Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Carbon emissions from decomposition of fire‐killed trees following a large wildfire in Oregon, United States

A key uncertainty concerning the effect of wildfire on carbon dynamics is the rate at which fire‐killed biomass (e.g., dead trees) decays and emits carbon to the atmosphere. We used a ground‐based approach to compute decomposition of forest biomass killed, but not combusted, in the Biscuit Fire of 2002, an exceptionally large wildfire that burned over 200,000 ha of mixed conifer forest in southwestern Oregon, USA. A combination of federal inventory data and supplementary ground measurements afforded the estimation of fire‐caused mortality and subsequent 10 year decomposition for several functionally distinct carbon pools at 180 independent locations in the burn area. Decomposition was highest for fire‐killed leaves and fine roots and lowest for large‐diameter wood. Decomposition rates varied somewhat among tree species and were only 35% lower for trees still standing than for trees fallen at the time of the fire. We estimate a total of 4.7 Tg C was killed but not combusted in the Biscuit Fire, 85% of which remains 10 years after. Biogenic carbon emissions from fire‐killed necromass were estimated to be 1.0, 0.6, and 0.4 Mg C ha−1 yr−1 at 1, 10, and 50 years after the fire, respectively; compared to the one‐time pyrogenic emission of nearly 17 Mg C ha−1.
Security Practices in Cloud Computing and the Implications to SMEs

This article examines the implications of small businesses that are turning to cloud technology in order to mitigate their Capital Expenditure (Capex) in terms of IT costs, it will also report on the security mechanisms used by Cloud providers. The article briefly looks at security issues in terms of compliance but has a central focus on how Cloud providers are dealing with security. The article opens with an introduction which will explain how financial pressures are forcing IT managers to evaluate their current IT configurations. It briefly explains and defines Cloud Computing and its services in relation to its application. The next section identifies potential Cloud users and the security concerns of potential Cloud users are addressed with an overview of current UK and European legislation. Next three Cloud providers are identified and they are examined against a set of criteria in the results section. After this a brief discussion of the results is given followed by a conclusion and some recommendations.
An Empirical Study of Customer Satisfaction towards Bank Payment Card Service Quality in Ho Chi Minh Banking Branches

Automated Teller Machines (ATMs) is very important for improving the banking service quality that can increase customer satisfaction by helping them to enjoy safe and convenient access. The investigation in this study is implemented by surveying the level of satisfaction among customers who are doing transactions at Vietnamese banking branches. Based on the model of service quality with the selected five key factors of tangible, reliability, responsiveness, communication, and security, the author aims at exploring significant dimensions that have much impact on customers’ satisfaction with banking services. The data are analyzed by using multiple statistical analyses including the analysis of exploratory factor, reliability, correlations, and multiple linear regressions. The results indicate that customer satisfaction has a positive impact on tangible and reliability factor, whereas responsiveness is the main cause of customer dissatisfaction. These findings make significant contributions to improve the service quality of bank payment cards in Ho Chi Minh city, Vietnam and to increasing competitiveness of the branches in the field of card self-services.
A 3 D PRINTED ELECTROMAGNETIC NON-LINEAR VIBRATION ENERGY HARVESTER

A 3D printed electromagnetic vibration energy harvester is presented. The motion of the device is in-plane with the excitation vibrations, and this is enabled through the exploitation of a Leaf Isosceles Trapezoidal Flexural pivot topology. This topology is ideally suited for systems requiring restricted out-of-plane motion and benefits from being fabricated monolithically. This is achieved by 3D printing the topology with materials having a low flexural modulus. The presented system has a non-linear softening spring response, as a result of designed magnetic force interactions. A discussion of fatigue performance is presented and it is suggested that whilst fabricating the raster of the suspension element is printed perpendicular to the flexural direction and that the experienced stress is as low as possible during operation, to ensure longevity. A demonstrated power of ~25W at 0.1g is achieved and 2.9mW is demonstrated at 1g. The corresponding bandwidths reach up-to 4.5Hz. The system’s corresponding power density of ~0.48mWcm and normalised power integral density of 11.9kgm (at 1g) are comparable to other in-plane systems found in the literature.
Selection for low or high feed intake cows: genotype by environment interaction for milk yield, live weight and dry matter intake in dairy cows

Selection for feed efficiency is of increasing interest for cattle breeders, and countries are combining data to develop genomic breeding values to be used across feeding systems. Also a classical question is if we should breed cows with a higher feed intake (capacity) so they can convert more roughage into milk, or should we breed cows that are efficient and have a lower feed intake for a given yield, i.e. that are more profitable (milk yield feed intake). To answer this question genotype by environment (GxE) was investigated. Experiments with a total of 1,602 cows recorded for dry matter intake (DMI), fat-protein corrected milk (FPCM) and liveweight) (LW) were grouped into a high, medium and low nutritional environment to estimate genetic parameters. Heritability for DMI and LW were constant across the environments, for milk yield there was a decrease in h2 from high to low environment. Genetic correlations between the environments ranged between 0.68 to 0.90 for DMI, and were slightly lower for FPCM, and higher for LW. Selection index calculations demonstrated that selection for higher intake gave heavier cows, and when selecting for a higher intake relatively to milk yield on a higher density diet there was no benefit in terms of profit on lower density diets. Therefore, the breeding goals should always be for profit (FPCM – DMI) independent of the nutritional environment.
The influence of hierarchy and layout geometry in the design of learning spaces

For a number of years, higher education has moved away from didactic teaching toward collaborative and self-directed learning. This paper discusses how the configuration and spatial geometry of learning spaces influences engagement and interaction, with a particular focus on hierarchies between people within the space. Layouts, presented as diagrams, are analysed in terms of teacher-to-student and student-to-student power dynamics and against an established framework of learning space principles. The paper observes that some arrangements have underlying hierarchies which subtly reinforce traditional teacher-centred power dynamics and concludes that spatial geometry and hierarchy should be considered key parameters in learning space design.
Performance of japanese quails fed feeds containing different corn and limestone particle sizes

This study aimed at evaluating performance and egg quality of Japanese quails fed feeds containing different corn and limestone particle sizes. A total number of 648 birds in the peak of production was distributed in a random complete block experimental design, using a 2x3 factorial arrangement (2 corn particle sizes and 3 limestone particle sizes). Birds were designated to one of two blocks, with six replicates of 18 birds each. Mean geometric diameter (MGD) values used were 0.617mm and 0.723mm (corn fine and coarse particle sizes, respectively), and 0.361mm, 0.721mm, and 0.947mm (limestone fine, intermediate and coarse particle sizes, respectively). The following treatments were applied: T1: fine corn feed, with 100% fine limestone; T2: fine corn feed, with 50% fine limestone and 50% intermediate limestone; T3: fine corn feed, with 50% fine limestone and 50% coarse limestone; T4: coarse corn feed, with 100% fine limestone; T5: coarse corn feed, with 50% fine limestone and 50% intermediate limestone; T6: coarse corn feed, with 50% fine limestone and 50% coarse limestone. The experiment lasted 112 days, consisting of 4 cycles of 28 days. No significant interaction was observed among corn and limestone particle sizes for any of the analyzed parameters. There were no significant effects (p>0.05) of the tested corn particle sizes on quail performance or egg quality. There were significant (p<0.05) isolated effects of limestone particle size only on the percentage of cracked eggs, which was reduced when birds fed 50% coarse limestone (0.947mm) and 50% fine limestone (0.361mm) as compared to those fed 100% fine limestone. Therefore, the inclusion of 50% coarse limestone (0.947mm) is recommended for quail egg production.
Study and Implementation of Wideband Bow-Tie Antennas

Demand for multifunctional electronic devices is increasing in modern wireless communication systems. As the antenna plays a vital role in wireless communication, the need to design antennas which will provide better performance and more reliable communication is growing. In this thesis, innovative designs for antennas with wideband characteristic have been proposed to meet the demands of current multi-functional wireless communication systems. First, this thesis explores the design of a wideband pattern reconfigurable antenna with steady realized gain over the operating bandwidth. Another novel design of this thesis work is a highly directive wideband Yagi antenna. Finally, a two-planar structured CPLPDA antenna is designed to overcome the currently existing three-planar structured CPLPDA antenna’s complex design and fabrication process. INDEX WORDS: Circularly polarized, Log-periodic antenna, Yagi antenna, Genetic algorithm STUDY AND IMPLEMENTATION OF WIDEBAND BOW-TIE ANTENNAS by MD RAKIBUL ISLAM B.S., Rajshahi University of Engineering & Technology, Bangladesh, 2013 M.S., Georgia Southern University, 2017 A Thesis Submitted to the Graduate Faculty of Georgia Southern University in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree MASTER OF SCIENCE STATESBORO, GEORGIA
Evidence of Bootstrap Financing among Small Start-Up Firms

This study examines the use of bootstrap financing for a sample of 78 firms in a Midwestern state. The results show that traditional sources of capital accounted for 65% of the firms' start-up capital and 35% of the start-up capital was obtained from bootstrap sources. A Chi-squared analysis indicates a significant difference between the percentage of (! ) sole proprietorship versus other firms and (2) construction/manufacturing versus other types of firms using bootstrap financing as compared to traditional sources of financing when bootstrap financing comprised at least 60% of the total start-up capital. No significant difference was found between the percentage of firms located in communities less than 10,000 versus greater than 10,000 that used bootstrap financing as compared to the traditional sources of financing.
Gender Bias in Education: The Role of Inter-Household Externality, Dowry and Other Social Institutions

We analyze gender bias in school enrollment by developing a two-period model where women become part of extended families of their in-laws. Each family decides how many sons and daughters are sent to school and thus become skilled. Gender bias occurs due to failure of the families to internalize inter-household externalities. "Groom-specific" dowry worsens the situation. Under "bride-specific" dowry, bias exists if and only if the skill premium in the labor market is bigger than that in the marriage market. A specific discriminatory "food-for-education" policy is shown to reduce bias, but increase total enrollment. Copyright © 2007 The Authors; Journal compilation © 2007 Blackwell Publishing Ltd.
Genocms - The Content Management System for Genes and Proteins

Multifaceted data scattered among numerous repositories became a reverse of the medal in the postgenome era. Withstanding information pieces are aggressively crawling away, we proposed a Web-content management system–genoCMS. The system designed to “domesticate” data locally by sampling genes and re-annotating them in a user defined manner. Heat map visualization style was implemented in genoCMS to make it easier for user to inspect data coverage across a collection of genes. Using genoCMS, we have revisited the recently published data on large-scale transcriptome and proteome mining. Demonstration scenarios were implemented to illustrate the sortand- select workflow for distilling genes with desirable profiles of the features.
The research and implementation of a method of validity guaranteeing in forces system

Gives the design and analyses the procedure of the method of validity guaranteeing of ForCES (forwardi ng and control element separation) LFB (logical function b lock) topology. To improve efficiency of the method , patternmatching technology is also introduced. According t o the character of LFB topology and comparing with various pattern-matching, we employ the multi-pattern match ing and related algorithm for our implementation.
THE SELF CONCEPTS PROFILING TECHNIQUE : A PROCEDURE FOR THE EXPLORATION OF SELF CONCEPT SYSTEMS

This report describes an instrument recently developed for profiling self concepts and provides some background through a discussion of the rationale and development of the procedure. The Self Concept Profiling Technique (SCPT) has both a projective and a paired comparisons phase through ':hick ate examined five occupational and occupationally-relevant self concepts: . (1) self-as-a-person-at-work; (2) the ideal person for my job; (3) my ideal job; (4) ideal self; and (5) self-as-a-person-in-general. It is felt that this procedure permits vocation, with reference to specific occupations, to be eapirically investigated. Initial results allow the conclusion that the SCPT has potential value in counseling and gui6ance, both in a diagnostic and an educative role, and say also be useful in educational and clinical contexts as well as in research. (TL) . 00.0.0. 0. 1.000000001. 0n. R.0.0yr c ^"e. 9/1. envacor. ,. a.racy INFORMATION SYSTEM FOR VOCATIONAL DECISIONS Project Report No 32 THE SELF CONCEPTS PROFILING TECHNIQUE! A PROCEDURi FOR THE EXPLORATION OF SELF CONCEPT SYSTEMS Terence J. OfMaDoney Thu paper sae supported in part by Grant No. OSG-1-6-061619-2240 of the United States Office of Education under torso of the Vonations1 Education Act of 1963. Orainate Schad of adveetion NerVard University Ua IMENT Of Hi Atm. tOUCATiONa WELFARE OFFICE Of EDUCATION TroS DOCUMENT MAE BEEN A EPA° DU:ED MAME As III CEVIO FROM TIF EFISOW OR ONGANIATION 00,G ;NAT IF G IT POINTS OF vIEW OR OFN IONS S1AFED 00 NOT locissmiLy AEIRIStAt OfF,C,A1 OFFICE DE EDU CAFON POVII$OS DA POtiCv
Comparative Efficacy and Procedural Durability of Radiofrequency Ablation for Atrial Fibrillation: A Systematic Review and a Meta-Analysis

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is triggered by ectopic beating of the pulmonary vein (PV), and catheter-based pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) using radiofrequency is accepted to be effective for treatment of patients in whom AF is refractory to anti-arrhythmic drugs. The preferred ablation strategy features electrical isolation of the PV by creation of circumferential lesions around the right and left PV ostia. Although three-dimensional (3D) mapping systems are routinely used for catheter-based PVI, point-by-point ablation remains complex and time-consuming, requiring a high level of technical competence. Such technical complexity and the need to visualize the circular mapping and ablation catheters in real time, means that many centers perform only one or two procedures daily, and patients endure long-term procedural discomfort and are exposed to the risks associated with general anesthesia. More importantly, patients are subjected to significant levels of radiation (shared to some extent by the operators). The adverse effects of radiation exposure during the catheter ablation are well documented in medical literature. To address such technical difficulties; and to render the procedure simpler, shorter, and safer; multielectrode catheters enabling simultaneous mapping and ablation have been developed. Such catheters allow an operator to create lesions over much of the circumference of each PV via a single radiofrequency (RF) application, without Comparative Efficacy and Procedural Durability of Radiofrequency Ablation for Atrial Fibrillation: A Systematic Review and a Meta-Analysis
Case Reports in Clinical Practice VOL 2 , NO 4 , 2017 A Case of Hypercalcemia due to Adult T-Cell Lymphoma

Email: skarimpour@sina.tums. ac.ir Adult T-cell leukemia (ATL) is the only T-cell lymphoproliferative disease, known to be caused by a virus. While human T-lymphotropic virus type 1 (HTLV-1) is found to cause adult T-cell leukemia, other T-cell neoplastic diseases do not correlate with human T-lymphotropic virus type 1. Adult T-cell leukemia usually demonstrates an aggressive course and poor prognosis. Human T-lymphotropic virus type 1 is transmitted via breast feeding, sexual contact, shared needles, and infected blood products. Moreover, some geographic areas are depicted to be endemic for human T-lymphotropic virus type 1; northeast of Iran is known to be one. Here in, a case of adult T-cell leukemia is discussed who presented by hypercalcemia and paraparesia. Hepatosplenomegaly was detected in physical examination and abdominal sonography revealed multiple paraaortic lymphadenopathy. Whole body bone scan demonstrated multiple hot points in skeleton. Chest computed tomography (CT) scan revealed leukemic infiltrations of both lungs. The leukocyte count of peripheral blood was 34000-50000 per mm, and excessive amounts of mature lymphocytes were observed in peripheral smear. Flow cytometry of bone marrow aspiration reported adult T-cell leukemia. The titer of human T-lymphotropic virus type 1 antibody was elevated in enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) method. Despite the patient was originated from a non-endemic origin, all members of his family including his spouse and children found to be positive for human T-lymphotropic virus type 1. This manuscript describes the clinical course and diagnosis of a patient with adult T-cell leukemia, and clinical suspicions during the course of the disease.
Strategic responses to challenges of globalization in the pharmaceutical industry in Kenya

viii List of tables. ix List of figures. x CHAPTER ONE: INTRODUCTION.1 1.1 Background of the Study.1 1.1.1 Strategy.1 1.1.2 Strategic Responses.2 1.1.3 Globalization. 3 1.1.4 Globalization and Strategic Responses.4 1.1. 5 Pharmaceutical Industry in Kenya. 5 1.2 Statement of the Problem. 6 1.3 Objectives of the Study. 7 1.4 Significance of the Study. 8 CHAPTER TWO: LITERATURE REVIEW.9 2.
Why so Few Women Directors in Top UK Boardrooms? Evidence and Theoretical Explanations

Using evidence from a survey of women directors in FTSE 100 companies, this paper considers possible explanations for the persistent homogeneity of top UK boards. Only 61 per cent of the top 100 companies had female directors in 2002, down from 64 per cent in 1999. Women held only 3 per cent of executive (= US inside) directorships, and there were only 15 women executive directors in total. Explanations usually include women's lack of ambition, lack of experience and lack of commitment. These have been disproved by research, but underlying theories of social exclusion may provide insight into this persistent phenomenon.
Nesting biology and phenology of a population of Halictus farinosus Smith (Hymenoptera, Halictidae) in northern Utah

Nesting biology and phenology in an aggregation of the primitively eusocial ground-nesting bee Halictus farinosus were studied at Green Canyon, Utah from May to August, 2010. Nest architecture was typical of the genus. Nests were small with an average of 3.5 worker and 13.5 reproductive brood per colony. Most workers were mated (77.5%) and had ovarian development (73.4%). The queen-worker size differential was moderate (8.8% for head width and 6.2% for wing length), indicating that sociality in this species is of intermediate strength compared to other social Halictus species. Results from 2010 were compared with those from 1977/1978 and 2002. Varying weather patterns in the years of study led to changes in phenological milestones: in the colder and wetter spring of 2010, nesting behavior was delayed by up to two weeks compared to the other years. While nest productivity was comparable among years, in 2010 the size difference between queens and workers was significantly larger than in 2002, indicating an effect of annual variation in weather conditions on social parameters in this species.
Toxicity of Basil (Ocimum basilicum L.) and Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinali L.) extracts on Tribolum confusum (DuVal) (Coleoptera:Teneberionidae)

This study was conducted to monitor the effect of two-plant extracts viz. leaves of Ocimum basilicum L. and Rosmarinus officinalis L. on the last larval and adult stages of Tribolum confusum (DuVal). Bioassay was made using the ethanol as a solvent for both plants to find out the median lethal concentration (LC 50 ). Results showed that the last larval instar was more highly susceptible to both plant extracts than the adult stages. The LC 50 of R. officinali were 113.15 and 135.18, whereas the LC 50 of O. basilicum extract were 148.38 and 218.78 ppm for the last larval and adult stages after 24 hours exposure respectively. The highest mortality percentages were 78% and 72% for R. officinali and 74%, 66% for O. basilicum against T. confusum last larval instar and adult stages, respectively, after 24 hours exposure at 250 ppm. The application of these botanicals extracts might be promising in protecting the stored grains against coleopteran pests.
THE DEVELOPMENT OF PICTOGRAMS SCIENTIFIC VISUALISATION

Whether we go to work by public transport, walk along the street or merely throw out the trash we always see pictorial signs. These pictograms have achieved the status of natural mediators; they are part of everyday life and they mean the same for everyone, regardless of race, sex, age and income. This visual language was born at the beginning of the 20th century thanks to the work of Otto Neurath.
The Influence of Monetary Policy on Equity and Volatility Indices in the U.S. and Canada

This paper investigates the reaction of equity and volatility indices in the U.S. and Canada to changes in monetary policy by each respective country. The results confirm previous literature that suggests contractionary changes in monetary policy in the U.S. results in downward pressure on U.S. equity indices. Additionally, this research finds that monetary policy changes do not have any significant impact on the volatilely index in the U.S. (VIX). The results from the Canadian data show a much different picture. Contractionary changes of monetary policy in both Canada and the U.S. seem to drive Canadian equity markets in an upward manner. These monetary policy shocks also have a significant impact on volatilely indices in Canada. This research documents the dynamic relationship monetary policy has on equity markets in the U.S. and Canada.