Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Antarctic ozone loss in 1979–2010: first sign of ozone recovery

Abstract. A long-term ozone loss time series is necessary to understand the evolution of ozone in Antarctica. Therefore, we construct the time series using ground-based, satellite and bias-corrected multi-sensor reanalysis (MSR) data sets for the period 1989–2010. The trends in ozone over 1979–2010 are also estimated to further elucidate its evolution in the wake of decreasing halogen levels in the stratosphere. Our analysis with ground-based observations shows that the average ozone loss in the Antarctic is about −33 to −50% (−90 to −155 DU (Dobson Unit)) in 1989–1992, and then stayed at around −48% (−160 DU). The ozone loss in the warmer winters (e.g. 2002 and 2004) is lower (−37 to −46%), and in the very cold winters (e.g. 2003 and 2006) it is higher (−52 to −55%). These loss estimates are in good agreement with those estimated from satellite observations, where the differences are less than ±3%. The ozone trends based on the equivalent effective Antarctic stratospheric chlorine (EEASC) and piecewise linear trend (PWLT) functions for the vortex averaged ground-based, Total Ozone Mapping Spectrometer/Ozone Monitoring Instrument (TOMS/OMI), and MSR data averaged over September–November exhibit about −4.6 DU yr −1 over 1979–1999, corroborating the role of halogens in the ozone decrease during the period. The ozone trends computed for the 2000–2010 period are about +1 DU yr −1 for EEASC and +2.6 DU yr −1 for the PWLT functions. The larger positive PWLT trends for the 2000–2010 period indicate the influence of dynamics and other basis functions on the increase of ozone. The trends in both periods are significant at 95% confidence intervals for all analyses. Therefore, our study suggests that Antarctic ozone shows a significant positive trend toward its recovery, and hence, leaves a clear signature of the successful implementation of the Montreal Protocol.
The Influence of the Feed Protein and Energy Level on the Meat Chemical Composition at „Lohmann Meat” Hybrid

In this paper was studied the influence of feed energy-protein level on meat chemical composition depending on sex and anatomical region for chicken broiler belonging „LOHMANN MEAT” hybrid, slaughtered at 42 days old. The two groups (control group-Lc and experimental groups-Lexp.) were given feed mixed with different level of energy and protein (Lc-standard hybrid, Lexp.-higher by 10% compared to standard hybrid). After slaughter, from each group were sampled 10 carcasses (five females and five males), and from different portions of the carcass (breast, thighs and shanks), was determined the meat chemical composition (water, dry matter, protein, lipids and minerals) using STAS methods. For males the pectoral muscle had a greater amount of dry matter, compared with females, the situation is reversed when has been referring to the muscles of the thighs and shanks. The proteins content in meat has presented variation depending on: sex (in males was registred big values comparative with females), anatomical region (in pectorals was registred maximum values and in thighs minimum values) and nutrition (feed with energy and protein high level was determined incresed content the protein in meat). The lipids content in meat showed the biggest variation between muscles analyzed, with minimum values in the pectoral muscles (from 0.67 at males-Lexp. to 0,95% in females-Lc) and maximum values in the upper thigh muscles (from 6.97% in males-Lexp. to 8,23% in females-Lc). The high quality value on meat has been at the Lexp. group, which in all cases had the highest protein content and lowest lipids content in muscles.
Does Professional Community Affect the Classroom? Teachers' Work and Student Experiences in Restructuring Schools

School reform efforts have focused on the development of professionally enriching work groups for teachers as a vehicle for improving student achievement. This study examines the impact of school professional community on the intellectual quality of student performance (assessed using authentic measures) and on two dimensions of classroom organization, the technical (measured as authentic pedagogy) and the social (measured as social support for achievement). Employing quantitative (multilevel) and qualitative analytic methods, we show that in 24 nationally selected, restructuring elementary, middle, and high schools professional community is strongly associated with these dimensions of classroom organization. Both professional community and social support for achievement have a positive relationship to student performance, but the strength of their association with authentic pedagogy accounts for that effect.
Gabor-LBP Features and Combined Classifiers for Music Genre Classification

In this paper, we propose the combination of two visual features with the Gabor filters and LBP for music genre classification. In addition, we use combined classifiers training and testing data to reach a final decision. The experiment shows that we not only reduce the amount of time extracting features, but also achieve a satisfactory result.
Blue Helmets From the South: Accounting for the Participation of Weaker States in United Nations Peacekeeping Operations

The study focuses on the participation of weaker states because it is especially puzzling and because it has received little scholarly attention. [2] It is relatively easy to construct a self-interested motivation for the conflict management actions of powerful states. If any powerful actor is benefiting from a given system, then preserving order and stability becomes self-interested behavior. Moreover, powerful states do have more interests at stake in regional conflicts than weaker states. Edward Luck, for instance, argues that, "non-involvement in regional crises is not an option. America's political, economic and military reach is so great that its citizens, firms, diplomats, soldiers, and capital are present throughout the world. "[3] Weaker states do not have the far-flung interests that Luck describes. They also have fewer resources to devote to their own security, making it less likely that they would be willing to devote resources to peacekeeping operations.
Supraadditive effect of hydroethanolic extract of Valeriana wallichii (Indian valerian) root and phenobarbitone against maximal electroshock seizure in mice.

There was a drastic increase in use of herbal preparations in recent years which raise concerns about their toxic and interactive propensity with concomitant diseases and other drugs consumed. Valerian is one of the most widely used herbal medicines in the world. This study analyzed the interaction of Valeriana wallichii (Indian valerian) and Phenobarbitone on anticonvulsant activity using maximal electroshock seizures (MES) in Swiss albino mice. Valeriana wallichii hydroethanolic extract reduced the duration of HLTE with a dose dependant increase in potency at 450 and 900 mg/kg given as intra-peritonial injections. Combination analysis show synergistic interaction between VwHE extract and Phenobarbitone at 50:50, and 25:75 (Vw: PBT) dose ratios, and antagonistic interaction at 75:25 (Vw: PBT) dose ratio in anticonvulsant activity, as indicated by the reduction in duration of HLTE phase of Maximal electroshock seizure model in mice. Phytochemical profile of Valeriana wallichii suggests many active constituents with more than one possible mechanism of action. The interaction could be pharmacokinetic or pharmacodynamic. Large scale studies at various dose ratios and with more parameters including the adverse effect profile of the combination at preclinical and clinical level are required to explore potential therapeutic applications of the combination.
Response of Chicks for Diet Containing Live Yeast as Probiotic Natural Feed Additive

ABSTACT: This experiment was conducted to study the effect of feeding chicks on diets containing different levels of life Yeast Saccharomyces cerervisiae as probiotic natural feed additive in productive performance carcass dressing percentage. The Complete Randomize Design (CRD) were used . Total number of (120) chicks one day old unsexed (Arber Acres) breed broiler . Experiment groups randomly were divided in to (5) experimental groups with (3) replicates (8) chicks per replicate. The first group (A) fed on basal diet control group. The second group (B) fed on basal diet with Antibiotic (neomycin), the other group (C, D and, E) were ted on basal diet supplemented with yeast (Sc) pl level 0.1 0.2and 0.3% respectively. The results of experiment indicate that yeast supplemented groups (0.1, 0.2 and 0.3). They remark that significant difference (p> 0.05) in body weight gain (B.W) feed conversion ratio (FCR) in compare with antibiotic neomycin and control group. There is no significant difference in feed intake and carcass dressing percentage affected by dietary treatment is it concluded that dietary DY at 0.3% could improve performance values in body weight gain feed conversion, and highly rate of carcass dressing. KEYWORD: Yeast, Body weight gain, Feed Conversion rate, Carcass dressing.
Evaluating Vector-Virus-Yield Interactions for Peas and Lentils under Climatic Variability: A Limited Dependent Variable Analysis

This study examines the effects of climatic conditions on interactions among pea and lentil yields, pea aphid Acyrthosiphon pisum (Harris) infestations, and outbreaks of PEMV (Pea enation mosaic) and BLRV (Bean leaf roll) viruses in the Palouse region of easternWashington. The study analytically and empirically evaluates the effects of aphid outbreaks on per acre yields, implicitly including the effects of adopted pest management activities and explicitly taking into account possible effects of climatic conditions on the severity of pea aphid outbreaks. The results show that aphid outbreaks have historically decreased pea and lentil yields by approximately 5% and 7% on average respectively.
A multi-agent ecosystem model for studying changes in a tropical estuarine fish assemblage within a marine protected area

As marine protected areas (MPAs) are increasingly being utilised as a tool for fishery management, their impact on the food web needs to be fully understood. However, little is known about the effect of MPAs on fish assemblages, especially in the presence of different life history and ecological traits. Modelling the observed changes in fish population structures may provide a mechanistic understanding of fish assemblage dynamics. In addition, modelling allows a quantitative estimate of MPA spill-over. To achieve this purpose, we adapted an existing ecosystem model, OSMOSE (Object-oriented simulator of marine biodiversity exploitation), to the specific case of the presence of fish with multiple life histories. The adapted model can manage 4 main categories of life history identified in an estuary MPA: fish that (1) spend their entire life cycle locally, (2) are present only as juveniles, (3) enter the area as juveniles and stay permanently except during reproduction periods, which occur outside the estuary, and (4) are present occasionally and for a short time for foraging purposes. To take into account these specific life-history traits, the OSMOSE code was modified. This modelling approach was developed in the context of the Bamboung Bolong MPA, located in a mangrove area in the Sine-Saloum Delta, Senegal. This was the ideal case to develop our approach as there has been scientific monitoring of the fish population structure inside the MPA before fishery closure, providing a reference state, and continuous monitoring since the closure. Ecologically similar species were pooled by trophic traits into 15 groups that represented 97% of the total biomass. Lower trophic levels (LTL) were represented by 6 compartments. The biomass of the model species was calibrated to reproduce the reference situation before fishery closure. Model predictions of fish assemblage changes after fishery closure corresponding to the Bamboung MPA creation scenario were compared to field observations; in most cases the model reproduces observed changes in biomass (at least in direction). We suggest the existence of a “sanctuary effect”, that was not taken into account in the model, this could explain the observed increase in biomass of top predators not reproduced by the model. Finally, the annual MPA fish spill-over was estimated at 11 tons (~33% of the fish biomass) from the model output, mainly due to diffusive effects.
Lucenos' Discretization Method and its Application in Decision Making under Ambiguity

When extending classical statistical models to imprecise probabilities, one fundamental difficulty, which may have hindered some powerful practical applications, is the following gap: While classical statistical models are typically based on absolutely continuous probability distributions, most computational methods developed for handling imprecise probability models rely on finite sample spaces. A natural way to close this gap is discretization of the underlying continuous probability distribution. This, however, is far from straightforward, because na¨ove discretization by mere rounding may cause a substantial bias; even moments of very low order would be distorted. The present pa
Psychological Status in the Special Oral Care Patient

Psychological Status in the Special Oral Care Patient A Centre for Special Oral Care is a facility set up for patients unable to be treated in a general dentistry clinic. In a multidisciplinary environment patients are treated with, for example, congenital anomalies, denture problems, dental fear, temporomandibular dysfunction and medically related dental problems. A group of these patients often show complaints that cannot be attributed completely to a dental problem. In these patients psychological factors may play a crucial role. If patients with dental complaints influenced by psychological factors can be identified, probably numerous repeated, unnecessary, and unsuccessful dental treatments can be prevented. Nevertheless, it is not clear beforehand to which extent psychological factors should be considered. The aim of this study is to get more insight in general health status and psychological status of the Special Oral Care patient. In total 828 patients filled out questionnaires measuring health status. Patients with congenital anomalies show the least problems, but other patient groups are difficult to distinguish. There is major heterogeneity in all groups. This means that a dental diagnosis is not predictive for the role of psychological factors in the dental complaints. Therefore, a detailed evaluation of different aspects of patients’ health and psychological status is warranted to make dental treatment in the Special Oral Care patient more efficient and successful.
Survival of Fledgling Hooded Warblers (Wilsonia Citrina) in Small and Large Forest Fragments

Abstract Studies on the effects of forest fragmentation on the reproductive ecology of forest songbirds have focused almost exclusively on the egg and nestling stages. Little is known about survival or habitat use of fledglings in their first weeks out of the nest. We radiotracked adult Hooded Warblers (Wilsonia citrina) attending fledglings from large (>150-ha) and small (<30-ha) forest fragments during 2002 and 2003. Mark–recapture models were used to assess the effects of forest-fragment size and age of the attending adult on the survival of young. We also examined the structure of nesting- versus postfledging-habitat used by fledglings. Only 19% of fledgling Hooded Warblers survived the 28-day fledgling period prior to independence, and fledglings' daily survival probability was lowest in the first four days after they left the nest (1–2 days postfledging: 0.72; 3–4 days postfledging: 0.69). Fledgling survival did not differ between large and small forest fragments. Large fragments were more likely to contain older adults, and age of parent had a positive influence on fledgling survival, independent of fragment size. As in many other studies, overall productivity was higher within larger fragments; this was largely attributable to differences in number fledged rather than fledgling survival. Habitat used by fledglings was more structurally complex than habitat at nest sites, which indicates that fledglings may seek habitat with high cover to avoid predation. Fledgling survival was much lower than estimates used in demographic models, which suggests that for many species, these models may need re-evaluation. Supervivencia de Volantones de Wilsonia citrina en Fragmentos de Bosque Pequeños y Grandes
Island wakes in the Southern California Bight

[1] Wind- and current-induced island wakes were investigated using a multiplatform approach of in situ, remote sensing, and numerical model simulations for the Southern California Bight (SCB). Island wind wakes are a result of sheltering from the wind, with weak wind mixing, strong heat storage, and consequent high sea surface temperature (SST). Wind wakes around Santa Catalina Island are most persistent during spring and summer months. Current wakes, caused by the disruption of the poleward traveling California Countercurrent, induce eddies to form off the north end of Catalina Island, and these move poleward every 9–12 days. Current wake eddies induce strong mixing, with low SST and high-density sea surface signatures, whereas wind wakes induce high sea surface temperature signatures associated with the formation of a well-defined shallow thermocline. Current wake eddies vary from 1 to 30 km in diameter. From numerical solutions we predicted the frequency of occurrence of current-induced wakes off Santa Catalina Island. Wind wakes were also observed off all the other islands of the SCB as seen from the analysis of synthetic aperture radar data. Time series analysis of the island mass effect phenomenon has shown a concurrence of low SST and high sea surface chlorophyll for Santa Catalina, San Nicholas, and San Clemente islands that might be related to the seasonality of the California Current and California Countercurrent. Future oceanographic research in the SCB should not ignore the occurrence of wind- and current-induced island features since they may be important in the transport and/or retention of nutrients, pollutants, and plankton.
An Investigation of the Perspectives of Teachers on the Literacy Media Selections for Students with Visual Disability: The Role of Assistive Technology

This study explored the preferences and beliefs on teaching media for children with visual impairments. The presented study revealed the characteristics i.e. previous teaching experience with VI students, age, beliefs could motivate teachers in integrating assistive technology in their teaching. The results showed that braille was preferred from the most experienced teachers. Moreover the teachers’ age did not seem to play a critical role in the integration of assistive technology in their teaching. Interestingly, although teachers believed that the use of assistive technology is of great importance for students with visual impairments they were not using new types of assistive technology for their students with visual disabilities.
MECHANICAL DURABILITY OF 3D PRINTED FACIAL PROSTHESES COMPARED TO TRADITIONAL SILICONE POLYMER PROSTHESES

Purpose: To test the effect of natural and accelerated weathering conditions on the mechanical properties of 3D printed starch samples infiltrated with a maxillofacial silicone polymer. Materials and Methods: A total of 72 samples (dumbbell-shaped, trouserlegs samples, and hardness blocks) were manufactured from silicone polymer (SP) and starch printed and infiltrated silicone polymer (SPIS) according to industry standards (ASTM). Thus, they were set out to evaluate the key mechanical properties of the SPIS (tensile strength, tear strength, percentage elongation, and hardness test). Specimens were exposed to different natural weathering (outdoor, ambient, and dark environment for 4 months) and artificial weathering conditions (2 weeks exposure and 6 weeks exposure) were compared to those of pure silicone polymer (SP). One way analysis of variance ANOVA was used to test the results statistically. Results: Exposure to 4 month natural weathering conditions recorded a significant difference in tensile strength between the control group and the three test groups for SP samples (p 0.05). Tear strength statistical analysis showed a significant differences between the control group for the SP samples and the other three test samples (p 0.05) observed between the control values and the two other test groups. However, percentage elongation recorded no significant differences between the control group and the test groups for SP samples, or between the test samples in the same group (p>0.05). Percentage elongation for SPIS recorded non-significant differences (p>0.05) between the control values and the dark samples. However, when compared to the outdoor samples, there was a significant difference (p<0.05) between the control and the indoor samples. Hardness test also recorded significant differences (p<0.05) statistically between the control data and the test data for both SP and SPIS samples. Furthermore, artificial weathering condition was more detrimental and showed significant deterioration of some of the mechanical properties of both SP and SPIS specimens when they were exposed for 2 weeks and 6 weeks. Deterioration was more significant at six weeks exposure than 2 weeks when compared to non weathered control group. Conclusions The general properties of facial prostheses were affected non-significantly by exposure to four months natural weathering for both pure silicone polymer SP and starch printed infiltrated polymers SPIS. However, accelerated weathering conditions were significantly deteriorated for the silicone polymer infiltrated starch models SPIS.
Strategic downsizing: critical success factors

Aims to review the literature pertaining to downsizing with an emphasis on the organization level, and establish the critical success factors of downsizing, that is, guidelines to the successful implementation of downsizing activities. Addresses these objectives by examining first, how downsizing is defined in the literature reviewed, then discusses the different ways in which or measures by which organizations carry out downsizing activities and the reasons that prompt companies to downsize. Addresses the rationale utilized by firms to downsize, the expected outcomes in terms of economic and human consequences, the approaches to downsizing (reorientation and convergence) and specific strategies such as workforce reduction, work redesign and systemic strategy. Also downsizing tactics, human resources as assets vs costs, planning, participation, leadership, communications, and support to victims/survivors are examined. Both laboratory experiments and empirical research concerning survivors’ reactions are explored. The role of trust as well as the human resource professional in the process are included. Conclusions and recommendations complete the article.