)-organic species, lower rate constants for the U(VI)-carbonate group, and much lower constants for the Ca-U(VI)-carbonate group. Mechanistic explanations for these findings are discussed.
Use of Cognitive Apprenticeship Framework in Online Learning

Cognitive apprenticeship (Collins, Brown, & Newman, 1989) is an instructional framework that uses the underlying principles of traditional apprenticeship learning. The cognitive apprenticeship framework consists of the dimension of content, methods, sequence, and sociology. It focuses specifically on instructional modeling, coaching, and scaffolding. Through modeling, learners see expert facilitation techniques in a realistic setting. According to Schulte, Magenheim, Niere, and Schafer (2003), “the key issue is to make the problem solving process and the expert’s thinking visible to the learner” (p. 271). During coaching, learners receive guidance while they attempt to execute tasks and demonstrate skills. Scaffolding, the process of supporting learners while they acquire new skills, is provided and faded as learners begin to demonstrate mastery of these new skills. These techniques are employed in situated learning environments. Further, cognitive apprenticeship sets out to (a) identify an expert’s problem solving and critical thinking processes and make them visible to learners, (b) situate abstract task in authentic contexts, and (c) vary the diversity of situations in which problem solving may occur and articulate the common aspects in order to increase the potential for learning transfer (Collins, Brown and Newman, 1989).
Biological effects of L-tryptophan and the vaccine azotobakteryna in soil.

Summary The objective of this study has been to determine tof L-tryptophan on the biological propert ies of soil. The influence of L-tryptophan, a precursor of auxins, was te sted in a pot experiment. Another aim has been to c heck whether it is possible to enhance the effect of L-tryptophan by i ncreasing the pool of soil-borne Azotobacter spp. b acteria. The experiments were performed on samples of eutrophic brown soil developed from loamy sand of the pH KCl equal to 6.9. Portions of soil weighing 3.2 kg were placed in pots. The resea rch comprised two series: with and without the vacc ine Azotobakteryna added to soil. L-tryptophan was applied in the foll owing doses: 0; 0.5; 5; 50 and mg kg -1 of soil. Onion was the tested plant. The results have demonstrated that L-tryptophan sig nificantly affected the growth and development of o nion. It had positive influence on the microbiological and biochemical pr operties of soil. L-tryptophan raised counts of the following bacteria: oligotrophic and their endospores, copiotrophic and their endospores, ammonifying, nitrogen-immobilizi ng, Azotobacter, and cellulolytic cells, as well as actinomycetes an d fungi. It also stimulated the activity of dehydro genases, urease, acid and alkaline phosphatase. In contrast, it decreased the counts of Arthrobacter and Pseudomonas. The vaccin e Azotobakteryna increased the counts of such bacteria as Azotobacte r, oligotrophs and their endospores, copiotrophs an d their endospores, nitrogen-fixing bacteria, Arthrobacter, Pseudomonas , actinomycetes and fungi. The vaccine stimulated t
Design of Miniaturized Printed Antenna for Mobile Phones

With the rapid growth of communication technologies, mobile communications require a mobile phone to be operated in various communication services. This has led to a great demand for designing antennas with some desirable features such as multiband operation, low specific absorption rate (SAR), light weight, and low profile. The mutual interactions between the mobile terminals and the human body are to be considered. A part of the electromagnetic wave radiated by the antenna is absorbed by the human head. Some mobile hand set antenna characteristics, such as radiation pattern, radiation efficiency, bandwidth, and return loss are altered due to the proximity of the human head. Different methods to reduce the SAR produced by a handset antenna were employed. Disadvantage of these method is the increasing the size and cost of the antenna. Effort is to minimize mobile handset antenna size and cost with increasing the services provided by the antenna. An internal antenna consisting of a monopole with a meander line and an EBG structure is embedded on the bottom layer of the substrate to reduce SAR and to cover multibands including the LTE bands. This work presents a technique to reduce SAR of mobile handset antenna by using the meander line. The simulation is carried out in CST tool using both EBG method and split ring resonator method. The simulation results indicate that the proposed scheme using split ring resonator method outperforms the EBG method in order to reduce the SAR of mobile hand set.
Lessons from Training Early Head Start Staff to Implement an Evidence-Based Parenting Intervention

The purpose of this study was to understand the process of implementing Promoting First Relationships (PFR; Kelly, Zuckerman, Sandoval, & Buehlman, 2008b), an evidence-based parent-child interaction intervention, into an Early Head Start (EHS) home visiting program. This study documented seven home visitors’ early experiences with intervention implementation, specifically preparation and training on the intervention, overall adaptation to use of the intervention, challenges and issues identified during implementation, as well as recommendations and suggestions for sustainability of PFR within the EHS program. Data were collected via semi-structured individual interviews. We employed a constant-comparative method and a systematic coding process. Findings indicate that overall, home visitors reported an alignment between the intervention content and their own philosophies, a belief that implementing the intervention improved their home visiting practice, and a sense that participating families benefited from the experience. Some negative experiences were identified in relationship to the lengthy training process and changes in home visiting practice. Major challenges involved learning about intervention content and household issues. Recommendations for sustaining the intervention in Early Head Start are also reported.
Weight Based Technique For Improvement Of New User Recommendation Performance

Today, many services and products that used to be only provided on offline have been being provided on the web according to the improvement of computing environment and the activation of web usage. These web-based services and products tend to be provided to customer by customer`s preferences. This paradigm that considers customer`s opinions and features in selecting is called personalization. The related research field is a recommendation. And this recommendation is performed by recommender system. Generally the recommendation is made from the preferences and tastes of customers. And recommender system provides this recommendation to user. However, the recommendation techniques have a couple of problems; they do not provide suitable recommendation to new users and also are limited to computing space that they generate recommendations which is dependent on ratings of products by users. Those problems has gathered some continuous interest from the recommendation field. In the case of new users, so similar users can`t be classified because in the case of new users there is no rating created by new users. The problem of the limitation of the recommendation space is not easy to access because it is related to moneywise that the cost will be increasing rapidly when there is an addition to the dimension of recommendation. Therefore, I propose the solution of the recommendation problem of new user and the usage of item quality as weight to improve the accuracy of recommendation in this paper.
Asymptotic minimax risk of predictive density estimation for non-parametric regression

We consider the problem of estimating the predictive density of future observations from a non-parametric regression model. The density estimators are evaluated under Kullback--Leibler divergence and our focus is on establishing the exact asymptotics of minimax risk in the case of Gaussian errors. We derive the convergence rate and constant for minimax risk among Bayesian predictive densities under Gaussian priors and we show that this minimax risk is asymptotically equivalent to that among all density estimators.
Laws and Regulations Impacting the Enclosure Movement on the Tibetan Plateau of China

Few comprehensive surveys address the evolution of China’s grassland policies, particularly with respect to fencing. As a necessary prologue to such an inquiry, this paper presents the national-level laws and regulations that have structured contemporary property regimes and influenced the rate and extent of the enclosure movement in pastoral western China, with a focus on Tibetan areas. Based on this review of the legal and political framework of enclosure on the Tibetan Plateau, we argue that the intent and sequencing of development policies in pastoral areas has been based on the overriding logic of modernization, privatization, and intensification. This logic promotes and rationalizes policies that reflect the state’s political goals in Tibetan areas, which may have unintended consequences including increased grazing pressure on, and degradation of, the very rangeland resources that are putatively being protected by enclosures. Rather than addressing critical socio-economic constraints in pastoral areas such as population pressures and market distortions, policy makers have focused instead on technical interventions without recognizing the integrated nature of the challenges confronting Tibetan pastoralists amidst ongoing and rapid shifts in their socio-economic situation.